9-Day Immersive Japan Journey: Tokyo to Kyoto & Beyond

Day 1: Tokyo Introduction

Tokyo, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi or tamago at one of the market stalls, experiencing Japan's vibrant food culture. The market opens early, perfect for a morning bite.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sensoji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple with its iconic Kaminarimon Gate and bustling Nakamise Shopping Street, ideal for souvenirs and traditional snacks.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll around Ueno Park and Museums

Walk through Ueno Park, visit the Tokyo National Museum or the National Museum of Western Art for a cultural immersion. Open 9:30am-5pm.
JPY1000 (museum entry), 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ueno Ameyoko Market

Enjoy a variety of Japanese street foods and casual eateries in this lively market neighborhood.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00pm

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Witness the world-famous pedestrian scramble and visit the statue of Hachiko, symbolizing loyalty and love.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Harajuku Takeshita Street

Discover quirky shops, fashion boutiques, and crepe stands in this famous youth culture hotspot.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Experience custom-made tonkotsu ramen in this renowned solo dining restaurant, perfect for a satisfying authentic meal.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Taste the fluffy Japanese pancakes or their signature ricotta hotcakes in a stylish setting.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine

Enjoy a peaceful walk in the forested grounds surrounding this important Shinto shrine.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping at Ginza district

Explore upscale shopping and department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Ginza Six, perfect for luxury goods and souvenirs.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kyubey Ginza

Enjoy premium sushi at this renowned sushi restaurant in Ginza; reservations recommended.
JPY7000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Tokyo Tower Observation Deck

Get panoramic views of Tokyo from the main deck open until 11pm, this is a great early evening activity.
JPY1200, 1h30m

6:00pm

Roppongi Hills & Mori Art Museum

Enjoy art, city views and dinner options in this modern complex. Mori Art Museum closes around 10pm.
JPY1800, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Savor Japanese izakaya dishes in an ambiance inspired the famous Kill Bill movie scene.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Tokyo to Hakone

Hakone, Japan on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a Japanese or Western-style breakfast to fuel up for travel day.
JPY1500, 1h

8:30am

Travel Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Romancecar express train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (~1.5 hours) to enjoy scenic views.
JPY2070, 1h30m

10:15am

Check-in Ryokan and Onsen Experience

Relax and enjoy a traditional Japanese inn with hot spring baths, essential for a cultural and restorative experience.
JPY15000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Try their specialty tofu katsu, a delightful vegetarian-friendly lunch option in Hakone.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Discover unique outdoor sculptures and beautiful landscapes; museum hours 9am – 5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

5:00pm

Lake Ashi Cruise and View of Mt. Fuji

Take a scenic pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi to see stunning views of Mount Fuji and the Hakone Shrine. Cruises operate from 9am to 5pm, so catch the late afternoon rides for less crowds.
JPY1000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan showcasing seasonal Japanese delicacies.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hakone to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Have a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan before traveling.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel Hakone to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Take the train from Odawara Station to Kyoto via Shinkansen, approximately 2.5 hours with a transfer at Shinagawa or Tokyo.
JPY13500, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore this vibrant market known as Kyoto’s kitchen and enjoy fresh sushi, skewers, and matcha sweets.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Tour this iconic temple with stunning views over Kyoto; open 6am to 6pm daily.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll through Gion District

Experience traditional tea houses and possibly glimpse geishas in the historic streets.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the riverside restaurants offering Kyoto specialties like yudofu and kaiseki cuisine.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto-style breakfast with coffee and sandwiches in this historic café.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates; open 24 hours and free entry.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - Espresso Bar & Info

Casual eatery near Fushimi Inari offering light meals and coffee.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the breathtaking golden temple surrounded by tranquil gardens; open 9am – 5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk

Experience the serene bamboo forest and nearby Tenryu-ji Temple. Best visited before late afternoon.
Free/¥500 for Tenryu-ji, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Saga Tofu Ine

Enjoy traditional tofu dishes in a rustic Arashiyama setting.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Cultural Day

Kyoto, Japan on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello

Relax in cozy surroundings with Western and Japanese breakfast options.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Nijo Castle

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its ornate interiors and beautiful gardens; open 8:45am – 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

11:30am

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Visit the spacious park grounds surrounding the palace, free to enter and great for leisurely walks.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy udon noodles and seasonal dishes near Kodai-ji Temple.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Kodai-ji Temple & Zen Garden

Relax in the serene temple gardens; open 9am – 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

5:00pm

Tea ceremony experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony to appreciate Japanese culture; reservation advised.
JPY3500, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gyuzen Pontocho

Indulge in Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in an elegant environment.
JPY6000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Day Trip Nara

Nara, Japan on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Grab a quick Japanese onigiri or bakery breakfast before departure.
JPY800, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line rapid or Kintetsu train to Nara; around 45 minutes travel.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See one of Japan’s largest wooden structures housing the Great Buddha; open 7:30am – 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Nara Park Deer Encounter

Enjoy walking among freely roaming deer, a symbol of the city and culturally significant.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Sample their famous yomogi mochi or other traditional sweets at this popular spot.
JPY1000, 1h

1:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Experience this ancient Shinto shrine famous for its lanterns; open 6am – 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Travel back to Kyoto

Return via train for dinner plans in Kyoto.
JPY710, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Musashi Sushi Kyoto

Enjoy conveyor belt sushi for a fun and casual meal in central Kyoto.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 8: Kyoto Leisure Day

Kyoto, Japan on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Kamogawa

Breakfast near the Kamo River with a cozy vibe and fresh baked goods.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Philosopher’s Path Walk

Take a calming walk along the scenic canal lined with cherry trees and temples.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okaru

Enjoy Kyoto-style okonomiyaki in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore this large Zen temple complex including its famous aqueduct; open 8am – 5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at a traditional Kyoto café

Try matcha tea and sweets at one of the local tea houses.
JPY800, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Try their unique burnt miso ramen, a popular modern Kyoto dish.
JPY1600, 1h
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Day 9: Departure Day

Kyoto / Tokyo, Japan on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final relaxing breakfast reflecting on your trip.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel back to Tokyo (if flight from Tokyo)

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Tokyo Station in approximately 2 hours.
JPY13500, 2h

11:00am

Airport Transfer

Use airport limousine bus or train to Tokyo Narita or Haneda airport, depending on flight schedule.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Flight time

Departure

Board your international flight home or next destination.
Included
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