7-Day Tokyo and Kyoto Japan Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & History

Day 1: Arrival and Evening

Tokyo, Japan on July 14, 2025

4:05pm

Arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport

Land at Tokyo Haneda and collect your luggage. Proceed to central Tokyo via the Airport Limousine Bus or train (approx. 40-60 mins).
JPY1000, 1h

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel

Check in to your hotel in central Tokyo (Shinjuku or Shibuya area recommended for convenience).
Variable, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Torikizoku

Enjoy affordable, delicious yakitori at Torikizoku, a popular chain open late, offering Japanese charcoal-grilled chicken skewers.
JPY1500, 1h

8:30pm

Evening stroll around Shinjuku

Explore Shinjuku’s vibrant nighttime atmosphere featuring neon lights and shops. Visit Omoide Yokocho for a nostalgic vibe.
Free, 1h 30m
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Day 2: Tokyo City Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Savour fresh sushi and traditional street food at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from early morning till afternoon.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple featuring beautiful architecture and Nakamise shopping street.
Free, 1h 30m

11:30am

Visit Ueno Park and Museums

Walk around Ueno Park and choose museums such as Tokyo National Museum. Park is beautiful with ponds and shrines.
JPY620 (museum), 1h 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen, Ueno

Enjoy classic tonkotsu ramen in this well-known chain open all day.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Akihabara Electric Town

Discover anime, manga shops, and electronic stores in Tokyo’s pop culture hub.
Free, 1h 30m

4:30pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

Walk through serene forest surrounding Meiji Shrine, a grand Shinto shrine near Harajuku.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Afuri Harajuku

Eat signature yuzu-flavoured ramen to refresh after sightseeing. Open until 11pm.
JPY1500, 1h

7:30pm

Walk in Takeshita Street

Experience energetic teenage fashion and food culture in this famous shopping street.
Free, 1h
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Day 3: Nature & Onsen

Hakone, Japan on July 16, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hakone

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (about 1h 30m). Enjoy scenic mountain views.
JPY2200, 1h 30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Hakone

Have delightful bakery fresh pastries with views over Lake Ashi.
JPY1200, 1h

10:00am

Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise

Take a relaxing pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt Fuji (weather permitting).
JPY1030, 1h

11:30am

Owakudani Valley Visit

Explore volcanic valley with sulphur vents and try the famous black eggs. Open 9am-5pm.
Cable car fare JPY1200, 1h 30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Enjoy traditional tofu and tempura dishes near Owakudani, a local culinary delight.
JPY2000, 1h

3:00pm

Check-in to Ryokan with Onsen

Experience traditional Japanese inn with hot spring baths to relax after the day’s explorations.
JPY15000 approx, 2h

6:30pm

Traditional Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Savour multiple course Japanese dinner prepared with seasonal ingredients, included in many ryokan stays.
Included with ryokan, 1h 30m
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Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Early breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast typical at a ryokan before departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto

Take train from Hakone-Yumoto to Odawara, then Shinkansen to Kyoto (total approximately 2h 30m).
JPY13000, 2h 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Sample varied ramen styles from top shops conveniently located within Kyoto Station.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Check-in at Kyoto hotel

Settle into centrally located Kyoto accommodation near Gion or Kawaramachi.
Variable, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage and views over Kyoto.
JPY400, 1h 30m

5:30pm

Walk around Gion District

Discover Kyoto’s famous geisha district with traditional teahouses and charming streets.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kyoto-style kaiseki or set meals in a traditional setting.
JPY4000, 1h 30m
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Day 5: Kyoto Cultural Tour

Kyoto, Japan on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with classic Kyoto café coffee and pastries in a historic setting.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the famous thousands of red torii gates leading to the shrine’s mountaintop location. Open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Explore Tofuku-ji Temple

Admire Zen gardens and traditional architecture in one of Kyoto’s largest temples. Open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample local delicacies and street food along this long market street in central Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

See the stunning gold-leaf covered Buddhist temple and beautiful gardens. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY400, 1h

4:00pm

Relax in Maruyama Park

Stroll through Kyoto’s popular park with ponds and scenic spots, great for a break.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from lively restaurants along this atmospheric traditional dining street.
JPY3000-5000, 1h 30m
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Day 6: Nara Day Trip

Kyoto & Nara, Japan on July 19, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Nara (about 45 minutes).
JPY720, 45m

8:30am

Breakfast near Nara Station

Grab a quick and delicious breakfast at a local café near the station.
JPY800, 30m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore one of the largest wooden buildings housing the Great Buddha statue, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h 30m

10:45am

Nara Park & Deer Feeding

Enjoy walking among friendly free-roaming deer in Nara Park and buy special deer crackers.
JPY150 for crackers, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try fresh mochi prepared right in front of you in this famous shop.
JPY600, 30m

1:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this historic Shinto shrine famous for its stone and bronze lanterns. Open 6am-6pm.
JPY500, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back by train from Nara to Kyoto.
JPY720, 45m

3:30pm

Free time or optional visit to Kyoto Imperial Palace

Explore the gardens and grounds of the Imperial Palace if energy permits. Free admission, book tour if inside. Open till 5pm.
Free, 1h 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station area

Enjoy casual Japanese dishes in one of the many restaurants inside or near the station.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 7: Tokyo Last Day

Tokyo, Japan on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen early morning for the approximately 2h 30m journey back to Tokyo.
JPY13000, 2h 30m

11:00am

Brunch at Bills Omotesando

Enjoy a leisurely brunch famous for ricotta hotcakes and relaxed atmosphere.
JPY2500, 1h

12:30pm

Visit teamLab Planets TOKYO

Experience immersive digital art in this innovative museum open 10am-7pm (last entry 6pm).
JPY3200, 1h 30m

2:30pm

Explore Odaiba area

Stroll the waterfront, visit shopping malls and enjoy views of Rainbow Bridge.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Early dinner at Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji

Indulge in late afternoon sushi at a popular chain known for fresh fish and reasonable prices.
JPY3000, 1h

6:30pm

Travel to Tokyo Haneda Airport

Head to the airport by train or limousine bus for your 8:30pm flight departure.
JPY1000, 1h
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