5 Days of Japanese Festivals and Hidden Gems Itinerary

Begin your day with a peaceful stroll through Inokashira Park, where you can enjoy beautiful landscapes and perhaps rent a paddleboat on the lake. Afterward, visit Breadworks for breakfast pastries and coffee.

Spend your afternoon exploring Tokyo National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art and antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries. For lunch, try Sushi Zanmai, known for its fresh sushi and sashimi.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Shinjuku Golden Gai. This area is famous for its narrow alleys filled with tiny bars and eateries. Enjoy dinner at one of these local spots or visit Omoide Yokocho for yakitori.

Start your morning with a visit to Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines surrounded by lush forest. Afterward, have breakfast at Bills Omotesando, known for its delicious ricotta pancakes.

In the afternoon, explore the bustling district of Harajuku including Takeshita Street where you can find quirky shops and trendy fashion boutiques. Don't miss out on visiting the iconic Kawaii Monster Cafe. For lunch, try out some crepes from one of Harajuku's famous crepe stands like Marion Crepes.

Conclude your day by visiting Tokyo Tower in the evening to see breathtaking views of Tokyo's skyline illuminated at night. Enjoy dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro, if you can secure a reservation; otherwise opt for another high-rated sushi restaurant like Sushi Saito.

Begin your exploration of Kyoto with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha). This iconic shrine is famous for its thousands of red torii gates that form a path up the mountain. It's a serene and spiritual experience that offers beautiful photo opportunities. After your visit, head to Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama for an exquisite kaiseki breakfast.

In the afternoon, take a guided tour through the Kyoto Kinkaku-ji & Ryoanji Zen Garden 2.5-Hour Guided Tour. You'll visit the stunning Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the tranquil Ryoan-ji Zen Garden, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For lunch, enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine at Nishiki Warai, located near Nishiki Market.

End your day with a stroll through Pontocho Alley, one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas along the Kamogawa River. This narrow alley is lined with traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants and bars. Have dinner at Pontocho Kichi Kichi, famous for its omurice (omelette rice).

Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 3-Hour Guided Tour is a must-do activity in Kyoto. Start your morning by walking through the enchanting bamboo forest in Arashiyama, followed by a visit to the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens. For breakfast, stop by Arashiyama Yoshimura for some soba noodles with a view of the river.

Kyoto Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings offers an immersive culinary experience where you can learn to make traditional Japanese dishes from expert chefs. This hands-on class will give you insights into Japanese cooking techniques and culture. Enjoy your creations for lunch.

Gion Night Owl Walking Tour provides an opportunity to explore Kyoto's famous geisha district under the cover of night. Walk through Gion's historic streets while learning about geisha culture and history from your guide. Conclude your evening with dinner at Gion Nanba, known for its elegant kaiseki meals.