7-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey through Japan

Day 1: Arrive & Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast dishes at the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm, offering delicious local flavours.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Explore the historic Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and wander around the traditional streets of Asakusa for a cultural immersion in old Tokyo. Open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen

Enjoy a hearty bowl of world-renowned tonkotsu ramen at Ippudo in central Tokyo, open from 11:00am to 11:00pm – perfect for refuelling before afternoon exploration.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by forest, right next to Yoyogi Park for a nature-filled stroll. Shrine open 5:00am to 6:00pm, park open all day.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Shopping & Evening in Shibuya

Experience Shibuya’s famous crossing, visit trendy shops and cafes, and take in the energetic urban atmosphere in one of Tokyo’s busiest districts.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Try a fun conveyor belt sushi experience at Uobei, with fresh sushi delivered via high-speed trays. Open until 11:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

Day 2: Tokyo Modern & Traditional

Tokyo, Japan on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Aaliya

Indulge in Japanese-style fluffy pancakes and speciality coffee at the popular Cafe Aaliya in Shibuya. Open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse yourself in interactive digital art exhibitions that merge technology with nature. Opens at 10:00am, so arrive early for tickets.
JPY3200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tsuta Ramen

Dine at Tsuta, the first Michelin-starred ramen restaurant, famed for its elegant soy-based broth. Open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Discover quirky fashion boutiques, crepe stands, and youthful street culture in bustling Harajuku, open throughout the day.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Tokyo National Museum

Explore Japan’s oldest and largest museum showcasing art and antiquities, open from 9:30am to 5:00pm (closed Mondays).
JPY1000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Experience traditional izakaya dining with lively atmosphere at Gonpachi, known as ‘Kill Bill’ restaurant. Open until midnight.
JPY3000, 1h

Day 3: Travel to Kyoto & Sightsee

Kyoto, Japan on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Start early with quick breakfast before travelling; many hotels offer traditional Japanese or continental options.
Included or JPY800, 0.5h

8:00am

Shinkansen Ride Tokyo to Kyoto

Take the high-speed bullet train (approx. 2h 15m) for a comfortable and scenic journey to Kyoto. Purchase a JR Pass or tickets in advance.
JPY14000, 2h15m

11:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousands of red torii gates trail dedicating to the Shinto god of rice. Open 24 hours, best to visit early to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kichi Kichi Omurice

Enjoy the theatrical omelette rice at Kichi Kichi, a beloved Kyoto eatery open from 11:30am to 2:00pm only.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

Take in views from this iconic temple’s veranda and walk the historic Higashiyama district. The temple opens from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll Gion District

Walk through the famous geisha district, enjoying atmospheric streets and teahouses. Best explored in early evening.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from traditional kaiseki or yakitori restaurants in lively Pontocho alley, many open until 10:00pm.
JPY3500, 1.5h

Day 4: Kyoto Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy classic Kyoto coffee shop atmosphere with light breakfast dishes. Open from 7:30am.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the serene and famous bamboo groves in Arashiyama. Access is open 24 hours, but morning is best for peace.
Free, 1.5h

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore the historic Zen temple and its beautiful gardens beside the bamboo grove, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Saga Tofu Ine

Try traditional tofu cuisine, a speciality in Kyoto, at this local favourite. Open 11:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour the impressive castle with its beautiful gardens and nightingale floors, open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

3:30pm

Relax at Philosopher's Path

Stroll along this scenic canal-side path lined with cherry trees, peaceful and perfect for reflection.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on Kyoto-style kaiseki and seasonal dishes in a quaint Gion eatery open until 9:00pm.
JPY4000, 1.5h

Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Grab a quick breakfast or bento box before the train to Nara, options available inside the station.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:00am

Train to Nara

Take the rapid train from Kyoto to Nara (approx. 45 min), enjoying the scenic route east of Kyoto.
JPY800, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue and impressive wooden architecture at this UNESCO World Heritage site, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Nara Park & Deer Feeding

Stroll through expansive Nara Park and interact with the free-roaming sacred deer, a highlight of the area.
JPY150 (for deer crackers), 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou Mochi Shop

Snack or lunch on freshly pounded mochi, a specialty in Nara. Open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY800, 0.5h

1:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit the famous shrine known for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, open from 6:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Catch an afternoon train back to Kyoto to rest or explore more at leisure.
JPY800, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Experience Kyoto-style burnt miso ramen at Gogyo, open 6:00pm to midnight.
JPY1400, 1h

Day 6: Travel to Osaka & Explore

Osaka, Japan on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Cafe

Have a relaxed breakfast before heading to Osaka; many cafes offer Japanese and Western options.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Train from Kyoto to Osaka

Short train ride (approx 30 min) to Osaka, Japan’s vibrant culinary capital.
JPY560, 30m

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its museum, surrounded by a beautiful park. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street Food Stalls

Sample iconic street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki at lively Dotonbori, open mostly all day.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll along the covered shopping street with a mix of local boutiques and big brands.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

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

7:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try kushikatsu, deep-fried skewers that are a specialty of Osaka, in this popular and atmospheric restaurant open until 11:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

Day 7: Osaka Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gram Cafe & Pancakes

Indulge in fluffy pancakes and coffee at this popular Osaka cafe, open 8:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world’s largest public aquariums, with captivating marine life from the Pacific Rim. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY2400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies at the lively market, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Last-minute Shopping or Relax

Spend your remaining time shopping in Namba or relaxing in a local cafe before departure.
Varies, 2h