Tokyo 14-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND)

After your long flight from Lisbon, arrive at Tokyo's international airport.

Clear customs and immigration.

Ensure you have your Japan Rail Pass (if applicable) exchanged, or purchase relevant transport tickets. Consider booking airport transfers in advance for ease after a long flight.

Hotel Check-in & Relax

Travel to your accommodation in Asakusabashi, check in, and settle into your room.

Take some time to relax after your journey.

Little Japan is known for its social atmosphere, with a cafe & bar on the ground floor, perfect for meeting other travelers and locals.

Casual Local Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed first dinner at a local eatery near Asakusabashi.

The area offers many izakayas and casual restaurants.

Try some classic Japanese comfort food like ramen, udon, or a bento box. Look for places with food displays or English menus if you're feeling adventurous.

Asakusa Senso-ji Walking Tour

Step into Tokyo’s past on this immersive 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.

This guided tour offers unique insights into the history and culture of Asakusa. Book in advance to secure your spot.

Explore Nakamise Dori & Senso-ji

After the tour, take more time to browse the traditional shops of Nakamise Dori, try local snacks like ningyo-yaki, and explore the main halls and grounds of Senso-ji Temple.

This is a great place to pick up souvenirs and traditional Japanese crafts. Remember to respect temple customs, like bowing before entering and purifying hands at the chozuya.

Sumida River Cruise

Enjoy scenic views of Tokyo's skyline and landmarks from the Sumida River.

A relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective, often connecting Asakusa to Odaiba.

Look for the futuristic 'Himiko' water bus designed by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto.

Tokyo Skytree Observation Decks

Ascend to the top of the Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Choose between the Tembo Deck (350m) and the Tembo Galleria (450m).

Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially on weekends. The views are spectacular, especially on a clear day, potentially even seeing Mount Fuji.

Dinner near Skytree

Dine at one of the many restaurants located within or around the Tokyo Skytree Town (Solamachi), offering a wide range of Japanese and international cuisine.

From casual eateries to more upscale options, you'll find something to suit your taste. Don't forget to try some local sweets or desserts.

Akihabara Anime Private Tour

Embark on a tailor-made private tour through Akihabara, the electric town and heart of anime, manga, and gaming culture. This personalized experience will help you discover hidden gems and must-see spots.

Perfect for anime fans or those curious about Japan's unique pop culture. Your guide will tailor the tour to your interests.

Gaming Arcade & Themed Cafe

Dive deeper into Akihabara's gaming scene at a multi-story arcade like Taito Station or Sega.

Afterwards, experience a unique themed cafe, such as a maid cafe or an animal cafe.

Arcades offer a glimpse into Japanese entertainment culture with crane games, rhythm games, and fighting games. Themed cafes provide a distinct and often quirky experience.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Escape the city's hustle at one of Tokyo's largest and most beautiful parks.

Explore its distinct Japanese, English, and French landscape gardens.

A serene oasis, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Remember to check closing times as they can vary seasonally.

Shinjuku Evening Exploration & Dinner

Experience the neon-lit excitement of Shinjuku.

Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free panoramic night views, then explore the bustling streets and find dinner.

Shinjuku offers endless dining options, from ramen alleyways to upscale restaurants. For a unique experience, consider a stroll through Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley) for a taste of retro Tokyo.

Imperial Palace East Garden

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

Explore the vast grounds, moats, and remnants of the castle keep.

The East Garden is free to enter and offers a peaceful escape with beautiful landscaping and historical significance. The Imperial Palace itself is only open to the public on special dates for interior tours.

Ginza Shopping & Lunch

Experience Ginza, Tokyo's premier luxury shopping district.

Stroll through department stores, boutiques, and art galleries. Enjoy lunch at one of its many eateries.

Ginza is known for its high-end brands and sophisticated atmosphere. Weekends often see the main street, Chuo-dori, closed to traffic, becoming a pedestrian paradise.

Harajuku & Meiji Jingu

Immerse yourselves in the youthful fashion and street art of Harajuku's Takeshita Street, then find tranquility at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Meiji Jingu offers a serene forested escape. Remember to observe shrine etiquette. Harajuku is best for people-watching and unique fashion.

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko

Experience the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world.

Witness the organized chaos from above, then visit the famous Hachiko statue.

For the best view of the crossing, head to the second floor of the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building. The Hachiko statue is a popular meeting spot.

