Ultimate 3-Week Japan Itinerary: Hiking, Hot Springs, Vegan Eats & Stunning Gardens

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at T's Tantan

Start your day with delicious vegan ramen and Japanese style breakfast at T's Tantan in Tokyo Station, open from 7:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

10:00am

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

Walk through the serene forested path to Meiji Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine surrounded by nature, then relax in nearby Yoyogi Park.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ain Soph. Journey

Enjoy gourmet vegan dishes with a Japanese twist in Shinjuku at Ain Soph. Journey, open 11:30am–10:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Nezu Museum Gardens

Explore the beautifully designed Japanese and East Asian gardens surrounding the Nezu Museum, open 10:00am–5:00pm, closed Mondays.
JPY1100, 1h30m

4:00pm

Architectural Walk in Omotesando

Stroll along Omotesando’s tree-lined avenue to admire cutting-edge and traditional architectural designs from famous architects.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Saido

Discover refined vegan Japanese cuisine at Saido, open from 5:30pm–9:30pm in Jiyugaoka.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Tokyo Cultural Day

Tokyo, Japan on June 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Komaki Shokudo

Enjoy a traditional vegan Japanese breakfast made with organic ingredients, open 7:00am–3:00pm in Shinjuku.
JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Tokyo National Museum & Ueno Park

Visit Japan’s oldest museum displaying exquisite traditional art, then stroll through the expansive Ueno Park gardens, open 9:30am–5:00pm, closed Mondays.
JPY620, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tofuya Ukai

Enjoy elegant tofu-based vegan cuisine at this scenic restaurant near Tokyo Tower, open 11:30am–2:00pm and 5:00pm–9:00pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

3:30pm

TeamLab Planets or Mori Art Museum

Immerse yourself in the futuristic digital art at TeamLab Planets or explore contemporary art and architecture at Mori Art Museum, open 10:00am–10:00pm.
JPY3200, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Brown Rice Cafe

Savour organic, whole food vegan dishes in a cozy atmosphere in Shibuya, open 11:30am–9:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 3: Day Trip Nikko Hiking

Nikko, Japan on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nikko

Take the Tobu limited express train from Tokyo to Nikko (approx 2 hours).
JPY2500, 2h

9:30am

Nikko National Park Hiking

Hike the scenic trails around Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, exploring lush forests and waterfalls.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy local vegetarian and vegan-friendly soba at this friendly Nikko eatery, open 11:00am–3:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Tour the ornate and world-famous UNESCO shrine complex, open 8:00am–5:00pm.
JPY1300, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo by train for overnight stay.
JPY2500, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Loving Hut

Finish your day with comforting vegan dishes at this international vegan chain in Tokyo, open 11:00am–10:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h
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Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto Transit

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nagi Shokudo

Enjoy wholesome vegan Japanese-style breakfast, open 9:00am–5:00pm in Shimokitazawa.
JPY1400, 1h

10:00am

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto (approx 2h30m).
JPY14000, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Veg Out

Dine on modern vegan cuisine with river views at this popular Kyoto cafe, open 11:00am–8:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens

Walk through the extensive traditional gardens and park surrounding the historic Imperial Palace, free entry, open 9:00am–4:30pm.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mamezen

Savour creative vegan kaiseki dishes at this intimate Kyoto restaurant, reservations recommended, open till 9:00pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kyoto Gardens & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Room to Read Cafe

Enjoy fresh vegan breakfast fare in a cosy setting, open 8:30am–5:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Hike Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park

Walk through the iconic bamboo grove and hike up to the Iwatayama Monkey Park for panoramic views.
JPY550, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Partake in elegant Buddhist temple vegan cuisine (shojin ryori) at Shigetsu inside Tenryu-ji Temple, open 11:00am–3:00pm, closed Wednesdays.
JPY3000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the iconic gold-leafed temple surrounded by tranquil gardens, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Kyoto Tenzan Onsen

Soothe your muscles in this traditional hot spring spa with an outdoor bath experience, open till 11:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Atl

Enjoy a plant-based dinner with a focus on local ingredients, open till 9:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 6: Koya-san Spiritual Retreat

Mount Koya, Japan on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Koya-san

Take train and cable car from Kyoto to Mount Koya (approx 3 hours).
JPY2500, 3h

11:00am

Check-in at Shukubo Temple Lodging

Stay overnight at a Buddhist temple lodging to experience traditional vegetarian monk meals and meditation.
JPY8000, N/A

12:00pm

Lunch (Shojin Ryori)

