12-Day Ultimate Japan Iconic Cities Itinerary: Mountains, Museums, Parks & Historical Marvels

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Sightseeing

Tokyo, Japan on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh Japanese breakfast dishes like tamago-yaki and grilled seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

9:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine

Explore this iconic Shinto shrine nestled in a peaceful forested area, showcasing traditional architecture and serene walking paths. Opens at 5:00am.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Harajuku Takeshita Street

Famous for youth culture, boutiques, and quirky shops, an energetic walk here gives insight into modern Tokyo lifestyle.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Visit the National Museum of Modern Art

Dive into Japan’s art scene featuring 20th-century paintings, prints, and crafts, open 10:00am to 5:00pm, closed Mondays.
JPY500, 2h

4:00pm

Walk around Ueno Park and Zoo

Explore beautiful Ueno Park with its ponds and visit Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo hosting pandas and native wildlife. Zoo open 9:30am - 5:00pm.
Zoo JPY600, Park Free, 2h30m

7:00pm

Night walk around Akihabara

Experience the vibrant neon lights, electronic shops, and anime culture for a dazzling Tokyo night.
Free, 2h
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Day 2: Tokyo Historical & Cultural Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Senso-ji Asakusa

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast near Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, open from 6:00am.
JPY1500, 1h30m

9:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street

Explore the impressive temple grounds and browse traditional souvenirs and street foods along lively Nakamise Street.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Tokyo National Museum

Located in Ueno Park, this museum holds an extensive collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks from prehistoric to modern times, open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY620, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Imperial Palace East Gardens

Stroll through these scenic and historic gardens within the Imperial Palace grounds, open from 9:00am to 4:30pm, closed Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Ginza District

Admire upscale shopping, iconic architecture, and art galleries under glowing city lights as night falls.
Free, 2h
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Day 3: Tokyo Modern Delights & Night Views

Tokyo, Japan on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Shibuya Café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian scramble.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

Immerse yourself in futuristic digital art installations in Odaiba, open 10:00am - 7:00pm, last entry 6:00pm.
JPY3200, 2h

12:00pm

Walk the Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba Seaside Park

Enjoy panoramic Tokyo Bay views while walking across this famous bridge and visit the relaxing park nearby.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Explore Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Observation Deck

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline from the top, open 10:00am - 11:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h30m

7:00pm

Night visit to Tokyo Tower

Visit this iconic landmark’s night-lit observation deck open until 11:00pm for stunning views.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 4: Hakone Nature & History

Hakone, Japan on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a wholesome Japanese breakfast or western-style options before heading out for the day.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Hakone from Tokyo

Take the Romancecar limited express train (approx. 1.5 hours) for scenic views en route.
JPY2000 approx., 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Hakone Open Air Museum

Explore modern and contemporary outdoor sculptures in a mountain setting, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

2:00pm

Cruise on Lake Ashi

Enjoy a scenic boat ride with magnificent views of Mount Fuji and Hakone's natural beauty. Cruises operate from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

A tranquil Shinto shrine on the lake’s edge with iconic torii gate views, open year-round.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Night stroll around Hakone Yumoto town

Enjoy the soothing hot spring town ambiance with lit streets and traditional inns.
Free, 2h
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Day 5: Mountain Views & Art in Hakone

Hakone, Japan on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local ryokan

Savor a traditional Japanese breakfast including steamed rice, grilled fish, and miso soup.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley

Ride the cable car to volcanic valley viewing sulfur vents and eating black eggs, open 9:00am-4:30pm.
JPY1800, 2h

12:00pm

Explore Pola Museum of Art

Modern art museum with works by Monet, Renoir, and Japanese artists, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1800, 2h

3:30pm

Relax in an onsen (hot spring)

Enjoy healing mineral baths at one of Hakone's renowned hot spring resorts, many open into the evening.
JPY1500-3000, 2h

7:00pm

Evening walk around Lake Ashi lakeside

Enjoy gentle waterside strolls with views of illuminated mountains and boats.
Free, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Ancient Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Taste diverse traditional breakfast foods, opening at 9:00am – pick an early café nearby available from 7:30am for Japanese style breakfast.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the dazzling gold-leaf covered temple set in serene gardens, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Enjoy contemplative Zen rock garden views at this world-famous temple, open 8:00am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

1:00pm

Nijo Castle

Tour the historic samurai castle with beautiful gardens and intricate interiors, open 8:45am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk the Philosopher’s Path

Take a peaceful stroll along this cherry blossom-lined canal, connecting temples, open at all times.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Evening visit to Gion District

