7-Day Immersive Japan Travel Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and Japanese street food at the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm, ideal for an authentic breakfast experience.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple in Asakusa, famous for its traditional architecture and the bustling Nakamise Street market, open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy premium sukiyaki beef dishes at this historic restaurant near Senso-ji, open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Visit the tallest tower in Japan for panoramic city views; open from 8:00am to 10:00pm. Pre-book tickets to avoid queues.
JPY2100, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Experience the iconic atmosphere that inspired the Kill Bill film at this izakaya serving a variety of Japanese dishes, open until 11:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m

Day 2: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Try the famous ricotta hotcakes in this stylish café, open from 8:30am to 11:00pm daily.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

Meiji Shrine

Visit this serene Shinto shrine surrounded by forest near Harajuku, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Takeshita Street, Harajuku

Stroll through the famous youth fashion hotspot with quirky shops and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya

Enjoy fast conveyor belt sushi with tech-savvy ordering, open 11:00am to 11:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Experience immersive digital art installations in Toyosu, open 10:00am to 7:00pm (last entry 6:00pm).
JPY3200, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Shibuya

Savor personalized tonkotsu ramen in a unique solo dining setting, open 24 hours.
JPY1000, 1h

Day 3: Hakone Nature

Hakone, Japan on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Travel Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto, journey time about 90 minutes.
JPY2080, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy freshly baked pastries with views of Lake Ashi, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

10:00am

Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani Valley

Ride the scenic ropeway to Owakudani volcanic valley, famous for black eggs boiled in sulfurous hot springs, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1800, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Try their specialty tofu cutlet set meal, a delicious local specialty, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

3:00pm

Lake Ashi Boat Cruise

Take a scenic cruise around Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days, cruises run 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

5:00pm

Check-in to Ryokan with Onsen

Relax in a traditional Japanese inn with hot spring facilities, perfect for unwinding after travel.
JPY15000, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Ryokan Kaiseki

Enjoy a multi-course traditional Japanese dinner served at the ryokan.
Included in stay, 1h30m

Day 4: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Travel Hakone to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station, approximately 2 hours journey.
JPY13500, 2h

11:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Kyoto

Traditional Kyoto café known for great coffee and breakfast sets, open from 7:00am.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning gold-leaf covered Zen temple and its beautiful gardens, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy handmade udon noodles in a traditional setting near Kodai-ji Temple, open 11:30am to 8:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates at this famous Shinto shrine, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience refined kaiseki cuisine in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, reservations recommended, open until 9:30pm.
JPY8000, 2h

Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Volk Coffee

Start your day with specialty coffee and pastries in a cozy café, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

Visit this historic temple known for its wooden stage and panoramic views, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various local street foods at Kyoto’s renowned market, vendors open generally 10:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to appreciate the culture and craft, sessions available from 1:00pm onwards.
JPY2000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll through Philosopher’s Path

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the canal lined with cherry trees and small temples.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from many atmospheric restaurants along this historic alley along the Kamogawa River.
JPY3500, 1h30m

Day 6: Nara and Osaka

Nara & Osaka, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Travel Kyoto to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station; journey takes about 45 minutes.
JPY710, 45m

8:00am

Breakfast near Nara Park

Enjoy a light breakfast at a café near the park, opens from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park

Explore the iconic temple housing a giant Buddha statue and interact with friendly park deer, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Travel Nara to Osaka

Take the JR Yamatoji Line to Osaka Station, approximately 45 minutes travel time.
JPY800, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Relish famous Osaka street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the lively Dotonbori district, many eateries open from 11:00am.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the historic castle and surrounding park, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station back to Tokyo Station, journey approx 2.5 hours.
JPY14000, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner near Tokyo Station

Have a late dinner at Ramen Street inside Tokyo Station for convenient and delicious ramen, open late until around 11:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

Day 7: Tokyo Finale

Tokyo, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Aaliya

Enjoy some of Tokyo’s best pancakes at this popular Shibuya café, opens 8:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

10:00am

Visit Imperial Palace and Gardens

Walk around the scenic Imperial Palace East Gardens, open 9:00am to 4:30pm, free entry.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kyubey Ginza

Enjoy premium sushi from a renowned Ginza establishment, open 11:30am to 2:00pm for lunch.
JPY6000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Shopping in Ginza

Explore luxury shops and department stores in Tokyo’s upscale district.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Narisawa

Experience innovative Japanese haute cuisine at this Michelin two-starred restaurant in Minato, reservations essential.
JPY25000, 2h