9 Days of Food and Culture in Japan Itinerary

Visit the Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) in the morning. This Shinto shrine is located in a forested area, providing a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

For lunch, head to Narisawa, known for its innovative cuisine that blends Japanese ingredients with French techniques. Afterward, take a stroll through the nearby Omotesando area for some shopping.

Spend your evening at Robot Restaurant. This unique dining experience combines food with an extravagant robot show, making it an unforgettable night out.

Begin your day at Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest towers in the world. Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation deck.

Have lunch at Den, which offers creative Japanese cuisine with a touch of humor and surprise. Afterward, visit Asakusa Temple (Senso-ji Temple), one of Tokyo's most famous temples.

In the evening, explore Shinjuku Golden Gai, known for its narrow alleys filled with tiny bars and eateries. For dinner, try one of the local spots here or head to Ishikawa for an exquisite kaiseki meal.

Take a trip to Sanrio Puroland, especially if you're traveling with family or are a fan of Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters.

Enjoy lunch at Florilege, where you can savor innovative dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. Afterward, visit the nearby Shibuya area and see the famous Shibuya Crossing.

Conclude your day with a visit to Akihabara, Tokyo's famous electronics district known for its anime and manga shops. For dinner, head to L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon for French cuisine with a Japanese twist.

Start your day with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This iconic Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and surrounded by beautiful gardens, making it a must-see in Kyoto.

For lunch, head to a local restaurant for some traditional Kyoto cuisine. Afterward, visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum to learn about the history of sake brewing and enjoy some tastings.

End your day with a stroll through Pontocho Alley, a narrow alley lined with traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants and bars. Enjoy dinner at one of the highly-rated eateries here.

Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is your first stop today. Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine offers picturesque trails that lead into the wooded forest of Mount Inari.

Nishiki Market is perfect for lunch. Known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' this market offers a variety of local foods and snacks. Spend some time exploring the stalls before heading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site.

Gion Corner is an excellent place to experience traditional Japanese performing arts, including tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower arranging), and dance performances by maiko (apprentice geisha). For dinner, try one of the nearby restaurants specializing in kaiseki cuisine.

Arashiyama Kyoto Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Secrets is on today's agenda. Start with a walk through the enchanting bamboo grove before visiting the monkey park where you can see wild monkeys up close.

Sagano offers several dining options for lunch. Afterward, take a relaxing boat ride on the Hozu River or explore more of Arashiyama's scenic spots like Tenryu-ji Temple.

Kamogawa River (Kamo River) is perfect for an evening stroll. Enjoy dinner at one of the riverside restaurants while taking in views of Kyoto's skyline.

Begin your day at Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo). This historic castle offers beautiful views from its observation deck and has an informative museum about Osaka's history.

Head to たこ焼き くれおーる 道頓堀店 for lunch to try Osaka’s famous takoyaki (octopus balls). Afterward, explore Dotonbori, known for its neon lights, street food stalls, and entertainment options.

Visit Umeda Sky Building in the evening for panoramic views of Osaka from its Floating Garden Observatory. For dinner, head to 松阪牛焼肉M 法善寺横丁店 to enjoy high-quality Matsusaka beef yakiniku.

Start your day with a visit to Osaka Museum of History. This museum offers fascinating exhibits on Osaka's past, from ancient times to the modern era.

For lunch, head to お好み焼き きじ 本店 to try Osaka's famous okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Afterward, explore America-Mura (American Village), a trendy area known for its quirky shops and street art.

End your trip with a visit to Tsutenkaku Tower, an iconic symbol of Osaka. Enjoy dinner at かに道楽 道頓堀本店, renowned for its delicious crab dishes. The neon lights of Dotonbori will provide a memorable backdrop for your final evening in Japan.