Two-Week Scenic and Cultural Tour of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan on May 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast dishes at one of the many stalls in Tsukiji Outer Market, open from early morning until mid-afternoon.
JPY2000, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, and stroll down Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and street snacks. The temple is open all day.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Daikokuya Tempura

Try famous tempura dishes at this long-standing restaurant near Senso-ji, known for its crispy and light batter.
JPY3000, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Ueno Park and Museums

Relax and explore Ueno Park including the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo. Museums typically close around 5pm.
JPY1000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in Akihabara

Dine in one of the vibrant themed cafes or restaurants in Akihabara district, famous for electronics and pop culture.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Enjoy western-style breakfast with a Japanese twist including their famous ricotta pancakes in a stylish setting.
JPY2500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

Explore the serene Meiji Shrine, followed by a walk through vibrant Takeshita Street for fashion and street food. Shrine grounds open until sunset.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen

Enjoy a bowl of yuzu-flavored ramen, a specialty at this popular restaurant near Harajuku.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Shibuya Crossing & Shopping

Experience the famous Shibuya Crossing and shop in nearby department stores such as Shibuya 109 until evening.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy traditional Japanese dishes in the restaurant that inspired the famous Kill Bill movie fight scene.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Mount Fuji & Hakone

Hakone, Japan on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a Japanese or Western style breakfast provided by your hotel.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Hakone by train/Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Tokyo to Odawara then local transport to Hakone, planned to take about 2 hours.
JPY6000, 2h

11:00am

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Enjoy contemporary sculptures and art installations set in beautiful outdoor settings. Museum open 9am-5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Scenic lunch overlooking Lake Ashi, serving fresh baked goods and light meals.
JPY1800, 1h

3:00pm

Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise

Take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ashi, enjoying views of Mount Fuji if visibility permits. Cruises run daily until late afternoon.
JPY1000, 1h

5:00pm

Relax in a Ryokan Onsen

Stay at a traditional Japanese inn with hot spring baths to unwind after the day’s activities.
JPY12000+, Overnight
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Day 4: Hakone to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with local ingredients at your ryokan before check-out.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Return to Odawara station and take the Shinkansen to Kyoto, approximately 2-2.5 hours journey.
JPY13000, 3h including transfer

12:30pm

Lunch at Musashi Sushi

Modern conveyor belt sushi restaurant near Kyoto station serving fresh and affordable sushi.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates that lead up the mountain, shrine open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll in Gion District

Walk through the historic geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses and tea houses.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience kaiseki (traditional multi-course) dining in an authentic Kyoto setting. Reservations recommended.
JPY8000+, 2h
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Classic Kyoto-style coffee shop serving excellent coffee and pastries since 1947.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

See the stunning pavilion covered in gold leaf set in a beautiful garden, open 9am-5pm.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Nearby Zen temple famous for its minimalist rock garden promoting contemplation.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Traditional udon noodles served near Kodai-ji Temple in a cozy atmosphere.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Walk the Philosopher’s Path

A scenic walk following a canal lined with cherry trees linking several famous temples, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore this large Zen complex featuring impressive gates and gardens open until dusk.
JPY500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from many restaurants in this atmospheric alley near the Kamo River offering everything from casual to fine dining.
JPY3000+, 1.5h
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Day 6: Travel to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple hotel breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Osaka via train

Short train ride from Kyoto to Osaka, under 1 hour by JR.
JPY560, 1h

11:00am

Visit Osaka Castle Park

Explore the extensive park grounds and visit the castle museum open 9am-5pm showcasing the history of Osaka.
JPY600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Try iconic street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki at popular vendors along vibrant Dotonbori.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Explore the covered shopping arcade featuring both international brands and local boutiques.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and grilled delicacies in this lively market area known as Osaka’s kitchen.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Osaka Entertainment

Osaka, Japan on May 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tully’s Coffee

Grab coffee and light breakfast at a comfortable café chain popular in Japan.
JPY1000, 1h

10:30am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day enjoying rides and shows at this exciting theme park. Opens at 8:30am, best to book tickets in advance.
JPY8500, 6h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax after a fun and busy day at Universal Studios.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Taste famous Osaka-style deep-fried skewers in a lively restaurant in Shinsekai district.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Day trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Osaka to Nara

Take a direct train to Nara, the trip takes about 45 minutes.
JPY560, 1h

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore this large temple housing the Great Buddha statue, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Nara Park and Deer Feeding

Stroll through the park and interact with the friendly free-roaming deer that are a beloved symbol of Nara.
JPY200 (for deer crackers), 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy fresh tuna dishes at this sushi-focused restaurant in central Nara.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this historic shrine known for its many lanterns, open until 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka to continue your trip or prepare for departure the next day.
JPY560, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno

Taste authentic okonomiyaki at one of Osaka’s best-loved establishments, near Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Departure or Extension

Osaka or Tokyo, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a last morning meal in Japan making the most of your breakfast options.
Included or JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Last minute shopping or sightseeing

Depending on your departure time, explore local shops or attractions near your accommodation.
Varies, 2h

12:00pm

Travel to airport

Plan sufficient travel time for your flight, either from Kansai or Tokyo airports.
Varies, Variable
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