Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka, Japan

Embark on an iconic 12-day journey through Japan's golden triangle, from the futuristic metropolis o

  • 12 days
  • $$$$ Luxury
  • Curated by SquadAbroad
Embark on an iconic 12-day journey through Japan's golden triangle, from the futuristic metropolis o

Embark on an iconic 12-day journey through Japan's golden triangle, from the futuristic metropolis of Tokyo to the cultural heart of Kyoto and the vibrant culinary scene of Osaka. This active-paced trip showcases the best of each city, blending ancient temples and serene gardens with bustling street markets and dazzling modern landmarks. Experience Japan's rich history, world-renowned cuisine, and unforgettable sights on this comprehensive multi-city adventure.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

5 stops
  1. Sarabeth's Lumine Shinjuku

    9:00 AM

    Enjoy a classic New York-style breakfast to start your first day in Tokyo.

    Restaurant1 hrSarabeth's Lumine Shinjuku
  2. Ichiran Shinjuku Central East Exit

    12:00 PM

    Savor a quintessential solo ramen dining experience at one of Japan's most famous tonkotsu ramen chains.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minIchiran Shinjuku Central East Exit
  3. Park Hyatt Tokyo

    3:00 PM

    Check into your luxurious hotel in Shinjuku, famous for its stunning city views and appearance in 'Lost in Translation'.

    Lodging1 hrPark Hyatt Tokyo
  4. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

    5:00 PM

    Ascend to the free observation decks for breathtaking panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline.

    Activity1 hr 30 minTokyo Metropolitan Government Building
  5. Omoide Yokocho

    7:30 PM

    Step back in time and dine on delicious yakitori and other Japanese staples in this atmospheric alleyway of tiny eateries.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minOmoide Yokocho

Day 2

5 stops
  1. Bills Omotesando

    9:00 AM

    Indulge in the famously fluffy ricotta hotcakes at this popular Australian-style cafe.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minBills Omotesando
  2. Meiji Jingu

    10:30 AM

    Wander through a peaceful forest to this important Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

    Activity2 hrMeiji Jingu
  3. Harajuku Gyoza Lou

    1:00 PM

    Enjoy a simple but delicious lunch of freshly made gyoza, either steamed or pan-fried.

    Restaurant1 hrHarajuku Gyoza Lou
  4. Shibuya Crossing

    3:00 PM

    Experience the world's busiest intersection, an iconic scramble of pedestrians and neon lights. Find the nearby Hachiko statue.

    Activity3 hrShibuya Crossing
  5. Uobei Dogenzaka

    7:00 PM

    Have fun ordering sushi on a tablet and having it delivered directly to you via a high-speed conveyor belt.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minUobei Dogenzaka

Day 3

5 stops
  1. Turret Coffee

    9:00 AM

    Grab a specialty coffee at this renowned spot near Tsukiji, known for its turret latte.

    Restaurant45 minTurret Coffee
  2. Tsukiji Outer Market

    10:00 AM

    Explore the vibrant lanes of the outer market, sampling fresh seafood, snacks, and produce.

    Activity2 hrTsukiji Outer Market
  3. Sushi Zanmai Hon-ten

    12:30 PM

    Enjoy high-quality, fresh sushi at the main branch of this famous 24-hour sushi restaurant.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minSushi Zanmai Hon-ten
  4. teamLab Planets TOKYO

    3:00 PM

    Immerse yourself in a stunning world of digital art, walking through water and becoming one with the installations.

    Activity3 hrteamLab Planets TOKYO
  5. Ginza Kojyu

    7:30 PM

    Experience an exquisite Michelin-starred kaiseki dinner in the upscale Ginza district.

    Restaurant2 hrGinza Kojyu

Day 4

5 stops
  1. Pelican Cafe

    9:00 AM

    Start your day with perfectly toasted bread from the famous Pelican bakery at this charming cafe.

    Restaurant1 hrPelican Cafe
  2. Senso-ji Temple

    10:30 AM

    Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, passing through the massive Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and browsing the traditional stalls of Nakamise-dori street.

