Itinerary
- Day 1
Tokyo
You'll arrive in Tokyo and take the train to your hotel to get settled. After you drop your bags, walking around the neighborhood helps shake off that travel fatigue. The streets are easy to navigate on foot, and you'll find plenty to see. Pop into convenience stores like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart for snacks and drinks, then grab a bowl of ramen from one of the many local restaurants scattered throughout the area. It's a good low-key way to start your trip and get a feel for the city.
Optional Activities
- Explore Tokyo's urban areas on foot
- Visit 7-Eleven or FamilyMart convenience stores
- Try local ramen at neighborhood restaurants
- Day 2
Tokyo
Start the day at Shibuya Crossing, where you'll experience one of the world's busiest intersections and cross with thousands of other people all at once. From there, head over to Harajuku to check out the colorful fashion shops and pop culture scene. Spend some time in Yoyogi Park to enjoy green space and peaceful surroundings, then visit Meiji Shrine nearby. By evening, make your way to Shinjuku's entertainment district where you'll find izakayas serving yakitori and sake. The energy there is hard to match, and it's a great way to end your day.
Optional Activities
- Visit Shibuya Crossing
- Explore Harajuku
- Visit Yoyogi Park
- Visit Meiji Shrine
- Explore Shinjuku district
- Dine at izakayas and wooden bars in Shinjuku
Landmarks/POIs Shibuya Crossing Harajuku Yoyogi Park Meiji Shrine Shinjuku - Day 3
Tokyo
Start this morning at Tsukiji market where you'll find seafood restaurants and market halls showcasing Tokyo's food culture. After wandering through the market, head to the Imperial Palace gardens for a quieter pace and some walking space. Next stop is Asakusa to check out Senso-ji Temple and browse incense sticks and souvenirs around the area. Cap off the day by taking Tokyo Skytree up for panoramic views across the entire city.
Optional Activities
- Tokyo Skytree observation deck access (ticket available on site)
Landmarks/POIs Tsukiji Market Imperial Palace Senso-ji Temple Tokyo Skytree Nihonbashi - Day 4
Tokyo
Spend your day in Akihabara diving into Tokyo's pop culture scene. Walk through neon-lit streets filled with electronics stores, manga shops, gaming halls, and cosplay cafés where the energy feels completely different from other parts of the city. For meals, you have options ranging from ramen and tempura to yakitori, or grab quick snacks at convenience stores scattered throughout the district whenever hunger hits.
Optional Activities
- Cosplay café visit
- Manga store browsing
- Game halls exploration
- Electronics shopping
Landmarks/POIs Akihabara - Day 5
Tokyo
Head to Harajuku and walk Takeshita Street with its colorful fashion shops and oversized treats lining both sides. Stop by the Kawaii Monster Café for pink cakes and wild-looking snacks that are fun to try. Later in the evening, finish with a classic Tokyo karaoke night where you can sing your favorites with friends or other travelers.
Optional Activities
- Takeshita Street shopping and exploring
- Kawaii Monster Café visit (payable on site)
- Karaoke night
Landmarks/POIs Takeshita Street Kawaii Monster Café - Day 6
Tokyo to Fujikawaguchiko
Take a train out of Tokyo heading toward Mount Fuji as the city's neon lights gradually fade behind you. Once you arrive in Kawaguchiko, get to your accommodation and settle in. Later, visit Oishi Park to see Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the background, and it's one of the better spots for photos in the area. If you have time, consider stopping at Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's been recognized since 2013.
Included Activities
- Ride on the high-speed train (Shinkansen Experience) from Shizuoka to Kyoto
Optional Activities
- Visit Oishi Park
- Visit Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
- Fuji Adventure: Small group hike in Aokigahara Forest and exploration of Narusawa Ice Cave with English-speaking guide
Landmarks/POIs Oishi Park Lake Kawaguchi Mount Fuji Kawaguchi Asama Shrine Aokigahara Forest Narusawa Ice Cave - Day 7
Lake Kawaguchiko
Get up early to see Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko in the morning mist when visibility is often best. Take a canoe out on the lake to appreciate the 3,776-meter mountain from the water perspective. If you want more, the Fuji Panoramic Ropeway offers aerial views, or you can gather information about guided hikes for those interested in exploring further.
