7-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Japan

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi or traditional Japanese breakfasts like tamagoyaki at popular stalls or small eateries in Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sensō-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, renowned for its vibrant Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street offering traditional goods, open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi

Enjoy a stand-up sushi lunch experience at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi near Shimbashi Station, known for its fresh and affordable sushi, open from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Tokyo Skytree Visit

Head to Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the city. The observation decks open at 8:00am and close at 10:00pm, allowing you to see Tokyo’s skyline.
JPY2100, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll through Shibuya

Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing and explore nearby shops and cafes at leisure, ideal for soaking up Tokyo’s vibrant urban culture.
JPY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous Gonpachi, inspiration for the Kill Bill movie fight scene, offering delicious robatayaki and Japanese izakaya fare, open until 11:30pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

Day 2: Nikko Day Trip

Nikko, Japan on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Tokyo to Nikko

Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa Station to Nikko Station, a scenic 2-hour journey starting early to maximize sightseeing time.
JPY2500, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

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

11:30am

Walk around Shinkyo Bridge

Admire the sacred red Shinkyo Bridge, symbolising the entrance to Nikko’s shrines and natural beauty; the bridge is free to walk over and photographed from many angles.
JPY0, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy hearty traditional Japanese dishes in this cosy local favourite near Nikko station, specialising in yakitori and local cuisine.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kegon Falls

Take a bus to Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three great waterfalls, with an observation platform open year-round to witness the spectacular waters.
JPY550 for elevator access, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Travel back by Tobu Limited Express to Tokyo station to prepare for the next day’s journey.
JPY2500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Experience authentic Japanese bar food (izakaya) with a variety of traditional dishes in a nostalgic alley near Shinjuku, open until late evening.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 3: Hakone and Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station followed by local transport into Hakone, a journey of about 1.5 hours.
JPY4000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Stroll among spectacular sculptures integrated into picturesque landscapes, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy fresh baked goods and light meals with views of Lake Ashi, perfect before an afternoon of sightseeing.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Ride Hakone Ropeway

Experience scenic views of Owakudani volcanic valley and Mount Fuji on a 30-minute ropeway ride, operating from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY2100, 1h

3:30pm

Boat cruise on Lake Ashi

Relax on a sightseeing pirate ship cruise offering beautiful lake views surrounded by mountains, with cruises running between 9:00am and 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

5:00pm

Check into Ryokan with Onsen

Stay in a traditional Japanese inn featuring hot spring baths where you can unwind after a day of activity.
JPY15000, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal local ingredients, served in your ryokan typically around 7:00pm.
Included with stay, 1h30m

Day 4: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto

Take local transport back to Odawara then board the Shinkansen to Kyoto, a 2.5-hour journey through scenic countryside.
JPY13500, 3h

11:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousand red torii gates pathway at Fushimi Inari, open 24 hours and free to enter, a must-see symbol of Kyoto.
JPY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample Kyoto specialties like yuba and matcha sweets while browsing fresh and traditional food stalls, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning gold-leaf covered pavilion amid tranquil gardens, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

4:00pm

Gion district walk

Stroll through historic streets where you might spot geisha and enjoy traditional teahouses, free to explore anytime.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from traditional kaiseki or modern cuisine in this charming alley by the river, many restaurants open until 10:00pm.
JPY5000, 1h30m

Day 5: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Take a 45-minute train ride on the JR Nara line, reaching Nara early to beat the crowds.
JPY720, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Discover the giant Buddha and the impressive temple grounds, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Park deer encounter

Enjoy feeding and photographing the friendly deer roaming freely in the park, an iconic Nara experience, accessible all day.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try famous yomogi mochi and other sweets at this popular mochitsuki shop, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the lantern-lined paths and peaceful shrine grounds, open 6:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Take train back to Kyoto to rest and prepare for the next day's exploration.
JPY720, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Izuju Sushi

Enjoy traditional Kyoto-style sushi in a well-regarded restaurant near Gion, open from 11:30am to 8:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h

Day 6: Osaka Vibrance

Osaka, Japan on June 21, 2025

9:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Osaka

Take a quick 30-minute train ride from Kyoto to Osaka, the city famous for its vibrant food scene.
JPY560, 30m

10:00am

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit this landmark with its museum and beautiful park, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Sample takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and other street foods in the bustling Dotonbori area, shops open daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop or window shop at the covered arcade known for fashion and unique boutiques, open from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10:00am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Indulge in kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered food) at this famous local chain, open until 11:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 7: Hiroshima Reflection

Hiroshima, Japan on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Osaka to Hiroshima

Board the Shinkansen for a 2-hour journey to Hiroshima to explore its historical sites.
JPY10000, 2h

9:30am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Learn about the history and hope for peace at the memorial park and museum; open 8:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki from multiple vendors all under one roof, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate; shrine open from 6:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY2000 for ferry and admission, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Hiroshima city

Ferry back to Hiroshima city and prepare for departure or onward travel.
JPY1000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nagataya

Enjoy more Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or other local dishes at this popular spot open until 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m