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

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast delicacies at Tsukiji Outer Market, a vibrant place full of local food vendors open from early morning.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, enjoying the historic atmosphere and the famous Nakamise shopping street leading up to the temple. Open all day, ideal for a morning visit.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk to Ueno Park and Museums

Stroll through Ueno Park to visit the Tokyo National Museum or the National Museum of Nature and Science, both opening around 9:30am ensuring enough time to explore their rich collections.
JPY1000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen

Enjoy a delicious bowl of traditional Japanese ramen at Ippudo, a local favourite close to Ueno Park, renowned for its rich broth and tender noodles.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Shibuya and Shibuya Crossing

Experience the world-famous Shibuya Crossing and explore the surrounding trendy shops and cafes. Visit Hachiko statue for a quick photo.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Dine at the iconic Gonpachi, known for its traditional izakaya style and inspired the famous kill bill restaurant scene. Open until 11pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Tokyo Sights & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on June 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Start your day surrounded by beautiful blooms and enjoy a light breakfast along with tea or coffee in this unique flower shop cafe.
JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine to experience Shinto traditions and stroll through the serene Yoyogi Park nearby. The shrine opens at 5:00am and closes around sunset.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Savour handmade gyoza at this popular local spot near Harajuku, perfect for a filling and delicious lunch.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping and Exploring Harajuku and Omotesando

Discover quirky boutiques in Harajuku and upscale shopping along Omotesando Avenue, blending street fashion with luxury brands.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Visit Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Observation Deck

Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from this observation deck, open until 11pm, perfect for sunset and city night views.
JPY1800, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sushi Kyubey

Experience exquisite sushi at Sushi Kyubey, widely praised for its fresh fish and traditional techniques. Reservations recommended.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 3: Nikko Day Trip

Nikko, Japan on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Nikko from Tokyo

Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Utsunomiya then transfer to the Nikko line, total journey approximately 2 hours.
JPY4500, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the opulent Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its elaborate carvings and serene environment. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy local cuisine specializing in yakitori and soba in a casual setting near Nikko temple area.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Take a short bus ride to Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s most spectacular waterfalls, then stroll around scenic Lake Chuzenji.
JPY1000 for observation deck, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Take the train back to Tokyo, timing you to arrive in the early evening for dinner.
JPY4500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten

Relax with a crispy and juicy tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) dinner in central Tokyo.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hakone Onsen Relax

Hakone, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Romancecar limited express train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, about 1.5 hours.
JPY2080, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Hakone Open Air Museum

Enjoy contemporary art amid beautiful natural surroundings. The museum opens from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Relax at this scenic bakery café overlooking Lake Ashi, offering fresh bread and light meals.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Cruise on Lake Ashi

Take a 30-minute sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi to admire the views of Mount Fuji and surrounding nature.
JPY1000, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Visit this peaceful lakeside shrine surrounded by ancient cedar trees, ideal in the afternoon light. Open all day.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Check in and Onsen experience

Stay at a ryokan (traditional inn) with an onsen (hot spring), such as Hakone Ginyu, for ultimate relaxation.
Included with ryokan stay, 2h+

7:30pm

Traditional Kaiseki Dinner

Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, featuring seasonal and local ingredients.
Included with ryokan stay, 2h
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Day 5: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

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

10:00am

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take a Hakone Tozan train to Odawara then the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, total travel about 3 hours.
JPY13500, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s famous Nishiki Market food street, sampling local street food and sushi.
JPY1500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour the beautiful historic Nijo Castle, famous for its nightingale floors and stunning gardens. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk through Gion District

Explore the traditional streets of Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, in the late afternoon and early evening.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of the many atmospheric restaurants in Pontocho Alley, famous for Kyoto cuisine and riverside views.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Cultural Day

Kyoto, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start with a classic Kyoto breakfast and coffee at Inoda Coffee, a historic cafe.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates at this famous shrine, open all day for a peaceful morning visit.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ramen Sen No Kaze

Enjoy hearty Kyoto-style ramen at this local favorite eatery.
JPY1000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vast wooden stage and stunning views. Open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional teahouse near Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY2000, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Philosopher’s Path

Take a peaceful stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a scenic canal-side walk lined with cherry trees, ideal for sunset relaxation.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Try traditional tofu cuisine at this serene restaurant near the Philosopher’s Path.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Take a direct JR train from Kyoto to Nara in approximately 45 minutes.
JPY720, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the colossal Great Buddha statue at Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opens at 7:30am.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Explore Nara Park and Deer

Enjoy interacting with the friendly deer that roam freely in Nara Park, a unique experience to embrace nature and culture simultaneously.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savour fresh tuna dishes in this cozy restaurant popular with locals and tourists alike.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Discover this beautiful shrine famous for its lantern-lined paths, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto by train for a relaxed evening.
JPY720, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Enjoy innovative kaiseki modern cuisine in a quirky Kyoto setting. Reservations recommended.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on July 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station Cube

Grab coffee and a light Japanese breakfast at the stylish eateries in Kyoto Station before heading to Osaka.
JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Osaka

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

11:00am

Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle and its museum, surrounded by beautiful parkland. Castle hours 9am-5pm.
JPY600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy Osaka’s famous street food including takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake) at this buzzing food street.
JPY1500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll through Osaka’s largest shopping district with diverse shops open until evening.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden

Visit the observation deck for stunning night views of Osaka. Open till 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try kushikatsu, deep-fried skewers, a delicious Osaka specialty at this popular casual restaurant.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 9: Osaka Universal Studios

Osaka, Japan on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Have a light breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café before heading to Universal Studios Japan.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan, enjoying thrilling rides and shows inspired by movies and pop culture. Park opens 9:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY8800, 9h

12:30pm

Lunch inside Universal Studios

Grab a themed meal at one of the many restaurants in the park, such as the Three Broomsticks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
JPY1500, 1h

7:30pm

Return to hotel and light dinner

Relax with a light dinner or snack near your hotel after a full day of excitement.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 10: Osaka Culture & Food

Osaka, Japan on July 7, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Bintang

Enjoy an international and Japanese fusion breakfast at this welcoming café in central Osaka.
JPY1200, 1h

10:30am

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world’s largest aquariums, home to diverse marine life. Open 10am-8pm.
JPY2400, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Dine at this market near the aquarium offering a wide variety of Japanese and international cuisine.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Namba Area

Wander through the vibrant Namba district to shop and enjoy street culture.
Free, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Treat yourself to premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku grilled to perfection, a renowned local delicacy.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 11: Travel & Relax

Osaka to Tokyo, Japan on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your last full day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel from Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen

Board the Shinkansen bullet train for a fast 3-hour journey back to Tokyo.
JPY14000, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Enjoy a variety of ramen styles in one convenient location, famous among food lovers.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Stroll through one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful gardens, open until 4:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Omoide Yokocho

Explore this atmospheric alleyway with tiny traditional eateries and bars, perfect for early evening drinks.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Narisawa

Dine at Narisawa, one of Japan’s best restaurants offering innovative cuisine focused on nature and seasonality. Reservations needed.
JPY25000, 2h
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Day 12: Departure Day

Tokyo, Japan on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last morning in Japan with a simple and refreshing breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Tokyo International Airport

Allow sufficient time for travel and check-in for your international flight departing Tokyo.
Variable depending on transport, 1h30m+
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