7-Day Scenic and Cultural Japan Itinerary without Tokyo

Day 1: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a Japanese-Western style breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a historic Kyoto cafe known for its delicious coffee and light breakfast menus.
JPY1200, 1h

9:45am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the dazzling Golden Pavilion set among beautiful gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning architecture covered in gold leaf.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Stroll to Ryoan-ji Temple

Walk to Ryoan-ji to admire its famous rock garden, an iconic example of Zen landscaping that encourages contemplation and peace.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of local and fresh foods in the bustling Nishiki Market, sampling Kyoto specialties such as pickled vegetables and tofu dishes.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, dedicated to the rice god and a symbol of prosperity.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on traditional Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in the historic Gion district, experiencing refined local flavours in a beautiful setting.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 2: Ancient Nara

Nara, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try the famous mochi rice cakes freshly pounded in front of you, a local Nara specialty and great energy booster for the day.
JPY500, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the colossal Great Buddha statue inside Todai-ji, one of Japan’s largest wooden buildings and a cornerstone of Nara’s historic cityscape.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Park Deer Feeding

Enjoy wandering freely among friendly semi-wild deer in Nara Park, purchase deer crackers to interact with these iconic creatures.
JPY150, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Feast on delicious grilled eel at Edogawa, a well-known local eatery offering a traditional dish that Nara is proud of.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the ancient Kasuga Taisha, famous for its hundreds of hanging lanterns and picturesque forest surroundings.
JPY500, 1h

4:00pm

Travel to Osaka

Take a 45-minute train journey to Osaka for an evening of vibrant city life and food culture.
JPY560, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Street

Taste iconic Osaka street foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki amid the bright neon atmosphere of Dotonbori.
JPY1800, 1h30m
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Day 3: Osaka Urban Adventure

Osaka, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy expertly brewed coffee and fresh pastries in this artisanal coffee shop located in central Osaka.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle, including the museum inside and the surrounding park which offers panoramic city views.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies at Kuromon Ichiba, known as Osaka’s kitchen for authentic foodie experience.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Head to the Floating Garden Observatory for amazing cityscape views from one of Osaka’s architectural highlights.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Shop and stroll through Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, Osaka’s premier shopping street blending modern and traditional stores.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

End your day with kushikatsu, deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables, a famous local comfort food at this popular restaurant.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Historic Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima, roughly a 2-hour bullet train journey offering scenic views.
JPY10000, 2h

10:00am

Breakfast at Bakudanya

Enjoy a light breakfast of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with vegetables and seafood.
JPY1200, 1h

11:30am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, commemorating the events of 1945 and advocating peace.
JPY200, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Shintenchi Alley

Try local Hiroshima delicacies in this lively alley offering a variety of restaurants and street food.
JPY1800, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Tour the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle, featuring museum exhibits about the samurai era and castle history.
JPY370, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Nagataya Okonomiyaki

Experience a top-rated okonomiyaki dinner where you can watch your meal being expertly prepared before you.
JPY2200, 1h30m
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Day 5: Miyajima Island

Miyajima, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Catch an early ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, famous for the Itsukushima Shrine’s floating torii gate.
JPY1800, 30m

8:45am

Breakfast at Cafe Miyajima

Enjoy light Japanese-style breakfast and coffee in a charming café near the ferry port.
JPY1000, 1h

9:45am

Explore Itsukushima Shrine

Walk through the iconic shrine built over water, renowned for its spectacular floating torii gates visible at high tide.
JPY300, 1h30m

11:30am

Hiking Mount Misen

Take the ropeway or hike up Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and island landscapes.
JPY1800, 3h

3:00pm

Lunch at Kakiya

Feast on Miyajima’s specialty oysters in a variety of grilled and fried dishes at this popular local restaurant.
JPY3000, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Take the ferry back to Hiroshima to prepare for the next day’s travel.
JPY1800, 30m

7:00pm

Casual Dinner Near Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner near your accommodation in Hiroshima, opting for easy Japanese izakaya style dishes.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 6: Cultural Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kanazawa

Head from Hiroshima to Kanazawa by Shinkansen and limited express train, approximately 4 hours total travel time.
JPY15000, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Savour fresh seafood and seasonal produce from Kanazawa’s vibrant Omicho Market, famous for its quality and variety.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Explore Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most famous gardens, renowned for its beauty through all seasons.
JPY320, 1h30m

3:30pm

Tour Kanazawa Castle

Walk around the historic Kanazawa Castle grounds, appreciating the well-preserved architecture and scenic views.
JPY310, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Higashi Chaya District

Wander through the traditional Higashi Chaya geisha district with its wooden teahouses and atmospheric streets.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fuwari

Enjoy modern kaiseki cuisine blending local ingredients with creative presentations in a stylish setting.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 7: Relaxing Hakone

Hakone, Japan on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hakone

Take a morning train from Kanazawa to Hakone, including a Shinkansen transfer in Odawara station, approx. 4 hours.
JPY16000, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hakone Bakery & Table

Relax with a sumptuous lunch featuring baked goods and artisanal sandwiches with views over the lake.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum

Discover contemporary sculptures and art pieces set against a beautiful mountainous backdrop in this inspiring open-air museum.
JPY1600, 2h

4:00pm

Relax in an Onsen

Unwind in one of Hakone’s hot spring baths. Many ryokans and public onsens welcome day visitors, perfect for relaxation.
JPY1000, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Gora Brewery & Grill

Enjoy a hearty farewell dinner with craft beer and grilled dishes in this popular Hakone restaurant with local flair.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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