Japan Highlights - Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka 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.
  • End your day in Shinjuku.

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  Day 3: Day trip to Hakone

  • Take a train from Tokyo to Hakone.
  • Once you arrive in Hakone, 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.
  • Return to Tokyo in the evening.
  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Tokyo. (recommendations in your Japan Journal)

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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.
  • In Ueno Park, 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 famous 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 pick up your Shinkansen train ticket and reserve your seat.

  • Check out of your hotel in Tokyo
  • Take the 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 the temples along the 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.
  • Afterwards, attend 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.
  • After the tea ceremony, 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 8: Kyoto to Osaka

  • Check out of your hotel in Kyoto and make your way to Kyoto Station.
  • Once you arrive at Kyoto Station, take a train to Osaka.
  • After you arrive in Osaka, check-in at your hotel 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 savoury 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 10: 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 11: Departure From Japan

  • Check out of your hotel in Osaka and head to Osaka Station
  • From there, take the Haruka Express train to Kansai International Airport. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

  Be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight to allow for check-in and security procedures. Check with your airline for recommended arrival times.