18-Day Tokyo and Kyoto Adventure Itinerary

Start your day with a peaceful stroll through Ueno Park (Ueno Koen). This large public park is home to several museums and beautiful landscapes. Grab breakfast at Bills Ginza, known for its fantastic pancakes.

Visit the fascinating Tokyo National Museum located within Ueno Park. Spend your afternoon exploring Japan's largest museum of art and history. For lunch, try some delicious ramen at Ippudo Ramen.

End your day with a visit to the bustling district of Shibuya. Witness the famous Shibuya Crossing and explore the vibrant nightlife. Have dinner at Gonpachi, which inspired the setting for Kill Bill.

Kick off your morning with a visit to Akihabara, Tokyo's electric town known for its anime, manga, and electronics shops. Enjoy breakfast at Matoba Soba nearby.

Spend your afternoon at the unique Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum (Shinyokohama Raumen Museum). This food-themed amusement park showcases different regional varieties of ramen from across Japan. Have lunch here as well.

In the evening, take a trip to Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Visit Odaiba Seaside Park (Oaidaba Kaihin Koen) for stunning waterfront views and have dinner at Miraikan Cafe.

Begin your day with a serene walk through Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines located in a lush forested area. Enjoy breakfast at nearby cafe, The Great Burger known for its hearty meals.

Afterward, explore the trendy district of Harajuku including Takeshita Street for some shopping and people-watching. Have lunch at popular spot,  Kawaii Monster Cafe which offers an eccentric dining experience.

Conclude your day by visiting  Tokyo Tower, an iconic symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth as a major economic power. Enjoy dinner at  Tower’s Diner, offering spectacular night views of the city.

Start your day with a visit to Ghibli Museum. This museum showcases the work of Studio Ghibli, one of Japan's most famous animation studios. Enjoy breakfast at Straw Hat Cafe inside the museum.

Head to Inokashira Park for a relaxing afternoon. This park is adjacent to the Ghibli Museum and offers beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. Have lunch at Harmonica Kitchen, located nearby.

Spend your evening in the vibrant district of Roppongi. Explore its nightlife and art scene, and have dinner at Izumi Garden Tower, known for its panoramic views of Tokyo.

Begin your day with a visit to Tokyo Imperial Palace. This historic site is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Enjoy breakfast at Palace Hotel Tokyo, which offers a luxurious dining experience.

Afterward, explore the traditional district of Yanaka, known for its old-town atmosphere and historical sites. Have lunch at Kayaba Coffee, a charming cafe that has been serving locals since 1938.

In the evening, head to Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho), a narrow alleyway filled with tiny bars and eateries. Experience authentic Japanese street food for dinner at one of the many stalls.

Start your day with a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the world's largest fish markets. Enjoy fresh sushi for breakfast at Sushi Dai, located within the market.

Spend your afternoon shopping in Ginza, Tokyo's upscale shopping district. Explore high-end boutiques and department stores. Have lunch at Ginza Kyubey, renowned for its exquisite sushi.

Conclude your day by visiting Tokyo Station (Tokyo Eki), an architectural marvel and major transportation hub. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Tokyo Station's underground mall, such as Ramen Street.

Take a short trip to Yokohama and start your day with a visit to  Yokohama Zoo ''Zoorasia''. This zoo is known for its spacious enclosures and diverse animal species. Enjoy breakfast at  Zoorasia Cafe within the zoo premises.

After exploring Zoorasia, head to  Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum (Shinyokohama Raumen Museum) again if you missed it earlier or want more ramen! Have lunch here as well.

Return to Tokyo in the evening and unwind by visiting  Shinjuku Golden Gai, famous for its narrow alleys filled with tiny bars offering unique atmospheres. Enjoy dinner at one of these cozy bars.

Begin your journey to Kyoto with a comfortable ride on the Shinkansen (bullet train). Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and have breakfast at Kyoto Station Ramen Street, which offers a variety of ramen shops.

Start exploring Kyoto with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha). Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. Enjoy lunch at Inari Tea House, located near the shrine.

In the evening, head to Gion Corner, where you can experience traditional Japanese performing arts such as tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), and bunraku (puppet theater). Have dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant, known for its kaiseki cuisine.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is a must-see in Kyoto. This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Enjoy breakfast at Kinkaku Cafe, located nearby.

Ryoan-ji Temple & Garden is another significant site in Kyoto. Known for its rock garden, this temple offers a peaceful retreat. Have lunch at Seigenin Restaurant within the temple grounds.

