Ultimate Japan Travel Itinerary: Tokyo to Osaka via Hakone, Takayama, and Kyoto

Day 1: Arrival & Shinjuku Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on September 25, 2025

3:00pm

Check-in at Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Settle into your sleek and modern accommodation situated in the vibrant Shinjuku district, perfect for exploring Tokyo's nightlife and city vibe.
JPY0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Stroll through this large and serene garden blending traditional Japanese, English, and French styles. It's a perfect spot to relax after travel.
JPY500, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Enjoy an atmospheric dining experience in narrow alleys filled with tiny eateries serving yakitori, ramen, and local delicacies.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Tokyo, Japan on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Savor fresh sushi and street food like tamagoyaki at the iconic former fish market with lively stalls.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, soak in the traditional atmosphere and browse souvenir stalls on Nakamise Street.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Try premium sukiyaki in a historic setting near Senso-ji, famed for high-grade wagyu beef.
JPY4500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from one of the tallest towers worldwide, a landmark of modern Japan.
JPY2100, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Akihabara

Dive into Tokyo’s electric town, famous for electronics, anime, and themed cafes.
Free to explore, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shinjuku

Indulge in custom-made tonkotsu ramen with a unique solo dining booth experience.
JPY1200, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey Shinjuku

Enjoy a beautifully crafted vegan breakfast with pancakes and fresh juices in a cozy café.
JPY2000, 1h0m

9:30am

Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the grand Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest and enjoy a peaceful walk through Yoyogi Park nearby.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya

Experience conveyor belt sushi with touchscreen ordering for a fun and affordable meal in bustling Shibuya.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Shibuya and Harajuku

Shop trendy fashion brands in Harajuku and watch the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian scramble.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine in the restaurant that inspired the famous Kill Bill fight scene with excellent yakitori and Japanese dishes.
JPY3500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Day Trip to Odaiba

Tokyo, Japan on September 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast to fuel your day for the trip to futuristic Odaiba.
Included with hotel, 1h0m

10:00am

Travel to Odaiba via Yurikamome Line

Experience the scenic elevated train ride across the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba, Tokyo’s high-tech entertainment and shopping district.
JPY320, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit teamLab Borderless Museum

Immerse yourself in a digitally interactive art museum with colorful, ever-changing installations.
JPY3200, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Choose from multiple restaurants offering Japanese and international cuisine, including ramen and curry options.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Palette Town and Ferris Wheel

Enjoy shopping, entertainment, and stunning views from the giant Ferris wheel overlooking Tokyo Bay.
JPY1000 for Ferris wheel, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Shinjuku

Travel back to your hotel for evening relaxation.
JPY320, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten

Savor expertly fried tonkatsu, a Japanese pork cutlet specialty, in a stylish setting.
JPY2800, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Museum and Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on September 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ivy Place

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with a blend of Western and Japanese dishes in a leafy Meguro neighborhood.
JPY2500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum

Explore Tokyo’s history and culture through immersive exhibits showing life from the Edo period to modern day.
JPY600, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Katsu Midori Sushi Shibuya

Enjoy high-quality kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi with a fresh and seasonal menu.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping in Ginza

Shop luxury brands, visit flagship stores, and browse department stores in Tokyo’s premier shopping district.
Free to browse, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi (reservation required)

Experience world-renowned Michelin-starred sushi crafted by master chefs (expect premium pricing).
JPY40000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Departure to Hakone

Tokyo to Hakone, Japan on September 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your journey to Hakone.
Included with hotel, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Hakone via Romancecar Limited Express

Take a scenic and comfortable train ride from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station (approx 1h30m).
JPY2370, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in at Senkyoro Ryokan

Relax and enjoy traditional Japanese inns with onsen (hot spring) baths set in peaceful nature.
JPY0, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Hakone Open Air Museum

Explore an extensive outdoor sculpture park blending art and nature, perfect for a cultural outing.
JPY1600, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy freshly baked bread and light meals paired with stunning views over Lake Ashi.
JPY1800, 1h0m

3:30pm

Lake Ashi Cruise and Hakone Shrine Visit

Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi and visit the iconic Hakone Shrine nestled in forest.
JPY2000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Senkyoro Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki multi-course dinner featuring seasonal local ingredients in your ryokan.
Included with stay, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Hakone Outdoors

Hakone, Japan on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your inn.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani Valley

Ride the scenic ropeway to volcanic Owakudani, famous for hot springs, sulfur vents, and black eggs.
JPY2300 round trip, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Taste famous tofu-based dishes, including hearty tofu cutlets, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

See exquisite glass art with beautiful gardens and a quaint café for a peaceful afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax in Onsen

Unwind in the therapeutic hot spring baths at your ryokan before dinner.
Included with stay, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Delight in another sumptuous kaiseki dinner featuring local specialties.
Included with stay, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Travel to Takayama

Hakone to Takayama, Japan on October 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy your final traditional breakfast before departure.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Takayama

Take a shinkansen and express train route via Odawara and Nagoya to reach Takayama (approx 5h).
JPY10200, 5h0m

1:30pm

Check-in at Spa Hotel Alpina Hida Takayama

Settle into your hotel known for relaxing spa facilities and convenient location.
JPY0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Takayama Old Town

