Tokyo 11-Day Trip Itinerary

Hotel Check-in

Arrive at your accommodation, check in, and settle in after your journey.

Take some time to relax and refresh before your first activity.

Little Japan is a budget-friendly option, good for meeting other travelers. Luggage storage often available if you arrive before check-in time.

Asakusa Senso-ji Temple Tour

Step into Tokyo’s past on this immersive Asakusa walking tour.

Visit Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, pass through Kaminarimon Gate, and stroll Nakamise Street lined with shops, lanterns, and local snacks.

Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Asakusa/Asakusa-Private-Food-Walking-Tour-for-Family-Lunch-and-5-bites/d59194-456539P20?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Traditional Dinner in Asakusa

Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner in the historic Asakusa area.

Many restaurants offer tempura, soba, or unagi (eel).

Look for local eateries around Nakamise-dori or Hoppy Dori for a lively atmosphere.

Imperial Palace East Garden

Visit the former site of Edo Castle, now the East Garden of the Imperial Palace.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through beautiful Japanese gardens and remnants of the castle walls.

Entry is free. Closed on Mondays and Fridays (this day is a Saturday, so it's open).

Ginza Shopping & Cafes

Experience the upscale Ginza district with its luxurious boutiques, department stores, and art galleries.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of window shopping or a coffee at one of its elegant cafes.

Ginza is known for its high-end shopping and sophisticated atmosphere. Pedestrian paradise on weekends.

Dinner in Ginza

Dine in Ginza, offering a wide range of culinary experiences from high-end dining to more casual options. Consider trying sushi or a department store food hall.

Department store food halls (depachika) offer excellent quality food for various budgets.

Meiji Jingu Shrine Visit

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

The shrine is surrounded by a vast forest, offering a serene escape in the heart of the city.

Entry is free. Look out for traditional wedding ceremonies, often held on weekends.

Harajuku Takeshita Street & Omotesando

Explore the vibrant and quirky Takeshita Street, famous for its youth fashion and unique shops.

Then, transition to the more elegant Omotesando avenue, known for high-end fashion and stylish cafes.

Try a famous Harajuku crepe! Omotesando is often called Tokyo's Champs-Élysées.

Dinner in Shibuya

Head to Shibuya for dinner, an area known for its lively atmosphere, iconic Shibuya Crossing, and countless dining options.

Explore different restaurants around Shibuya Station.

Shibuya offers everything from casual izakayas to trendy cafes.

Private Tokyo Tour with Local Guide

Get unique insights into Japan's iconic capital on a private tour that concentrates on you and your interests.

Your local guide will take you on a breathtaking adventure through Tokyo, tailored to your pace and preferences.

Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Private-walking-tour-Tokyo-Best-Option-for-your-limited-time/d334-445856P1?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Relax at Ueno Park

Spend a relaxed afternoon at Ueno Park, one of Japan's first public parks.

It's home to several museums, a zoo, and beautiful shrines and temples. Choose to visit a museum, stroll around Shinobazu Pond, or relax amidst nature.

Ueno Park is a great place for cherry blossoms in season (late March/early April).

Dinner in Ueno

Explore the dining options around Ueno, which caters to various tastes and budgets, from traditional Japanese fare to international cuisine.

Ameyoko Market near Ueno Station offers many casual dining spots.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Discover one of Tokyo's most beautiful and largest parks, Shinjuku Gyoen.

It features three different garden styles: Japanese Traditional, English Landscape, and French Formal. A perfect spot for a relaxed morning stroll.

Small entrance fee required. Often a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory

Ascend to the observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, you might even spot Mount Fuji. Entry is free.

There are two towers (North and South) with observation decks; check which one is open. Free lockers available.

Dinner in Shinjuku

Enjoy a final dinner in Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku district.

From izakayas in Shinjuku Golden Gai to department store restaurants, there are endless choices.

Explore the diverse food scene, including ramen, sushi, or yakitori.

Travel to Kyoto

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

Enjoy the scenic journey across Japan.

Ensure you have your Shinkansen tickets booked in advance. The journey is very comfortable.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Kyoto and settle in.

The hotel is conveniently located for exploring Kyoto's attractions.

Traditional Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch near your hotel or Kyoto Station.

