Ultimate Japan Journey: Tokyo, Mountain Retreats, Kyoto & Anjin Festival in Ito

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on July 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your Japan trip with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji's lively Outer Market, open 9:00am-2:00pm, a vibrant spot for local delicacies.
JPY3000, 1h30m

10:45am

Sensō-ji Temple visit

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, enjoying the architecture and traditional shopping street Nakamise-dori, open from 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Try their famous melonpan bread for a unique sweet snack or a light lunch, perfect after temple sightseeing.
JPY700, 45m

2:00pm

Explore Ueno Park and National Museum

Walk through Ueno Park’s spacious gardens and visit the Tokyo National Museum to see Japanese art and history, museum open 9:30am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen, Shinjuku

Enjoy a hearty bowl of Hakata ramen to recharge after the busy sightseeing day; Ippudo opens until 11:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

7:00pm

Explore Shinjuku Nightlife

Visit Omoide Yokocho alleys for authentic izakaya experiences and small bars, open late into the night for a bustling Tokyo atmosphere.
Varies, 2h
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Day 2: Tokyo Hidden Gems & Culture

Tokyo, Japan on July 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de L'Ambre

Experience a legendary Tokyo coffee shop specializing in drip coffee, a quiet start to the day, open 8:00am-7:30pm.
JPY800, 1h

9:45am

Visit Nezu Shrine and Yanaka Ginza

Explore picturesque Nezu Shrine with vibrant torii gates and stroll through Yanaka Ginza, a charming traditional shopping street reflecting old Tokyo.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Yanaka Beer Hall

Enjoy local craft beers paired with fresh Japanese pub-style food in this relaxed setting, open 11:30am-10:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse yourself in cutting-edge digital art installations in a unique water-based exhibit, open 10:00am-7:00pm (closed Tuesdays).
JPY3200, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Daikanyama T-Site

Discover this upscale shopping and cultural complex blending bookstores, cafes, and boutique shops for a relaxing afternoon.
Free entrance; shopping extra, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous Gonpachi, the inspiration for 'Kill Bill' restaurant scene, offering classic izakaya-style Japanese dishes.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Kamikochi Mountain

Kamikochi, Japan on July 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Tokyo

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for a day of travel and hiking.
Included in accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Shinkansen Tokyo to Matsumoto

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Matsumoto, approximately 2.5 hours, to access Kamikochi via local buses.
JPY8000, 2h30m

11:00am

Bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi

Catch the Alpico Bus to Kamikochi (about 1.5 hours), enjoying mountain scenery en route.
JPY2600, 1h30m

1:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Kamikochi Imperial Hotel

Enjoy lunch with stunning mountain views and settle into your accommodation for two nights.
JPY3500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Hike Kamikochi Nature Trail

Explore easy trails like the Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge area, perfect for beautiful alpine scenery and photo ops, open year-round.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Dine on regional cuisine featuring fresh mountain ingredients to complete your nature immersion.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Mountain Hiking & Onsen

Kamikochi, Japan on July 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kamikochi Imperial Hotel

Traditional and Western buffet options to prepare for a day of active hiking.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Hike to Mount Yake (Yake-dake)

Challenge yourself with a moderate hike to active volcano Mount Yake, great for panoramic views and nature immersion, allow 4-5 hours round trip.
Free, 5h

2:00pm

Relax at Hirayu Onsen

Take a bus from Kamikochi to Hirayu Onsen to soak your muscles in famous hot springs, open all day; recommended public baths available.
JPY600, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Kamikochi

Evening bus back to Kamikochi area.
JPY1800, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at your lodge

Enjoy local specialties and vegetables sourced from the mountains for a hearty meal.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Takayama Historic Town

Takayama, Japan on July 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kamikochi Imperial Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for travel to Takayama.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel Matsumoto to Takayama via JR and buses

Bus return to Matsumoto, then train to Takayama (approx 3.5-4 hours total travel).
JPY4000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kyoya Honten

Sample Hida beef sushi and regional specialties in a traditional Takayama setting.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Takayama Old Town and Takayama Jinya

Walk the preserved old streets and visit Takayama Jinya government building, open 8:45am-5:00pm.
JPY430, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Heianraku

Enjoy home-style Japanese cuisine in a cozy restaurant favored by locals.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Kyoto & Evening Stroll

Kyoto, Japan on July 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan in Takayama

