7-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Japan

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your morning with fresh sushi and seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market, the famous vibrant marketplace known for its wide selection of fresh catches and local delicacies. The market opens early around 5am and breakfast stalls close by 10am.
JPY2000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, a stunning historic site with beautiful gates and traditional shopping street Nakamise-dori leading up to it. Open daily from 6am to 5pm.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk around Asakusa and Sumida Park

Take a leisurely walk along the Sumida River and visit Asakusa’s quaint streets to experience traditional Tokyo atmosphere and river views.
JPY0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tempura Daikokuya

Enjoy classic tempura dishes at this popular Asakusa eatery highly regarded for its fresh and crispy seafood tempura. Opens 11am-8pm.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tokyo Skytree Visit

Head to Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views from the observation decks. The tower is open from 8am to 10pm, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the skyline.
JPY2100, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll around Akihabara

Explore Tokyo’s electric town known for anime, manga, and tech shops. Great for souvenir shopping and experiencing unique pop culture.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Dine at the restaurant that inspired Kill Bill’s famous fight scene. Gonpachi offers izakaya-style dining with grilled meats and local dishes. Open from 5pm to midnight.
JPY4500, 1h30m

Day 2: Modern and Historic Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Enjoy a modern breakfast with famous ricotta hotcakes and fresh coffee in a stylish setting. Open from 8am.
JPY2500, 1h0m

9:30am

Meiji Shrine Visit

Visit the peaceful Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by forest. Open from sunrise to sunset.
JPY0, 1h0m

10:30am

Walk through Takeshita Street

Experience youth fashion and vibrant culture at Harajuku’s Takeshita Street – perfect for shopping quirky boutiques and sweets.
JPY0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Udon Shin

Relish handmade udon noodles, widely regarded as some of Tokyo’s best, served in a variety of broths. Open from 11:30am to 2pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit teamLab Planets

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing interactive digital art museum located in Toyosu. Open from 10am to 7pm (last entry 6pm).
JPY3200, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at Odaiba Seaside Park

Enjoy views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge at this seaside area, great for a relaxing stroll or casual shopping nearby.
JPY0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sushi Dai

Savor some of the freshest sushi near Tsukiji Market in a cozy setting. Arrive early as it is very popular. Open until 2pm typically, but some branches open for dinner.
JPY4000, 1h0m

Day 3: Hakone Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto for scenic mountain views. The trip takes about 1.5 hours.
JPY2200, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee overlooking Lake Ashi. Opens from 8am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

10:30am

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji and historic shrines along the shore. Cruises operate from 9am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

12:00pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Discover the tranquil lakeside shrine famous for its red torii gates in the water and lush forest setting.
JPY0, 0h45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Try the local specialty of tofu cutlet in a traditional Japanese restaurant. Open 11am-3pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum

See impressive outdoor sculptures set against mountain landscapes along with indoor art exhibits. Open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1600, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Onsen (Hot Spring)

Unwind in an outdoor hot spring bath at a ryokan or public onsen such as Tenzan Onsen, open until 9pm.
JPY1000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at ryokan or local restaurant

Enjoy traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan or try local eateries offering soba and other specialties.
JPY4000, 1h30m

Day 4: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station, approximately 2 hours.
JPY14000, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Taste classic Kyoto-style coffee and light breakfast in a nostalgic setting near Kyoto Station. Open from 7am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic thousands of red torii gates on the mountain trails at one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines. Open 24 hours.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Vermillion – espresso bar & info

Enjoy light meals and coffee near Fushimi Inari Station – perfect for quick and tasty lunch. Open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk through Gion District

Discover traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and perhaps spot a Geisha in this historic Kyoto neighborhood.
JPY0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage with panoramic city views. Open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

5:00pm

Enjoy matcha dessert at Tsujiri

Taste authentic green tea desserts, parfaits, and drinks at this Kyoto favorite. Open until 7pm.
JPY800, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere with dinner at a riverside restaurant in Pontocho Alley offering kaiseki or yakitori. Most open until 9pm or later.
JPY4500, 1h30m

Day 5: Historical and Scenic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto

Start with specialty coffee and light pastries in a stylish café located in Higashiyama. Opens from 8am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest and nearby scenic spots like Togetsukyo Bridge. Open 24 hours.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:00am

Tenryu-ji Temple Visit

Explore this beautiful Zen temple with stunning gardens in Arashiyama. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Saga Tofu Ine

Enjoy fresh tofu cuisine in Arashiyama, a local specialty. Open 11am-3pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning golden covered Zen temple surrounded by beautiful gardens. Open 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Nijo Castle Tour

Explore the historic castle with ornate interiors and beautiful gardens. Open 8:45am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Taste the famous burnt miso ramen with a rich smoky flavor. Open until 10pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

Day 6: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Train from Kyoto to Nara

Take the rapid train from Kyoto Station to Nara Station, about 45 minutes.
JPY710, 0h45m

8:30am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try fresh mochi made right in front of you at this famous mochi shop in Nara. Opens 8am.
JPY500, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the world’s largest wooden building and giant Buddha statue in Nara Park. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Nara Park and feed deer

Stroll among the friendly free-roaming deer who are designated as national treasures.
JPY0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy fresh tuna sashimi and seafood dishes near Nara Station. Open 11am to 2pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Famous for its many stone and bronze lanterns along the paths, this Shinto shrine offers a serene atmosphere. Open 6am to 6pm.
JPY0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kofuku-ji Temple Visit

Explore this historic temple complex with a five-story pagoda and cultural treasures. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY300, 0h45m

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Catch the train back to Kyoto for dinner and rest.
JPY710, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Experience creative modern kaiseki dishes in a casual setting in Kyoto. Reservations recommended. Open from 6pm.
JPY7000, 1h30m

Day 7: Explore Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Osaka

Take a short train ride to Osaka, approximately 15 minutes on the Shinkansen or 30 minutes by regular train.
JPY1000, 0h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample various fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional street food in Osaka’s famous market. Open from 9am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its surrounding park with panoramic views from the observation deck. Open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy vibrant street food including takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the busy Dotonbori canal-side area.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll through Osaka’s largest shopping district with a wide mix of boutiques and department stores.
JPY0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Go up to the Floating Garden Observatory for sweeping views of Osaka city. Open 10am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewered delicacies in a lively atmosphere. Open from 11am to late.
JPY3000, 1h30m