8-Day Comprehensive Japan Adventure: Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and Japanese street food at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5am to 2pm. It's a great introduction to Japanese cuisine.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, famous for its impressive gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street. The temple is open from 6am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk around Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo

Enjoy the natural beauty and cultural venues at Ueno Park, including a visit to Ueno Zoo (open 9:30am-5pm) for a relaxed afternoon.
JPY620, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen Akihabara

Savor authentic Tonkotsu ramen at Ippudo, known for its rich broth and tender pork, open from 11am to 10pm daily.
JPY1000, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Akihabara Electronics Town

Experience Tokyo's vibrant otaku culture by exploring numerous electronics shops and anime stores, open throughout the day into the evening.
Free to browse, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous 'Kill Bill' inspired restaurant specializing in traditional Japanese dishes and izakaya style dining, open from 5pm to midnight.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Tokyo Culture & Modern City

Tokyo, Japan on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills, Omotesando

Enjoy fluffy pancakes and specialty coffees at Bills, popular for their breakfast menu and open from 8am to 5pm.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine

A peaceful escape in the city, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, surrounded by a well-maintained forest, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Shop and explore Harajuku

Famous for quirky street fashion and culture, visit Takeshita Street and nearby boutiques, open mid-morning through evening.
Free to browse, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Harajuku

Try yuzu-flavored ramen at Afuri known for its refreshing broth, open 11:30am to 10pm.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00pm

Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Experience one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings and visit the famous Hachiko statue, both iconic Tokyo landmarks, open all times.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Get panoramic views of Tokyo for free from the observation decks, open 9:30am to 11pm.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Toriki Yakitori

Enjoy expertly grilled yakitori in a cozy setting in a Michelin-star restaurant open from 5pm to 11pm, reservations recommended.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone

Hakone, Japan on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hakone via Romancecar

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto for scenic mountain views, approximately 1.5 hours travel time.
JPY2200, 1h30m

9:00am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore a beautiful outdoor sculpture park combined with indoor exhibits, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy fresh pastries and meals with views of Lake Ashi, open from 8am to 5pm daily.
JPY1500, 1h

1:00pm

Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise

Take a pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi to enjoy scenic views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), cruises run between 9am and 4:30pm.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Hakone Shrine Visit

Visit the serene Hakone Shrine nestled in forest near the lake, open throughout the day.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax in an Onsen

End the day soaking in a traditional hot spring bath at a local ryokan or public onsen, many operate until evening.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gyoza Center in Hakone

Try delicious handmade gyoza dumplings at this popular local eatery, open until 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h

7:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Take the Romancecar back to Tokyo, relaxing after a day of discovering nature and culture.
JPY2200, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Kyoto & Temple Visits

Kyoto, Japan on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a light Japanese breakfast to prepare for your journey to Kyoto.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto

Take the efficient Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
JPY14000, 2h15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample diverse fresh Kyoto specialties and snacks at this traditional market open from 9am to 6pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic gold-leaf covered temple and its beautiful gardens, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Famous for its rock garden, this site offers a peaceful experience, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

5:00pm

Check into accommodation

Relax and freshen up for the evening.
Varies, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy traditional kaiseki meals or casual dining in this historic Kyoto alleyway, many restaurants open from 5pm till late.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy Kyoto-style breakfast in a historic café known for its coffee and traditional dishes, open from 8am to 8pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vibrant vermillion torii gates in this iconic shrine, open 24 hours with free entry.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore famous autumn foliage gardens and historic temple buildings, open from 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Try handmade udon noodles in a cozy restaurant near temples, open from 11am to 8pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Famous for panoramic city views and historic wooden stage, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Experience traditional shops, teahouses, and cobbled streets near Kiyomizu-dera.
Free to browse, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine and sake in the traditional Gion district, open until 10pm.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Osaka & Food Exploration

Osaka, Japan on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Start the day with a simple Japanese or Western breakfast before traveling to Osaka.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Train from Kyoto to Osaka

Quick 15-30 minute train ride to central Osaka via JR or private lines.
JPY560, 30m

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour one of Japan's most famous landmarks with historical exhibits and panoramic views, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Indulge in Osaka's famous street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki on vibrant Dotonbori, eateries typically open 11am to midnight.
JPY2000, 1h30m

1:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and experience a variety of stores in Osaka’s popular covered shopping street, open typically 10am to 9pm.
Free to browse, 2h

3:30pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy spectacular views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try Osaka’s specialty deep-fried skewers at this popular restaurant open from 4pm to midnight.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Osaka Culture & Entertainment

Osaka, Japan on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy quality coffee and light breakfast options at this popular café open from 8am to 7pm.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Visit the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)

Explore one of the world's largest public aquariums with impressive marine exhibits, open 10am to 8pm.
JPY2400, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Casual dining with a variety of Japanese and international options near the aquarium.
JPY1500, 1h

1:00pm

Namba Yasaka Shrine

Visit this unique shrine famed for its giant lion head stage, open 24 hours with no admission fee.
Free, 30m

2:00pm

Explore Namba and Amerikamura

Discover the lively shopping, entertainment, and street culture districts.
Free to browse, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, Dotonbori

Savor premium Matsusaka beef grilled yakiniku style, open 5pm to 11pm. Reservations recommended.
JPY6000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure from Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final meal in Japan with a leisurely breakfast.
Included in accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Last minute shopping and stroll in Namba

Take a final walk through the bustling district for souvenirs or snacks.
Free to browse, 2h

11:00am

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Head to Osaka’s main international airport for departure.
JPY1000 by train or bus, 1h
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