Classic Japan in 14 Days: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

You'll arrive at Tokyo's Narita/Haneda Airport. Stroll along Ameyoko Market in Ueno.

Dinner will be at Daitoryo Annex (Izakaya).

This plan eases you into your Japan experience. Ameyoko Market is a vibrant street market that provides a sensory introduction to Japanese culture and food. It’s a great place to explore and get a feel for the local atmosphere.

Enjoying dinner at an Izakaya is a quintessential Japanese dining experience, offering a variety of small dishes and drinks. Insider tips/notes for travelers:

Be prepared for crowds at Ameyoko Market, especially in the evenings.

Izakayas can be lively and sometimes noisy, which is part of their charm.

Day two involves more exploration of the Ueno area, followed by venturing to other parts of Tokyo for different experiences.

• Stroll along Ueno Park, including Shinobazu Pond and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.

• Lunch at Barbacoa in Roppongi.

• Visit the Azabu-Juban shopping district and Tokyo City View & Mohri Garden.

• Dinner at Yamachan Ginza Shop for Fukuoka Ramen.

This day provides a mix of cultural experiences and modern city exploration. It allows you to experience different atmospheres within Tokyo, from the more traditional Ueno to the more cosmopolitan Roppongi and Ginza.

Trying various food options, from a cafe breakfast to ramen for dinner, gives you a taste of Tokyo's diverse culinary scene.

Insider tips/notes for travelers

Ueno Park is a large area, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Consider your time when deciding whether to include Tokyo City View and Mohri Garden, as these might require additional time.

• Morning in Asakusa and stroll along Kaminarimon Gate.

• Lunch at Asakusa Mugitoro or Owariya Asakusa (for giant tempura) and follow the Sumida River Walk to Tokyo Skytree Tower for shopping.

This day focuses on the Asakusa district, a historic area of Tokyo. It offers a blend of cultural exploration and modern attractions. You get to experience traditional Tokyo, enjoy unique dining, and see the city from a high vantage point.

Insider tips/notes for travelers

Asakusa is known for its traditional temples and shopping streets.

Tokyo Skytree is one of the tallest structures in Japan, offering panoramic city views.

Consider your time management, as Tokyo Skytree can take a couple of hours to fully experience.

• In the morning: You can spend some time strolling along Musashi-Koyama Shopping Street. Lunch will be at Tori Isamu, where you can enjoy chicken dishes.

• The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Odaiba, where you can see the Gundam statue, visit malls, and do some shopping.

• For dinner, I highly recommend Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi to have tempura. After dinner, you can experience the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing and explore the Ebisu Yokocho alleyway.

This day offers a mix of local exploration, shopping and experiencing Tokyo's unique urban culture. It combines the charm of a local shopping street with the modern attractions of Odaiba and the iconic Shibuya crossing. It also provides a variety of dining experiences, from chicken dishes to tempura.

Insider tips/notes for travelers

Consider comfortable footwear as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking, especially in Odaiba and Shibuya.

The day starts with breakfast at the Truffle Bakery Main Store. Then, you'll depart for Ghibli Park. The journey involves a train ride to Nagoya (1 hour 40 minutes) followed by a shuttle bus from Nagoya to the park (50 minutes). You are advised to buy a lunchbox to eat on the train.

In the afternoon, the main activity is exploring the Ghibli Park. After dinner, you’ll depart for Kyoto, which is about a 1-hour journey.

This day is focused on visiting Ghibli Park, a major attraction for fans of Studio Ghibli films. It’s a unique and immersive experience. The travel to Nagoya and then to Kyoto also adds variety to the trip, allowing you to see different cities.

Insider tips/notes for travelers

Ghibli Park tickets should be booked well in advance as they are very popular.

Be prepared for a full day of travel and walking.

Consider the train and bus schedules when planning your day.

This day in Kyoto is designed to immerse you in the city's rich cultural heritage. The day begins with a quick breakfast near the hotel. This is followed by a unique experience of dressing up in a traditional kimono and a photo shoot at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.

In the afternoon, you'll visit two of Kyoto's most famous temples: Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple. As evening approaches, you'll explore the Gion District, known for its traditional atmosphere. Finally, the day concludes with a stroll through Pontocho Alley, offering a glimpse into Kyoto's nightlife and traditional entertainment.

This day's itinerary provides a blend of traditional experiences, iconic sightseeing and cultural immersion in Kyoto.

Insider tips/notes for travelers

Renting a kimono is a popular activity in Kyoto, so book in advance if possible.

Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji are major tourist spots, so expect crowds.

You’ll start the day with a quick breakfast, grabbing something from a 7–11, Family Mart or Lawson.

You will visit Ryoan-ji Temple to see its famous rock garden.

Enjoy a quick lunch at Nishiki Market before traveling to Uji. In Uji, you’ll take a stroll along the Uji River, visit the Uji Tea Museum, and then enjoy some local tea at Nakamura Tokichi and Itohkyuemon.

Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

This day provides a mix of cultural exploration and natural beauty. You'll experience the tranquility of a Zen rock garden, explore a traditional market, and then venture to Uji, a city known for its tea and scenic river views. It’s a chance to experience different aspects of Kyoto and its surroundings.

Insider tips/notes for travelers

Uji is famous for its high-quality green tea, so trying some is a must. Highly recommend taking a matcha making class to learn about this heritage of Japan.

