Comprehensive 12-Day Japan Itinerary Covering Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hokkaido | Autumn 2025 Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrival, Local Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on September 27, 2025

9:00am

Arrival in Tokyo & Check-in

Land at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport and check into your hotel in Shinjuku area for easy access to transport and amenities.
Variable, 2h

11:00am

Explore Shinjuku Station area

Visit the bustling Shinjuku station district including nearby markets and department stores. The vibrant street scenes give a great first impression of Tokyo life.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Omoide Yokocho

Enjoy traditional yakitori and small eats at Shinjuku's famous food alley, Open 11am-11pm.
JPY1500 approx, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in this spacious and beautifully landscaped garden open from 9am to 4:30pm, perfect for an easy stroll after lunch.
JPY500, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Nabezo Shinjuku

Try Japanese hot pot (shabu-shabu) for an authentic dining experience. Open until 10:30pm.
JPY3000 approx, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Tokyo Temples & Skytree

Tokyo, Japan on September 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Taste fresh sushi and street food at the famous market open from 5am to 2pm.
JPY1500 approx, 1h

10:00am

Sensoji Temple Visit

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and the bustling Nakamise shopping street leading up to it. Temple grounds open from 6am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Sumida River Front near Tokyo Skytree

Stroll along the banks with views of Tokyo Skytree, enjoying the autumn weather.
Free, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Solamachi Mall Food Court

Diverse food options under Tokyo Skytree, open 10am to 9pm.
JPY1200 approx, 1h

4:00pm

Shibuya Sky Observatory

Visit Shibuya Sky on the 45th floor for panoramic city views, open from 10am to 9pm. Best at late afternoon to sunset.
JPY2000, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner & Shopping at Ginza

Explore Ginza’s boutique shops including Uniqlo and Apple Store. Dine at Ginza Kyubey for sushi, open till 10pm.
JPY4000 approx, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Mount Fuji Day Trip

Tokyo & Kawaguchiko, Japan on September 29, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kawaguchiko

Take the JR Chuo Line and local buses for a scenic trip to Mount Fuji’s Kawaguchiko area, approx 2.5h one-way.
JR Pass covered, 3h

10:30am

Visit Chureito Pagoda

Famous for panoramic views of Mount Fuji with the iconic pagoda, hike 30 mins up. Best in clear weather.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local cafe in Kawaguchiko

Try traditional Hoto noodles, a regional specialty, open 11am to 3pm.
JPY1500 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Lake Kawaguchi Walk & Boat Ride

Leisurely walk around the scenic lake and optional sightseeing boat ride (open 9am-4pm).
Boat JPY1000 optional, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Travel back by train and bus arriving in Tokyo by evening, rest at hotel.
JR Pass covered, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner near Shinjuku

Enjoy casual Japanese izakaya dinner at Torikizoku, open till midnight.
JPY2500 approx, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Osaka Aquarium & Street Food

Osaka, Japan on September 30, 2025

7:00am

Shinkansen to Osaka

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (covered by JR Kansai Wide Area Pass) from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, approx 2.5h.
JR Kansai Wide Pass, 2h30m

10:00am

Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium Visit

Explore one of the world's largest aquariums, open 10am-8pm. Enjoy marine life from the Pacific Rim.
JPY2400, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Sample fresh seafood and Osaka specialties in Tempozan’s popular market food court.
JPY1500 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Ride the iconic 112m high ferris wheel for views over Osaka Bay, open 11am to 10pm.
JPY800, 30m

3:00pm

Relax at hotel & freshen up

Check-in and rest before evening activities.
Variable, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Dotonbori Street & Canal Cruise

Experience vibrant nightlife, neon signs and try street food like takoyaki. Canal cruises run until evening.
Cruise JPY900; Street food variable, 3h

8:30pm

Don Quijote Shopping

Visit Don Quijote at Dotonbori for discounted goods and souvenirs, open till midnight.
Free entry, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Kyoto Cultural Tour

Kyoto, Japan on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Train to Kyoto

Take JR local train from Osaka to Kyoto, about 30-45 mins.
JR Pass covered, 45m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this historic temple with panoramic views of Kyoto. Open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk

Walk through iconic bamboo forest, open 24h and free entry. Visit nearby Tenryuji Temple if time permits.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Arashiyama area

Try tofu-based dishes traditional in the area at a local restaurant open 11am-3pm.
JPY1800 approx, 1h

2:30pm

Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Visit the famous gold leaf covered temple, open 9am to 5pm with beautiful gardens.
JPY400, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Osaka

Return to hotel by train to relax for the evening.
JR Pass covered, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner in Osaka

Enjoy okonomiyaki, a famous Osaka savory pancake, at Mizuno in Dotonbori, open till 10pm.
JPY2000 approx, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nara Nature & Culture

