Off-the-Beaten-Path Tokyo and Kyoto in 5 Days Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the peaceful Meiji Shrine before the crowds arrive. Afterward, have a late breakfast at the historic Ginza Bairin Main Store, known for its tonkatsu.

Explore the charming streets of Yanaka, home to the lesser-known Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street. For lunch, enjoy the local atmosphere and fresh seafood at Uoriki Kaisen Sushi Shinjuku Kabukicho Honten.

As the day winds down, take a leisurely walk along the Sumida River to Asakusa, where you can experience the traditional atmosphere of Tokyo. Have a casual dinner at Afuri, known for its yuzu ramen.

Spend the morning exploring the contemporary art scene in Tokyo. Visit the TeamLab Borderless for a unique digital art experience. For a late breakfast, head to Tempura Kondo Ginza Main Store for a tempura feast.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the world of anime and manga in Akihabara. For lunch, try the famous tsukemen at Rokurinsha. Explore the local shops and themed cafes in the area.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional kabuki performance at the Kabukiza Theatre. For dinner, indulge in a multi-course sushi meal at Sushi Saito, a hidden gem for sushi enthusiasts.

Take a morning Shinkansen to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and enjoy the serene atmosphere. For a traditional Kyoto breakfast, try the yudofu (tofu hot pot) at Ippudo.

Explore the historic streets of Higashiyama and visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. For lunch, experience a traditional tea ceremony and vegetarian meal at Nanzen-ji Temple.

As the sun sets, take a walk through the beautiful Gion District and, if you're lucky, spot a geisha. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at Kyubey Ginza Main Shop, known for its exquisite sushi.

Visit the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Enjoy a traditional Kyoto breakfast at Yakitori Torishiki before exploring the tranquil Tenryu-ji Temple.

Take a boat ride on the Hozu River and enjoy the scenic views of Arashiyama. For lunch, try the local specialty, yuba (tofu skin), at Ginza Kyubey. Visit the hidden gem, Jojakko-ji Temple, for a peaceful experience.

Conclude your trip with a sunset visit to the Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its thousands of torii gates. For a memorable farewell dinner, dine at Sukiyabashi Jiro, one of the most famous sushi restaurants in the world.