How many days do you need in Tokyo, Osaka, Hakone for?

This itinerary covers 8 days in Tokyo, Osaka, Hakone for, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Tokyo, Osaka, Hakone for?

Plan your perfect 8 days trip to Tokyo, Osaka, Hakone for. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

8-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Hakone, and Osaka Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on July 5, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport

Land in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel via limousine bus or train (depending on hotel location). Prepare for the start of your trip and settle in.

JPY0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk around Shinjuku

Explore Shinjuku's vibrant streets, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observation deck for panoramic views, open until 9:30pm with free entry.

JPY0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Dine at this lively alleyway featuring small eateries offering traditional yakitori and izakaya dishes. Experience local ambiance and flavors.

JPY2000-4000, 1h30m

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Day 2: Tokyo Cultural Tour

Tokyo, Japan on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast at one of the many stalls or small restaurants in the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5am to 2pm.

JPY1500-3000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple and the colorful Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs. The temple grounds are open 24/7, but shops open around 9am.

JPY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Daikokuya

Taste famous tempura dishes at this historic restaurant, a short walk from Senso-ji, ideal for authentic Japanese tempura experience.

JPY1500-2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Ueno Park and Museums

Visit Ueno Park and choose between several museums like Tokyo National Museum or National Museum of Nature and Science (open 9:30am-5pm). Enjoy the greenery and cultural exhibits.

JPY620-1000, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Akihabara

Explore Akihabara’s electronic shops, anime, and manga culture. Visit a themed café for a unique experience. Shops generally open until 8-9pm.

Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gyukatsu Motomura, Akihabara

Enjoy gyukatsu – breaded and deep-fried beef cutlets deliciously paired with rice and sides. Highly recommended for dinner.

JPY1500-2500, 1h0m

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Day 3: Modern Tokyo & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on July 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Enjoy a power breakfast with excellent ricotta pancakes or scrambled eggs at this famous cafe, open from 8:30am.

JPY1000-2000, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Explore the peaceful Meiji Shrine surrounded by forested grounds and enjoy a stroll in adjacent Yoyogi Park. Shrine open from sunrise to sunset.

JPY0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Harajuku’s Takeshita Street

Sample trendy street food such as crepes and enjoy the youthful shopping scene along Takeshita Street.

JPY800-1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Omotesando and Shopping

Visit fashionable boutiques, designer stores, and stylish cafes along Omotesando boulevard for an upscale shopping experience.

Varies, 2h0m

5:00pm

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Experience interactive digital art installations with immersive exhibits. Open until 9pm, last entry 8pm.

JPY3200, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous Gonpachi restaurant, renowned for its lively atmosphere and classic Japanese dishes, open until 11pm.

JPY3000-5000, 1h30m

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Day 4: Hakone Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (approx 85 minutes). Enjoy scenic views.

JPY2080, 1h30m

10:30am

Check-in and Drop Luggage at Ryokan

Settle into a traditional ryokan with onsite onsen facilities to experience authentic Japanese hospitality and hot springs.

Varies, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore this impressive outdoor sculpture park featuring contemporary works set against beautiful mountain scenery. Open 9am-5pm.

JPY1600, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Komon

Enjoy light meals and desserts with lovely views, located near the Open-Air Museum.

JPY1000-2000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Owakudani Valley

Take the Hakone Ropeway to this volcanic valley famous for black eggs cooked in hot springs. Open 9am-5pm but schedule may vary due to volcanic activity.

JPY1200 (ropeway), 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Onsen Bath

Soak in the natural hot springs at your ryokan or nearby public onsen to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course traditional Japanese dinner, often featuring seasonal and regional ingredients, providing a memorable dining experience.

Included with ryokan stay, 2h0m

Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 5: Lake Ashi and Travel to Osaka

Hakone and Osaka, Japan on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast before departing Hakone.

Included with ryokan stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi

Take a scenic pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Cruises start around 9am.

