11-Day Ultimate Japan Adventure: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Intro

Tokyo, Japan on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and Japanese street food at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00 am to 2:00 pm, perfect for an authentic local breakfast experience.
JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, open 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. Experience traditional culture and vibrant markets nearby.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Savor sukiyaki or shabu-shabu at the renowned Asakusa Imahan, a traditional Japanese restaurant known for high-quality beef, open 11:30 am to 9:30 pm.
JPY4000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Akihabara

Discover the electronics, anime, and gaming culture at Akihabara, walking distance from a short train ride. Shops typically open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Tokyo Skytree

Enjoy panoramic city views from Tokyo Skytree’s observation deck, open 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
JPY3100, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Famous as the inspiration for Kill Bill’s fight scene, this restaurant offers traditional izakaya dining with great ambiance, open until midnight.
JPY3500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Modern Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bills Shibuya

Known for the best pancakes in Tokyo, Bills offers a hip breakfast spot open from 8:30 am but worth arriving early during weekdays.
JPY2000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Start with a peaceful walk in Meiji Shrine, open from sunrise to sunset, and explore nearby Yoyogi Park, a green urban oasis.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Experience delicious, affordable gyoza dumplings in the heart of Harajuku, a popular lunch spot open 11:30 am to 10:00 pm.
JPY1000, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping and Strolling Takeshita Street

Explore the colorful and trendy Takeshita Street, famous for fashion, crepes, and youth culture, shops generally open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the world-famous Shibuya crossing and the nearby Hachiko Statue, iconic Tokyo landmarks open any time.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

A peaceful garden open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm with a 5:00 pm closing, perfect for an afternoon stroll after the busy city sights.
JPY500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Enjoy traditional yakitori and casual dining alley in Shinjuku, lively at night with many small restaurants open till late.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Tokyo, Japan on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a hotel breakfast to prepare for a full day outside the city.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Nikko

Take the Tobu Railways from Asakusa Station to Nikko (about 2 hours), departing early to maximize sightseeing time.
JPY2600, 2h

10:15am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lavish decorations and historical significance, open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
JPY1300, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy local Japanese comfort food like yakitori and soba in cozy surroundings, open 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji

Take a bus or taxi to the scenic Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji area for beautiful nature views, open daylong.
JPY600 for bus, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Travel back by train from Nikko to Tokyo, arriving around 7:00 pm for dinner.
JPY2600, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji

Enjoy fresh sushi in a lively setting near Tsukiji, open 24 hours, perfect for a late dinner after return.
JPY3500, 1h
View Hotels

Day 4: Tokyo Culture & Departure to Kyoto

Tokyo, Japan on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Aaliya

Specialty coffee and exquisite French toast in a cozy Shinjuku café, open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Explore Edo-Tokyo Museum

Learn about Tokyo’s history and culture through interactive exhibits, open 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, closed Mondays.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Akihabara

Standing sushi bar serving fresh and affordable sushi, open 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Take the Nozomi Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto (about 2 hours 20 minutes).
JPY14000, 2h20m

4:00pm

Check-in & rest at Kyoto Hotel

Relax after travel and prepare for evening activities.
Varies, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine along the atmospheric Pontocho Alley filled with quaint restaurants, open till late evening.
JPY4000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Historic Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Iconic Kyoto coffee shop known for its rich blend and light breakfast options, open 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the thousands of torii gates cascading up the mountain at Kyoto’s most famous Shinto shrine, open 24/7.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Trendy café near the shrine serving light meals and great coffee, open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Famous for its wooden stage with panoramic views of Kyoto, open 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Historic district with preserved streets, perfect for souvenir shopping and traditional sweets, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Authentic Kyoto kaiseki dining experience in the Gion geisha district, open from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
JPY5000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 6: Arashiyama and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Kyoto

A calming tea café focusing on matcha and traditional sweets, open 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
JPY1300, 1h

9:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo forest early to avoid crowds, open 24/7.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

UNESCO World Heritage temple with stunning gardens, open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine inside Tenryu-ji’s temple complex, open 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.
JPY3500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike to see wild monkeys and panoramic views of Kyoto city, park open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; last entry 3:30 pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Katsura River

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Katsura River, a favorite spot to unwind.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Specializes in yudofu, a local tofu hot pot delicacy, offering traditional Kyoto flavors, open 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Kyoto, Japan on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

A quick hotel breakfast to prepare for traveling outside Kyoto.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Nara

Catch the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Nara; journey takes about 45 minutes.
JPY710, 45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Home to the giant Buddha statue and an impressive wooden structure, open 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:15am

Nara Park with Deer Feeding

Stroll through scenic park grounds and interact with free-roaming sacred deer, open all day.
JPY200 for deer crackers, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Famous for mochi pounding and freshly served mochi sweets, open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Ancient shrine with hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, open 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
JPY500, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto by train, arriving early evening.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Musashi Sushi

Enjoy affordable and tasty conveyor belt sushi near Kyoto station, open until 10:30 pm.
JPY2500, 1h
View Hotels

Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka Transfer & Evening

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Relax in this book café famed for its stylish interior and great coffee, open 7:30 am to 11:00 pm.
JPY1300, 1h

10:00am

Check-out and travel to Osaka

Take the JR Shinkansen or local train from Kyoto to Osaka, journey under 30 minutes.
JPY1500, 30m

11:00am

Check-in at Osaka Hotel

Drop luggage and prepare for exploring Osaka.
Varies, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Taste fresh seafood and street food in one of Osaka’s most famous markets, open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle and museum, open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
JPY600, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Dotonbori

Experience neon lights, vibrant street food, and entertainment along the Dotonbori canal.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Daruma Dotonbori

Famous for Osaka’s iconic takoyaki and kushikatsu dishes, open until midnight.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 9: Osaka City Highlights

Osaka, Japan on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Artisan coffee shop with great breakfast options, open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Observation deck with panoramic views of Osaka, open 10:00 am to 10:30 pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore National Museum of Art, Osaka

Underground museum featuring contemporary art, open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed Mondays.
JPY430, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kushikatsu Tanaka Shinsekai

Famous spot for deep-fried skewers, open 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through Shinsekai

Retro neighborhood with shops and eateries offering nostalgic Showa era vibes.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Spa World

Large public bathhouse complex with themed baths, open 10:00 am to 8:45 am next day, entrance until 7:00 pm.
JPY1200, 2h

8:00pm

Late Dinner at Tsuruhashi Fugetsu

Try Osaka-style okonomiyaki and yakisoba in this longstanding local favorite, open till 11:00 pm.
JPY2500, 1h
View Hotels

Day 10: Day Trip to Himeji

Osaka, Japan on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for day travel to Himeji.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Himeji

Take Shinkansen from Osaka to Himeji, approx 1 hour journey.
JPY3200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Himeji Castle

Japan’s best-preserved and most spectacular castle, opens 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Soba Restaurant

Enjoy traditional soba noodles at a cozy local eatery near the castle.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Walk to Koko-en Garden

Beautiful traditional gardens next to Himeji Castle, open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
JPY300, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka, arriving mid-afternoon.
JPY3200, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M Hozenji Yokocho

Indulge in premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku in a stylish setting, open 5:00 pm to midnight.
JPY6000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 11: Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure.
Included/JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Last-minute Shopping in Namba

Explore shops and souvenir stores in Namba area, open 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Check-out and Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the Airport Express train from Namba to Kansai Airport, approx 45 mins.
JPY920, 45m

1:00pm

Arrive at Kansai Airport

Prepare for flight home with plenty of time for check-in and security.
Varies, N/A
View Hotels