Grand Tour of Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka and Hakone Self-Guided Tour

Brief Tour Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

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  Day 1: Arrival To Tokyo 東京

  • Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).
  • Welcome to Japan! ようこそ日本へ
  • Clear customs and get your luggage.
  • Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (step by step details in your Japan Journal).
  • Your Pocket Wi-Fi will be waiting for you at the hotel reception.
  • Check-in at your hotel (rooms available from 3:00pm).
  • Explore the neighbourhood and try local cuisine for dinner.

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  Day 2: Modern Tokyo

  Check your Japan Journal for information on how to get to all points of interests, plus recommendations for shopping, restaurants and attractions along the way.

  • Start your day early at Meiji Jingu, one of the most famous Shinto Shrines in Tokyo.
  • Harajuku, a vibrant district famous for its fashion and youth culture.
  • From Harajuku, walk down Omotesando, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées.
  • Continue your day in Shibuya, one of Tokyo's busiest and most popular shopping districts.
  • Go up to the Shibuya Sky for a stunning panoramic view of the city from above (Optional).
  • Explore Centre Gai for souvenirs.
  • Sushi for dinner (ideas in your Japan Journal guide).

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  Day 3: Parks and Neon Lights

  • Start your day by visiting the Shinjuku Gyoen, a beautiful park that offers a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.
  • Head to Shinjuku's shopping district and explore the many stores and boutiques.
  • Take a short walk to the Met Building, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Tokyo from the observation deck on the 45th floor.
  • Head to Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley filled with small bars and restaurants.
  • Visit the lively and colourful Kabukicho district, which is known for its neon lights, entertainment, and nightlife.
  • End your day with a Guided Food Tour in Shinjuku (optional).

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  Day 4: Traditional Tokyo

  • Start your day early with a visit to the Tsukiji Market for breakfast.
  • Head to Asakusa and visit the Sensoji Temple, which is one of the most famous and oldest temples in Tokyo
  • Walk along Nakamise-Dori.
  • Discover the Asakusa district for unique Japanese products.
  • Head to Ueno Park and visit some of its many attractions, such as the Tokyo National Museum, the Ueno Zoo, and the Shinobazu Pond
  • After Ueno, head to Akihabara, which is renowned for its electronics shops and anime culture.
  • End your day in Ginza.

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  Day 5: Tokyo to Kyoto

  All details on how to get from Tokyo to Kyoto included in your Japan Journal, with instructions on how to book your Shinkansen ticket and reserve your seat.

  • Check out of your hotel in Tokyo
  • Take a Shinkansen to Kyoto
  • Check-in at your hotel
  • Walk around Gion district
  • See the Yasaka Shrine
  • Walk around Maruyama Park
  • Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • Walk through Higashiyama District

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  Day 6: Serene Kyoto

  • Start your day at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  • Visit the Okochi Sanso Garden for matcha and wagashi (optional)
  • Walk towards Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street and visit as many temples as you can on your way
  • Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Get the public transport back to Higashiyama Ward
  • Walk along Shijo-Dori for delicious food
  • Explore Hanamikoji Street in the evening

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  Day 7: Day Trip To Nara

  • Take a train from Kyoto to Nara.
  • Once you arrive in Nara, head to Todai-ji Temple, which is one of the most famous temples in Japan and home to the Great Buddha.
  • Next, visit Nara Park and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the park.
  • Visit some of the many temples and shrines in the park, such as Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
  • On your way back, make sure to stop in Uji, known for its matcha tea.
  • Return to Kyoto in the evening.

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  Day 8: Traditional Kyoto

  • Start your day with a Traditional Kimono Experience.
  • Followed by a Tea Ceremony. This will give you a glimpse into Japanese culture and tradition, and you'll learn about the preparation and serving of matcha tea.
  • Head to Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto's kitchen.
  • Next, visit Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's most important landmarks.
  • Head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. Take a hike up the mountainous path through thousands of vermilion torii gates and enjoy the stunning views of the city below.
  • We recommend ending your day with a Kaiseki dinner serving traditional Kyoto cuisine.

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  Day 9: Kyoto to Hiroshima

  • Check out of your hotel in Kyoto and head to Kyoto Station to catch the train to Hiroshima.
  • Arrive in Hiroshima and check-in at your hotel.
  • Drop off your bags and get ready to explore the city.
  • Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb that was dropped on the city in 1945.
  • Take a break for lunch, try okonomiyaki.
  • Wander through the vibrant downtown area. This area is home to many great shops and restaurants.
  • Visit the Hiroshima Castle, a beautiful historic landmark that offers panoramic views of the city.
  • Try some of Hiroshima's local specialities, like oysters or grilled eel for dinner.

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  Day 10: Stunning Miyajima island

  • Start your day by taking a ferry to Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most picturesque destinations
  • Head straight to Itsukushima Shrine, which is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines.
  • Take some time to explore the island's walking trails and enjoy the natural scenery.
  • Take a break for lunch at one of the island's many restaurants. Miyajima is famous for its oysters.
  • Take a stroll along one of the island's many charming walking paths, or take the ropeway to the summit for stunning views.
  • Visit the Daisho-in Temple or the Miyajima History and Folklore Museum.
  • Return to the ferry terminal and take the ferry back to Hiroshima.

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  Day 11: Hiroshima to Osaka

  • Check out of your hotel in Hiroshima and make your way to Hiroshima Station.
  • Once you arrive at Hiroshima Station, take a train to Osaka.
  • After you arrive in Osaka and drop off your luggage.
  • Visit the famous Osaka castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
  • Explore the vibrant Dotonbori district and try local street food.
  • Try some of the local specialities like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (a savory pancake).
  • Do some shopping in the area, which is home to many stores and malls.
  • End your day by visiting the Umeda Sky Building.

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  Day 12: Discover Osaka

  • Start your day by visiting the Shitennoji Temple.
  • Head to the Shinsekai area, known for its retro atmosphere and delicious kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
  • Don't miss Tsutenkaku, an iconic tower in Osaka.
  • Do some shopping in MEGA Don Quijote Shinsekai.
  • Visit the Namba area for its abundant dining and shopping.

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  Day 13: Osaka to Hakone

  • Check out of your hotel in Osaka and head to the train station to catch a train to Hakone.
  • The journey takes approximately three hours, and offers scenic views of the Japanese countryside along the way.
  • Arrive in Hakone and check-in at your ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.
  • Your ryokan has dinner and breakfast included, a private bathroom and a public onsen onsite.
  • Head to the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
  • Visit the Hakone Shrine and enjoy a Lake Ashi cruise.
  • After the cruise, take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley.
  • Try the black eggs, boiled in the hot springs and said to extend one's life by seven years.
  • Enjoy a relaxing soak in an onsen, a natural hot spring, at your ryokan.
  • Have dinner at your ryokan and savour traditional Japanese cuisine (included in your stay).

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  Day 14: Back to Tokyo

  • Enjoy breakfast at your ryokan in Hakone (included in your stay).
  • Check out of your ryokan and head to the train station to catch a train to Tokyo.
  • Arrive in Tokyo and check-in at your hotel. Drop off your bags and get ready to explore the city.
  • Enjoy some leisure time in Tokyo for shopping, visiting some of the city's many shopping districts and department stores.
  • Sample some of Tokyo's famous cuisine, such as sushi or ramen, and enjoy a drink or two to cap off your day.
  • Return to your hotel to rest and recharge before your flight back home the next day.

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  Day 15: Departure from Tokyo

  • Check out of your hotel in Tokyo.
  • Make your way to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport for your departure flight.