12 Days Exploring Japan's Urban and Cultural Gems Itinerary

Begin your Kyoto adventure by visiting the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This iconic temple is known for its breathtaking golden exterior and serene surroundings. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama, known for its exquisite kaiseki meals.

In the afternoon, explore the charming streets of Higashiyama District and visit the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The temple offers stunning views of Kyoto from its wooden stage. For lunch, savor some delicious udon noodles at Omen Kodai-ji, located nearby.

Conclude your day with an immersive cultural experience by joining the tour Kyoto: Geisha Arts Gion Cultural Walk with Geisha Show. This tour provides insights into Kyoto's geisha culture and includes a captivating geisha performance. For dinner, indulge in traditional Kyoto cuisine at Gion Karyo.

Start your day in Nara by visiting the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. These friendly deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto religion. Enjoy feeding them special deer crackers available for purchase within the park. Afterward, have breakfast at Nakatanidou, known for their freshly made mochi.

In the afternoon, explore one of Nara's most significant temples, Todai-ji Temple. Marvel at the Great Buddha Hall which houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. For lunch, head to Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding Honpo for some delicious local treats including their famous pudding.

End your day with a visit to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, renowned for its hundreds of bronze lanterns that line its pathways creating an enchanting atmosphere especially during twilight hours. Join the tour from Osaka/Nara: Kyoto Sightseeing Tour With Scenic Train Ride . For dinner try out traditional Japanese cuisine at R-Mikasa.

Kick off your day in Osaka with a visit to Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Osaka's past with its life-sized replicas of historical streets and houses. After exploring the museum, head to Granknot Coffee for a delightful breakfast. Their specialty coffee and pastries are highly recommended.

In the afternoon, dive into Osaka's vibrant food scene with the tour Osaka: Hungry Food Tour of Shinsekai with 15 Dishes. This tour will take you through the bustling Shinsekai district, where you can sample a variety of local dishes from kushikatsu to takoyaki. For lunch, enjoy some mouth-watering street food during the tour.

Conclude your day with a visit to America-Mura (American Village), known for its trendy shops, cafes, and street art. It's a great place to soak in the youthful energy of Osaka. For dinner, head to Izakaya Toyo, famous for its delicious seafood and lively atmosphere.

Odori Park (Odori Koen) is your first stop in Sapporo. This central park is especially beautiful during winter when it hosts the famous Sapporo Snow Festival. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park before heading to Morning for breakfast, where you can try their delicious Hokkaido-style pancakes.

Sapporo: Private Customized Guided Tour is perfect for exploring Sapporo at your own pace. Your guide will tailor the tour based on your interests, whether it's visiting historical sites or sampling local delicacies. For lunch, make sure to try some fresh seafood at Nijo Market, one of Sapporo's most popular markets.

Susukino is Sapporo's entertainment district and a great place to spend your evening. The area is filled with bars, restaurants, and shops that come alive at night. For dinner, head to Sushizen, renowned for its high-quality sushi made from fresh Hokkaido ingredients.

Kyoto: Walking Tour in Gion with Breakfast at Nishiki Market offers an excellent start to your day. Begin with breakfast at Nishiki Market where you can sample various local delicacies before embarking on a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district.

Kyoto: Afternoon Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park Bike Tour takes you on an adventurous ride through Arashiyama’s scenic bamboo groves and monkey park. This tour provides both natural beauty and cultural insights into Kyoto’s unique landscapes.

End your day by visiting Pontocho Alley, one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric dining areas lined with traditional wooden buildings housing various restaurants and bars along Kamogawa River (Kamo River). Enjoy dinner at Pontocho Kappa Zushi, known for its delightful sushi offerings.

Start your day with a visit to Tokyo Tower: Admission Ticket. This iconic landmark offers panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. After soaking in the views, head to Aman Tokyo for a luxurious breakfast with stunning city vistas.

