12-Day Comprehensive Japan Travel Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on September 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day at Tsukiji Outer Market enjoying fresh sushi or tamago (Japanese omelette) from local stalls. The market offers a lively atmosphere and authentic flavors.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Senso-ji Temple Visit

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, admire the stunning architecture and shop for souvenirs at Nakamise Street.
JPY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy sukiyaki or shabu-shabu beef dishes in a traditional Japanese setting at this renowned restaurant near Senso-ji.
JPY4000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Ueno Park and Museums

Stroll through Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum to experience Japanese history and art. The park is beautiful and pleasant for walking.
JPY620 (museum entrance), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Famous for inspiring the Kill Bill restaurant scene, Gonpachi offers a lively atmosphere with great yakitori and izakaya dishes.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on September 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Shibuya

Enjoy a western-style breakfast with iconic ricotta hotcakes and great coffee to fuel your day in the Shibuya area.
JPY2000, 1h

10:00am

Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park Visit

Explore Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, surrounded by peaceful Yoyogi Park.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Harajuku

Taste yuzu-infused ramen, a refreshing and popular specialty in this trendy Harajuku neighborhood.
JPY1000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Harajuku and Omotesando

Shop trendy fashion along Takeshita Street and upscale boutiques on Omotesando Avenue, soaking in youth culture and cutting-edge style.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse yourself in a stunning digital art museum with interactive exhibits, a truly unique experience in Toyosu.
JPY3200, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Shibuya

Enjoy another lively night with traditional Japanese izakaya food and drinks in the bustling Shibuya district.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Depart Tokyo for Nikko

Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen and local train for about 2 hours to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful shrines and nature.
JPY4000 one way, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Tour the richly decorated Toshogu Shrine, a masterpiece dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, surrounded by lush forest.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Eat local Nikko specialties like yuba (tofu skin) and tempura in this cozy and friendly restaurant near the shrine.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji Visit

Enjoy breathtaking views of the 97-meter waterfall and serene Lake Chuzenji, perfect for photography and short hiking.
JPY570 (entrance fee), 2h

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo by train, arriving in the early evening.
JPY4000, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen, Tokyo Station

End the day with rich tonkotsu ramen in a popular chain near your hotel or travel hub.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 4: Hakone Journey

Tokyo to Hakone, Japan on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Fuel up with a hearty Japanese or western breakfast before heading to Hakone.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Hakone

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station, about a 1.5-hour scenic ride.
JPY2200, 1h30m

11:30am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore a beautiful outdoor sculpture park featuring works by famous international artists surrounded by nature.
JPY1600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy freshly baked goods and panoramic views of Lake Ashi at this lakeside café.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Lake Ashi Cruise & Hakone Ropeway

Take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji, then ride the ropeway to Owakudani volcanic valley.
JPY2600 (combined), 3h

7:00pm

Dinner and Onsen Experience at Ryokan

Check in to a traditional ryokan for a kaiseki dinner and soak in natural hot springs, a quintessential Japanese experience.
JPY15000 including dinner and onsen, Overnight
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Day 5: Travel to Kyoto

Hakone to Kyoto, Japan on September 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast before departing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station, approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
JPY13000, 2h40m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Choose from several popular ramen shops offering distinct Kyoto flavors.
JPY1000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Tour the iconic hilltop temple with views over Kyoto and explore the historic Higashiyama district.
JPY400, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk through the historic geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses, perfect for strolling at sunset.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose a restaurant in the atmospheric Pontocho Alley for local kaiseki or yakitori specialties alongside the Kamogawa River.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on September 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day at a classic Kyoto coffeehouse known for its rich coffee and light breakfast sets.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike through thousands of vibrant red torii gates leading up Mount Inari. This spiritual site is iconic and photo-worthy.
JPY0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy traditional yudofu (boiled tofu), a specialty Buddhist vegetarian meal served near Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY3000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji

Explore Ryoan-ji’s famous zen rock garden followed by a visit to the stunning Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji).
JPY800 total, 2h30m

4:30pm

Relax in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the towering bamboo forest and visit nearby Tenryu-ji Temple.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saga Tofu Ine

Experience authentic Kyoto yuba and tofu cuisine in a cozy setting near Arashiyama.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Day Trip Nara & Osaka

Kyoto, Japan on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Nara

Take the JR Nara line about 45 minutes to Japan’s ancient capital famous for its temples and friendly deer.
JPY720, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park

See the giant Buddha statue in Todai-ji and stroll among deer in expansive Nara Park.
JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Kura

