12-Day Ultimate Japan Experience: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm, offering an authentic start to city exploration.
JPY2000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, a cultural hotspot rich in history and vibrant markets, open from 6:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Savor traditional sukiyaki at this well-known restaurant in Asakusa, open from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Ueno Park and Museums

Visit Ueno Park’s open spaces and choose among museums like Tokyo National Museum, open 9:30am-5:00pm, for art and cultural exhibitions.
JPY620, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous Gonpachi restaurant, known as the inspiration for Kill Bill’s fight scene, featuring traditional Japanese izakaya fare, open until midnight.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Enjoy a unique garden cafe breakfast surrounded by fresh flowers in Aoyama, open from 9:00am.
JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Walk through the serene Meiji Shrine, open 6:00am-4:30pm, and explore Yoyogi Park nearby for some nature within the city.
JPY0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Ebisu

Taste the famous yuzu-flavored ramen at Afuri, open from 11:00am-11:00pm, for a refreshing lunch experience.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping and Sightseeing in Shibuya

Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing and shop at local stores and department stores like Shibuya 109.
JPY0, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Dine at this high-tech conveyor belt sushi restaurant famous for quick service and affordability, open until 11:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 3: Cultural Dive

Tokyo, Japan on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Lumine Shinjuku

Indulge in Western-style breakfast favorites with a Japanese twist, open 8:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

Tour the Edo-Tokyo Museum

Discover Tokyo’s history and culture in this interactive museum open from 9:30am to 5:30pm (closed Mondays).
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tsuta Michelin Ramen

Enjoy Japan's first Michelin-starred ramen at Tsuta, open 11:00am to 3:00pm (closed Tuesdays).
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Odaiba

Explore Odaiba’s futuristic attractions, shopping centers, and enjoy views of Rainbow Bridge; most facilities open 10:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY0 - variable for attractions, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bills Odaiba

Dine at the popular Bills restaurant with great views and delicious modern Australian dishes, open until 10:00pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nikko

Take the Tobu Railway or JR Line from Tokyo to Nikko, approximately 2 hours of scenic travel.
JPY2500, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy casual local cuisine specializing in yakitori and other Japanese dishes, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Take a bus to see beautiful Kegon Falls and serene Lake Chuzenji; bus service operates 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo by train to rest for the next day's journey.
JPY2500, 2h
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Day 5: To Hakone Relaxation

Hakone, Japan on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Tokyo

Enjoy a traditional Japanese or Western-style breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Train to Hakone via Odawara

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone by Shinkansen to Odawara and then local train and bus, total approx 2 hours.
JPY3500, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gyoza Center, Hakone

Try a variety of gyoza dumplings in a casual setting, open 11:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Enjoy art and nature combined in this unique outdoor museum with sculptures and hot spring foot baths, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

4:30pm

Check into Ryokan with Onsen

Experience Japanese hospitality at a traditional Ryokan, relax in natural hot springs for the ultimate unwind.
JPY15000, overnight

7:00pm

Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Savor a multi-course traditional Japanese dinner made with seasonal ingredients, included with most ryokan stays.
Included, 2h
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Day 6: Hakone Sightseeing

Hakone, Japan on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast served at your ryokan.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani

Take the ropeway for spectacular views and explore the volcanic valley of Owakudani with its famous black eggs, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY2100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Enjoy tofu-based dishes and local specialties in a traditional setting, open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Lake Ashi Cruise

Relax on a scenic pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji views (weather permitting), operating 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY1000, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Discover the peaceful lakeside Hakone Shrine famous for its torii gate in the water, open 24h with best daylight visiting hours.
JPY0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Experience local flavors at a nearby izakaya, such as Izakaya Shoyo Hakone, open until 9:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Journey to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto, approximately 2 hours.
JPY13000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample Kyoto delicacies at Nishiki Market, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm, perfect for light bites and street food.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with its impressive wooden stage, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll Higashiyama District

Wander through preserved streets with traditional shops and tea houses.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in the historic Gion district, open until 10:00pm.
JPY6500, 1h30m
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Day 8: Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto coffee shop breakfast with pastries and coffee, open from 7:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest and nearby Tenryuji Temple, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Dine on tofu cuisine with scenic views over the river, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous torii gate pathway at this iconic shrine, open 24 hours.
JPY0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience Kyoto nightlife with a dinner at one of the many traditional eateries open until late.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Kyoto Culture Day

Kyoto, Japan on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Kurasu

Specialty coffee shop serving excellent coffee and light breakfast options, open from 8:00am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning golden-covered temple and surrounding gardens, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Contemplate Japan's most famous rock garden, open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy handmade udon noodles in a traditional setting near Kodai-ji Temple, open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY2200, 1h

2:30pm

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Camellia Garden, offered between 1:00pm and 4:00pm by reservation.
JPY3500, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll in Gion District

Spot geisha and enjoy the evening atmosphere of Gion’s historic streets.
JPY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Savor refined kaiseki cuisine in an intimate Michelin-starred restaurant, reservations required.
JPY12000, 2h
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Day 10: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Nara from Kyoto

Take a train to Nara, approximately 45 minutes.
JPY710, 45m

8:30am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try fresh mochi and light breakfast near Nara Park, open from 9:00am.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the Great Buddha Hall housing one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy fresh tuna cuisine near Nara Park, open 11:00am to 9:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Nara Park and Deer

Walk through the expansive park and interact with friendly deer roaming freely, open all day.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this historic shrine known for its lanterns, open 6:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Take train back to Kyoto for dinner and rest.
JPY710, 45m
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Day 11: Explore Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Osaka from Kyoto

Take a rapid train to Osaka, about 30 minutes away.
JPY560, 30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Rikuro Ojisan’s Cheesecake

Try the famous fluffy cheesecake near Osaka Station, open 8:30am to 8:00pm.
JPY600, 1h

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the historic castle and museum with panoramic city views, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Sample famous Osaka street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki along Dotonbori, open all day.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll through Osaka’s largest shopping arcade.
JPY0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy Osaka’s famous kushikatsu (fried skewers) in a lively setting, open until 11:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 12: Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxing breakfast before your departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Last-minute shopping or visit to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

If time allows, visit this peaceful shrine open 6:00am to 5:00pm, or shop nearby.
JPY0, 2h

12:00pm

Travel to Kansai Airport

Head to Kansai International Airport for departure.
JPY1500, 1h
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