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant district of Asakusa and join the tour Tokyo: Asakusa and Skytree Go-Kart Tour and Photo Shoot. This unique experience allows you to dress up in costumes and drive go-karts through the streets of Tokyo, passing by famous landmarks like Senso-ji Temple. For lunch, enjoy some traditional tempura at Tempura Daikokuya in Asakusa.

Conclude your day with a serene experience at Tokyo: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk. This tour will provide you with an opportunity to learn about Zen practices and meditate in a tranquil setting. For dinner, head to Narisawa, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Japanese cuisine.

Begin your day in Nara by visiting the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. These friendly deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto religion. Enjoy feeding them special deer crackers available for purchase within the park. Afterward, have breakfast at Nakatanidou, known for their freshly made mochi.

In the afternoon, explore one of Nara's most significant temples, Todai-ji Temple. Marvel at the Great Buddha Hall which houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. For lunch, head to Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding Honpo for some delicious local treats including their famous pudding.

End your day with a visit to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, renowned for its hundreds of bronze lanterns that line its pathways creating an enchanting atmosphere especially during twilight hours. Join the tour from Osaka/Nara: Kyoto Sightseeing Tour With Scenic Train Ride . For dinner try out traditional Japanese cuisine at R-Mikasa.

Kick off your day in Osaka with a visit to Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Osaka's past with its life-sized replicas of historical streets and houses. After exploring the museum, head to Granknot Coffee for a delightful breakfast. Their specialty coffee and pastries are highly recommended.

In the afternoon, dive into Osaka's vibrant food scene with the tour Osaka: Hungry Food Tour of Shinsekai with 15 Dishes. This tour will take you through the bustling Shinsekai district, where you can sample a variety of local dishes from kushikatsu to takoyaki. For lunch, enjoy some mouth-watering street food during the tour.

Conclude your day with a visit to America-Mura (American Village), known for its trendy shops, cafes, and street art. It's a great place to soak in the youthful energy of Osaka. For dinner, head to Izakaya Toyo, famous for its delicious seafood and lively atmosphere.

Begin your day with a visit to Odori Park (Odori Koen). This central park is especially beautiful during winter when it hosts the famous Sapporo Snow Festival. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park before heading to Morning for breakfast, where you can try their delicious Hokkaido-style pancakes.

Sapporo: Private Customized Guided Tour is perfect for exploring Sapporo at your own pace. Your guide will tailor the tour based on your interests, whether it's visiting historical sites or sampling local delicacies. For lunch, make sure to try some fresh seafood at Nijo Market, one of Sapporo's most popular markets.

Susukino is Sapporo's entertainment district and a great place to spend your evening. The area is filled with bars, restaurants, and shops that come alive at night. For dinner, head to Sushizen, renowned for its high-quality sushi made from fresh Hokkaido ingredients.

Tokyo: Full-Day Sightseeing Bus Tour offers an excellent start to your day. This comprehensive tour covers major attractions such as Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace East Garden, Asakusa Temple, and more. Enjoy breakfast on the go with some local snacks from the tour stops.

Tokyo: Sushi Making Class provides a hands-on experience in crafting traditional Japanese sushi. Learn from expert chefs and enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch in a friendly setting.

Tokyo Pub Crawl is perfect for experiencing Tokyo's vibrant nightlife. Join fellow travelers and locals as you explore some of the best bars in Shibuya or Roppongi districts. For dinner before the crawl, head to Izakaya Ebisu, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious izakaya dishes.

Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk offers a peaceful start to your day. Engage in Zen meditation practices under the guidance of a monk in a serene temple setting. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Yojiya Cafe, known for its matcha treats.

Kyoto: Nishiki Market Food and Culture Walking Tour takes you through Kyoto’s famous food market where you can sample various local delicacies while learning about their cultural significance. For lunch, savor some fresh sashimi or tempura from one of the market stalls.

Kyoto: Geisha Arts Gion Cultural Walk with Geisha Show provides an immersive cultural experience as you stroll through Gion district learning about geisha traditions followed by an enchanting geisha performance. Conclude your trip with dinner at Gion Karyo, offering exquisite Kyoto cuisine.