Enjoy traditional Japanese set meals near Nara Park featuring local ingredients.
JPY1500, 1h

1:00pm

Travel to Osaka

Head by train about 45 minutes to vibrant Osaka, the culinary capital of Japan.
JPY800, 45m

2:00pm

Visit Osaka Castle and Park

Tour the impressive Osaka Castle museum and enjoy strolls in the surrounding park.
JPY600, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Dotonbori District

Walk through colorful Dotonbori, famous for neon signs, street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
JPY0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, Dotonbori

Indulge in premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku (grilled beef), one of Japan’s top wagyu varieties.
JPY6000, 1h30m

9:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Take the train back to Kyoto for an overnight rest.
JPY800, 1h
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Day 8: Kyoto Cultural Day

Kyoto, Japan on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

A stylish café offering a good morning selection and cozy atmosphere near central Kyoto.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the historic Nijo Castle with its beautiful gardens and the famous nightingale floors.
JPY1000, 2h

11:30am

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Walk through the beautiful park grounds that surround the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a peaceful urban oasis.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Issian Pontocho

Enjoy Kyoto-style grilled chicken yakitori at this long-established restaurant in the Pontocho district.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Zen Meditation Experience

Participate in a zen meditation session at Shunko-in Temple, learning mindfulness techniques (reservations needed).
JPY2000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony at En Museum

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a tranquil setting to understand the culture deeply.
JPY2000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Savor seasonal kaiseki cuisine in a refined setting within Kyoto’s historic Gion district.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 9: Day Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima

Kyoto, Japan on September 11, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hiroshima

Board the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima, approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
JPY14200 round-trip, 2h10m

9:30am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Explore the memorial park and museum to learn about the history and impact of the atomic bomb.
JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that is a local specialty, in a multi-stall okonomiyaki building.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Miyajima Island

Take the train and ferry to Miyajima Island, famous for Itsukushima Shrine.
JPY900, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen

Explore the iconic floating torii gate shrine and hike or take the ropeway up Mount Misen for spectacular views.
JPY200 for shrine, JPY1800 for ropeway combo, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto by Shinkansen in the evening for rest.
Included in round-trip, 2h10m

8:00pm

Late Dinner near hotel

Choose a casual izakaya near your Kyoto accommodation for a light meal after a big day.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 10: Relaxing Kyoto & Shopping

Kyoto, Japan on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at buffer café

Try Japanese-style pancakes and specialty coffee in this well-reviewed café close to central Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Philosopher's Path and Eikan-do Temple

Walk the tranquil Philosopher’s Path, lined with temples like Eikan-do and beautiful gardens.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy fresh udon noodles and seasonal side dishes near Kodai-ji Temple.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping in Nishiki Market

Explore the 'Kitchen of Kyoto' market to try local foods, buy souvenirs, and experience vibrant street life.
JPY0 (shopping varies), 2h

4:00pm

Visit Kyoto Tower

Take in panoramic views of the city from Kyoto's iconic tower, a great photo opportunity at sunset.
JPY770, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Musashi Sushi

End your day with a fun conveyor belt sushi experience offering fresh and affordable options.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 11: Day Trip to Kamakura

Kyoto to Kamakura, Japan on September 13, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Kamakura

Early morning Shinkansen and local trains from Kyoto to Kamakura, approximately 3 hours travel time.
JPY13000, 3h

9:30am

Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha)

Visit the famous large bronze Buddha statue, a symbol of Kamakura.
JPY200, 1h

10:30am

Hase-dera Temple

Explore the beautiful gardens and panoramic views over the coastal town at Hase-dera.
JPY400, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Komeda's Coffee Kamakura

Enjoy tasty sandwiches and coffee at a well-known Japanese café chain.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Visit this essential Shinto shrine in Kamakura, significant for local culture and history.
JPY0, 1h

3:00pm

Walk Komachi Street

Shop for souvenirs and try local street snacks along this popular pedestrian street leading from the shrine.
JPY0 (shopping/snacks extra), 1h

4:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back late afternoon to Kyoto for overnight rest.
JPY13000, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at hotel or nearby restaurant

Relax with dinner near your accommodation, reflecting on your day of travel.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 12: Departure Day

Kyoto to Tokyo, Japan on September 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have your final Japanese breakfast, preparing for your journey home or next destination.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo for your outbound flight or onward travel connections.
JPY13000, 2h40m

11:30am

Last-minute shopping or sightseeing near Tokyo Station

If time allows, visit Ginza or Tokyo Station area shops for souvenirs and gifts before departure.
Varies, 2h
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