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

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast options at the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 7am to 3pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple located in Asakusa, famous for its Kaminarimon Gate and vibrant shopping street Nakamise-dori. Open throughout the day.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Rokurinsha Ramen

Savor the renowned thick tsukemen ramen at Rokurinsha in Tokyo Station, open from 7am to 10pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Tokyo Skytree

Experience panoramic views of Tokyo from the tallest tower in Japan, observation decks open 8am to 10pm.
JPY2100, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll in Ueno Park

Relax in Ueno Park, visit museums or the zoo. The park is open all day with museum hours varying.
Free (museum entrance extra), 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine in this lively izakaya famous for its traditional ambiance and variety of Japanese dishes. Open until midnight.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Start your day in a unique flower-filled café offering fresh teas and light breakfast, open 9am to 7pm.
JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Explore Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the serene Meiji Shrine and enjoy a peaceful walk through Yoyogi Park right next to it. Open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Try delicious and budget-friendly gyoza dumplings in Harajuku, open from 11am to 10pm.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping in Harajuku and Omotesando

Stroll through vibrant trendy streets, blending quirky street fashion and luxury boutiques.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Witness the famous busy Shibuya pedestrian scramble and visit the loyal dog Hachiko’s statue.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Shibuya

Enjoy personalized ramen at this famous chain known for a unique dining booth experience. Open 24 hours.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 3: Cultural Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Flipper's

Fuel up with fluffy Japanese-style pancakes at Flipper's, open from 9am to 8pm.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Edo-Tokyo Museum

Learn about Tokyo’s fascinating history and culture through immersive exhibits. Open 9:30am - 5:30pm (closed Mondays).
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Monja Street in Tsukishima

Try traditional monjayaki, a savory pan-fried dish local to Tokyo. Many restaurants open from 11am to 10pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Travel to Hakone via Odakyu Romancecar

Take a scenic train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto for a hot spring experience (approx 1h30m).
JPY2200, 2h

4:30pm

Check-in and relax at ryokan in Hakone

Experience traditional Japanese hospitality and soaked in onsen hot springs, ideal for unwinding after travel.
JPY15000+ (per night), Rest of evening

7:30pm

Kaiseki dinner at ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course traditional Japanese dinner featuring local seasonal ingredients as part of your stay.
Included in ryokan stay, 2h
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Day 4: Explore Hakone

Hakone, Japan on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring rice, fish, and pickles before starting your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi

Take a scenic pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, enjoying views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Cruises run 9am to 4pm.
JPY1000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Hakone Shrine

Walk through forest trails to this iconic shrine by Lake Ashi known for its red torii gate.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Try the famous tofu cutlet (katsu) in a traditional setting, open 11am to 3pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Ride Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley

Explore volcanic valley with hot springs, try the black eggs boiled in sulfur springs. Ropeway open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1500, 2h

5:00pm

Return to ryokan for onsen

Relax in hot spring baths at your ryokan after a day of sightseeing.
Included, Rest of evening

7:30pm

Dinner at ryokan

Another exquisite kaiseki dinner experience with seasonal specialties.
Included, 2h
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Day 5: Travel to Kyoto

Hakone to Kyoto, Japan on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at ryokan

Enjoy a calm Japanese breakfast before departing Hakone.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take a combination of local train to Odawara and then Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto (approx 3h total).
JPY14000, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various local specialties from stalls and small eateries in Kyoto’s famous food market.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the iconic wooden-stage temple with city views, open from 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Stroll the preserved streets with traditional shops and teahouses, perfect for photography.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Sushi

Dine on fresh sushi in Gion, open until 10pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto café breakfast with blend coffee and sandwiches, open from 7am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Hike through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates at Kyoto’s famous shrine, open 24 hours, free entrance.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ramen Sen no Kaze

Try rich and flavorful Kyoto-style ramen, open 11am to 9pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning gold-leaf covered temple reflected in the pond, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Contemplate the world-famous rock garden, a masterpiece of Zen landscaping. Open 8am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Rest and prepare for dinner.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a memorable dinner in the atmospheric alley with a variety of Japanese restaurants open well into evening.
JPY4000+, 2h
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Day 7: Arashiyama Area

Kyoto, Japan on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello

Relax with a cozy breakfast in a unique book-themed café open from 8am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the serene and iconic bamboo forest early before crowds arrive, open 24hrs.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Shoraian tofu restaurant

Enjoy traditional Buddhist tofu cuisine with scenic river views, open 11am to 3pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m

1:30pm

Explore Sagano Scenic Railway

Ride the picturesque train along the Hozu River for about 30 minutes, open daily 9am to 4pm.
JPY620, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

See wild macaque monkeys in their natural habitat with great Kyoto views, open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY550, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto city

Travel back to city center, rest before dinner.
JPY500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Experience innovative burnt miso ramen in a stylish space, open until 10pm.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 8: Day trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Kyoto

Enjoy a simple hotel breakfast to fuel your day trip to Nara.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Nara from Kyoto

Take the rapid train to Nara, approximately 45 minutes journey.
JPY720, 45m

10:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the massive temple housing the Great Buddha statue, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nara Mahoroba-kan

Try local dishes in this cultural center’s cafe, open 10am to 5pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Walk through Nara Park

Interact with freely roaming deer and enjoy the expansive park grounds.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Famous for its lanterns, this shrine offers wonderful nature setting, open 6am to 6pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Head back by train to Kyoto city center for overnight stay.
JPY720, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Choose from multiple renowned ramen stalls at Kyoto Station.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 9: Osaka Exploration

Osaka, Japan on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Kyoto

Prepare for travel with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka by train

Take the JR Special Rapid Service to Osaka, a quick 30-minute ride.
JPY560, 30m

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore this iconic historical landmark and its museum, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Sample street food favorites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the vibrant Dotonbori area.
JPY2000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and walk through one of Osaka’s largest shopping streets.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Taste deep-fried skewers in a popular Osaka chain, open until midnight.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Osaka Departure

Osaka, Japan on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last Japanese breakfast in Osaka.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world’s largest aquariums with amazing marine life, open 10am to 8pm.
JPY2400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Enjoy various dining options near the aquarium, open 10am to 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Relax and last minute shopping

Use remaining time to shop or relax before departure.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Travel to Kansai Airport

Take train or airport limousine bus for your departure flight, depending on flight time.
JPY1000-1500, 1h30m
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