13 Days Exploring Japan's Cultural Gems Itinerary

Begin your day with a serene walk through Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Tokyo. Afterward, have breakfast at a nearby café in Harajuku.

Spend your afternoon exploring Akihabara, Tokyo’s famous electronics district. Visit various shops and arcades, and enjoy lunch at one of Akihabara’s themed cafes.

In the evening, head to Roppongi for some nightlife. Enjoy dinner at one of Roppongi’s renowned restaurants and explore its vibrant bar scene.

Start your day with some family fun at Tokyo Disneyland®. Spend your morning enjoying various rides and attractions. Have breakfast within the park.

Continue enjoying more attractions at Tokyo Disneyland®. For lunch, dine at one of the themed restaurants within the park.

After an exciting day at Disneyland®, unwind by visiting Odaiba Seaside Park (Oaidaba Kaihin Koen). Enjoy dinner at one of Odaiba’s waterfront restaurants while taking in beautiful views.

Kick off your morning with a visit to Robot Restaurant for an extraordinary show that combines robots, lights, and music. Have breakfast before heading there as it opens later in the morning.

Spend your afternoon exploring Yanaka, an old-fashioned district that offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s past. Enjoy lunch at one of Yanaka’s traditional eateries.

Conclude your day by visiting Shinjuku Golden Gai, known for its narrow alleys filled with tiny bars and eateries. Have dinner here while soaking up the unique atmosphere.

Begin your Kyoto adventure with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha). Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine offers a picturesque start to your day. Have breakfast at a nearby café before heading to the shrine.

In the afternoon, explore the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This Zen Buddhist temple is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. For lunch, enjoy a traditional Japanese meal at a nearby restaurant.

End your day with a visit to Gion Corner, where you can experience traditional Japanese performing arts. Enjoy dinner in the Gion district, known for its historic teahouses and restaurants.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is your first stop today. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning views of Kyoto from its wooden stage. Have breakfast at a local café before exploring the temple grounds.

Nijo-jo Castle awaits you in the afternoon. This historic castle is known for its beautiful gardens and intricate architecture. For lunch, dine at one of the nearby restaurants offering traditional Kyoto cuisine.

Pontocho Alley is perfect for an evening stroll. This narrow alley along the Kamogawa River is lined with charming restaurants and bars where you can enjoy dinner and drinks.

Arashiyama Park is your destination this morning. Explore the famous bamboo groves and take a leisurely walk along the Katsura River. Have breakfast at one of Arashiyama’s quaint cafés.

Tenryu-ji Temple, located in Arashiyama, is perfect for an afternoon visit. This Zen temple features beautiful gardens that are especially stunning during autumn. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Gion Corner once again offers an evening filled with traditional performances if you missed it earlier or want to experience it again. Alternatively, explore more dining options in Gion.

Start your Osaka adventure with a visit to Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo). This historic castle offers beautiful views from its observation deck and fascinating exhibits inside. Have breakfast at a nearby café before exploring the castle grounds.

In the afternoon, head to Dotonbori, Osaka’s famous entertainment district known for its neon lights and street food stalls. Enjoy lunch here while sampling local delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

End your day by visiting かに道楽, one of Osaka’s highly-rated restaurants specializing in crab dishes. After dinner, explore Dotonbori further or relax by taking in views along the canal.

Begin your day in Nara with a visit to the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. These friendly deer are considered messengers of the gods in Shinto religion. Have breakfast at a nearby café before exploring the park.

In the afternoon, explore Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. The temple houses a giant Buddha statue and offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant nearby.

Conclude your day with a visit to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns. Afterward, enjoy dinner at one of Nara’s local eateries offering regional specialties.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is your first stop today. This museum provides a poignant look at the impact of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Have breakfast at a nearby café before visiting the museum.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is perfect for an afternoon stroll. This park is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb and features various memorials and monuments. For lunch, dine at one of the restaurants in downtown Hiroshima.

Miyajima Island (Itsukushima) awaits you in the evening. Take a ferry to this beautiful island known for its iconic floating torii gate and serene atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at one of Miyajima’s waterfront restaurants.

Hakone Open-Air Museum is your first destination today. This unique museum features sculptures set against stunning natural backdrops. Have breakfast at a nearby café before exploring the museum grounds.

Lake Ashi (Ashi-no-ko) offers picturesque views perfect for an afternoon boat cruise or lakeside walk. Enjoy lunch at one of Hakone’s lakeside restaurants while taking in the beautiful scenery.

田むら銀かつ亭 is an excellent choice for dinner this evening, offering delicious Japanese cuisine in a cozy setting.

Start your day with a visit to Nikko National Park. This park is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including waterfalls, lakes, and forests. Have breakfast at a nearby café before embarking on your exploration.

In the afternoon, head to Edo Wonderland (Nikko Edomura). This cultural theme park recreates the atmosphere of the Edo period with traditional buildings, performances, and activities. Enjoy lunch at one of the themed restaurants within the park.

Conclude your day with a visit to Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour. This tour offers a comprehensive experience of Nikko’s most famous sights. For dinner, dine at 日光金谷ホテル メインダイニングルーム, known for its elegant ambiance and delicious cuisine.