Enjoy the exquisite vegan Buddhist cuisine prepared at the temple.
Included, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Okunoin Cemetery and Danjo Garan

Walk through Japan’s largest cemetery forest and visit the sacred temples of Danjo Garan.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner (Shojin Ryori)

Relax with another wholesome Buddhist vegetarian dinner at your temple lodging.
Included, 1h
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Day 7: Koya-san Morning Ritual & Travel to Shikoku

Mount Koya to Shikoku, Japan on June 20, 2025

6:00am

Join Morning Prayer

Participate in early morning Buddhist chanting ceremony at your temple, a serene spiritual experience.
Free, 1h

8:00am

Breakfast (Shojin Ryori)

Enjoy a light traditional vegan breakfast served at the temple lodging.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Travel to Matsuyama, Shikoku

Take train and ferry routes to Matsuyama city on Shikoku Island (approx 4h).
JPY6000, 4h

3:00pm

Visit Dogo Onsen Honkan

Relax at Japan's oldest hot spring bathhouse, open 6:00am–11:00pm.
JPY410, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Tsuruhama Shokudo

Savour fresh and creative vegan meals at this popular local spot, open till 8:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 8: Iya Valley Hiking & Adventure

Iya Valley, Shikoku, Japan on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Iya Valley

Drive or take local transport to the scenic Iya Valley, famed for deep gorges and vine bridges (approx 2h from Matsuyama).
Variable, 2h

9:30am

Hiking the Iya Valley Trails

Explore the stunning hiking routes including Korokan Vine Bridge and views over the deep gorge valleys.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Packed Vegan Lunch

Enjoy a packed vegan lunch arranged through your accommodation or local cafe in the valley.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Oboke Gorge

Take a relaxed boat ride or walk around the dramatic Oboke and Koboke gorges.
JPY1500, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Matsuyama

Head back to Matsuyama in the evening for overnight.
Variable, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Vegecate

Enjoy wholesome vegan comfort food in Matsuyama, open till 9:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 9: Shikoku Temples & Gardens

Shikoku, Japan on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nourishing vegan breakfast to prepare for a day of temple visits.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Ritsurin Garden, Takamatsu

Marvel at one of Japan’s finest stroll gardens, featuring meticulously landscaped views, open 7:00am–6:00pm.
JPY410, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kappo Nagi

Experience elegant and creative vegan Japanese cuisine in Takamatsu, open 11:30am–2:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h

2:00pm

Temple Visit: Kompira Shrine

Climb the sacred stairs to Kompira Shrine, a beloved pilgrimage site with stunning architecture and views.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Matsuyama

Travel back to Matsuyama for an evening rest.
Variable, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Nature Dining Tamago no Kura

Dine on organic vegan dishes with ingredients sourced locally in a tranquil setting, open till 9:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 10: Travel to Hakone & Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Matsuyama to Hakone

Take train and bullet train via Okayama and Odawara (approx 5.5 hours).
JPY15000, 5h30m

2:00pm

Check-in and relax at ryokan

Stay at a traditional ryokan with private onsen facilities for ultimate relaxation.
JPY20000, N/A

3:00pm

Hakone Open Air Museum

Explore sculptures and stunning mountain views at this unique museum, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at ryokan with vegan options

Enjoy a kaiseki style vegan dinner prepared by the ryokan chefs upon request.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 11: Hakone Hiking & Nature

Hakone, Japan on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Start your day with a nutritious vegan breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Hiking Old Tokaido Road

Hike the historic Old Tokaido trail lined with cedar trees and stone lanterns, approx 4-5 hours.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Gora Brewery & Grill

Enjoy plant-based dishes in a relaxed brewery setting, open 11:00am–8:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Hakone Yuryo Onsen

Spend your late afternoon soaking in open air hot springs, open 10:00am–9:00pm.
JPY2600, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Itokyu

Enjoy vegan-friendly Japanese cuisine in Hakone Yumoto, open until 9:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 12: Return to Tokyo & Departure

Hakone to Tokyo, Japan on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Enjoy your final Japanese vegan breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo by Odawara Shinkansen (approx 1.5h).
JPY3200, 1h30m

12:00pm

Last-minute shopping in Ginza

Explore the upscale shopping district of Ginza to pick up souvenirs and gifts.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Nagi Shokudo

Have a final hearty vegan meal in Tokyo before heading out, open 11:30am–10:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

4:00pm

Departure preparations

Head to your accommodation or airport for your departure flight, concluding your ultimate Japan experience.
Variable, N/A
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