Dinner in Shibuya

Enjoy dinner in Shibuya, a district teeming with diverse dining options, from conveyor belt sushi to international cuisine.

Shibuya offers vibrant nightlife, so you might consider exploring some of the bars or karaoke spots after dinner.

Japanese Culture & Food Class

Experience a comprehensive Japanese cultural and food class.

In 4 hours, you'll learn origami, hand-make udon noodles, prepare traditional Japanese food (like sushi and tempura), and enjoy a matcha tea ceremony with Japanese sweets.

This hands-on experience offers a deep dive into various aspects of Japanese culture and cuisine. It's a fantastic way to engage with local traditions.

Ueno Park Exploration

Spend the afternoon exploring Ueno Park, a vast public park home to several museums, temples, a zoo, and beautiful gardens.

You could visit the Tokyo National Museum or the National Museum of Western Art.

Choose a museum based on your interests, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk through the park. Ueno Park is particularly lovely in May with lush greenery.

Farewell Dinner in Tokyo

Enjoy a special dinner on your last evening in Tokyo, perhaps trying a cuisine you haven't yet, or revisiting a favorite.

Consider a delicious yakitori or sushi experience.

This is a good opportunity to reflect on your first few days in Japan and prepare for the next leg of your journey to Kyoto.

Travel to Kyoto

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

Enjoy scenic views as you swiftly travel across the country. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation.

Lunch near Hotel

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local eatery near your Kyoto accommodation.

Look for set menus (teishoku) offering a variety of Japanese dishes.

Gion District Stroll

Wander through the historic Gion district, Kyoto's famous geisha quarter.

Explore traditional wooden machiya houses, charming alleys, and the Shirakawa Canal.

Keep an eye out for geiko (Kyoto geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha), especially at dusk, but remember to be respectful and not intrusive.

Private Tea & Sake Tasting

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

Enjoy organic matcha and learn about sake.

Dinner in Gion

Savor a traditional Kyoto dinner in Gion.

Explore restaurants offering kaiseki (multi-course) or more casual izakaya dining.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto.

Explore the surrounding Higashiyama district.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. The approach to the temple, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, are charming with traditional shops.

Lunch in Higashiyama

Enjoy lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants or cafes nestled within the Higashiyama district.

Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind

Embark on a private guided tour focusing on the profound beauty and philosophy of Kyoto's Zen gardens. Gain unique insights into these masterpieces.

Hotel Relaxation

Return to your hotel for some well-deserved rest before dinner.

Dinner in Central Kyoto

Dine at a restaurant in central Kyoto, perhaps exploring options near Nishiki Market or along the Kamo River.

Nishiki Market Exploration

Discover Kyoto's 'Kitchen' at Nishiki Market, a lively covered street market offering fresh seafood, local produce, and unique Japanese snacks and delicacies.

Try various samples, from pickled vegetables to roasted green tea. It's a great spot for food souvenirs.

Market Lunch

Enjoy a casual lunch right in Nishiki Market, sampling different street foods or sitting down at a small eatery for fresh sushi or noodles.

Gyoza Cooking Class

Learn to make traditional Japanese dumplings in a hands-on Gyoza Cooking Class.

Discover the secrets to making different styles and sizes of this popular dish.

Pontocho Alley Evening Stroll

Experience the enchanting evening ambiance of Pontocho Alley, a narrow lane lined with traditional restaurants and bars, often with views of the Kamo River.

This is another area where you might spot geiko and maiko.

Dinner along Pontocho

Indulge in a memorable dinner at one of Pontocho's atmospheric eateries, offering various cuisines from yakitori to more formal Japanese dining.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Journey to Arashiyama to walk through the iconic Bamboo Grove, a serene and picturesque path that feels otherworldly.

Arrive early to experience the tranquil atmosphere before the main crowds. It's about a 30-minute train ride from central Kyoto.

Tenryu-ji Temple & Garden

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its beautiful Sogenchi Teien (pond garden) and intricate Zen architecture.

The temple grounds offer a lovely transition from the bamboo grove.

Lunch in Arashiyama

Enjoy a meal at one of the riverside restaurants or cafes in the Arashiyama area, perhaps trying local specialties.

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike up to the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama to observe over 120 wild Japanese macaque monkeys in their natural habitat and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.

There's a short but uphill walk to reach the park. You can feed the monkeys from inside a protective hut.

Dinner near Hotel

Return to central Kyoto and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Explore diverse options from ramen to tempura.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding up into the sacred mountain.

