Day-by-Day Itinerary
Tokyo - Arrival & Asakusa Area
Narita → Tokyo Skytree → Asakusa → Sumida River → Tokyo Station
Arrival & Check-in
Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Take the train to your hotel. Recommended areas: Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Asakusa.
Tokyo Skytree
World's tallest tower at 634m. Stunning 360° views of Tokyo from observation decks at 350m and 450m.
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Sensō-ji Temple & Nakamise Street
Tokyo's oldest temple with traditional shopping street. Perfect introduction to Japanese culture. Free admission.
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Sumida River Cruise
Relaxing boat ride with views of Tokyo Skytree and Rainbow Bridge. 40-minute scenic journey through Tokyo's waterways.
Book Cruise
Dinner at Tokyo Station
Explore Ramen Street or GRANSTA food mall for authentic Japanese dinner.
Local Tips
- Purchase Suica/Pasmo card at airport for easy train travel
- Visit Sensō-ji early morning (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds
- Try fresh melon pan at Nakamise Street
Tokyo - Modern & Traditional
Tsukiji → Imperial Palace → Shibuya → Harajuku → Meiji Shrine
Tsukiji Outer Market & Sushi Breakfast
Fresh sushi breakfast at the market. Arrive early (7-8 AM) for the best experience.
Recommended: Sushi Dai
Imperial Palace East Gardens
Peaceful Japanese garden with historic stone walls and bridges. Former site of Edo Castle. Free admission.
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Shibuya Crossing
Experience the world's busiest crossing with up to 3,000 people crossing at once. Watch from Starbucks 2F for best view.
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Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Youth fashion capital with trendy shops, crepe stands, and colorful street culture. Don't miss rainbow cotton candy!
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Meiji Shrine at Sunset
Peaceful shrine in the heart of Tokyo. Walk through the serene forest path as the sun sets. Free admission.
View DetailsLocal Tips
- Cross Shibuya Crossing from Starbucks 2F for the best view
- Try crepes on Takeshita Street - a Harajuku tradition
- Meiji Shrine is free admission and open until sunset
Tokyo - Entertainment & Culture
Ueno Park → Akihabara → Ginza → teamLab → Tokyo Tower
Ueno Park & Museums
Spacious park with Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, and beautiful ponds. Cherry blossoms in spring, lotus in summer.
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Akihabara - Otaku Culture
Anime, manga, and gaming paradise. Visit multi-story game centers, electronics shops, and unique maid cafes.
View DetailsGinza Shopping District
Upscale shopping area with luxury brands, department stores, and fine dining. Window shopping is also enjoyable!
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teamLab Borderless
Immersive digital art museum with mind-blowing interactive installations. Book tickets 2-3 weeks in advance!
Book Tickets
Tokyo Tower at Night
Iconic landmark illuminated beautifully at night. The observation deck offers stunning 360° panorama of Tokyo's city lights.
View Details Book TicketsLocal Tips
- teamLab tickets sell out fast - book 2-3 weeks in advance
- Try tonkatsu ramen at Kikanbo for dinner if you like spicy food
- Tokyo Tower is less crowded than Tokyo Skytree
Osaka - Food Paradise
Tokyo → Osaka → Umeda → Osaka Castle → Dotonbori
Shinkansen to Osaka
Take the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka (2.5 hours). Check into your hotel in Namba or Umeda area.
Umeda Sky Building
Futuristic skyscraper with floating garden observatory. Amazing 360° views of Osaka from 173m height.
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Osaka Castle
Iconic castle with beautiful gardens and golden decorations. Learn about samurai history and enjoy panoramic city views from the 8th floor.
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Dotonbori Food Tour
Neon-lit entertainment district with famous Glico sign. Try takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu. The ultimate Osaka food experience!
View Dotonbori Book Food TourLocal Tips
- Purchase JR Pass before coming to Japan for unlimited Shinkansen rides
- Try okonomiyaki at Mizuno - 1945年創業の老舗
- Dotonbori River Cruise offers beautiful night views
Osaka - Universal Studios or Cultural Experience
USJ or Shinsekai & Kuromon Market
Universal Studios Japan (Full Day)
Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, and Japanese exclusive attractions. Arrive early (park opens at 8:30 AM) and book Express Pass for shorter lines.
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Kuromon Market
"Osaka's Kitchen" with fresh seafood, fruits, and street food. Try fresh oysters, scallops, and wagyu beef!
View DetailsNamba & Shinsaibashi Shopping
Covered shopping arcade with fashion, souvenirs, and street food. Perfect for browsing and people-watching.
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Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower
Retro Showa-era district with nostalgic atmosphere. Try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and visit iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.
View DetailsSumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines with unique architecture and beautiful vermillion bridges. Peaceful atmosphere away from crowds.
View DetailsSumo Show & Chanko Nabe Experience
Watch live sumo wrestlers perform and enjoy traditional chanko nabe hot pot dinner. Unique cultural experience!
Book Sumo ExperienceLocal Tips
- USJ Express Pass costs extra but saves 2-3 hours of waiting
- Try fresh oysters and scallops at Kuromon Market
- Kushikatsu Daruma in Shinsekai is a must-try for deep-fried skewers
Kyoto - Temples & Bamboo Forest
Osaka → Kyoto → Arashiyama → Bamboo Grove → Kinkaku-ji → Gion
Travel to Kyoto & Arashiyama
Take train to Kyoto (30 min), then to Arashiyama. Walk through the famous bamboo grove early to avoid crowds.
View Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Tour
Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
Walk through mystical bamboo forest. Visit Tenryu-ji Temple's zen garden. Rent kimono for perfect Instagram photos!
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Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Stunning golden temple with brilliant gold leaf exterior reflecting perfectly in the mirror pond. One of Kyoto's most iconic and photographed spots.
View DetailsTraditional Tea Ceremony
Experience authentic Japanese tea ceremony with matcha and traditional sweets. Learn about Zen philosophy and tea etiquette.
Book Tea Ceremony
Gion District & Geisha Spotting
Walk through historic machiya-lined streets at dusk. You might spot geishas between 6-7 PM going to appointments. Respectful viewing only!
View GionLocal Tips
- Visit bamboo forest at 7-8 AM for peaceful experience
- Rent a kimono in Arashiyama for Instagram-worthy photos
- Never chase or block geishas - it's disrespectful
Kyoto - Fushimi Inari & Departure
Fushimi Inari → Kiyomizu-dera → Nishiki Market → Kyoto Station → Airport
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Famous for thousands of vermillion red torii gates creating an endless tunnel. Arrive early (7 AM) to hike the mountain trail without crowds. Full hike takes 2-3 hours.
View DetailsKiyomizu-dera Temple
Historic wooden temple on hillside with panoramic city views. UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous wooden stage built without nails.
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Nishiki Market
"Kyoto's Kitchen" - 400-year-old covered market perfect for last-minute souvenirs and street food. Try matcha sweets, tsukemono pickles, and fresh seafood.
View DetailsKyoto Station Shopping
Last-minute souvenir shopping at Kyoto Station's JR Kyoto Isetan and The Cube. Ship large items home to avoid carrying!
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Departure
Return to Tokyo or Osaka for your flight home. JR Pass allows unlimited rides on the same day.
Local Tips
- Full Fushimi Inari hike takes 2-3 hours round trip
- Leave 3-4 hours before flight for Kansai Airport from Kyoto
- Ship large souvenirs from Kyoto Station to avoid carrying