15-Day Comprehensive Japan Journey: From Tokyo to Osaka

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan on June 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your journey by sampling fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast dishes in the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

10:30am

Explore Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street

Discover Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, noted for its cultural importance and colourful shopping street, open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Komagata Dozeu

Savour Dozeu (loach fish) cuisine, a traditional dish in a historic restaurant open 11:30am-2:00pm and 5:00pm-9:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum

Walk scenic Ueno Park and tour Japan’s largest museum of art and archaeology, open 9:30am to 5:00pm (closed Mondays).
JPY620, 2h

5:00pm

Evening in Akihabara

Experience the electric town’s manga, anime shops, and cafes vibrant after sunset.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen Akihabara

Warm up with rich tonkotsu ramen in a popular spot open until 11:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

Day 2: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Lumine Shinjuku

Enjoy western-style pancakes or eggs benedict in a stylish café open from 8:00am.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the serene Meiji Shrine with its magnificent torii gates, then enjoy walking in Yoyogi Park, open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Taste famed robatayaki (Japanese grill) in an atmospheric setting open from 11:30am to 10:30pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Mori Art Museum & Tokyo City View

Enjoy contemporary art and panoramic views in Roppongi Hills, museum open 10:00am-10:00pm.
JPY2000, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll and Shop in Omotesando

Explore upscale shopping and architecture in this fashionable boulevard.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Afuri Ramen Harajuku

Indulge in yuzu-flavoured ramen in a trendy spot open until 11:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

Day 3: Historic Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Odaiba

Savour fluffy ricotta pancakes with a view of Tokyo Bay, open from 8:00am.
JPY2500, 1h

9:30am

TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

Immerse yourself in this revolutionary digital art experience, open 10:00am to 7:00pm (last entry 6:00pm).
JPY3200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at DiverCity Food Court

Sample a variety of international and Japanese dishes in this lively food court.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji Temple

Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower observation deck and historic Zojo-ji Temple nearby, tower open 9:00am-11:00pm.
JPY1200, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Ginza Shopping District

Experience high-end shopping and tea in Ginza, open until evening.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai Ginza

Enjoy fantastic sushi at this famous chain open 24 hours.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 4: Day Trip to Kamakura

Kamakura, Japan on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast at your Tokyo hotel before taking the train to Kamakura.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Kamakura

Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station, about an hour journey.
JPY920, 1h

9:40am

Visit Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu)

See the monumental outdoor bronze Buddha statue, open 8:00am to 5:30pm.
JPY200, 1h

11:00am

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Explore Kamakura’s most important shrine with beautiful grounds, open all day.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Komeda’s Coffee Kamakura

Enjoy sandwiches and famous fluffy pastries in a relaxed cafe setting.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Hiking the Daibutsu Trail

Take a scenic 2-hour walk through bamboo groves and temples on this peaceful trail.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Train back to Tokyo for overnight stay.
JPY920, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tonki Tonkatsu

Feast on crispy tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) in this traditional restaurant open until 9:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m

Day 5: Travel to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tokyo hotel

Energize with a hearty breakfast before departing for Nikko.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Nikko

Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Utsunomiya, then transfer to the JR Nikko Line to reach Nikko in approximately 2 hours.
JPY6000, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Hippari Dako Nikko

Enjoy casual local cuisine including yakitori and noodles near Nikko Station.
JPY1500, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the ornately decorated UNESCO World Heritage Shrine complex, open 8:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1300, 2h

3:30pm

Walk through Shinkyo Bridge and Nikko National Park

Enjoy one of Japan’s most picturesque red bridges and surrounding natural parkland.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Check into Ryokan and Onsen

Relax in a traditional ryokan with hot spring baths, common in Nikko.
JPY8000, Dinner & overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Experience a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner featuring local ingredients.
Included, 1h30m

Day 6: Nikko Nature & Heritage

Nikko, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Traditional Japanese breakfast to start your day vibrant and full.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Take a bus to Lake Chuzenji and marvel at the stunning 97-metre Kegon Waterfall, open all day.
Bus fare approx. JPY1000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at a lakeside café

Enjoy light meals and local specialties with scenic views over Lake Chuzenji.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Nikko Edo Wonderland

Step back in time at this historical theme park recreating Edo-period Japan, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY4800, 2h30m

5:30pm

Return to ryokan

Relax and soak in onsen baths after a day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy delicate seasonal dishes in a traditional Japanese setting.
Included, 1h30m

Day 7: Travel to Hakone

Hakone, Japan on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Hakone by train

Return to Utsunomiya by train then take Shinkansen to Odawara, then Hakone Tozan Railway to Hakone-Yumoto, about 3.5 hours total.
JPY7000, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hakone-Yumoto Station area

Try local soba noodles or sweets available near the station.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore vast sculptures in beautiful mountain surroundings, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

4:30pm

Check into a Hakone ryokan

Enjoy amenities including soothing onsen and traditional rooms.
JPY15000, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at ryokan

