Two-Week Alternative Japan Adventure: Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems for 3 Travelers

Day 1: Tokyo arrival

Tokyo, Japan on May 30, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Lumine Shinjuku

Start your Japan trip with a Western-style breakfast featuring fluffy pancakes and fresh eggs at Sarabeth’s, known for its cozy atmosphere and quality.
JPY2500, 1h0m

10:30am

Meiji Shrine visit

Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s spiritual side by strolling through the forested path to the tranquil Meiji Shrine, a key Shinto site dedicated to Emperor Meiji.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Ebisu

Enjoy gourmet yuzu-flavored ramen in a stylish setting, perfect for experiencing distinctive Tokyo ramen flavors uncommon in tourist areas.
JPY1300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai walk

Explore these nostalgic alleys in Shinjuku filled with tiny bars and eateries, offering a taste of post-war Tokyo’s nightlife ambiance.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Niwa Tokyo

Stay at Hotel Niwa, a peaceful hotel blending Japanese tradition with modern comfort located conveniently in central Tokyo.
JPY18000 per night per room, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Toriki Yakitori

Dine at this Michelin-starred yakitori spot known for expertly grilled chicken skewers, showcasing quality ingredients and skilled cooking.
JPY6000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nikko day trip

Nikko, Japan on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a Japanese or Western breakfast at the hotel to fuel your day for the Nikko excursion.
Included, 45m

8:00am

Travel to Nikko by Tobu Railway

Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa to Nikko, about 2 hours away, enjoying scenic countryside views on the way.
JPY2500, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore this elaborate UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ornate decorations and the carved 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' monkeys.
JPY1300, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy local cuisine such as yuba (tofu skin) and mountain vegetables at this casual traditional restaurant near the shrine.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk around Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

Visit the beautiful lake and witness the spectacular waterfall nearby for great nature photo opportunities.
JPY570 (Kegon Falls elevator), 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Take the train back to Tokyo, relaxing after a fulfilling day.
JPY2500, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Dine at the famous 'Kill Bill' inspired Gonpachi, serving izakaya-style food in a lively atmosphere.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Hakone hot springs

Hakone, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed buffet breakfast at the hotel before traveling to Hakone.
Included, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Hakone via Romancecar train

Enjoy a scenic express train ride from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in approx. 1.5 hours.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:15am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Experience outdoor sculptures and artwork set among picturesque mountain scenery; the museum blends nature and art beautifully.
JPY1600, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gora Brewery & Grill

Refuel with freshly brewed craft beer and hearty grilled dishes in a warm setting close to your next stop.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hakone Shrine visit

Walk through the serene forest and iconic torii gates at the lakeside Hakone Shrine, a scenic spiritual retreat.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Lake Ashi boat cruise

Take a relaxing pirate-ship themed cruise to enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and surrounding nature.
JPY1000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at a ryokan with onsen

Stay in an authentic ryokan featuring hot spring baths to unwind after your active day.
JPY25000 per night per room, N/A

7:00pm

Kaiseki dinner at ryokan

Enjoy a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner served in your ryokan, highlighting local seasonal ingredients.
Included with ryokan stay, 2h0m
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Day 4: Kyoto culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Savor a Japanese-style breakfast included with your ryokan stay, featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Included, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station in about 2 hours, experiencing high-speed travel.
JPY14000, 2h0m

11:00am

Check-in and drop bags at hotel

Check in at Hotel Granvia Kyoto located right in the Kyoto Station building for convenience.
JPY20000 per night per room, N/A

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample diverse Kyoto street food, including fresh tofu, pickled vegetables, and sweets at the famous market.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk the famous trail through thousands of vibrant red torii gates at this iconic Shinto shrine.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll Gion district

Experience Kyoto’s historic geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses and charming tea houses.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine in an intimate setting with specialties like kaiseki and yudofu tofu dishes.
JPY6000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Nara day trip

Nara, Japan on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before boarding the train to Nara for a cultural day.
Included, 45m

8:30am

Train to Nara

Travel 45 minutes by JR train from Kyoto to Nara's station.
JPY710, 45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park

See the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue and mingle with friendly deer roaming Nara Park.
JPY600, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Taste delicious tuna dishes while relaxing in this charming restaurant near Nara Park.
JPY1800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Admire thousands of bronze and stone lanterns in one of Nara’s most famous Shinto shrines.
JPY500, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto by train and rest at your hotel.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Enjoy an exquisite kaiseki dinner, with dishes prepared using traditional Kyoto techniques.
JPY12000, 2h0m
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Day 6: Uji tea experience

Uji, Japan on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a Japanese breakfast featuring rice and miso soup before heading out.
Included, 45m

9:30am

Travel to Uji

Take the train from Kyoto to Uji, a 20-minute ride famous for its tea culture.
JPY230, 20m

10:00am

Visit Byodo-in Temple

Explore this exquisite Buddhist temple and its Phoenix Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site appearing on the 10 yen coin.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:45am

Tea ceremony workshop at Taiho-an

Participate in an authentic tea ceremony and learn about the history and nuances of Japanese tea preparation.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nakamura Tokichi Honten

Relish tea-flavored dishes and sweets at this historic tea house offering Uji’s finest matcha treats.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk Uji river and bridges

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Uji River with scenic views and bridges reflecting traditional Japan.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Take train back to Kyoto to relax and prepare for the next day’s journey.
JPY230, 20m

7:00pm

Dinner at Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen

Experience the dramatic 'fire ramen' where broth is briefly set aflame, combining fun with bold flavors.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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