Stroll through beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, shops, and sake breweries.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Maruaki Hida Beef Restaurant

Indulge in premium Hida beef, a regional delicacy famed for melt-in-your-mouth taste.
JPY4000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Shirakawa-go Day Trip

Takayama to Shirakawa-go, Japan on October 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a filling breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day trip.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Bus to Shirakawa-go

Take a direct bus to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go known for gassho-zukuri farmhouses (approx 1h15m).
JPY2000 round trip, 1h15m

10:00am

Explore Shirakawa-go Village

Wander the picturesque village, visit open-air museums and traditional homes steeped in rural history.
JPY500 for museum admission, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch of local soba or mountain vegetables

Try a rustic meal featuring local produce in one of the village’s cozy eateries.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Takayama

Bus back to Takayama to spend the evening at leisure.
Included, 1h15m

5:00pm

Dinner at Sakura

Enjoy traditional Japanese fare including fresh river fish, in an intimate local restaurant.
JPY3000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Travel to Kyoto

Takayama to Kyoto, Japan on October 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast before departure.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Kyoto

Take limited express trains via Nagoya to Kyoto (approx 3h).
JPY8500, 3h0m

12:30pm

Check-in at Kyoto Gion Hotel

Relax in your traditional yet modern accommodation located in the historic Gion district.
JPY0, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk the famous streets of Gion to spot geisha and visit tea houses and shops.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine on exquisite kaiseki dishes reflecting seasonal Kyoto delicacies in an elegant setting.
JPY8000, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Temples and Traditions

Kyoto, Japan on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before temple visits.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning gold-leaf covered temple set in beautiful gardens open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:30am

Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Experience calm at the famous rock garden nearby.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Eat handmade udon noodles after your temple explorations in a cozy traditional restaurant.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk the iconic thousand red torii gates pathway up Mount Inari, open 24 hours for stunning photography.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Gion and relax

Enjoy a tea break or casual stroll in the historic district.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience lively atmosphere with riverside dining featuring seasonal Japanese cuisine.
JPY5000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Arashiyama and Bamboo Forest

Kyoto, Japan on October 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before an active day outdoors.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk among towering bamboo stalks and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple with beautiful gardens.
JPY500 for temple entry, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu (vegetarian temple cuisine)

Enjoy a unique shojin ryori experience in the temple complex.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:00pm

River Boat Ride on Katsura River

Relax on a scenic boat ride enjoying mountain views and nature.
JPY2000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Take time to refresh after your excursion.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo Ramen

Try Kyoto-style burnt miso ramen known for its deep, smoky flavors.
JPY1500, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Philosopher’s Path & Museums

Kyoto, Japan on October 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Walk Philosopher’s Path

Take a peaceful stroll along this famous cherry blossom path lined with temples and shrines.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples, famous for its large Sanmon gate and aqueduct.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Nanzenji

Taste traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot), served near the temple in a tranquil environment.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kyoto National Museum

Discover Japanese art and crafts in a grand setting showcasing artifacts spanning centuries.
JPY1300, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to hotel to refresh

Relax after a day full of exploration.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Izuju Sushi in Gion

Sample Kyoto-style sushi, a unique and lighter take on traditional sushi, in a historic setting.
JPY3500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Travel to Osaka

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on October 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast and prepare for transfer to Osaka.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Osaka

Short train ride (approx 15 min) from Kyoto to Osaka, heading towards Shinsaibashi district.
JPY560, 0h15m

9:30am

Check-in at Hotel Hillarys Shinsaibashi

Settle into your conveniently located hotel in the heart of Osaka’s vibrant shopping and dining area.
JPY0, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore Japan’s famous historic castle with extensive grounds and museum exhibits.
JPY600, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street Food Stalls

Sample iconic Osaka street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki from popular stalls along the canal.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Stroll and shop in Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Browse numerous shops ranging from high-end brands to quirky boutiques in this covered arcade.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in a lively and authentic environment.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 15: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on October 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to maximize your Universal Studios day.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Universal Studios Japan

Take the train to the popular theme park known for thrilling rides and themed areas.
JPY360, 0h30m

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan Full Day Visit

Experience attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Super Nintendo World. Park opens at 8:30am and closes varies between 7pm-9pm.
JPY8800, 8h0m

6:00pm

Return to Hotel and Dinner nearby

Relax and dine at nearby eateries such as Izakaya or casual Japanese restaurants in Shinsaibashi area.
JPY2000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 16: Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan on October 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin your day with a good breakfast for exploring the city.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Ascend to the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of Osaka city.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Endo Sushi at Osaka Central Fish Market

Enjoy some of the freshest sushi Osaka has to offer in a renowned market setting.
JPY3500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Namba and Dotonbori

Experience vibrant entertainment, nightlife, and shopping streets famous for neon signs and street food.
Free to explore, 3h0m

5:30pm

Relax at Spa World

Unwind in Osaka’s famous large onsen and spa complex featuring pools from different world themes.
JPY1200, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Relish elegant udon noodles with a variety of toppings in a stylish setting near Dotonbori.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability