5-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and local street foods at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm. It's a perfect introduction to Tokyo's culinary scene.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, renowned for its vibrant shopping street, Nakamise-dori. The temple grounds are open 24 hours, though the main hall closes at 5:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Ueno Park

Enjoy a relaxing stroll in Ueno Park famous for its museums, zoo, and seasonal cherry blossoms. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen Akamaru Modern

Tasty tonkotsu ramen in a modern setting, open daily from 11:00am to 11:00pm, perfect for a filling lunch.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Meiji Shrine Visit

Visit this serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, set in a forested area of Shibuya. Open from sunrise to sunset without entrance fee.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Immerse yourself in Tokyo's youth culture with quirky fashion shops and trendy cafes along Takeshita Street. Shops usually close by 8:00pm.
Free to explore, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy traditional Japanese dishes at Gonpachi, the inspiration for a famous film scene. Open until 11:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m

Day 2: Modern Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Savour pancakes and fresh coffee at Bills, open from 8:30am, known for its relaxed atmosphere and quality ingredients.
JPY1800, 1h

10:00am

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Experience immersive digital art installations in this museum that blends technology and art. Open from 10:00am to 7:00pm, last admission at 6:00pm.
JPY3200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Toyosu Market Sushi Dai

Renowned for some of the freshest sushi in Tokyo, located at the Toyosu fish market. Open from 5:00am until early afternoon; arrive early or expect a queue.
JPY4000, 1h

2:00pm

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

Enjoy panoramic city views from Tokyo Tower's main observatory, open 9:00am to 11:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

4:00pm

Walk through Roppongi Hills

Explore trendy shops, galleries, and outdoor art in Roppongi Hills complex, great for afternoon leisure. Shops usually open until 9:00pm.
Free to explore, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ukai-tei Omotesando

Indulge in exquisite teppanyaki cuisine in a stylish setting, open until 10:30pm.
JPY10000, 2h

Day 3: Historic Kyoto Tour

Kyoto, Japan on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto-style breakfast and coffee at this beloved local chain, open from 7:00am.
JPY900, 1h

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous thousand torii gates at this iconic Shinto shrine, open 24 hours with free entry.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Walk around Gion District

Take a scenic walk through Gion, the historic geisha district known for traditional wooden machiya houses.
Free to explore, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savour handmade udon noodles in an atmospheric Kyoto setting, open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the shimmering golden temple and surrounding gardens, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the serene bamboo forest and visit nearby Tenryu-ji Temple. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
Temple entry JPY500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine in Gion, offering a refined tasting menu. Reservations recommended; open until 9:30pm.
JPY12000, 2h

Day 4: Kyoto Temples and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Relax with specialty coffee and light pastries in a beautiful minimalist café near Kiyomizu Temple, open from 8:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Tour Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the historic temple famous for its wooden stage with panoramic views, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Philosopher's Path

Walk along this scenic canal path lined with cherry trees, connecting several temples and shrines.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Try traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot), a Kyoto speciality, open for lunch 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY2200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the historic castle with beautiful gardens, nightingale floors, and fascinating architecture. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony for cultural immersion, available until 5:30pm.
JPY2000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Fine kaiseki dining with seasonal ingredients in a historic setting, open until 9:00pm with reservation.
JPY15000, 2h

Day 5: Return to Tokyo & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Kyoto hotel

Enjoy a traditional or western breakfast at your accommodation before travel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo by Shinkansen

Take the high-speed train for a 2.5-hour ride returning to Tokyo for final day activities.
JPY14000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ginza Sushi Kozawa

Savour top-tier sushi in the elegant Ginza district, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY8000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping in Ginza

Explore numerous luxury boutiques and department stores in Tokyo’s premier shopping district; most stores open until 8:00pm.
Free to browse, 2h

5:00pm

Visit teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

If time permits, enjoy vibrant interactive digital art experience in Odaiba, open 10:00am to 7:00pm last entry at 6:00pm.
JPY3200, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Narisawa

Experience innovative Japanese cuisine awarded two Michelin stars. Open until 9:30pm; reservation essential.
JPY25000, 2h