JPY1000, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Hakone Shrine

Discover this peaceful Shinto shrine nestled near the lake, known for its iconic red torii gate.

JPY0, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Savor sandwiches, pastries, and coffee with lake views at this popular café near Hakone-machi pier.

JPY1000-1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Travel to Osaka

Take Odakyu to Odawara Station and then Shinkansen via Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station (approx 3.5 hours).

JPY14000 approx, 4h0m

5:30pm

Check into Osaka hotel

Settle in and rest after the journey.

Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dotonbori Street Dinner

Explore the vibrant Dotonbori area famous for neon lights, street food, and iconic takoyaki and okonomiyaki dishes.

JPY1500-3000, 2h0m

Find Hotels in Hakone and Osaka

Day 6: Osaka Castle and City Exploration

Osaka, Japan on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start the day with delicious coffee and freshly baked pastries at this popular Osaka coffee shop.

JPY800-1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour this iconic historic monument and its museum, offering panoramic views from the top. Castle open from 9am-5pm.

JPY600, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kijotei

Enjoy traditional Japanese steakhouse-style meals specializing in teppanyaki near Osaka Castle Park.

JPY2500-4000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Shitennoji Temple

Explore one of Japan’s oldest temples with serene grounds and cultural significance. Open 8:30am-4:30pm.

JPY300, 1h0m

3:30pm

Shop and Explore Shinsaibashi

Browse the extensive shopping arcade full of boutiques, local shops, and cafes in Osaka’s fashionable district.

Varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno, Dotonbori

Taste famous Osaka okonomiyaki at Mizuno, a highly rated local spot known for its savory pancake dishes.

JPY1500-2500, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 7: Day Trip: Nara from Osaka

Nara, Japan on July 11, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Osaka to Nara

Take Kintetsu Nara Line or JR Yamatoji Line (approx 40-50 minutes) to Nara for cultural sights.

JPY560-800, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try famous freshly pounded mochi near Nara Park to energize your day.

JPY300-700, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site in Nara Park. Open 7:30am-5:30pm.

JPY600, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer roaming freely and enjoy peaceful park surroundings.

JPY0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Savor traditional Japanese eel dishes (unagi) in a classic setting close to Nara Park.

JPY2000-3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this iconic shrine famous for its lanterns and forest setting, open 6am-6pm.

JPY500 to enter grounds, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka by train in about 50 minutes.

JPY560-800, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy traditional deep-fried skewers, a popular Osaka specialty, in a casual setting.

JPY1500-2500, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Nara

Day 8: Return to Tokyo & Departure

Tokyo, Japan on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to start your travel day.

Included with hotel stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel from Osaka to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo Station (approx 2.5-3 hours) to arrive with time for airport transfer.

JPY14000 approx, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch near Tokyo Station

Have quick lunch at Tokyo Ramen Street within Tokyo Station featuring top ramen shops. Open from 11am.

JPY1000-1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Tokyo Haneda Airport

Use limousine bus or train to get to Haneda Airport for departure.

JPY1000-1500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Check-in and Relax at Airport

Complete airport formalities and relax before your 5pm flight.

JPY0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Flight Departure

Depart from Tokyo Haneda Airport concluding your Japan trip.

Varies

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Step 1 Outline Preview:

8-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Hakone, and Osaka Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Exploration

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Tokyo Cultural Tour

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Modern Tokyo & Shopping

8:30am

10:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Hakone Hot Springs

8:00am

10:30am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 5: Lake Ashi and Travel to Osaka

7:30am

8:30am

10:00am

11:30am

1:00pm

5:30pm

7:00pm

Day 6: Osaka Castle and City Exploration

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

2:00pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

Day 7: Day Trip: Nara from Osaka

7:30am

8:30am

9:00am

11:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

Day 8: Return to Tokyo & Departure

7:30am

8:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:30pm

5:00pm

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