Itinerary
- Day 1
Tokyo
You'll land at Narita Airport where your driver meets you for the transfer into central Tokyo. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to settle in and shake off the travel fatigue. It's a good time to grab an early dinner nearby and get some rest.
Optional Activities
- Explore neon-lit streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya
- Visit tranquil gardens and historic temples of Asakusa
- Sample authentic Japanese flavors
- Explore vibrant shopping districts
- Day 2
Tokyo
Join a small-group bike tour through Tokyo's west side on a mamachari bicycle. You'll cycle through Nakano, Koenji, and Asagaya, stopping at local street food spots and having a traditional Japanese lunch along the way. The neighborhoods here feel different from central Tokyo, with plenty of character.
- Meals
- Lunch (Japanese-style 'salaryman' lunch)
Included Activities
- Guided bike tour through Nakano, Koenji, and Asagaya neighborhoods
- Ride mamachari bicycle through backstreets and riverside paths
- Stop for 2 Japanese street food snacks
- Japanese-style lunch
Landmarks/POIs Nakano Koenji Asagaya - Day 3
Tokyo
Today is entirely on your schedule. Head to Shibuya Crossing or Takeshita Street if you want the energy and crowds, or check out Sens-ji Temple in Asakusa for something more traditional. Meiji Shrine's forest offers quiet walking, while teamLab Planets appeals to art fans. Tsukiji Outer Market works well for food lovers. You pick what calls to you.
Optional Activities
- Visit Shibuya Crossing and shopping district
- Explore Sensō-ji temple and Nakamise Street
- Discover Harajuku and Takeshita Street
- Walk through Meiji Shrine forest
- Visit Shinjuku Gyoen gardens
- Visit Hamarikyu gardens
- Explore teamLab Planets digital wonderland
- Visit Tokyo's world-class museums
- Sample sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market
- Enjoy ramen, wagyu beef, or Michelin-starred dining
Landmarks/POIs Shibuya Crossing Sensō-ji Nakamise Street Harajuku Takeshita Street Meiji Shrine Shinjuku Gyoen Hamarikyu Gardens teamLab Planets Tsukiji Outer Market - Day 4
Tokyo to Kyoto
Board the Shinkansen bullet train in Tokyo heading to Kyoto, with your Japan Rail Pass covering the ticket. The ride takes a few hours through countryside, and it's comfortable enough to relax and watch Japan scroll by. Once you arrive, settle into your Kyoto hotel and explore the area on your own terms.
Included Activities
- Travel on Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto
Optional Activities
- Stroll through traditional streets
- Sample local delicacies
- Relax and prepare for cultural exploration
- Day 5
Kyoto
Kyoto is yours to wander at your own pace. Walk through temple grounds, stroll Gion's historic streets where geisha culture lives on, or head to Arashiyama's bamboo groves. Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Shrine are popular stops, and tea houses offer a chance to slow down. The city has plenty of peaceful corners to discover.
Optional Activities
- Visit serene temple pathways
- Wander historic streets of Gion
- Explore Arashiyama bamboo groves
- Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Relax in traditional tea house
Landmarks/POIs Gion Arashiyama Kinkaku-ji Fushimi Inari Shrine - Day 6
Kyoto
An English-speaking guide leads you through Arashiyama on a walking tour, showing you the area's highlights and quieter spots you might otherwise miss. Your guide helps you make the most of the time here and shares local knowledge about what makes this district special.
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Arashiyama
Landmarks/POIs Arashiyama - Day 7
Kyoto to Hiroshima
Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima using your Japan Rail Pass. The comfortable ride continues through scenic countryside. After checking into your Hiroshima hotel, try the city's famous okonomiyaki for dinner, a savory layered pancake that locals take pride in perfecting.
Included Activities
- Travel on Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima
Optional Activities
- Visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- Stroll along riverside avenues
- Sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
Landmarks/POIs Peace Memorial Park - Day 8
Hiroshima
Hiroshima offers different ways to spend your day depending on what interests you. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum invite reflection, Hondori shopping street bustles with activity, and ferries go out to Miyajima Island to see the torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. Local okonomiyaki remains an easy lunch option throughout the day.
Optional Activities
- Visit UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- Wander Hondori shopping street
- Savor Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
- Take ferry to Miyajima Island
- Visit Itsukushima Shrine and its 'floating' torii gate
Landmarks/POIs Peace Memorial Park Peace Memorial Museum Hondori shopping street Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine - Day 9
Hiroshima to Osaka
Head to Osaka on the Shinkansen with your Japan Rail Pass. After checking in to your hotel, a small-group guided tour takes you through Shinsekai district in the evening, walking Tobita Shinchi's historic shopping street and around Tsutenkaku Tower. You'll try street foods like kushikatsu and doteyaki at local stalls, play arcade games, and spend roughly 3 hours getting to know this lively area.
- Meals
- Dinner (Shinsekai walking tour with classic Osaka street foods including kushikatsu (fried skewers) and doteyaki (beef tendon stew), plus food and drinks)
Included Activities
- Travel on Shinkansen bullet train from Hiroshima to Osaka
- Guided tour of Tobita Shinchi and Shinsekai district
- Learn about area's history and cultural significance
- Enjoy classic Osaka street foods (kushikatsu and doteyaki)
- Arcade games at local stalls
Optional Activities
- Explore Osaka Castle
- Wander Dotonbori streets and canals
- Sample takoyaki and okonomiyaki
Landmarks/POIs Osaka Castle Dotonbori Tobita Shinchi Shinsekai Tsutenkaku Tower - Day 10
Osaka
Check out from your Osaka hotel and head to Kansai International Airport using your included Nankai Rapi:t Access Ticket. The express train departs from Namba and takes you directly to the airport for departure. Your Japan trip ends with memories of the cities, temples, food, and people you've encountered along the way.
Included Activities
- Travel on Nankai Rapi:t Access express train from Namba to Kansai International Airport