Savour seasonal kaiseki cuisine featuring regional ingredients.
Included, 1h30m

Day 8: Hakone Sightseeing

Hakone, Japan on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Traditional Japanese style breakfast to start an active day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani

Ride the ropeway to the sulfurous volcanic valley and try the famous black eggs, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY2060, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Owakudani’s rest area

Enjoy light meals and refreshments overlooking volcanic landscapes.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Cruise on Lake Ashi

Take a scenic pirate ship tour on Lake Ashi with views of Mt Fuji on clear days, cruises run until 4:30pm.
JPY1000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Discover the lakeside shrine with iconic torii gate in the water, open all day.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Onsen relaxation

End your day with a hot spring soak to unwind before dinner.
JPY1500, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at ryokan

Enjoy another exquisite kaiseki dinner, reflecting the flavors of the season.
Included, 1h30m

Day 9: Travel & Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Traditional breakfast before checking out for Kyoto.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

From Odawara Station take the bullet train to Kyoto, a scenic 2-hour journey.
JPY8000, 2h

11:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the historic temple with panoramic views of Kyoto, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot), a Kyoto specialty, open 11:30am-7:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Wander the preserved historic streets with shops and tea houses.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Explore this vibrant shrine at the district’s end, open all day.
Free, 30m

5:00pm

Explore Gion

Stroll in the iconic geisha district known for traditional architecture and culture.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Experience refined kaiseki dining with seasonal Kyoto ingredients.
JPY6000, 2h

Day 10: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a buffet or traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates in this spiritual site open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore one of Kyoto’s important Zen temples, famous for its gardens, open 9:00am-4:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy handcrafted udon noodles near Kodai-ji Temple, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the iconic shimmering temple surrounded by reflective ponds, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden

Meditate by this world-famous rock garden, open 8:00am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

5:00pm

Return to city centre

Relax or shop in central Kyoto.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Yakitori Alley

Try traditional grilled skewers in a lively alleyway known for nightlife, open until midnight.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 11: Philosopher’s Walk & Museums

Kyoto, Japan on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast to prepare for a day of walking.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Stroll Philosopher’s Walk

Walk along the beautiful canal path lined with cherry trees and temples.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore this grand Zen temple, famous for its aqueduct and gardens, open 8:40am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Independants

Relax with coffee and light meals in this quaint Kyoto café.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kyoto National Museum

Discover fascinating historical and cultural exhibits, open 9:30am-5:00pm (closed Mondays).
JPY520, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Nishiki Market

Browse colourful stalls offering local food and crafts, open till evening.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nishiki Warai Okonomiyaki

Try Kyoto-style okonomiyaki in a friendly, casual atmosphere.
JPY2000, 1h30m

Day 12: Free Day Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Take your time and enjoy your hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Optional: Day trip to Arashiyama

Explore the Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryu-ji Temple, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu (inside Tenryu-ji)

Try shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) in tranquil surroundings.
JPY3500, 1h

3:00pm

Explore more of Kyoto or rest

Visit shops, galleries or relax at your accommodation.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Issian Pontocho

Enjoy yakitori in a lively local eatery with great atmosphere.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 13: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kyoto hotel

Light breakfast before traveling to Nara.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Nara

Take JR Nara Line rapid service, 45 minutes to Nara.
JPY710, 45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See giant Buddha statue and architectural marvels, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer roaming freely across expansive parkland.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy fresh tuna dishes in a local favourite, open 11:00am-2:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

See hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns in this historic Shinto shrine, open 6:30am-5:30pm.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back by train to Kyoto to rest or explore.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Try a variety of rich ramen dishes before calling it a night.
JPY1000, 1h

Day 14: Travel to Osaka & Explore

Osaka, Japan on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Osaka.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train from Kyoto to Osaka

Short 15-minute ride on JR Special Rapid Service to Osaka Station.
JPY560, 15m

9:30am

Osaka Castle

Explore historic castle grounds and museum, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:30am

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Experience Osaka’s premier shopping district with a variety of shops and boutiques.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Taste takoyaki and okonomiyaki from popular street vendors alongside the canal.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden

Enjoy panoramic city views from the observatory, open 10:00am-10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

3:30pm

Nakanoshima Park

Relax in this riverside green space offering peaceful walking paths.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Check into hotel

Settle into your accommodation to refresh before dinner.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Experience Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers at this popular restaurant, open till 11:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 15: Osaka Final Day

Osaka, Japan on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a final day of exploring.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the world’s largest and most spectacular aquariums, open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY2400, 2h

11:30am

Tempozan Marketplace

Shop and enjoy light snacks at this shopping complex next to the aquarium, open until 9:00pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kiji Okonomiyaki

Try delicious Osaka-style okonomiyaki in a popular local spot.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dotonbori & Namba

Take in the lively atmosphere and street performances in these iconic entertainment districts.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at a Café or Prepare for Departure

Spend final moments in a local café or rest at your hotel before your onward journey.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Matsuzushi

Enjoy high-quality sushi in this well-known restaurant to conclude your Japan trip.
JPY6000, 2h