Tokyo 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive & Transfer to Tokyo

Arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT).

Clear customs and take the Narita Express (N'EX) or an airport bus to Shinjuku Station.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel in Shibuya, a central and lively district with excellent transport links.

Hotel Indigo is located near Shibuya Station, offering easy access to various attractions.

Tokyo Metropolitan Views

Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observation decks for free panoramic views of the city, especially beautiful as the city lights up.

Observation decks are open until late evening. Check official website for exact closing times. Free entry.

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Explore the nostalgic narrow alleys of Omoide Yokocho ('Memory Lane'), known for its tiny izakayas (Japanese pubs) serving yakitori and other local delights.

A great spot for an authentic, atmospheric dinner experience. Many places are cash-only and have limited seating.

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko

Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection.

Afterward, visit the famous Hachiko statue, a symbol of loyalty.

For the best view of the crossing, head to the Starbucks on the second floor of the Tsutaya building or the Mag's Park observation deck.

Harajuku's Takeshita Street

Dive into the vibrant, quirky fashion and pop culture scene of Takeshita Street in Harajuku.

Explore unique boutiques, crepe stands, and trendy cafes.

This area is very popular on weekends; visit on a weekday for a slightly less crowded experience. Don't miss trying a Japanese crepe!

Harajuku Lunch

Enjoy lunch in Harajuku, with options ranging from trendy cafes to casual Japanese eateries.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Find tranquility amidst the bustling city at Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Walk through the serene forest and visit the main shrine buildings.

The shrine is easily accessible from Harajuku Station. It's a vast complex, so wear comfortable shoes.

Shibuya Shopping & Exploration

Explore the department stores and diverse shops around Shibuya, or relax at a cafe.

Dinner in Shibuya

Enjoy dinner in Shibuya, known for its endless dining options, from sushi to international cuisine.

Akihabara Anime Fan Tour

Embark on a private, tailor-made tour of Akihabara, the electric town, perfect for anime and manga enthusiasts. Explore hidden gems and popular spots with a local guide.

The tour can be customized to your interests, whether it's specific anime shops, maid cafes, or retro gaming stores.

Akihabara Themed Lunch

Grab lunch in Akihabara, perhaps at a themed cafe or a local eatery offering quick and delicious Japanese fare.

Imperial Palace East Garden

Stroll through the beautiful and serene East Garden of the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle. Explore the remains of the castle tower and enjoy the meticulously kept grounds.

The East Garden is free to enter and a peaceful escape from the city. The main palace itself is not open to the public.

Dinner in Chiyoda

Dine in the Chiyoda area, which offers a mix of business district restaurants and traditional eateries.

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise-dori

Explore Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and stroll through Nakamise-dori, a traditional shopping street leading to the temple, offering souvenirs and snacks.

Try some traditional Japanese snacks along Nakamise-dori. The temple grounds are free to explore.

Asakusa Ramen & Gyoza Class

Learn to make classic ramen and crispy gyoza in a fun cooking class in Asakusa, the birthplace of Tokyo ramen.

Enjoy your handmade meal after the class. Vegan options may be available upon request.

Tokyo Skytree Observation

Ascend the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world's tallest towers, for breathtaking 360-degree views of Tokyo and beyond.

Book tickets in advance online to avoid long queues, especially during peak times.

Dinner near Skytree

Enjoy dinner in the vibrant Solamachi complex at the base of the Skytree, offering diverse dining options.

Ramen & Dumpling Cooking

Join a cooking class with a professional ramen chef to master the art of making authentic ramen and dumplings from scratch.

Vegan options possible. This is a highly-rated experience for food enthusiasts.

Enjoy Your Handmade Lunch

Savor the delicious ramen and dumplings you prepared during the cooking class.

Customizable Walking Tour

Embark on a private, customizable walking tour of Tokyo.

Choose to explore specific neighborhoods like Ginza for high-end shopping, Ueno for museums, or discover hidden gems tailored to your interests.

This tour can be adapted to your remaining interests or used to revisit a favorite area.

Tokyo Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Tokyo, perhaps trying a restaurant you've been curious about or revisiting a favorite local spot.

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Board the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Enjoy the scenic journey, perhaps catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your accommodation in Kyoto.

Afterward, grab a quick lunch near your hotel.

Many hotels allow luggage drop-off even if the room isn't ready.

Explore Gion District

Wander through Kyoto's most famous geisha district.

Explore its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and exclusive restaurants. Keep an eye out for geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) at dusk.

Be respectful if you encounter geisha; do not photograph them without permission.

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Visit the beautiful Yasaka Shrine, especially enchanting in the evening when lanterns are lit, marking the eastern end of the Gion district.

Traditional Gion Dinner

Enjoy a traditional dinner in Gion, perhaps trying Kyoto's local delicacies or kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine).

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji, a Zen temple with its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf, set against a beautiful pond and garden.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. Best viewed on a sunny day.

Ryoan-ji Temple & Zen Garden

Explore Ryoan-ji, famous for its rock garden (karesansui) which is considered one of Japan's most beautiful examples of Zen art.

Meditate on the meaning of the 15 rocks, only 14 of which are visible from any single viewpoint.

Lunch near Arashiyama

Travel to the Arashiyama district and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Try some yudofu (boiled tofu), a local specialty.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting towering bamboo stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a truly unique natural wonder.

The path is relatively short but very picturesque. Combine with Tenryu-ji Temple for a smoother flow.

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit Tenryu-ji, one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring beautiful gardens and architecture.

The garden is particularly stunning and worth exploring.

Dinner at Kyoto Station

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants within or near Kyoto Station, offering a wide range of Japanese and international cuisine.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind through the hills behind the main buildings.

Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking uphill. Try to go early to avoid the crowds.

Local Lunch near Fushimi Inari

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many eateries leading up to Fushimi Inari Shrine, offering local snacks and simple meals.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering panoramic views of Kyoto.

Drink from the Otowa Waterfall for wishes of longevity, success, and love.

Stroll Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka

Descend from Kiyomizu-dera and stroll through the charming, historic Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, lined with traditional shops and tea houses.

Perfect for souvenir shopping and enjoying the preserved atmosphere of old Kyoto.

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience the vibrant Pontocho Alley, a narrow street lined with traditional restaurants and bars, often with views of the Kamo River.

Nishiki Market Exploration

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's culinary scene at Nishiki Market, a lively covered street market offering fresh produce, seafood, traditional Kyoto delicacies, and street food.

This is a great place to try various local snacks and specialties. Come hungry!

Samurai Kembu Theater

Experience the art of samurai sword performance at the Samurai Kembu Theater.

Learn about Bushido (the way of the samurai) and watch impressive demonstrations.

Lunch near Nijo Castle

Grab a convenient lunch before heading into the castle grounds.

Nijo Castle

Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns.

Explore its elaborate palaces, nightingale floors, and beautiful gardens.

The nightingale floors were designed to squeak, warning against intruders.

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Participate in a serene and authentic Japanese tea ceremony, learning about the ritualistic preparation and serving of matcha.

Farewell Dinner in Kyoto

Enjoy a final dinner in Kyoto, perhaps trying a different local cuisine or revisiting a favorite spot.

Last-minute Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts in Kyoto Station's shopping areas or nearby.

Look for local crafts, sweets, or traditional Japanese items.

Hotel Check-out & Lunch

Check out from your hotel and have a final Japanese lunch near Kyoto Station.

Travel from Kyoto to Narita Airport (NRT)

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station back to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Narita Express (N'EX) for direct travel to Narita International Airport.