Ultimate 15-Day Japan Itinerary Covering Iconic Cities, Historic Sites, Mountains, Museums, Palaces, Temples, Adventure Parks, Zoos & Shopping

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Tsukiji Outer Market Visit

Start your day with a stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market to soak in the lively atmosphere and see traditional food stalls and shops, famous for fresh seafood and Japanese delicacies.
JPY0, 1h30m

10:00am

Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the tallest tower in the city, a must-see for first-time visitors. It opens at 8:00am and offers stunning skyline photo opportunities.
JPY2100, 1h

11:30am

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, and explore the traditional Nakamise shopping street leading up to the temple. Great for culture, history, and souvenirs.
JPY0, 1h30m

2:00pm

Ueno Park and Museums

Walk through Ueno Park to visit Tokyo National Museum or the National Museum of Western Art. Open 9:30am-5:00pm (closed Mondays), both offer exceptional collections of Japanese and international art.
JPY620 - 620, 2h

6:00pm

Shibuya Crossing & Shopping

Witness the iconic Shibuya Crossing and explore surrounding shopping streets like Center Gai and Shibuya 109 for a bustling nightlife experience.
JPY0, 2h

8:30pm

Tokyo Tower Night Views

End your day at Tokyo Tower to enjoy nighttime views of the city illuminated. Open until 11:00pm, this is perfect for night photography and atmosphere.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 2: Modern & Historic Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 20, 2025

9:00am

Meiji Shrine Walk

Visit Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by forest, open from sunrise to sunset. Fantastic introduction to Japan’s religious traditions and serene nature within the city.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:00am

Harajuku Shopping & Takeshita Street

Explore quirky fashion and pop culture on Takeshita Street. Great place to see Japan's youth style and shop unique boutiques.
JPY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Odaiba Seaside Park & TeamLab Borderless

Head to Odaiba island to experience the futuristic digital art museum TeamLab Borderless (10:00am-7:00pm). Nearby, enjoy views of Rainbow Bridge and the city skyline from Seaside Park.
JPY3200, 3h

6:00pm

Akihabara Electric Town

Explore the vibrant electronics, anime, and gaming district that comes alive in the evening with bright neon lights and themed cafes.
JPY0, 2h
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Nikko

Take an early train from Tokyo to Nikko (approx. 2 hours).
JPY2500, 2h

10:00am

Toshogu Shrine Visit

Explore the richly decorated Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ornate architecture and historical significance. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1300, 2h

1:00pm

Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji

Visit the stunning Kegon Falls and nearby Lake Chuzenji for spectacular natural beauty in the mountains surrounding Nikko.
JPY570 for Kegon Falls elevator, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Take a train back to Tokyo for evening activities or rest.
JPY2500, 2h

8:00pm

Evening Stroll at Roppongi Hills

Relax in Roppongi Hills, enjoy the cityscape and illuminated Mori Tower. Great for nightlife and city views.
JPY0, 2h
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Day 4: Hakone Nature & Onsen

Hakone, Japan on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Hakone

Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (approx. 1.5 hours), gateway to mountain and onsen experiences.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:00am

Hakone Open Air Museum

Visit this impressive outdoor museum featuring contemporary sculptures set in nature, combining art with stunning mountain views. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

12:30pm

Lake Ashi Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Hakone Ropeway & Owakudani Valley

Ride the ropeway to Owakudani volcanic valley for spectacular views and unique sulfur vents.
JPY2100, 2h

5:00pm

Onsen experience

Relax in a traditional hot spring bath at an onsen hotel or public bath in Hakone, open typically till late evening.
JPY1000, 2h
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples & Palaces

Kyoto, Japan on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Kyoto

Take an early Shinkansen from Odawara (near Hakone) to Kyoto (~2 hours).
JPY8000, 2h

11:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visit the iconic shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountain. Open all day, a striking symbol of Kyoto.
JPY0, 1h30m