Gion District Stroll

Explore the historic Gion district, Kyoto’s famous geisha quarter.

Wander through traditional wooden machiya houses and charming tea houses.

Keep an eye out for geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to engagements, especially around dusk. Be respectful and do not photograph them without permission.

Dinner in Gion

Savor authentic Kyoto cuisine in one of Gion's many excellent restaurants.

Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Private)

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Kyoto's Zen gardens with a private guided tour.

Gain deeper insights into the philosophy and design of these masterpieces.

This private tour offers unique insights into Japanese garden aesthetics and philosophy. The guide will tailor the experience to your interests.

Lunch near Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful lunch at a restaurant close to your Zen garden tour.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

Walk around its beautiful Japanese stroll garden.

Ryoan-ji Temple

Explore Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its austere rock garden (kare-sansui).

Reflect on the minimalist beauty of the garden's 15 rocks.

Dinner in Central Kyoto

Dine at a restaurant in Kyoto offering a variety of local dishes.

Gyoza Cooking Class

Learn to make traditional Japanese Gyoza dumplings in a fun, hands-on cooking class.

Discover the secrets of preparing this popular dish and enjoy your creations afterwards.

Enjoy Homemade Gyoza

Savor the gyoza you prepared during your cooking class for lunch.

Nishiki Market Exploration

Wander through Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street dubbed 'Kyoto's Kitchen'.

Sample local street food, fresh produce, and unique Japanese ingredients.

Try various free samples and discover unique culinary delights. It's a great place for souvenirs as well.

Shopping in Downtown Kyoto

Explore the department stores and boutiques in downtown Kyoto, near Nishiki Market.

Dinner in Pontocho Alley

Experience dinner along Pontocho Alley, a narrow atmospheric lane filled with traditional restaurants and bars, offering riverside views.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates winding up Mount Inari.

Hike through the mystical pathways.

Wear comfortable shoes as there is a significant amount of walking involved. Go early to avoid large crowds.

Lunch near Fushimi Inari

Enjoy street food or a casual meal from one of the many vendors near Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Private Tea Ceremony & Sake Tasting

Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture with a private tea ceremony and sake tasting experience in a 300-year-old Kyoto samurai house.

Enjoy organic matcha and learn about the profound rituals of the tea ceremony. This is a very intimate and authentic experience.

Relaxation and Souvenir Browsing

Enjoy some free time for relaxation at your hotel or browse local shops for souvenirs.

Dinner in Downtown Kyoto

Dine at a restaurant in downtown Kyoto, perhaps trying some local Kyoto-style sushi or tempura.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Visit the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, walking through towering bamboo stalks that create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.

Arrive early to experience the tranquility before the crowds. Combine with a visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, which is adjacent.

Togetsukyo Bridge & Shops

Stroll across the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, offering beautiful views of the Hozugawa River and surrounding mountains. Browse the charming shops in the Arashiyama area.

Riverside Lunch in Arashiyama

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Hozugawa River in Arashiyama, savoring the peaceful scenery.

Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Head back to central Kyoto for any last-minute souvenir shopping or revisit a favorite spot.

Farewell Dinner in Kyoto

Enjoy a final dinner in Kyoto, reflecting on your cultural journey.

Perhaps try a traditional Kaiseki meal for a special end to your time here.

Osaka Sake & Takoyaki Cooking

Enjoy cooking Osaka's best street food, Takoyaki, with a local guide's secret recipe and special ingredients including Wagyu and cheese.

Complement your culinary creation with a sake tasting experience.

This experience is highly rated and offers a fun, hands-on way to engage with Japanese food culture. It's located in Namba, a vibrant district perfect for exploring afterwards.

Leisure & Last Bites

Enjoy some free time for a relaxed lunch or last-minute souvenir shopping around the Namba area.

Explore Dotonbori's iconic neon-lit streets or browse the shops for unique Japanese items.

Dotonbori is famous for its street food and vibrant atmosphere, offering many options for a final Japanese meal.

Departure from Osaka

Allow ample time to transfer from central Osaka to Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Check-in for your international flight and complete departure procedures.

You can take the JR Haruka express or Nankai Rapid Express from various stations in Osaka (e.g., Shin-Osaka, Namba) directly to KIX. The journey typically takes 40-60 minutes.