Nara & Osaka, Japan on October 2, 2025

8:00am

Train to Nara

Take JR or Kintetsu train to Nara, approximately 45 mins from Osaka.
JR Pass covered, 45m

9:00am

Visit Nara Deer Park

Meet and feed free-roaming deer in the large public park, open daily.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Todai-ji Temple

Explore the great temple housing Japan’s largest bronze Buddha. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nara-machi area

Enjoy traditional Japanese lunch at a cozy cafe open till 3pm.
JPY1500 approx, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Naramachi Historic District

Wander through preserved old merchant streets with shops and tea houses.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Osaka

Relax back at hotel to prepare for next day.
JR Pass covered, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner in Osaka

Try kushikatsu (fried skewers) at Daruma, Dotonbori, open until 11pm.
JPY2500 approx, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Hiroshima Day Trip

Hiroshima & Osaka, Japan on October 3, 2025

7:00am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Take early JR Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima, around 1.5h. Used JR Kansai Hiroshima Rail Pass.
Rail Pass covered, 1h30m

9:00am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Explore the Memorial Park and Museum dedicated to the 1945 atomic bombing, open 8:30am to 6pm.
Free entry; Museum JPY200, 2h

11:30am

Atomic Bomb Dome

View the iconic World Heritage Site preserved as a reminder of peace.
Free, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch - Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki

Try specialty okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, open 11am to 9pm.
JPY1200 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka by evening.
Rail Pass covered, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax & Dinner at Osaka

Casual dinner around hotel or Dotonbori for last Osaka evening.
JPY2500 approx, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Fly to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan on October 4, 2025

7:00am

Flight Osaka to Sapporo

Fly from Kansai International Airport to New Chitose Airport, approx 2h flight.
JPY9000 approx, 2h

11:00am

Check-in & Late Breakfast

Check into hotel in central Sapporo and enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel café.
Variable, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower

Visit Odori Park, the city’s green lung, and ascend TV Tower for city views, open 9am-10pm.
JPY720 TV Tower, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Sapporo Clock Tower & Surroundings

Historic clock tower is a symbol of the city and a good photo spot.
JPY200, 30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Try the famed Genghis Khan mutton BBQ dinner in a lively atmosphere, open till 9pm.
JPY3500 approx, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Otaru Canal & City

Otaru, Japan on October 5, 2025

8:30am

Train to Otaru

Scenic 30-40 min ride from Sapporo to Otaru via JR Hakodate Line.
JR Pass or ticket JPY640, 40m

9:30am

Walk the Historic Otaru Canal

Enjoy the atmospheric canal lined with old warehouses and gas lamps.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Otaru Music Box Museum

Explore charming music boxes and souvenirs, open 9am to 6pm.
Free entry, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sushi Street

Otaru is famous for fresh sushi; enjoy at one of the street’s many eateries.
JPY2000 approx, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kitaichi Glassware Shops

Browse artisan glass products for souvenirs.
Free to browse, 45m

3:00pm

Return to Sapporo

Travel back by train to Sapporo to prepare for the next day.
JR Pass or ticket, 40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Susukino District

Explore bustling Susukino nightlife with various dining options including ramen & izakayas.
JPY2500 approx, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Hakodate Day Trip

Hakodate, Japan on October 6, 2025

6:30am

Limited Express Train to Hakodate

Early train from Sapporo to Hakodate approx 3.5h via Hokuto Limited Express.
JR Pass covered, 3h30m

10:30am

Visit Goryokaku Fort & Tower

Explore star-shaped fort and view from observation tower, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY900 Tower, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hakodate Morning Market

Fresh seafood specialties and vibrant market atmosphere, open till 2pm.
JPY2000 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Hakodate Bay Area Walk

Explore restored warehouse district with cafes and shops.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Train back to Sapporo

Return to Sapporo by train to relax for the evening.
Covered by JR Pass, 3h30m

8:30pm

Light Dinner in Sapporo

Sample a light meal or dessert near the hotel after long day.
JPY1200 approx, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Relax & Fly to Tokyo

Sapporo & Tokyo, Japan on October 7, 2025

9:00am

Relaxed Breakfast & Local Shopping

Spend morning leisurely exploring local shops near hotel in Sapporo.
Variable, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ramen Alley

Taste authentic Sapporo miso ramen at famous alley open 11am to 9pm.
JPY1200 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Flight to Tokyo

Fly from New Chitose Airport to Tokyo Haneda or Narita, approx 2h flight.
JPY9000 approx, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in & Evening Shopping

Check into Tokyo hotel, then visit Ginza street for last-minute shopping and souvenirs.
Variable, 2h

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner, Tokyo

Fine dining at a restaurant like Sushi Zanmai in Ginza to end the trip on a high note.
JPY4500 approx, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure

Tokyo, Japan on October 8, 2025

7:00am

Airport Transfer & Check-in

Travel from Tokyo hotel to airport for international flight back to India.
Variable, 2h
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