Optional Activities
- Canoe rental and exploration of Lake Kawaguchiko (bookable on site)
- Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to Mount Tenjo (costs extra)
- Mount Fuji hikes and guided tours (available for a fee)
Landmarks/POIs Lake Kawaguchiko Mount Fuji - Day 8
Fujikawaguchiko
Join a guided hike through Aokigahara Forest at the foot of Mount Fuji. You'll walk through dense woodland before exploring the Narusawa Ice Cave, where icicles hang from ceilings in this natural space formed by ancient lava eruptions. The combination of forest and ice cave makes for a memorable day in this unique area.
Included Activities
- Small group hike through Aokigahara Forest with English-speaking guide
- Exploration of Narusawa Ice Cave with headlamp
Landmarks/POIs Aokigahara Forest Narusawa Ice Cave - Day 9
Fujikawaguchiko to Kyoto
Use your Mount Fuji Shizuoka Tourist Pass to travel from the northern side of Mount Fuji to Shin Fuji Shinkansen station. Hop on the high-speed train to Kyoto and explore Fushimi Inari Shrine with its tunnel of red torii gates and fox figures. Visit Kiyomizudera Temple around sunset, then walk through the atmospheric alleyways of Higashiyama and Gion as evening settles in.
Included Activities
- Shinkansen high-speed train ride from Shizuoka to Kyoto
Optional Activities
- Mount Fuji Shizuoka Tourist Pass for the Shizuoka region
Landmarks/POIs Fushimi Inari Shrine Inari Mountain Yotsutsuji Viewing Platform Kiyomizudera Temple Higashiyama Gion - Day 10
Kyoto
Wander through Arashiyama's bamboo forest where towering stalks create a surreal landscape that feels removed from the city. Check out Tenryu-ji Temple and its Zen garden, then see the glittering Kinkaku-ji and the quieter Ginkaku-ji for contrast. End your day in Pontocho alley with its wooden buildings and authentic restaurants where you can grab dinner.
Optional Activities
- Tenryu-ji Temple visit (admission on site)
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) visit
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) visit
- Dining in Pontocho alley
Landmarks/POIs Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Tenryu-ji Temple Kinkaku-ji Ginkaku-ji Pontocho Alley - Day 11
Kyoto
Find peace in Maruyama Park among cherry blossoms, then walk along the Philosopher's Path lined with sakura trees. Explore Yokai Street with its creepy-cute monster figures and unique souvenirs inspired by Japanese folklore about 100-year-old tools coming to life. It's a quirky area that balances nature with local character.
Optional Activities
- Maruyama Park stroll
- Philosopher's Path walk
- Yokai Street shopping and exploration
Landmarks/POIs Maruyama Park Philosopher's Path Yokai Street - Day 12
Kyoto to Osaka
Take the train to Osaka and explore this vibrant city with multiple options for how to spend your time. Shop in Shinsaibashi, check out panoramic city views from Umeda Sky Building's Floating Gardens, and experience the neon-lit energy of Dotonbori with its huge signs and iconic photo spots. Alternatively, explore Amerika-mura's younger vibe with colorful stores and cool bars if you prefer that atmosphere.
Included Activities
- Transfer according to itinerary
Optional Activities
- Shinsaibashi shopping
- Umeda Sky Building Floating Gardens visit (ticket costs extra)
- Dotonbori exploration
- Amerika-mura shopping and dining
Landmarks/POIs Shinsaibashi Umeda Sky Building Dotonbori Amerika-mura - Day 13
Osaka
Experience traditional Osaka by visiting Sumiyoshi Shrine, one of Japan's most famous shrines dedicated to Shinto gods who protect travelers at sea. Cross the distinctive bright red taiko bridge which symbolically helps you leave bad vibes behind. Afterward, discover the beautiful Nishinomaru Garden with views of Osaka Castle and cherry trees.
Optional Activities
- Nishinomaru Garden visit (payable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Sumiyoshi Shrine Taiko Bridge Nishinomaru Garden Osaka Castle - Day 14
Osaka
Your final day offers time for last-minute activities or shopping before heading home. Consider a final visit to the Floating Gardens in Umeda Sky Building or last souvenir shopping in Shinsaibashi. Reflect on your journey through Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka as you prepare to leave Japan.
Optional Activities
- Umeda Sky Building Floating Gardens visit
- Shinsaibashi shopping
Landmarks/POIs Umeda Sky Building Shinsaibashi