After a quick breakfast near the hotel, you'll visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Grab some ramen at Kyoto Ramen Koji, located in Kyoto Station Building.

In the afternoon, you will travel to Arima Onsen, and enjoy the onsen (hot springs) after check-in. Dinner will be an in-room omakase (chef's choice) experience.

Why this is recommended: This day offers a shift from the cultural exploration of Kyoto to the relaxation of Arima Onsen. You get to see the historical Kyoto Imperial Palace and then unwind in one of Japan's famous hot spring towns. This change of pace can be refreshing and provide a well-rounded experience.

Insider tips/notes for travelers

Arima Onsen is known for its high-quality hot springs (gold and silver onsen), offering a traditional Japanese onsen experience.

You’ll start your day with breakfast at Pain de Bou where the melon pan is out of this world! Visit the Nene Bridge and Mitsumori Honpo for carbonated rice crackers, and the Arima Toy Museum for a fun family activity.

The afternoon includes more onsen time at the resort and a visit to the Mayarokko Ropeway.

Try a traditional dinner at Kutsurogiya specializing in kamameshi (iron pot rice dishes) served in an elegant tatami mat setting.

This day is focused on enjoying the Arima Onsen area. It allows you to experience the local cuisine, explore cultural spots like the toy museum, and take in the scenic views from the ropeway. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable way to experience a unique part of Japan.

Insider tips/notes for travelers: Taking it slow is the best way to explore Arima and enjoy local delicacies.

Have a breakfast at Arima downtown and do some local souvenir shopping, then take a bus transfer to Osaka and have lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market.

The afternoon is dedicated to shopping in Shinsaibashi, you can explore the Nintendo Store, Pokemon Center at Daimaru Umeda for anime lovers.

Try a grilled eel dinner at Edogawa Shinsaibashi at PARCO. Head to the Umeda Sky Tower and its Kuchu Teien Observatory to take in the beautiful panoramic view of Osaka.

Why this is recommended: This day is focused on experiencing Osaka's shopping and entertainment scene. It combines exploring a famous market with the excitement of modern shopping and unique attractions like the Nintendo and Pokemon centers. The evening offers a chance to enjoy Osaka's skyline.

Enjoy gourmet coffee and bakery at Marufuku Coffee Sennichimae Honten for breakfast. Take the train to Kobe and tour the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway, where you can also have lunch at The Herb Dining.

After lunch, head to the Kobe Port Tower for shopping, visit the Kobe Anpan Man Museum, and take a walk downtown. Dinner will be at Steakhouse EN, where you can enjoy high quality Kobe Beef.

This day is designed to let you experience Kobe's scenic beauty and culinary delights. You'll enjoy a unique dining experience, beautiful views from the ropeway, and the opportunity to explore Kobe’s shopping and entertainment areas.

Insider tips/notes for travelers: Kobe is famous for its beef, so trying it at a reputable steakhouse is highly recommended.

You'll start the day with breakfast early, likely from a convenience store, then head out to Nara.

Explore the Kofuku-ji Temple and Isuien Garden in Nara which are significant cultural and historical sites. Kofuku-ji Temple is a historically important temple that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples of Nara. Isuien Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

For lunch, enjoy some fresh noodles at Todaiji Emado Chaya. You'll spend the afternoon at Todaiji Temple, Nara Park (to feed the deer), hike up Mount Wakakusa for panoramic views of Nara, and explore Naramachi.

For a casual and delicious dinner: Kura is one of the best izakayas in the area.

This day is dedicated to exploring Nara, a city known for its temples, gardens, and deer. It provides a rich cultural and historical experience, allowing you to see significant landmarks and enjoy the natural beauty of Nara Park.

Insider tips/notes for travelers: Nara Park is famous for its friendly wild deer, but it's important to handle them with care.

Try out a Japanese version of Starbucks or Denny's for breakfast, you will be blown away! Osaka Castle is a must-visit to enjoy the view of the city and learn about the origin of Osaka.

Osaka is a street food paradise and the Tenroku Shopping Street is known for its wide variety of food options. You can expect to find a diverse range of street food and local delicacies there.

More shopping at Namba Parks. Namba Parks is a heaven for shopping lovers who enjoy a mix of fashion, unique boutiques, and a stunning architectural experience. This multi-level shopping complex stands out with its lush rooftop garden, waterfall features, and canyon-like design that blends nature with urban shopping.

Worth an hour wait or go there 20 minutes before they open: You'll have the best ramen with chicken broth in your life at Tori Soba Zagin Main Shop.

If you are still have energy and money, do more shopping at Dotonbori.

This day is packed with a variety of Osaka experiences. You get to see historical landmarks like Osaka Castle, enjoy local street food, do extensive shopping, and experience Osaka's famous Dotonbori district. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the city's diverse offerings.

Insider tips/notes for travelers

If you are a cat / dog lover, try going to a pet cafe. They are so well maintained and the shiba-inus are so adorable!

Day 14 is the departure day, focusing on your journey back home. Both Kansai International Airport (KIX), the primary international airport, and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), the domestic airport have many routes directly to your home country or to Tokyo.

Pro tip

KIX and ITM have lots of good food and don't forget to leave enough time to shop duty free items like food, cosmetics, skincare and souvenirs!