Go early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy the peaceful climb. Wear comfortable shoes.

Lunch near Shrine

Have lunch at one of the many restaurants or street food stalls located around the entrance of Fushimi Inari.

Many offer local specialties like kitsune udon.

To-ji Temple & Pagoda

Visit To-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Kyoto's tallest pagoda.

Explore its beautiful grounds and impressive wooden structures.

If visiting on the 21st of the month, you can experience the lively Kobo-san market held here.

Relax & Prepare

Enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping, or simply relax at a cafe.

Begin preparations for your transfer to the Mount Fuji area tomorrow.

Farewell Kyoto Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Kyoto, perhaps revisiting a favorite cuisine or trying something new.

Consider a traditional ramen shop or a sushi restaurant.

Travel to Kawaguchiko

Board a Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Mishima Station, then transfer to a local bus for the scenic ride to Kawaguchiko.

Enjoy the changing landscapes as you approach the Mount Fuji area.

Lunch in Kawaguchiko

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch near Kawaguchiko Station.

Local specialties include Hoto noodles, a hearty miso-based soup with thick udon noodles and vegetables.

Lake Kawaguchiko Ropeway

Ride the Kachi Kachi Yama Ropeway for breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko from the observation deck at the summit. Don't miss the charming Tenjo-zan Park.

The ropeway offers incredible photo opportunities, especially on a clear day. Consider visiting earlier in the afternoon for clearer views.

Ryokan Check-in

Check into your chosen ryokan or hotel in the Kawaguchiko area.

Ideally, select one with Mount Fuji views for an unforgettable experience.

Traditional Ryokan Dinner

Savor a multi-course traditional Japanese dinner (Kaiseki) at your ryokan, often included with your stay.

This is a culinary highlight of any Japan trip.

Meals are usually served in your room or a private dining area, often requiring prior reservation for specific times.

Mt Fuji Private Guided Tour

Embark on a private guided tour of the Mt.

Fuji area with a local English-speaking guide. Explore hidden gems, best viewpoints, and learn about the local culture and nature around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko.

This tour focuses on getting up close with nature and provides unique insights away from the main tourist hubs. Rated 5/5.

Late Lunch

After your tour, enjoy a relaxed late lunch at a local restaurant in the Kawaguchiko area, perhaps trying another regional dish.

Onsen Experience

Indulge in a traditional Japanese hot spring (onsen) experience.

Many ryokans have their own baths, or you can visit a public onsen. It’s the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

Remember onsen etiquette, such as showering thoroughly before entering and, in most cases, bathing without clothes. Some onsen may have private baths available for an extra fee.

Evening Dinner

Enjoy dinner at a local eatery in Kawaguchiko, exploring different culinary options beyond your ryokan.

Chureito Pagoda Visit

Visit Arakurayama Sengen Park and climb to the Chureito Pagoda for the iconic postcard view of Mount Fuji framed by the pagoda.

This is one of Japan's most famous photography spots.

Requires a walk up many stairs, but the view is well worth it. Early morning offers the best chance for clear views without too many crowds.

Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine

Explore the peaceful Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, a traditional base for pilgrims ascending Mount Fuji.

Walk among towering cedar trees and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

This shrine offers a glimpse into the spiritual significance of Mount Fuji.

Lunch in Fujiyoshida

Grab a quick and delicious lunch in Fujiyoshida before heading back to Tokyo.

Return to Tokyo

Take a direct highway bus from Kawaguchiko Station back to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.

This offers a comfortable and efficient return to the city.

Hotel Check-in Tokyo

Check into your hotel in Tokyo for your final night in Japan.

Choose a location convenient for airport access tomorrow.

Farewell Dinner in Tokyo

Enjoy a special farewell dinner in Tokyo, perhaps revisiting a favorite cuisine or trying something new.

Celebrate your amazing journey through Japan.

Breakfast & Packing

Enjoy a final Japanese breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe, and ensure all your packing is complete for your departure.

Last-Minute Souvenirs

If time permits, do some last-minute souvenir shopping for any items you might have missed.

Many stations and airport areas have excellent shops.

Travel to Narita Airport (NRT)

Take the Narita Express (N'EX) or an airport limousine bus from a convenient Tokyo station directly to Narita International Airport for your flight back to Lisbon.

Flight to Lisbon

Check in for your international flight from Narita (NRT) back to Lisbon (LIS), concluding your incredible journey through Japan.