Romantic 9-Day Honeymoon Itinerary in Japan from Texas: Tokyo to Kyoto and Hakone

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Intro

Tokyo, Japan on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Texas to Tokyo

Fly from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Houston (IAH) to Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airport with airlines offering good deals such as American Airlines or Japan Airlines. Booking early guarantees competitive pricing.
USD800 approx, 12h0m

9:00pm

Check-in at Hotel in Shinjuku

Stay at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, centrally located with modern amenities perfect for honeymooners.
JPY25000, Overnight
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Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Tokyo, Japan on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast items at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5am to 2pm, perfect to immerse in local flavors.
JPY2500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Walk through peaceful forested Meiji Shrine and nearby Yoyogi Park for a blend of culture and nature. Shrine opens from 5am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen, Harajuku

Savor yuzu-flavored ramen at Afuri, famous for light and refreshing broth, open 11:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing and Shopping

Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing and shop at nearby department stores and boutiques; perfect for honeymoon couple photos.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Tokyo Tower

Admire panoramic views of Tokyo from the observatory decks at Tokyo Tower open until 11pm.
JPY1200, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the restaurant that inspired Kill Bill’s famous scene, serving traditional Japanese dishes, open from 5pm to midnight.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 3: More Tokyo and Travel to Hakone

Tokyo to Hakone, Japan on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Light breakfast with pastries and coffee at a local café near Shinjuku station, open from 7am.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and the traditional Nakamise shopping street, open from 6am until evening.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Daikokuya Tempura

Taste some of Tokyo’s best tendon (tempura rice bowl), open 11am to 3pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Hakone via Romancecar train

From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto, a scenic 1.5 hour ride ideal for couples, with tickets costing around JPY2200.
JPY2200, 1h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at Hakone Ryokan with Onsen

Experience a traditional ryokan like Gora Kadan, featuring hot spring baths and exquisite kaiseki cuisine, perfect honeymoon accommodation.
JPY40000, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner at your ryokan featuring seasonal and local ingredients.
Included, 2h
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Day 4: Hakone Sightseeing

Hakone, Japan on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Traditional Japanese breakfast served at the ryokan to start your day refreshed.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani Valley

Ride the ropeway for spectacular views of volcanic activity and Mt Fuji on clear days, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

11:30am

Visit Lake Ashi and Take Pirate Ship Cruise

Enjoy a romantic cruise on Lake Ashi with views of the surrounding mountains, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Scenic lakeside dining with delicious sandwiches and pastries, open 9am to 5pm daily.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Hakone Open Air Museum

Explore outdoor sculptures and contemporary art set amidst nature, open 9am to 5pm. Ideal for leisurely exploring as a couple.
JPY1600, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Ryokan

Relax in the onsen and pamper yourselves with spa treatments available at your ryokan.
Optional spa fees apply, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Another exquisite kaiseki meal to end the peaceful day in Hakone.
Included, 2h
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Day 5: Travel to Kyoto and Evening Stroll

Hakone to Kyoto, Japan on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy your final traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan before departure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Take a taxi or bus to Odawara Station and board the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, journey takes about 2.5 hours, tickets around JPY13000.
JPY13000, 3h

12:30pm

Check-in Hotel in Kyoto Center

Stay at Hotel Granvia Kyoto, located within Kyoto Station for easy access.
JPY20000, Overnight

1:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample local street foods and shop at the historic food market, open 9am to 6pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

One of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks with beautiful city views, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Explore traditional streets with shops and tea houses, perfect romantic evening walk.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy a refined kaiseki dining experience in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, reservations recommended.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 6: Kyoto Cultural Day

Kyoto, Japan on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel's café

Hearty breakfast to prepare for a day of exploring Kyoto’s rich history.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, open 24 hours, a must-see cultural site.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Explore Tofuku-ji Temple

Known for stunning gardens and autumn colors, open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Delicious udon noodles with a cozy ambiance near Kodai-ji Temple; open 11am-8pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning gold leaf-covered temple, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Famous for its rock garden which provides a serene atmosphere, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Explore Pontocho’s narrow alley lined with atmospheric restaurants; try Kyoto-style Kaiseki or grilled dishes.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 7: Arashiyama Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fill up for a morning trip to western Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the ethereal bamboo forest early to avoid crowds, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens

UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning gardens, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy Buddhist shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) within Tenryu-ji Temple grounds, reservation recommended.
JPY3500, 1h

1:30pm

Boat Ride on Hozu River

Scenic riverboat cruise offering a relaxing view of nature, operates seasonally; check availability.
JPY3500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Short hike to see wild monkeys and panoramic views, open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY550, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy Kyoto specialty yudofu (tofu hot pot) near Arashiyama, open till 8pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 8: Relaxation and Departure Prep

Kyoto, Japan on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast and morning stroll in Philosopher's Path

Calm and scenic walk along a canal lined with cherry and maple trees.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Explore elegant Zen temple and its moss garden, open 8:30am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Okutan Nanzenji

Traditional tofu cuisine near Nanzen-ji Temple, open 11am to 3pm.
JPY2500, 1h

1:00pm

Free time for last minute shopping or spa

Relax or purchase souvenirs in downtown Kyoto or opt for a couple’s spa session.
Variable, 3h

5:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Hyotei

Dine at the 400-year-old Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant for a memorable finale.
JPY10000, 2h
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Day 9: Departure

Kyoto to Texas via Tokyo on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final breakfast in Japan before travel.
JPY1500, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Kansai or Tokyo Airport

Take JR train or airport limousine bus to Kansai International Airport or Shinkansen to Tokyo for departure. Allow ample time for international flight check-in.
JPY13000 - 20000, 4-5h

12:30pm

Flight back to Texas

Return flight from Tokyo Narita/Haneda to Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston airports.
USD800 approx, 12h+
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