7-Day Comprehensive Japan Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto Cultural & Culinary Journey

Day 1: Explore Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese street food at Tsukiji Outer Market, a lively spot open from 5am to 2pm.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple located in Asakusa, appreciating its historic charm and vibrant Nakamise shopping street nearby. Open all day, best early morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Tokyo Skytree Visit

Ascend the tallest tower in Japan for panoramic city views. The observation decks open from 8am to 10pm.
JPY2100, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya

Experience affordable and fun conveyor belt sushi in Shibuya, open from 11:00 to 23:00.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Meiji Shrine Visit

Walk through the peaceful forested pathway to Meiji Shrine, a major Shinto site open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Harajuku

Stroll Takeshita Street for unique fashion, sweets, and youthful culture.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Dine at the iconic Gonpachi, known as the inspiration for the Kill Bill movie, serving delicious yakitori. Open from 5pm to 11:30pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at AIN SOPH Journey Shinjuku

Enjoy a vegan breakfast with a Japanese twist in Shinjuku, open from 8am to 8pm.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Tokyo National Museum

Discover Japan’s rich history and art in Ueno Park. Open 9:30am–5pm, closed Mondays.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Innsyoutei

Located in Ueno Park, this traditional restaurant serves seasonal kaiseki cuisine, open 11am–9pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Akihabara

Explore Tokyo’s electronics and otaku culture district, open all day with various shops.
Free entry, costs vary by purchase, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Oedo Onsen Monogatari

Experience a traditional onsen hot spring theme park open from 11am to 9am next day in Odaiba, offering relaxation after busy touring.
JPY2480, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji

Savour fresh sushi at this famous 24-hour Tsukiji fish market favourite.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 3: Hakone Retreat

Hakone, Japan on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Hakone by Odakyu Romancecar

Depart early from Shinjuku Station for a scenic 90-minute trip to Hakone, famous for hot springs and views of Mount Fuji.
JPY2200, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy freshly baked goods and coffee overlooking Lake Ashi.
JPY1200, 1h

10:30am

Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani Valley

Ride the ropeway for breathtaking views and visit volcanic valley with hot springs open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY2060, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Togendai View Restaurant

Casual dining with mountain views located at the ropeway's Togendai station.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore the blend of nature and art with sculptures and Picasso Pavilion, open 9am–5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

5:00pm

Check in to Ryokan with Onsen

Experience authentic Japanese accommodation and hot spring baths.
JPY15000, Overnight

7:00pm

Traditional Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course seasonal Japanese dinner within the ryokan.
Included in stay, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Traditional Japanese breakfast with local ingredients, typically consisting of rice, fish, and miso soup.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Odawara to Kyoto in approximately 2 hours, enjoying comfortable and fast service.
JPY13000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various Kyoto street foods and delicacies at the lively Nishiki Market, open 9am to 6pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its wooden stage with views over Kyoto. Open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk the historic Higashiyama District

Wander through preserved streets full of traditional shops and teahouses.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine in the historic Gion district, serving from 5pm to 10pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Traditional Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Quirky and cosy cafe serving Japanese-Western fusion breakfast, open from 9am.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk the famous torii gate pathways for a spiritual experience. Open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Taste light dishes and quality coffee near Fushimi Inari, open from 8am to 5pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour the historic castle and gardens, open 8:45am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Philosopher's Path Walk

Enjoy a relaxing walk along this famous route lined with cherry trees and temples.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from many traditional restaurants in this atmospheric dining street open late.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Art & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Famous Kyoto coffee shop offering a traditional Japanese-Western style breakfast. Open from 7am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning gold leaf covered temple reflecting on a pond, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Explore the serene Zen rock garden near Kinkaku-ji, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Try unique tofu dishes at this historic restaurant near Kiyomizu Temple.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Gion District

Explore Kyoto’s famous geisha district with traditional teahouses and shops.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening Tea Ceremony

Experience an authentic tea ceremony in a traditional setting; pre-booking recommended.
JPY3000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ryotei Honke Onta

Enjoy a refined multi-course kaiseki dinner featuring local Kyoto ingredients, open till 9pm.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 7: Osaka Highlights & Departure

Osaka, Japan on July 20, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Osaka from Kyoto

Short 15-minute train journey from Kyoto to Osaka to begin day tour.
JPY560, 30m

8:15am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and street snacks at Osaka’s vibrant market, open from 9am.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Castle

Explore the iconic castle and its museum, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Dotonbori Exploration

Enjoy shopping, sightseeing, and street food in this bustling district.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Try Osaka’s famous takoyaki and learn about its history, open 11am to 8pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Departure / Head to Kansai International Airport

Prepare for your flight with ample time to travel to the airport from central Osaka.
JPY1000 (train), 1h
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