12-Day Japan Iconic Cities Tour: Exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and More

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfasts at vibrant stalls in the historic Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am-2:00pm, perfect to start your Tokyo adventure.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, a stunning example of traditional architecture and cultural heritage, open daily from 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Walk around Nakamise Shopping Street

Experience lively stalls selling snacks, souvenirs, and crafts leading up to Senso-ji. Great for immersing in local culture.
Free, 40m

Day 2: Tokyo Modern & Traditional Mix

Tokyo, Japan on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Known for its fluffy Japanese ricotta pancakes and fresh coffee, open from 8:30am, a great spot to start the day near trendy Omotesando.
JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Explore Meiji Shrine

Serene Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest, open from sunrise till sunset, perfect for cultural insight and a peaceful walk in the city.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Witness the bustling Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, and see the famous Hachiko dog statue nearby.
Free, 30m

Day 3: Nikko Day Trip

Nikko, Japan on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Kanaya

Start early with a breakfast in this historic café near the Nikko Station, known for its classic Western and Japanese fare, open from 7:30am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavish UNESCO World Heritage site Toshogu Shrine, famous for its intricate carvings and ornate architecture, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Walk around Shinkyo Bridge

Admire the iconic sacred red bridge at the entrance to Nikko’s shrines, great for photos and appreciating Japanese craftsmanship.
Free, 30m

Day 4: Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto coffee house breakfast featuring toast and elegant coffee blends, open from 7:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for thousands of vermillion torii gates, this shrine is open 24/7 for a spiritual and scenic walk uphill.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Explore Gion District

Stroll through Kyoto’s historic geisha district, appreciating traditional wooden machiya houses and charming streets.
Free, 1h

Day 5: Kyoto Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Specialty coffee and light breakfast items amid beautiful Higashiyama surroundings, open from 8:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

One of Japan’s most iconic Zen temples, famous for its stunning gold leaf exterior and tranquil pond setting, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Explore Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Famous minimalist Zen garden providing a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, located near Kinkaku-ji, open till 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

Day 6: Nara Historical Sites

Nara, Japan on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try freshly made yomogi mochi (mugwort rice cakes) at this famous mochi store, open from 9:00am, perfect for a sweet start.
JPY600, 45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore one of the world’s largest wooden buildings housing a massive Great Buddha statue, open 7:30am–5:30pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

11:30am

Nara Park Stroll

Enjoy walking and feeding friendly free-roaming deer in this large public park next to Todai-ji temple.
Free, 1h

Day 7: Osaka Urban Life

Osaka, Japan on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start your day with artisanal coffee and light Western-style breakfast, open from 7:30am near Namba area.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit this iconic historic landmark with panoramic views of Osaka from the observation deck, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Walk around Dotonbori

Famous entertainment district with bright neon lights and famous food streets, great for photos and shopping during the day.
Free, 1h

Day 8: Osaka Museums & Parks

Osaka, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brooklyn Roasting Company

Enjoy hearty coffee and freshly baked goods in this popular café, open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the world’s largest aquariums showcasing marine life from the Pacific Rim, open 10:00am to 8:00pm; morning visit to avoid crowds.
JPY2500, 2h

12:00pm

Walk in Tempozan Harbor Village

Explore shops and the Tempozan Marketplace near the aquarium with views over Osaka Bay.
Free, 1h

Day 9: Hiroshima History

Hiroshima, Japan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bagel & Bagel Hiroshima

Start at this cozy bakery café offering fresh bagels and good coffee, open from 7:30am.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

A deeply moving museum and park dedicated to the 1945 atomic bombing, open 8:30am to 6:00pm, must-see for history and reflection.
JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Explore Atomic Bomb Dome

View the preserved ruins of the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, an iconic symbol of peace.
Free, 30m

Day 10: Miyajima Island Nature

Miyajima, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Miyajima Coffee

Enjoy a tasty light breakfast with ocean views at this café on Miyajima Island, open from 8:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Famous floating torii gate landmark and UNESCO site, open from 6:30am to sunset; go early for fewer crowds and great photos.
JPY300, 2h

12:00pm

Hike Mount Misen

Scenic hiking trails offering spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and the island, open at all times; plan for 2 hours hiking round trip.
Free, 2h

Day 11: Hakone Nature & Onsens

Hakone, Japan on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Hakone

Start your morning with fresh bakery items and coffee with views of Lake Ashi, open from 8:00am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Cruise on Lake Ashi

Enjoy scenic boat cruise with views of Mt. Fuji, available from 9:00am to late afternoon; cruise lasts approx 30 minutes.
JPY1000, 30m

10:30am

Visit Hakone Shrine

Atmospheric shrine nestled in forest near the shore of Lake Ashi, open from sunrise till sunset, peaceful stroll taking about 1 hour.
Free, 1h

Day 12: Tokyo Return & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Streamer Coffee Company

Specialty latte art and strong coffee served with a minimalistic vibe, open from 8:00am in Shibuya.
JPY900, 1h

10:00am

Shop in Ginza District

Explore Tokyo’s upscale shopping district full of boutiques, department stores, and galleries, perfect for last-minute souvenirs.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Visit teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

Experience captivating digital art installations in Odaiba, open 10:00am to 7:00pm with last entry at 6:00pm.
JPY3200, 2h