7-Day Ultimate Exploration of Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka Highlights

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Introduction

Tokyo, Japan on June 1, 2025

9:00am

Tsukiji Outer Market Breakfast

Start your day with fresh sushi and local delicacies at Tsukiji Outer Market, the vibrant food market offering authentic Japanese flavors.
JPY3000, 1h30m

10:45am

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Explore historic Asakusa district and visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, famous for its Kaminarimon Gate and traditional shopping street Nakamise.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy sukiyaki, a traditional Japanese hot pot, at Asakusa Imahan known for premium wagyu beef and warm ambiance.
JPY4000, 1h

2:30pm

Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Ascend Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the cityscape including Mount Fuji on clear days. Visit the shopping complex and aquarium nearby.
JPY2100, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll in Ueno Park

Relax in Ueno Park, featuring ponds, museums, and a zoo. May is perfect for early summer greenery in this vast historic park.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous Gonpachi, known as the Kill Bill restaurant, offering delicious yakitori and izakaya dishes in a lively setting.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo and Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills in Shibuya

Enjoy fluffy pancakes and fresh coffee at Bills, popular for its laid-back style and natural light in Shibuya.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Meiji Shrine Visit

Visit the serene Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a peaceful forest in bustling Tokyo.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Harajuku Takeshita Street

Explore the vibrant street famous for youth fashion, eclectic shops, and crepe stands, capturing modern pop culture.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen

Savor yuzu-infused ramen at Afuri, a trendy spot in Harajuku blending citrus flavors with classic Japanese broth.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Shibuya Crossing and Shopping

Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing and shop around Shibuya 109 and surrounding department stores for the latest trends.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse yourself in the interactive digital art museum featuring mesmerizing light installations and immersive experiences.
JPY3200, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Enjoy fun, affordable conveyer belt sushi with an innovative ordering system at Uobei, perfect for quick and delicious dining.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 3: Kyoto's Heritage

Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Catch an early bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, a fast and scenic 2h15m journey that showcases Japan's efficient rail system.
JPY14000, 2h15m

10:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your Kyoto day with traditional Japanese-Western style coffee and pastries at the historic Inoda Coffee shop.
JPY1000, 1h

11:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of red torii gates winding up the mountain at Fushimi Inari, Kyoto's most famous shrine.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market Street

Try local specialties and street food such as yuba, pickles, and mochi at Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen.
JPY1500, 1h

3:30pm

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the historic UNESCO World Heritage temple with stunning views over Kyoto from its iconic wooden terrace.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:30pm

Stroll in Gion District

Walk through the traditional streets of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, and enjoy its classic wooden machiya houses.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of the many restaurants in Pontocho Alley offering kaiseki cuisine or casual izakaya-style dishes with river views.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Classical Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kagizen Yoshifusa

Try traditional Japanese sweets and matcha tea at Kagizen Yoshifusa, a historic wagashi shop in Gion.
JPY800, 1h

10:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the serene bamboo forest in Arashiyama and visit the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO site with beautiful gardens.
Tenryu-ji Temple JPY500, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with scenic views of the Katsura River at this popular riverfront restaurant in Arashiyama.
JPY2000, 1h

3:00pm

Nijo Castle Visit

Discover Nijo Castle’s beautiful gardens and ornate interiors, showcasing shogunal power and historic architecture.
JPY1000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Relax with a walk around the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, offering expansive green spaces and historical sites.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Experience creative kaiseki dining at Giro Giro Hitoshina, known for its modern interpretation of traditional Kyoto cuisine.
JPY6000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Dynamic Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Train to Osaka

Take a short 15-minute Shinkansen ride from Kyoto to Osaka, Japan's vibrant food and nightlife hub.
JPY1500, 15m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Taste fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local snacks at this lively market known as Osaka’s kitchen.
JPY2000, 1h

10:30am

Osaka Castle

Visit historic Osaka Castle and its museum to learn about the city’s samurai history, along with beautifully maintained grounds.
JPY600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy iconic street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the vibrant, neon-lit Dotonbori canal area.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop modern boutiques and large department stores in Osaka’s premier shopping street blending traditional and trendy styles.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for stunning sunset views of Osaka skyline atop this architectural landmark.
JPY1500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Feast on premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku, considered one of Japan’s finest wagyu varieties, in this well-known Osaka restaurant.
JPY7000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cultural & Entertainment Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start the day with specialty coffee and western-style breakfast in a cozy, modern setting in Osaka’s hip district.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world's largest public aquariums, famous for its impressive Pacific Ocean tank and diverse marine life.
JPY2400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Enjoy casual dining options including fresh seafood and Japanese fast food in the marketplace next to the aquarium.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the afternoon enjoying rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios Japan, especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
JPY8200, 5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try kushikatsu - deep-fried skewered meats and vegetables at this iconic Osaka eatery located in Dotonbori area.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 7: Return to Tokyo & Departure

Tokyo, Japan on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Shinkansen back to Tokyo

Take an early bullet train back to Tokyo to prepare for onward travel or flight home.
JPY14000, 2h15m

9:30am

Breakfast at Dean & Deluca Marunouchi

Enjoy a quality breakfast in a stylish café near Tokyo Station, perfect for a last taste of Japan’s café culture.
JPY1500, 1h

11:00am

Shopping at Ginza

Spend the morning wandering Ginza’s luxury shops and department stores for souvenirs and last-minute gifts.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kyubey Sushi

Indulge in an exquisite sushi lunch at Kyubey, one of Tokyo’s top sushi restaurants near Ginza.
JPY8000, 1h

3:00pm

Departure or hotel check-in

Head to the airport or your next destination after a fulfilling 7-day journey through Japan’s highlights.
Varies, N/A
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