Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

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

Viewed by 311 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Tokyo

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
Find Hotels in Tokyo

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
Find Hotels in Tokyo

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
Find Hotels in Tokyo

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
Find Hotels in Tokyo

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
Find Hotels in Tokyo to Hakone

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
Find Hotels in Hakone

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
Find Hotels in Hakone to Takayama

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
Find Hotels in Takayama to Shirakawa-go

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
Find Hotels in Takayama to Kyoto

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
Find Hotels in Kyoto

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
Find Hotels in Kyoto

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
Find Hotels in Kyoto

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
Find Hotels in Kyoto to Osaka

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
Find Hotels in Osaka

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
Find Hotels in Osaka
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Tokyo (Sept 25–30) Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Best Tokyo Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Tokyo (Sept 25–30) Shinjuku Granbell Hotel Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go