    Activity2 hrSenso-ji Temple
  3. Daikokuya Tempura

    1:00 PM

    Savor a hearty bowl of tendon (tempura over rice) with a rich, dark sauce at this long-standing Asakusa institution.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minDaikokuya Tempura
  4. Ueno Park

    3:00 PM

    Stroll through this large public park, home to several museums, a zoo, and beautiful temples.

    Activity3 hrUeno Park
  5. Isomaru Suisan Ueno 6-chome

    7:00 PM

    Enjoy a lively dinner experience grilling fresh seafood at your table at this popular 24-hour izakaya.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minIsomaru Suisan Ueno 6-chome

Day 5

6 stops
  1. Boul'ange Shinjuku Southern Terrace

    9:00 AM

    Grab delicious pastries and coffee for a quick and satisfying breakfast before checking out.

    Restaurant45 minBoul'ange Shinjuku Southern Terrace
  2. Park Hyatt Tokyo

    10:00 AM

    Check out from your hotel. You can arrange to have your luggage stored for the day.

    Lodging30 minPark Hyatt Tokyo
  3. Imperial Palace East Garden

    11:30 AM

    Explore the beautiful grounds that were once the site of Edo Castle, the former seat of the Tokugawa shogun.

    Activity2 hrImperial Palace East Garden
  4. Motenashi Kuroki

    2:00 PM

    Slurp down a bowl of exquisite shio ramen at this highly acclaimed restaurant near Akihabara.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minMotenashi Kuroki
  5. Akihabara Electric Town

    4:00 PM

    Immerse yourself in the vibrant hub of Japanese otaku culture, with its countless electronics shops, anime stores, and arcades.

    Activity3 hrAkihabara Electric Town
  6. Gyukatsu Ichi Ni San

    7:30 PM

    Enjoy a final dinner in Tokyo with delicious gyukatsu, a breaded beef cutlet you can cook to your liking on a personal stone grill.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minGyukatsu Ichi Ni San

Day 6

4 stops
  1. Ippudo Nishikikoji

    12:30 PM

    Arrive in Kyoto and head for a satisfying lunch at this popular ramen spot, known for its creamy Hakata-style tonkotsu broth.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minIppudo Nishikikoji
  2. Nishiki Market

    2:00 PM

    Explore 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' a narrow, five-block long shopping street lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants.

    Activity1 hr 30 minNishiki Market
  3. Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto

    4:00 PM

    Check into your elegant hotel, a luxurious base for exploring the ancient capital.

    Lodging1 hrHotel The Mitsui Kyoto
  4. Gion Karyo

    7:00 PM

    Experience a refined multi-course kaiseki dinner in the heart of the historic Gion district.

    Restaurant2 hrGion Karyo

Day 7

5 stops
  1. Inoda Coffee Honten

    9:00 AM

    Enjoy a traditional kissaten-style breakfast at this iconic Kyoto coffeehouse, a local favorite for decades.

    Restaurant1 hrInoda Coffee Honten
  2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    10:30 AM

    Visit one of Japan's most celebrated temples, famous for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall.

    Activity2 hrKiyomizu-dera Temple
  3. Omen Kodai-ji

    1:00 PM

    Savor delicious, thick udon noodles with a variety of seasonal toppings at this popular restaurant near the temple.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minOmen Kodai-ji
  4. Fushimi Inari Shrine

    3:00 PM

    Hike through the iconic thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind through the hills behind the main shrine.

    Activity2 hr 30 minFushimi Inari Shrine
  5. Katsukura Kyoto Station

    7:30 PM

    Enjoy a high-quality tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) dinner, complete with unlimited rice, miso soup, and cabbage.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minKatsukura Kyoto Station

Day 8

5 stops
  1. % Arabica Arashiyama

    9:00 AM

    Grab a superb coffee with a stunning view of the Katsura River at this world-famous specialty coffee shop.

    Restaurant45 min% Arabica Arashiyama
  2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    10:00 AM

    Take a magical walk through the towering stalks of the famous bamboo forest.

    Activity2 hrArashiyama Bamboo Grove
  3. Shigetsu

    12:30 PM

    Dine on shojin ryori (Zen vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) within the beautiful gardens of the Tenryu-ji Temple.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minShigetsu
  4. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

    3:00 PM

    Marvel at the stunning Zen Buddhist temple, with its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the pond.

