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11-Day Ultimate Japan Journey: Exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

Viewed by 239 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and Japanese street food in this vibrant market which opens early and offers a true taste of Tokyo's culinary scene.
JPY1500, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, famous for its Kaminarimon Gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street. Open daily from 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya

Experience a fun and futuristic conveyor belt sushi restaurant with budget-friendly options open from 11:00am to 11:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

See the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and visit the statue of Japan's most loyal dog, right next to Shibuya Station.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

Walk through forested grounds to this peaceful Shinto shrine near Harajuku, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Taste authentic tonkotsu ramen in a unique solo dining booth setting. Open 24 hours in many locations including Shibuya.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 2: Tokyo Culture and Modernity

Tokyo, Japan on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de l'Ambre

Enjoy expertly brewed coffee and light breakfast in this classic Ginza café, open from 9:00am to 7:00pm (arrive early for first service).
JPY800, 1h

10:00am

Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse yourself in a stunning digital art museum with interactive exhibits that engage all your senses, open from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY3200, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Harajuku

Savor yuzu-flavored ramen, a refreshing twist on traditional ramen, popular for light but flavorful meals.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Harajuku Takeshita Street

Explore colorful and trendy shops, crepe stands, and youth culture hotspots on this famous pedestrian street.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Tokyo Tower

Ascend this iconic landmark for panoramic views over Tokyo, open from 9:00am to 11:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy traditional Japanese robata grilled dishes in a lively atmosphere, famous as the inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill restaurant scenes.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Depart Tokyo for Nikko by train

Take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa Station to Nikko, approximately 2 hours travel time.
JPY2700, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavishly decorated UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for the 'see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil' monkeys carvings. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Try local soba noodles and yuba (tofu skin) in this cozy Nikko eatery.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kegon Falls

Visit one of Japan's top three waterfalls, with an observation deck open until 5:00pm. Take a short bus ride from Nikko town center.
JPY570 (bus fare), 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back by train to Tokyo in the evening.
JPY2700, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner near Tokyo Station at Tokyo Ramen Street

Choose from eight renowned ramen shops in an underground mall, excellent for a relaxed dinner after your day trip.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto Transfer

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese or Western style breakfast at your accommodation before traveling.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Shinkansen ride Tokyo to Kyoto

Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes on the Nozomi or Hikari trains.
JPY14000, 2h15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore 'Kyoto’s Kitchen' with a variety of street food and shopping. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Discover this iconic hilltop temple with stunning views over Kyoto, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Walk through well-preserved traditional streets to soak up Kyoto’s historic charm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Experience authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in a cozy setting near Gion district. Reservation recommended. Open until 9:30pm.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Enjoy tea-infused dishes and Japanese sweets in this tranquil café, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates at this famous shrine open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Taste Kyoto’s specialty yudofu (boiled tofu) set meal near Arashiyama, open from 11:00am to 3:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest and visit nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

See Kyoto’s stunning gold-leaf covered Zen temple set by a reflective pond. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the many Kyoto-style restaurants along the atmospheric backstreets by the Kamo River. Options range from casual to upscale.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Cultural Immersion

Kyoto, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee Kyoto

Start your day with specialty coffee in a modern minimalist setting near Higashiyama.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour the historic castle with beautiful gardens, famous for its nightingale floors. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy hand-made udon noodles in a peaceful setting near Kodai-ji Temple. Open from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Tea Ceremony Experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony to understand Japanese tea culture; booking recommended. Sessions available around 2:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along Philosopher’s Path

Take a calming stroll along this cherry blossom-lined canal featuring several temples and shrines.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappo Sakamoto

Indulge in authentic kaiseki cuisine with seasonal local ingredients in the historic Gion district. Reservations a must.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 7: Travel to Osaka & Explore

Osaka, Japan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before checkout and travel to Osaka.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train from Kyoto to Osaka

A quick 30-minute train ride on the JR Special Rapid Service connects Kyoto Station to Osaka Station.
JPY560, 30m

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore this famous historic castle with a museum inside and panoramic views from the observation deck. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Savor fresh seafood and street food specialties at Osaka’s vibrant market open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Walk through Osaka’s premier shopping street lined with boutiques, cafes, and entertainment. Open daily.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dotonbori Walk and Photo Ops

Experience Osaka’s famous neon-lit nightlife area known for giant signage like the Glico Man. Best visited at dusk and after sunset.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Try Osaka’s famous savory pancake at this well-loved spot in Dotonbori, opens till 10:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 8: Osaka Cultural Sites

Osaka, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lilo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy specialty coffee and light pastries in a popular local café open from 8:00am.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Explore one of Japan’s oldest shrines characterized by unique straight roof architecture, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Tennoji Park

Stroll in a large park with a zoo and Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY0-600 (museum admission optional), 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Taste creative udon dishes in stylish surroundings, open from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY1600, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building Observatory

Enjoy breathtaking views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10:00am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Try Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in this beloved chain in the nostalgic Shinsekai district.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Train to Nara from Osaka

Take the JR Yamatoji Line from Osaka Station to Nara, about 45 minutes travel time.
JPY800, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Home to the giant bronze Buddha statue, one of Japan’s most famous temples. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Nara Park

Meet freely roaming deer and walk beautiful grounds surrounding major temples.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy delicious tuna-based dishes at this popular restaurant in Nara’s city center, open 11:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Famous for its lantern festivals, this shrine is set in a lush wooded area, open 6:30am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for your last evening.
JPY800, 45m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Matsuzushi

Experience high-quality sushi from an acclaimed Osaka sushi restaurant, open until 10:00pm. Reservation recommended.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 10: Relax and Last-minute Shopping

Osaka, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brooklyn Roasting Company

Enjoy premium coffee and light breakfast options at this cozy café near Namba, open from 8:00am.
JPY900, 1h

10:00am

Shopping in Namba Parks and Nipponbashi

Browse a shopping complex with rooftop garden and explore Nipponbashi Den Den Town for electronics and anime goods.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Relish upscale udon in a sophisticated setting, open 11:00am to 10:30pm.
JPY1600, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Osaka Museum of History

Discover Osaka's past from ancient to modern times in interactive displays, open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Okonomiyaki Chibo Dotonbori

Try Osaka-style okonomiyaki at a popular restaurant in the heart of Dotonbori, open till 11:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 11: Departure

Osaka, Japan on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a light breakfast before check-out and travel to Kansai International Airport.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the JR Haruka Express or airport limousine bus from central Osaka, roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour.
JPY1500, 1h

11:00am

Flight Check-In and Departure

Complete your final departure procedures and enjoy your flight home.
Varies, N/A
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