Pontocho Alley is perfect for an evening stroll. This narrow alleyway along the Kamogawa River is lined with traditional restaurants and teahouses. Enjoy dinner at Pontocho Kappa Zushi, offering delicious sushi with river views.

Nijo-jo Castle is an excellent place to start your day. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Have breakfast at Nijo Castle Cafe, located within the castle grounds.

Nishiki Market is known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen.' Explore this bustling market filled with fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Enjoy lunch at one of the market stalls or try Nishiki Warai for some okonomiyaki.

Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) is beautifully illuminated in the evening. This Shinto shrine is located in the Gion district, known for its geisha culture. Have dinner at Izuju Sushi, famous for its Kyoto-style sushi.

Start your day with a visit to Arashiyama Park. This scenic area offers beautiful landscapes and bamboo groves. Enjoy breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura with views of the Katsura River.

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning gardens and historical significance. Have lunch at Shigetsu, a vegetarian restaurant within the temple grounds offering traditional Buddhist cuisine.

Conclude your day by visiting Togetsu-kyo Bridge, an iconic landmark in Arashiyama that looks particularly enchanting during sunset. Enjoy dinner at Saga Tofu Ine which specializes in tofu dishes made from local soybeans.

Begin your day with a visit to Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion). This Zen temple is known for its beautiful gardens and serene atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast at Ginkaku Cafe, located nearby.

Head to Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple, famous for its autumn foliage and tranquil setting. Have lunch at Eikan-do Restaurant, which offers traditional Japanese cuisine within the temple grounds.

Spend your evening exploring Pontocho Alley again, but this time focus on different restaurants and bars. Enjoy dinner at Pontocho Kappa Zushi, offering delicious sushi with river views.

Start your day with a visit to Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho). This historic site was the residence of the Imperial family until the capital moved to Tokyo. Enjoy breakfast at Cafe Imperial, located nearby.

Explore the traditional district of Gion, known for its geisha culture and historical buildings. Have lunch at Gion Nishikawa, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering kaiseki cuisine.

In the evening, head to Sanjusangen-do Temple, known for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Have dinner at Sanjusangen-do Yudofu, specializing in tofu dishes.

Begin your day with a visit to Ninna-ji Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Enjoy breakfast at Ninna-ji Cafe within the temple grounds.

Explore Daitoku-ji Temple, a large temple complex with beautiful gardens and sub-temples. Have lunch at Daitoku-ji Ikkyu, offering traditional vegetarian cuisine.

Conclude your day by visiting Tofuku-ji Temple, famous for its stunning autumn colors and impressive architecture. Enjoy dinner at Tofuku-ji Tofu Restaurant, specializing in tofu dishes made from local soybeans.

Start your last full day in Kyoto with a visit to Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 3-Hour Guided Tour. This guided tour will take you through the enchanting bamboo forest, offering a serene and picturesque experience. Enjoy breakfast at Arashiyama Yoshimura, known for its beautiful views of the Katsura River.

After your bamboo grove tour, head to Sagano, a charming district in Arashiyama known for its scenic beauty and traditional atmosphere. Have lunch at Sagano Yudofu, which specializes in tofu dishes made from local soybeans.

Spend your evening exploring Pontocho Alley one last time. This narrow alleyway along the Kamogawa River is lined with traditional restaurants and teahouses. Enjoy dinner at Pontocho Kappa Zushi, offering delicious sushi with river views.

On your final day, visit Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) once more to soak in the historical significance of this site. Enjoy breakfast at Cafe Imperial, located nearby.

Take a leisurely stroll along the Kamogawa River (Kamo River) and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Have lunch at Kamogawa Cafe, which offers delightful river views and a relaxing ambiance.

Conclude your trip with a visit to Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine), beautifully illuminated in the evening. Have dinner at nearby restaurant, Izuju Sushi, famous for its Kyoto-style sushi.

Take a short trip to Nara and start your day with a visit to Todai-ji Temple, home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. Enjoy breakfast at Todai-ji Cafe within the temple grounds.

After exploring Todai-ji, head to Nara Park where you can interact with friendly deer that roam freely. Have lunch at Nara Deer Park Restaurant, offering local specialties.

Return to Kyoto in the evening and unwind by visiting Kennin-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's oldest Zen temples. Enjoy dinner at nearby restaurant, Kyoto Kennin-tei.