    Activity1 hr 30 minKinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
  5. Tousuiro Kiyamachi Honten

    7:00 PM

    Enjoy a fantastic meal specializing in tofu cuisine, with beautiful views overlooking the Kamo River.

    Restaurant2 hrTousuiro Kiyamachi Honten

Day 9

5 stops
  1. Smart Coffee Teramachi

    9:00 AM

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast of french toast or pancakes at another of Kyoto's beloved old-school coffee shops.

    Restaurant1 hrSmart Coffee Teramachi
  2. Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto

    10:00 AM

    Check out from your hotel and store your luggage for your final day of sightseeing in Kyoto.

    Lodging30 minHotel The Mitsui Kyoto
  3. Philosopher's Path

    11:00 AM

    Take a pleasant stroll along this cherry-tree-lined canal path, named after a famous Japanese philosopher who practiced meditation while walking it.

    Activity1 hr 30 minPhilosopher's Path
  4. Hinode Udon

    1:00 PM

    Join the queue for the famous curry udon at this small, popular restaurant near the Philosopher's Path.

    Restaurant1 hrHinode Udon
  5. Hafuu Honten

    7:00 PM

    Indulge in a spectacular wagyu beef dinner for your last night in Kyoto, whether as a steak or in a katsu sandwich.

    Restaurant2 hrHafuu Honten

Day 10

4 stops
  1. Okonomiyaki Mizuno

    12:30 PM

    Begin your Osaka culinary adventure with a delicious okonomiyaki (savory pancake) at this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minOkonomiyaki Mizuno
  2. Dotonbori

    2:00 PM

    Explore the vibrant, neon-lit entertainment district, famous for its extravagant signage like the Glico Running Man.

    Activity1 hr 30 minDotonbori
  3. The St. Regis Osaka

    4:00 PM

    Check into your luxurious hotel in the heart of Osaka, known for its impeccable butler service.

    Lodging1 hrThe St. Regis Osaka
  4. Kuromon Ichiba Market

    6:30 PM

    Dive into Osaka's reputation as 'Japan's Kitchen' with a street food dinner, sampling grilled scallops, takoyaki, and fresh sea urchin.

    Restaurant2 hrKuromon Ichiba Market

Day 11

5 stops
  1. Granknot coffee

    9:00 AM

    Start your day with expertly brewed coffee and a light breakfast at this stylish cafe.

    Restaurant1 hrGranknot coffee
  2. Osaka Castle

    10:30 AM

    Visit the symbol of Osaka, a grand castle that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century.

    Activity2 hr 30 minOsaka Castle
  3. Endo Sushi Kyobashi

    1:30 PM

    Enjoy incredibly fresh and affordable sushi at this popular, long-standing market sushi restaurant.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minEndo Sushi Kyobashi
  4. Umeda Sky Building

    4:00 PM

    Take the floating escalator up to the Floating Garden Observatory for spectacular 360-degree views of the city.

    Activity2 hrUmeda Sky Building
  5. Kiji Umeda Sky Building

    7:00 PM

    Head to the retro restaurant alley in the basement of the Umeda Sky Building for another round of delicious Osaka-style okonomiyaki.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minKiji Umeda Sky Building

Day 12

5 stops
  1. Micasadeco & Cafe

    9:00 AM

    Treat yourself to gravity-defying, fluffy soufflé pancakes for your final breakfast in Japan.

    Restaurant1 hrMicasadeco & Cafe
  2. The St. Regis Osaka

    10:00 AM

    Check out from your hotel, storing your luggage until your departure.

    Lodging30 minThe St. Regis Osaka
  3. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

    11:30 AM

    Explore one of Japan's most spectacular aquariums, famous for its massive central tank featuring a whale shark.

    Activity2 hr 30 minOsaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
  4. Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho

    2:00 PM

    Have a fun, nostalgic lunch at this food theme park designed to look like a 1960s Osaka street, featuring many local specialties.

    Restaurant1 hr 15 minNaniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho
  5. Yotaro Honten

    6:30 PM

    Conclude your trip with an elegant, Michelin-starred tempura dinner known for its light batter and high-quality ingredients.

    Restaurant1 hr 30 minYotaro Honten

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