Explore Kyoto’s historic geisha district with atmospheric streets and traditional tea houses, ideal for night walks.
Free, 2h
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Day 7: Kyoto Temples & Museums

Kyoto, Japan on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near Kyoto Station

Start your day with a variety of Japanese or western breakfast options near the station, many open early.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic torii gates on this famous mountain shrine, open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Kyoto National Museum

Explore a comprehensive collection of traditional Japanese art and artifacts, open 9:30am-5:00pm.
JPY520, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Sanjusangendo Temple

Admire 1001 life-size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, open 8:00am-4:30pm.
JPY600, 1h

7:00pm

Night walk in Pontocho Alley

Experience Kyoto’s narrow alley famous for traditional dining and nightlife ambiance.
Free, 2h
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Day 8: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Grab a quick and filling breakfast at Kyoto Station before the train to Nara, stations open from 7:00am.
JPY800, 1h

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Train ride approximately 45 mins on JR or Kintetsu lines.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See Japan’s largest wooden building and massive Buddha statue, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Nara Park and feed the friendly deer

Enjoy a scenic walk with freely roaming deer and beautiful ponds.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this historic shrine famous for its lanterns, open 6:30am-5:30pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Train ride back to Kyoto after an enriching day.
JPY710, 45m

7:30pm

Evening walk near Kyoto station

Relax exploring shops and the city views near Kyoto Station illuminated at night.
Free, 1h30m
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Day 9: Hiroshima History & Peace

Hiroshima, Japan on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before shinkansen to Hiroshima, stations open early.
JPY1200, 1h

8:00am

Travel Kyoto to Hiroshima by Shinkansen

Approximate 2-hour bullet train for a smooth, fast journey.
JPY13500, 2h

11:00am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Explore this moving site and museum dedicated to peace and memory of the atomic bombing, park open 24 hours, museum open 8:30am-6:00pm.
JPY200, 3h

3:30pm

Visit Atomic Bomb Dome

View the preserved ruins symbolizing the impact of the atomic bomb, accessible any time.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Walk around Shukkeien Garden

A traditional Japanese garden offering a tranquil retreat, open 9:00am-6:00pm.
JPY260, 1h30m

7:00pm

Evening walk in Hondori Shopping Street

Experience the lively atmosphere of Hiroshima’s downtown shopping arcade, open into the evening.
Free, 2h
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Day 10: Miyajima Island & Hiroshima Museums

Hiroshima, Japan on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near Hiroshima Station

Enjoy light meals before ferry to Miyajima Island, many places open by 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Scenic 10-minute ferry ride to this famous island known for Itsukushima Shrine.
JPY180, 30m

9:00am

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

World Heritage Site with iconic floating torii gate visible at high tide, open 6:30am-6:00pm.
JPY300, 2h

11:30am

Mount Misen Hiking or Ropeway

Take a ropeway or hike to the summit for panoramic views of Seto Inland Sea, open 9:00am-4:30pm.
Ropeway JPY1800, 3h

3:30pm

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry and train back to city center.
Around JPY2000 total, 1h

6:00pm

Visit Hiroshima Museum of Art

Explore Impressionist and modern art collections, open 9:30am-6:00pm.
JPY300, 1h30m
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Day 11: Osaka Vibrant City

Osaka, Japan on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hiroshima Station

Begin with breakfast before shinkansen to Osaka, open early for commuters.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Travel Hiroshima to Osaka by Shinkansen

Approx. 1.5-hour fast train to the heart of Kansai region.
JPY10000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Osaka Castle & Park

Explore the iconic castle museum and spacious parklands, castle open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

2:00pm

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the world’s largest aquariums, featuring marine life from the Pacific Rim, open 10:00am-8:00pm.
JPY2400, 3h

6:30pm

Night walk at Dotonbori

Famous for neon lights and energetic nightlife, a perfect way to experience Osaka’s vibrancy.
Free, 2h
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Day 12: Osaka Museums & Parks Finale

Osaka, Japan on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near Umeda Station

Enjoy a modern café breakfast before the day's explorations.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit National Museum of Art, Osaka

Focus on contemporary Japanese and international art, open 10:00am-5:00pm, closed Mondays.
JPY430, 2h

12:00pm

Walk through Tennoji Park and Zoo

Relax in spacious gardens and enjoy one of Japan’s oldest zoos, zoo open 9:30am-5:00pm, closed Tuesdays.
JPY500, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Shitennoji Temple

One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples dating back to 593 AD, open 8:30am-4:30pm.
JPY300, 1h

5:00pm

Evening river walk along Tosabori River

Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll along beautifully lit riverbanks in central Osaka.
Free, 2h
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