Traditional Japanese breakfast to start the day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train Takayama to Kyoto via Nagoya

Travel by JR Limited Express and Shinkansen, approximately 4 hours total journey.
JPY9000, 4h

1:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s famous market with many food stalls offering fresh sushi, pickles, and sweets; open 9:00am-6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Walk through endless vibrant orange torii gates on this iconic Kyoto trail, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Experience authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in the atmospheric Gion district.
JPY4500, 2h

8:30pm

Evening walk in Gion

Stroll the traditional streets with a chance to see geisha en route to your accommodation.
Free, 1h
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Day 7: Kyoto Temples & Unique Spots

Kyoto, Japan on July 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day in Kyoto with a classic local coffee and toast at the historic café.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning golden temple and its beautiful surrounding gardens, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:30am

Walk Philosopher’s Path to Honen-in Temple

Enjoy a quiet walk along this scenic canal path dotted with temples and shrines, including the less visited Honen-in.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor Kyoto udon noodles in a serene setting near Kodai-ji Temple.
JPY1800, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Kurama and Kibune Villages

Take a 30-minute train trip north from Kyoto to visit hidden mountain villages, known for peaceful shrines and river dining, perfect for unique atmospheric experiences.
Train JPY800 one way; village exploration free, 4h

7:00pm

Return & Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of Kyoto’s atmospheric alleyway restaurants offering traditional and refined cuisine.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 8: Travel Kyoto to Ito (Festival Prep)

Ito, Japan on August 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Kyoto

Enjoy a good breakfast before travel day.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train Kyoto to Ito

Take Shinkansen to Atami and transfer to JR Ito Line to reach Ito, approximately 3.5 hours journey.
JPY8500, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ajikura Tengoku Ito

Enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties near Ito Station.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Check-in & relax

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for the upcoming festival days.
Varies, 2h

3:30pm

Explore Ito Onsen and local streets

Visit Ito Onsen streets and try footbaths, a peaceful way to unwind before the festival celebrations.
Free to JPY500, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ryotei Kamogawa

Experience refined traditional Japanese dining near the hot springs area.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 9: Anjin Festival Day 1

Ito, Japan on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Light breakfast near hotel to prepare for a festival-filled day.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Anjin Festival Historical Booths

Learn about the life of William Adams (Anjin), the first English samurai in Japan, through exhibitions and talks, open all day during the festival.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Banya Ito

Enjoy local Izakaya-style dishes and fresh fish specialties in festival spirit.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Participate in Festival Parades and Cultural Events

Experience traditional music, dances, and procession honoring Anjin with locals dressed historically; events run throughout the afternoon into evening.
Free, 4h

6:00pm

Dinner at Maruzen Seafood Restaurant

Feast on fresh seafood in a lively atmosphere close to festival grounds.
JPY4000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening Fireworks and Festival Activities

Enjoy the spectacular fireworks and evening entertainment that concludes day one of the festival.
Free, 2h
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Day 10: Anjin Festival Day 2

Ito, Japan on August 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare with a good breakfast before festival activities resume.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Boat tours of Ito Bay

Explore Ito from the water with special festival-themed boat cruises, operating 9:00am-4:00pm.
JPY2000, 2h

11:30am

Visit Historical Museum of Ito

Discover more about the history of Ito and William Adams during festival-limited exhibits, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hamagen Sushi

Fresh and local sushi near Ito station perfect for a satisfying meal.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Craft workshops and samurai costume experience

Engage in hands-on traditional crafts and dress in samurai attire, a unique festival feature available all afternoon.
JPY1000, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Relax and enjoy festival nightlife with local drinks and foods.
JPY3000, 2h
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Day 11: Anjin Festival Final Day & Departure

Ito, Japan on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before festival finale activities.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Final parade and last festival events

Watch the closing ceremonies, the final samurai parade and traditional performances, concluding at 1:00pm.
Free, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Kirari

Enjoy a relaxed lunch featuring fusion Japanese-Western cuisine in Ito.
JPY2000, 1h

3:00pm

Travel Ito to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo by JR Ito Line and Shinkansen via Atami, approximately 2.5-3 hours, ending your trip.
JPY6000, 3h

6:00pm

Check-in at Tokyo hotel and dinner nearby

Have a final Japanese meal at Torigin Shibuya, specializing in yakitori, open until 11:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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