10-Day Ultimate Japan Adventure: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Exploring Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast items at various vendors in this vibrant market that is open early morning.
JPY1500, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, rich with historical architecture and street vendors.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Savor traditional sukiyaki in a historic setting near Senso-ji, known for its high-quality wagyu beef and authentic experience.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Stroll through Ueno Park and visit Tokyo National Museum

Enjoy peaceful park grounds and discover Japan’s art, history, and culture through extensive museum collections.
JPY620, 2h

5:00pm

Evening walk in Shibuya Crossing

Experience the world-famous bustling pedestrian scramble and explore nearby shops and cafes.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Enjoy rich and customizable tonkotsu ramen in a famous, cozy ramen chain popular with locals and tourists alike.
JPY1200, 1h

Day 2: Modern Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Indulge in fluffy ricotta hotcakes and fresh juices at this stylish café known as one of the best breakfast spots in Tokyo.
JPY2500, 1h

10:00am

Visit teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

Experience immersive, interactive digital art exhibits at this futuristic museum in Odaiba, open 10am to 7pm.
JPY3300, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Odaiba Takoyaki Museum

Taste a variety of regional takoyaki styles from around Japan in a fun food court setting.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple

Climb up Tokyo Tower for city views, then enjoy the serene atmosphere of nearby historic Zojoji Temple.
JPY1200, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping in Ginza

Browse high-end boutiques and department stores along Tokyo’s premier shopping avenue.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai Ginza

Dine on fresh, expertly crafted sushi at this popular chain known for great quality and reasonable prices.
JPY3500, 1h

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Train to Nikko

Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa Station to Nikko, about 2 hours journey to scenic and historic region.
JPY2700, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Tour this lavishly decorated UNESCO World Heritage Site shrine, famous for its intricate carvings and the 'See No Evil' monkeys.
JPY1300, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk around Shinkyo Bridge and Kanmangafuchi Abyss

Explore iconic vermillion bridge and a serene path lined with dozens of Jizo statues along the river.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy local yuba dishes and soba noodles in a casual setting near Nikko shrine area, open till 3pm.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kegon Falls

Take a bus to this stunning 97-meter waterfall, one of Japan’s three famous waterfalls, with viewing platforms.
JPY570, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Catch train back to Tokyo for rest after a full day of sightseeing.
JPY2700, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Torigin Shinjuku

Savor yakitori grilled chicken skewers and local sides at this renowned Shinjuku eatery open till late.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 4: Hakone Relaxation

Hakone, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Travel Tokyo to Hakone

Take Odakyu Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, about 90 minutes, enjoy views en route.
JPY2200, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore outdoor sculptures and artworks set against beautiful mountain scenery, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Museum Café

Dine at the museum’s café offering light meals with garden views.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Ride Hakone Ropeway and visit Owakudani

Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji and volcanic valley, famous for black eggs cooked in hot springs.
JPY2100 (roundtrip ropeway), 2h

5:00pm

Check into Ryokan with onsen

Experience traditional Japanese inn hospitality with hot spring baths to relax your muscles.
JPY20000+ (per night), Evening

7:30pm

Traditional Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course Japanese dinner featuring seasonal local ingredients, served at your inn.
Included in Ryokan stay, 2h

Day 5: Journey to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast included in your stay.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel Hakone to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Odawara station to Kyoto, approximately 2 hours for a fast and comfortable trip.
JPY14000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Musashi Sushi Kyoto

Enjoy affordable and fresh conveyor belt sushi right near Kyoto Station.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore iconic thousands of red torii gates leading up the mountain trails dedicated to the rice god.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll through Kyoto’s famous geisha neighborhood with historic wooden machiya houses and teahouses.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Taste traditional Kyoto kaiseki-inspired cuisine in a charming Gion setting.
JPY4500, 1h30m

Day 6: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start with a classic Kyoto coffee and toast breakfast at this beloved local café.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion

Visit the iconic golden-leaf covered Zen temple set beside a tranquil pond, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Temple

View the famous Zen rock garden considered a masterpiece of simplicity and meditation.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy seasonal handmade udon noodles and fresh vegetables near Kodai-ji Temple.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk through the serene bamboo forest and visit the beautiful UNESCO temple nearby, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY500 for temple, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to see wild Japanese macaques and panoramic views of Kyoto, open until 4:30pm (arrive early).
JPY550, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Dine on traditional boiled tofu specialty in a charming historic setting close to Arashiyama.
JPY2500, 1h30m

Day 7: Spiritual Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy western-style breakfast and specialty coffee in a trendy bookstore café.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Tour this historic temple with a famous wooden stage overlooking the city, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through historic Higashiyama District

Stroll cobblestone streets filled with traditional shops, teahouses, and street snacks.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okariba

Try Kyoto-style grilled chicken and local vegetables in a cozy traditional eatery.
JPY2500, 1h

2:30pm

Nanzen-ji Temple and Philosopher's Path

Visit one of Kyoto’s largest Zen temples and then walk the scenic Philosopher’s Path along a canal lined with cherry trees.
Nanzen-ji Free; some sub-temples JPY500, 2h

5:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony to learn about its rituals, open by reservation till 6pm.
JPY3000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Enjoy home-style Kyoto cuisine favored by locals in a warm and lively atmosphere.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 8: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kyoto to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line Rapid Service from Kyoto Station to Nara, about 45 minutes.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the world’s largest wooden building housing a giant Buddha statue, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Deer Park

Feed and interact with friendly free-roaming deer considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy Nara specialties centered around fresh tuna dishes in a cozy restaurant near the park.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Walk through this historic Shinto shrine famous for its lantern-lined paths, open 6:30am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Nara National Museum

Explore art and artifacts related to Japanese Buddhism, open 9:30am to 5pm (closed Mondays).
JPY520, 1h

5:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Take the train back to Kyoto for evening relaxation.
JPY710, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Try unique burnt miso ramen in a trendy setting to round off the day.
JPY1500, 1h

Day 9: Vibrant Osaka

Osaka, Japan on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka

Take the JR Special Rapid train from Kyoto to Osaka, only 30 minutes by rail.
JPY560, 30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and street snacks, the market is lively and open from morning until early evening.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore historic castle grounds and museum showcasing Osaka’s samurai heritage, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ajinoya Okonomiyaki

Enjoy famous Osaka-style savory pancake with your choice of toppings, open till late afternoon.
JPY1600, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dotonbori District

Visit the neon-lit entertainment district known for shopping, street food, and iconic Glico running man sign.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden

Go to the rooftop observatory for spectacular views over Osaka city, open 10am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in a lively, iconic restaurant in Dotonbori.
JPY2500, 1h30m

Day 10: Final Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy specialty coffee and a light Western-style breakfast at this popular café near Namba.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Discover one of the world’s largest aquariums featuring diverse marine life, open 10am to 8pm.
JPY2400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Choose from multiple food vendors offering fresh seafood and Japanese cuisine near the aquarium.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Spa World

Unwind in this large public bath complex with international themed baths and various saunas, open 10am to midnight.
JPY1200, 2h30m

4:30pm

Shopping at Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Stroll through Osaka’s premier shopping street, great for last-minute souvenirs and fashion finds.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Matsuzushi

Enjoy a memorable sushi feast at this highly rated local sushi restaurant, perfect end to the trip.
JPY5000, 2h