Day 1 — Arrival & Light Exploration
Tokyo — arrival, settle in
- Arrive in Tokyo, check in and rest.
- Evening: Shibuya Crossing (view from Starbucks), explore Shibuya/Harajuku.
- Optional: Meiji Shrine stroll if you have energy.
Daily schedule
Day 2 — Asakusa, Akihabara & Shinjuku
Tokyo
- Morning: Senso‑ji Temple & Nakamise shopping street (Asakusa).
- Afternoon: Akihabara (electronics, anime, retro games).
- Evening: Shinjuku — observation deck (Tokyo Metropolitan Building), dinner.
Day 3 — Day Trip: Hakone / Mt. Fuji
Tokyo (day trip)
- Early start to Hakone/Mt. Fuji area (Lake Ashi cruise, Hakone Shrine, volcanic valley, onsen).
- Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Day 4 — Meiji Shrine & Harajuku / Museum
Tokyo
- Morning: Meiji Shrine and forested grounds.
- Harajuku / Omotesandō for boutiques and street fashion.
- Optional museum visit (teamLab or similar) or explore Shimokitazawa/Nakameguro.
Day 5 — Morning Free & Travel to Kyoto
Move: Tokyo → Kyoto (Shinkansen)
- Morning: last-minute shopping or revisit favourite spot.
- Afternoon: Shinkansen to Kyoto (~2h15), check in and dinner in Gion.
Day 6 — Kiyomizu‑dera & Gion
Kyoto
- Kiyomizu‑dera temple and explore Higashiyama streets.
- Evening: Gion district walking (Hanami‑koji) for traditional atmosphere.
Day 7 — Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove
Kyoto (Arashiyama)
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryū‑ji, riverside walks; optional monkey park.
- Afternoon: tea house or zen garden visit back in central Kyoto.
Day 8 — Fushimi Inari & Kinkaku‑ji
Kyoto
- Early: Fushimi Inari Shrine (avoid crowds).
- Afternoon: Fushimi sake district or visit Kinkaku‑ji (Golden Pavilion).
Day 9 — Northern/Western Kyoto / Philosopher's Path
Kyoto
- Visit Ryoan‑ji, Ninnaji or stroll Philosopher's Path (great for fall colours).
- Explore Nishiki Market for street snacks & souvenirs.
Day 10 — Day Trip: Nara → Travel to Osaka
Nara / Osaka
- Morning: Train to Nara (≈45min) — Todai‑ji, deer park.
- Afternoon: Return to Kyoto, collect bags, travel to Osaka (30–60min).
- Evening: Dōtonbori exploration.
Day 11 — Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market & Umeda
Osaka
- Osaka Castle visit.
- Kuromon Market for fresh food & street snacks.
- Umeda Sky Building in the afternoon; evening in Dōtonbori.
Day 12 — Optional Universal Studios or Local Osaka
Osaka
- Option A: Universal Studios Japan (full day).
- Option B: Explore Shinsekai, Tennoji, shop and relax.
Day 13 — Final Osaka Free Time
Osaka
- Morning: revisit favourite areas, last souvenirs.
- Afternoon/evening: head to airport depending on flight time or use as buffer.
Day 14 — Buffer / Departure
Travel home or connect flights
- Use as buffer for travel, or depart from Kansai or Tokyo depending on your flight.