10-Day Ultimate Japan Travel Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan on June 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with a fresh seafood breakfast in Tsukiji Outer Market, where local vendors serve sushi and grilled fish in an authentic setting. It's a vibrant place to experience Tokyo's food culture.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, surrounded by traditional shopping street Nakamise. It's a great way to immerse in history and pick unique souvenirs.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy classic sukiyaki at Asakusa Imahan, renowned for its premium Wagyu beef and traditional Japanese ambiance.
JPY4000, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Walk through a peaceful forested area leading to Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto site, and relax in the adjacent vibrant Yoyogi Park.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in Shibuya at Uobei Conveyor Sushi

Experience futuristic dining with conveyor belt sushi at Uobei in Shibuya, offering fresh, reasonably priced sushi in a fun atmosphere.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 2: Tokyo Modern Culture

Tokyo, Japan on June 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gram Cafe & Pancakes

Treat yourself to fluffy Japanese-style pancakes, a perfect gentle start before a busy day.
JPY1200, 1h

10:00am

Visit teamLab Planets TOKYO

Immerse in a cutting-edge digital art museum featuring interactive and mesmerizing exhibits. Note it opens at 10am and tickets are timed entry.
JPY3200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Daikanyama T-Site

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the cafes in the stylish Daikanyama T-Site complex, known for great coffee and ambience.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Harajuku Takeshita Street

Explore edgy fashions and quirky shops along this famous youth culture street.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Shopping in Omotesando

Stroll through the upscale Omotesando Avenue lined with designer boutiques and contemporary architecture.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the lively Gonpachi restaurant, famous as inspiration for Kill Bill’s fight scene, serving excellent yakitori and izakaya dishes.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Hakone Nature and Onsen

Hakone, Japan on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Depart Tokyo for Hakone by Odakyu Romancecar

Travel approximately 90 minutes to Hakone, known for mountain views and hot springs. Booking Romancecar tickets in advance is recommended.
JPY2300, 1.5h

9:30am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy delicious pastries and morning coffee overlooking Lake Ashi.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore an impressive outdoor sculpture park with beautiful views and indoor Picasso Pavilion. Museum opens at 9am and closes at 5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Famous for tofu cutlet dishes with serene surroundings, a must-try local specialty.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Lake Ashi Cruise and Hakone Shrine

Take a relaxing 30-minute cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji and visit the lakeside Hakone Shrine.
JPY1500, 2h

5:00pm

Stay and soak at an onsen ryokan

Book a traditional ryokan with an onsen to enjoy hot springs and kaiseki dinner for an authentic Japanese experience.
JPY20000, Overnight
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Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan before departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Kyoto via Shinkansen from Odawara Station

High-speed bullet train takes about 2 hours to Kyoto from Hakone area Odawara station. Reserve ticket in advance for comfort.
JPY14000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various local foods such as pickles, fresh seafood, and sweets at Kyoto's vibrant food market.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this historic wooden temple with panoramic views over Kyoto. Temple open from 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

4:00pm

Stroll the historic Higashiyama District

Walk through traditional streets with shops and teahouses, perfect to soak in Kyoto’s old-world charm.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine in the atmospheric Gion district, known for refined, multi-course dining.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with classic Kyoto-style coffee and a Western-style breakfast in a beloved local cafe.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit the iconic shrine famous for its thousands of orange torii gates forming scenic paths through the forest. Open 24/7 and free to enter.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ramen Sen no Kaze

Enjoy flavorful Kyoto-style ramen with slow-cooked broth close to Fushimi Inari.
JPY1000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Gion and Yasaka Shrine

Walk through the famed geisha district of Gion and visit the adjacent Yasaka Shrine with its graceful structures.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Tea experience at En Tea House

Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony and learn about matcha preparation in a peaceful setting.
JPY2000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the many atmospheric restaurants along Pontocho Alley offering seasonal Kaiseki and grilled dishes.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 6: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Train to Nara

Take a 45-minute train ride from Kyoto to Nara, famous for its temples and free-roaming deer.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the impressive Great Buddha Hall housing the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Temple opens 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

11:00am

Nara Park and Deer Encounter

Stroll the expansive park area and interact gently with the famous friendly deer roaming freely.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try the popular mochi rice cakes freshly pounded in front of you, a local specialty.
JPY800, 30m

2:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this striking shrine known for its hundreds of lanterns and peaceful forest surroundings. Open 6am-6pm.
JPY500, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto in the late afternoon to relax or explore on your own.
JPY710, 45m
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Day 7: Arashiyama & Nature

Kyoto, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Coffee Arashiyama

Enjoy premium coffee with scenic views to start your day refreshed.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Stroll early through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage sites with exquisite gardens and traditional architecture. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Specialized tofu cuisine in a serene riverside setting, a relaxing gastronomic experience.
JPY3000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Togetsukyo Bridge and Okochi Sanso Villa

Enjoy scenic views of the river and mountains from the iconic bridge and the beautiful villa garden (villa open 9am-5pm).
JPY1000, 2h

6:00pm

Return to central Kyoto and Dinner at Ristorante YAMATO

Experience Italian cuisine with a Japanese twist in a cozy setting close to Kyoto station.
JPY5000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Travel to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Kyoto

Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast before leaving for Osaka.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Train to Osaka

Short 30-minute train ride from Kyoto to Osaka for a change to a lively urban atmosphere known for food and nightlife.
JPY560, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Dive into street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the bustling Dotonbori canal area.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the impressive castle grounds and museum that showcase Japan’s history, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping and exploring Shinsaibashi

Spend the late afternoon wandering through the extensive shopping arcade for souvenirs and fashion.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Try Osaka-style deep-fried skewers in this famous and vibrant eatery in the Shinsekai district.
JPY2000, 1.5h
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Day 9: Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Melon de Melon Kitahama

Start your day with famous melon bread, a popular Osaka specialty baked fresh daily.
JPY700, 1h

10:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend a thrilling day at this popular theme park with attractions from movies and anime. Opens 8:30am, closes 9pm on weekends.
JPY8800, 7h

6:00pm

Dinner in Universal Citywalk Osaka

Choose from a variety of restaurants in the entertainment complex after a day of fun.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 10: Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last Japanese breakfast with local delicacies and freshly brewed coffee.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kuromon Ichiba Market

Explore this traditional market for last-minute shopping or tasty snacks, including fresh seafood and fruit.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the train or airport limousine bus to Kansai International Airport for your departure, allowing ample time for international check-in.
JPY1500, 1h
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