2:00pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the famous golden temple surrounded by beautiful gardens. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

4:00pm

Nijo Castle

Explore the historic castle with impressive architecture and gardens, open 8:45am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Gion District Evening Walk

Stroll through the historic Gion district to spot traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly geishas in the evening ambiance.
JPY0, 2h
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Day 6: Arashiyama & Museums

Kyoto, Japan on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk early morning through the famous bamboo groves before crowds arrive, a serene and photogenic experience.
JPY0, 1h

10:00am

Tenryu-ji Temple & Gardens

Visit the UNESCO-listed temple with beautiful gardens in Arashiyama, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Climb a short hike to see wild macaques in their natural habitat and enjoy views of Kyoto city (open 9:00am-4:00pm).
JPY550, 2h

3:00pm

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Visit this unique museum devoted to manga culture, with extensive collections and exhibits open 10:00am-6:00pm.
JPY800, 1h30m

6:00pm

Pontocho Alley Evening Walk

Explore dining streets by the riverbank filled with traditional and modern establishments.
JPY0, 2h
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Day 7: Nara Historical Discovery

Nara, Japan on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Nara

Catch a train from Kyoto to Nara in approx. 45 minutes.
JPY700, 45m

9:00am

Todai-ji Temple & Great Buddha

See the giant bronze Buddha statue inside one of Japan's largest wooden buildings, located in historic Nara Park.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Park & Deer Feeding

Enjoy interacting with freely roaming friendly deer in the park, a unique cultural experience iconic to Nara.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this famous Shinto shrine known for its many stone and bronze lanterns, open daily.
JPY500, 1h

2:00pm

Nara National Museum

Explore Buddhist art and history in the dedicated museum open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY520, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Take the train back to Kyoto.
JPY700, 45m
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Day 8: Osaka Urban Adventures

Osaka, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Osaka

Short train ride (~30 minutes) from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY560, 30m

9:30am

Osaka Castle Visit

Explore the historic Osaka Castle, with its museum detailing the history and an observation deck offering city views. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Visit one of the world’s largest aquariums featuring diverse marine life from the Pacific Rim. Open 10:00am-8:00pm.
JPY2400, 2h

3:00pm

Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori Shopping

Explore shopping arcades and iconic neon-lit Dotonbori district with its famous Glico sign and street food culture.
JPY0, 3h

7:30pm

Umeda Sky Building Night Observatory

Experience the Floating Garden Observatory with 360-degree nighttime vistas of Osaka city illuminated. Open until 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 9: Himeji Castle & Adventure

Himeji, Japan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Himeji

Shinkansen ride from Osaka to Himeji takes about 1 hour.
JPY3000, 1h

9:30am

Himeji Castle Visit

Visit Japan’s most spectacular castle known as the White Heron, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national treasure. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Koko-en Garden

Relax in the adjacent beautifully landscaped garden featuring traditional Japanese gardening styles.
JPY300, 1h

2:00pm

Adventure World

Enjoy an afternoon at Himeji Central Park, combining safari park, amusement park rides and zoo attractions, open 9:30am-5:00pm.
JPY2600, 3h

6:30pm

Return to Osaka

Take train back to Osaka for overnight stay.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 10: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Hiroshima, Japan on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hiroshima

Early Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima (approx. 2 hours).
JPY10,000, 2h

9:30am

Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Visit the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the atomic bombing and hope for peace. Open 8:30am-6:00pm.
JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Atomic Bomb Dome

See the preserved ruined building that serves as a symbol of peace after the bombing.
JPY0, 30m

1:00pm

Travel to Miyajima Island

Take ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima (30 min).
JPY360, 1h

2:00pm

Itsukushima Shrine & Torii Gate

Explore the famous floating Torii Gate shrine on Miyajima Island, a top historic and scenic site open daily.
JPY300, 2h

5:00pm

Mount Misen Cable Car and Hike

Take the cable car to the summit of Mount Misen for spectacular sunset views and light hiking trails. Cable car closes earlier so start before 5:30pm.
JPY1800, 2h

8:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry and train back to Hiroshima city for overnight stay.
JPY720, 1h
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Day 11: Kanazawa Historical & Cultural

Kanazawa, Japan on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kanazawa

Take Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Kanazawa (about 4.5 h with transfer at Okayama).
JPY14,000, 4h30m

12:00pm

Kenroku-en Garden

Visit one of Japan’s top three gardens, known for its beauty in every season, open 7:00am-6:00pm.
JPY320, 1h30m

2:00pm

Kanazawa Castle Park

Explore the historic castle ruins and reconstructed buildings adjacent to Kenroku-en Garden.
JPY0, 1h

3:30pm

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Visit this innovative museum with rotating contemporary art exhibits. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Nagamachi Samurai District Walk

Walk the atmospheric old samurai district in the evening, enjoying beautifully preserved streets and houses.
JPY0, 1h30m
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Day 12: Takayama Traditional Town

Takayama, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Takayama

Take train from Kanazawa to Takayama (approx. 2.5 hours).
JPY5000, 2h30m

11:00am

Old Town Tour

Explore Takayama’s beautifully preserved Edo-period streets with wooden merchant houses and traditional shops.
JPY0, 2h

1:00pm

Takayama Jinya

Visit this historic government building offering insights into the town’s Edo period administration. Open 8:45am-5:00pm.
JPY430, 1h

3:00pm

Hida Folk Village

Discover an open-air museum with traditional farmhouse architecture and cultural exhibits. Open 8:30am-5:00pm.
JPY700, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Walk by Miyagawa River

Enjoy the peaceful riverside illuminated at dusk, with views of historic townscapes.
JPY0, 1h
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Day 13: Fuji Five Lakes Adventure

Fuji Five Lakes, Japan on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Fuji Five Lakes

Take train and bus from Takayama towards Fuji Five Lakes region near Mount Fuji (~5 hours).
JPY9000, 5h

1:00pm

Chureito Pagoda & Mt. Fuji Views

Visit the iconic Chureito Pagoda for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji with the pagoda in foreground, open all day.
JPY0, 1h

2:30pm

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

Explore this European-style museum with automatic musical instruments and beautiful gardens (open 9:30am-5:00pm).
JPY1500, 1h30m

4:30pm

Lake Kawaguchi Boating

Enjoy paddle boat or cruise options on Lake Kawaguchi with stunning views of Mount Fuji.
JPY1500, 1h

6:00pm

Onsen Bath at Kawaguchiko

Relax at a local onsen with views of Mt. Fuji, open into the evening.
JPY1200, 2h
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Day 14: Return to Tokyo & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on July 2, 2025

9:00am

Travel from Fuji Five Lakes to Tokyo

Train and bus connections back to Tokyo (about 2.5-3 hours).
JPY2500, 3h

12:30pm

Ginza Shopping District

Explore Ginza’s luxury shopping, department stores, and flagship brand outlets in the afternoon.
JPY0, 3h

4:00pm

Imperial Palace East Gardens

Visit the beautiful gardens of the Imperial Palace, open 9:00am-4:30pm (last admission 4:00pm) except Mondays and Fridays.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Shinjuku Nightlife & Shopping

Experience vibrant nightlife and shopping in Shinjuku with its department stores, electronic shops, and entertainment districts.
JPY0, 3h
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Day 15: Last Day Tokyo & Departure

Tokyo, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Visit TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Experience this immersive digital art museum with interactive exhibits, open 10:00am-7:00pm, a unique farewell to Japan.
JPY3200, 2h

11:00am

Ameyoko Market Walk

Walk through bustling Ameyoko Market near Ueno for last-minute souvenirs and street food atmosphere.
JPY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Check out & Airport Transfer

Prepare for departure with transfer to Narita or Haneda airport by airport limousine bus or train.
JPY3000, 2h
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