Itinerary Overview

Days 1–3: Tokyo → Day 4: Hakone → Days 5–6: Kyoto + Nara → Day 7: Depart from Osaka. You can use a JR Pass (Nationwide 7-day Pass) or buy individual tickets.

Days 1–3: Tokyo – City and Culture

• Day 1: Arrive at Narita/Haneda → Take the airport express into the city → Visit Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street → Enjoy night views from Tokyo Skytree.
• Day 2: Visit Meiji Shrine → Explore Harajuku → See Shibuya Crossing → Stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen → Dinner in Kabukicho.
• Day 3: Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market → Visit Ginza → Go to Odaiba or Akihabara → View Tokyo Tower from Roppongi Hills Observatory.

Day 4: Hakone – Hot Springs and Mt. Fuji

Take the Odakyu “Romancecar” limited express from Shinjuku (about 85 minutes) to Hakone-Yumoto. The Hakone Tozan Train, cable car, and pirate ship form a loop. You can see sulfur vents at Owakudani and view Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi. Stay in a ryokan with an included kaiseki dinner and breakfast—the essence of a classic Japanese inn experience.

Days 5–6: Kyoto + Nara – Slow Travel in Ancient Capitals

• Day 5: Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto (about 2 hours 15 minutes) → Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka districts → Explore Gion → Enjoy night views at Yasaka Shrine.
• Day 6: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha’s thousands of torii gates in the morning → Head to Nara in the afternoon to feed deer and visit Todai-ji Temple → Return to Kyoto or go directly to Osaka.

Day 7: Osaka – Seaside Finale

Visit Osaka Castle Park → Shop and dine in Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi → Depart from Kansai Airport. If time allows, add a day trip to Osaka Aquarium or Universal Studios Japan.

Tips

• Send large luggage ahead via “Takuhaibin” (courier service) between hotels to travel light.
• A 700-yen Kyoto bus day pass is great value; purchase a JR Pass exchange voucher in advance through an authorized channel.
• Avoid weekends and Golden Week (late April to early May).