10-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your Tokyo exploration with fresh sushi or traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, which opens from 5:00 AM. This bustling market offers an authentic local culinary experience.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, known for its iconic Kaminarimon Gate and vibrant Nakamise shopping street. Open daily 6:00 AM–5:00 PM, it offers a glimpse of traditional Japan within the city.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy a refined sukiyaki or shabu-shabu lunch at Asakusa Imahan, famous for its high-quality wagyu beef and traditional ambiance.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Tokyo Skytree visit

Head to Tokyo Skytree to revel in panoramic views of the sprawling city from its observation decks, open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
JPY2100, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Dine at the iconic Gonpachi, known for inspiring the Kill Bill movie fight scene, serving delightful yakitori and izakaya dishes in a lively setting.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern & Traditional Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Indulge in a contemporary breakfast with famous ricotta pancakes and fresh juices at Bills, open from 8:30 AM.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

Explore Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit Meiji Shrine, a tranquil Shinto shrine nestled in a forested park area, open from sunrise to sunset. Enjoy a peaceful walk in Yoyogi Park nearby afterwards.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Harajuku

Taste yuzu-flavored ramen at Afuri, offering a fresh take on traditional ramen, perfect for a light and flavorful lunch break.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping in Harajuku and Omotesando

Experience youthful fashion and quirky shops in Takeshita Street, then upscale boutiques along Omotesando. A great mix of innovation and style.
Free (shopping cost varies), 3h

5:00pm

TeamLab Planets TOKYO

Enjoy an immersive digital art museum featuring interactive light installations, open until 9:00 PM (last admission 8:00 PM).
JPY3200, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Robot Restaurant

Catch a spectacular robot show with dinner experience in Shinjuku’s Robot Restaurant, open till late with shows at night.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nikko

Take the train from Tokyo to Nikko (approx. 2 hours) for a day of UNESCO World Heritage sites surrounded by nature.
JPY2500 (one-way), 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore Toshogu Shrine, elaborately decorated and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, showcasing intricate wood carvings and gold leaf, open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Relax with local soba noodles and traditional dishes at Hippari Dako, a cozy and highly rated spot near Nikko Station.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Walk along Shinkyo Bridge and Lake Chuzenji

Enjoy the scenic Shinkyo red-lacquered bridge and take a bus to Lake Chuzenji for tranquil lakeside views and peaceful walking trails.
Bus fare approx JPY1000, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo by train to rest and prepare for next destination.
JPY2500, 2h

8:00pm

Light Dinner at Hotel or Local Izakaya

Enjoy a relaxed meal near your accommodation, perhaps light izakaya fare to wind down after a full day.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 4: To Hakone and Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day early with a Japanese-style breakfast at your Tokyo hotel before traveling.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Hakone

Take the Odakyu Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in about 1.5 hours, enjoying the scenic route toward the mountains.
JPY2300, 1h30m

11:00am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring incredible sculptures amid beautiful natural surroundings, open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
JPY1600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy a lakeside lunch with freshly baked bread and pastries overlooking Lake Ashi.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi

Take a relaxing pirate-themed boat cruise on Lake Ashi to see views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting), operating 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
JPY1000, 30m

4:00pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Stop at the serene Hakone Shrine nestled by the lake, a spiritual and photo-worthy spot open throughout the day.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Stay at Onsen Ryokan and Dinner

Check into a traditional ryokan with hot spring baths and enjoy a kaiseki multi-course dinner included in the stay.
JPY25000 approx, Overnight stay
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast before departing Hakone.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Odawara (near Hakone) to Kyoto in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
JPY13000, 2h15m

12:00pm

Lunch near Kyoto Station at Katsukura

Savor one of Kyoto’s best tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) meals at Katsukura, known for tender, crispy cutlets.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Experience the famous thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, open 24 hours and free entrance, a must-see cultural highlight.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk through Kyoto’s historic geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses and tea shops. Best experienced in late afternoon to early evening.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Delight in multi-course kaiseki dining blending seasonal Kyoto ingredients, reservations recommended.
JPY9000, 2h
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Day 6: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee Kyoto

Start your day with excellent coffee and light pastries at Arabica, a popular Kyoto spot from 8:00 AM.
JPY800, 45m

9:00am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Tour the stunning Golden Pavilion set against serene ponds, open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM with entrance fee.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Zen Rock Garden

Nearby Kinkaku-ji, visit Ryoan-ji famous for its minimalist rock garden, a contemplative spot open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy handmade udon noodles with fresh vegetables in a cozy setting near Kodai-ji Temple.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryu-ji Temple nearby (open 8:30 AM–5:30 PM).
JPY500, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor a traditional Kyoto tofu dining experience near Arashiyama, specializing in yudofu hot pot.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Nara

Take the train from Kyoto to Nara (approx. 45 minutes) to explore ancient temples and friendly deer parks.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue inside the massive Todai-ji Temple, open 7:30 AM–5:30 PM, an iconic historic site.
JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Nara Park Deer Interaction

Enjoy walking with and feeding the freely roaming deer in Nara Park, a unique experience cherished by visitors.
JPY200 for deer crackers, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try famous mochi rice cakes from Nakatanidou, a local must-try snack spot.
JPY500, 30m

1:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this iconic shrine with thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, open 6:30 AM–5:30 PM.
JPY500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto for overnight rest.
JPY710, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine along the atmospheric Pontocho Alley with a choice of traditional and contemporary Japanese eateries.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 8: Osaka Food & Nightlife

Osaka, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Osaka

Take the train from Kyoto to Osaka Umeda Station (approx. 30 minutes) to dive into the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
JPY560, 30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Indulge in fresh seafood and street food snacks at Kuromon Market, bustling with local flavors.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the majestic and historic Osaka Castle with its museum and panoramic views, open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
JPY600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Experience signature Osaka street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at Dotonbori’s lively eateries.
JPY1500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Shop at Osaka’s largest shopping arcade, Shinsaibashi-suji, for diverse local and international brands.
Free (shopping cost varies), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Savor premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku grilled tableside, for a memorable taste of Japan’s finest beef.
JPY8000, 2h

8:30pm

Night Walk and Drinks in Namba

Explore the neon-lit nightlife district of Namba with bars, clubs, and karaoke venues open till late.
Variable, 2h
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Day 9: Hiroshima History

Hiroshima, Japan on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima in approximately 1.5 hours.
JPY10000, 1h30m

9:00am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Explore the moving Peace Memorial Park and museum dedicated to the 1945 atomic bombing, open 8:30 AM–6:00 PM.
JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a layered savory pancake, in the famous Okonomimura building.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine, known for its iconic floating torii gate, open 6:30 AM–6:00 PM.
Ferry approx JPY1800 + Shrine JPY300, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Hiroshima City

Return from the island to Hiroshima city for rest.
Included in ferry, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiroshima Station Area

Enjoy local izakaya or seafood in Hiroshima station’s vibrant dining options.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return to Tokyo & Departure

Tokyo, Japan on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel back to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo from Hiroshima (approx. 4 hours), prepare for departure.
JPY19000, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch near Tokyo Station at Ramen Street

Grab a quick yet delicious bowl of ramen at Tokyo Station Ramen Street, a popular food court with various ramen shops.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Last-minute Shopping at Ginza

Shop or browse luxury department stores and boutiques in upscale Ginza district before heading to airport.
Free (shopping varies), 2h

5:00pm

Depart for Airport

Travel to Narita or Haneda Airport by train or limousine bus for your flight departure.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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