5-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Japan

Day 1: Tokyo Debut

Tokyo, Japan on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and local street food at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm, perfect for a traditional Japanese breakfast.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Meiji Shrine

Visit this serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, open from sunrise to sunset, to experience traditional Japanese culture amidst a lush forest.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Experience trendy fashion and quirky shops in Harajuku, the youth culture hotspot of Tokyo.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen

Enjoy yuzu-flavored ramen at Afuri, open 11:00am to 10:00pm, known for its light and refreshing broth perfect for a midday meal.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Tokyo National Museum

Explore Japan’s largest museum showcasing samurai armor, traditional art, and historical artifacts; open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll through Ueno Park

Relax in the spacious park setting and visit ponds, temples, and sculptures in the early evening.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous Gonpachi restaurant, inspiration for 'Kill Bill' scenes, offering traditional Japanese izakaya dishes; open 5:00pm to midnight.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nikko Temples

Nikko, Japan on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese or Western breakfast offered at your hotel before heading out.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Nikko

Take the train from Tokyo to Nikko (approximately 2 hours) to explore UNESCO World Heritage site temples.
JPY2700, 2h

10:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Tour the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, famous for its ornate carvings and the 'See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil' monkeys; open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1300, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy traditional Japanese comfort food like yakitori and soba at Hippari Dako, a popular local eatery open 11:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Visit the stunning Kegon Falls and enjoy the natural beauty around Lake Chuzenji, accessible by bus from Nikko center.
Bus JPY500, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Take the train back to Tokyo in the evening.
JPY2700, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Shibuya

Savor classic tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran in Shibuya, open 24 hours, perfect for a late dinner after a long day.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 3: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a filling breakfast before your bullet train journey to Kyoto.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto (approx. 2h30m) for a seamless and scenic ride.
JPY13500, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous torii gate paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine, open 24 hours, renowned for its thousands of vibrant red gates.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste Kyoto specialties like yuba and matcha sweets while strolling this bustling market open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning gold-leaf covered temple and its beautiful gardens; open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

4:00pm

Walk in Gion District

Experience the traditional wooden machiya houses and maybe spot a Geisha in this historic district.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the many restaurants offering Kyoto kaiseki cuisine along this atmospheric alley open into late evening.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nara Adventure

Nara, Japan on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your short trip to Nara.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Nara

Catch a train from Kyoto to Nara, which takes about 45 minutes.
JPY800, 45m

10:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue inside this iconic temple; open 7:30am to 5:30pm, the temple is a marvel of Japanese Buddhist architecture.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try mochi, a famous sweet rice cake specialty of Nara, at this well-known spot open until late afternoon.
JPY500, 1h

2:00pm

Stroll Nara Park

Enjoy interacting with the freely roaming deer in Nara Park and visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine; park is open 24 hours.
Free; Shrine JPY500, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Take the train back to Kyoto for dinner and overnight stay.
JPY800, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen

Experience the unique 'fire ramen' where broth is set aflame tableside, open 5:00pm to 11:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 5: Osaka Delights

Osaka, Japan on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before traveling to Osaka.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Osaka

Take a quick train ride from Kyoto to Osaka, roughly 15 minutes by Shinkansen or 30 minutes by regular train.
JPY1500, 30m

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the historic Osaka Castle and its museum, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, an iconic symbol of Osaka's rich history.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Delight in street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki on the lively and colorful Dotonbori, open all day with most shops around 11:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll in Osaka’s premier shopping area featuring a mix of Japanese boutiques and international brands.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the open-air observatory; open 10:00am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kura Sushi

Experience fun and affordable conveyor belt sushi at Kura Sushi, open 11:00am to 11:00pm, a perfect way to conclude your trip.
JPY2000, 1h
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