Itinerary Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima

Seasonality: April is one of the best times to visit Japan, with pleasant spring weather and cherry blossoms (sakura) in full bloom across much of the country. Expect some crowds at top spots, especially in parks and historic districts.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	2,600 USD
🏨 Accommodations	2,800 USD
🧳 Gear	400 USD
🗺️ On-site	2,000 USD
Total	7,800 USD

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇯🇵 Tokyo - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing—iconic Tokyo energy. Don’t miss Hachiko, the loyal dog.
• [ ] 🏛️ Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2.5h)
  • Japan’s premier museum for history & art. Located within cherry blossom-filled Ueno Park.
• [ ] 🏯 Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Stroll Nakamise Dori for street snacks and souvenirs.
• [ ] 🏙️ Tsukiji Outer Market ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Sample fresh sushi, seafood, and street food. Go early for best atmosphere.
• [ ] 🎨 Mori Art Museum (Roppongi Hills) ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Contemporary art; visit the SkyDeck for panoramic city views.
• [ ] 🌳 Meiji Jingu Shrine & Yoyogi Park ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Serene Shinto shrine in a lush forest near Harajuku.
• [ ] 🏙️ Harajuku Takeshita Street ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Youth fashion, crepes, quirky shops.
• [ ] 🎡 Odaiba (teamLab Borderless, Gundam, Rainbow Bridge) ⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • Futuristic island with interactive museums, shopping, and views of Tokyo Bay.
• [ ] 🏙️ Ginza District ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Luxury shopping, famous department stores, and great people-watching.
• [ ] 🏯 Imperial Palace East Gardens ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Wander peaceful gardens near the Emperor’s residence.
• [ ] 🌳 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Stunning during cherry blossom season; tranquil escape in the city.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Golden Gai (Shinjuku) ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Tiny themed bars & lively atmosphere. Ideal for a local nightlife experience.
• [ ] 🍣 Sushi omakase bar ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Top-level sushi dining—book in advance for exclusive counters.
• [ ] 🎭 Kabukiza Theatre (Ginza) ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Experience traditional Japanese kabuki performances.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Tsukiji Itadori Market ⭐⭐⭐
  • Seafood bowls and fresh sushi right in the heart of Tsukiji. ~20-40 USD
• [ ] 🍜 Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (standing sushi bar) ⭐⭐
  • Fast, fresh sushi loved by locals. ~15-30 USD
• [ ] 🍜 Gyukatsu Motomura ⭐
  • Unique breaded beef cutlets, often with queues. ~20 USD

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Akihabara Electric Town (~2h)
  • Otaku culture, games, & tech—best for manga/anime enthusiasts.

---

🇯🇵 Hakone - 2 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🌋 Hakone Open Air Museum ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • World-class art set among mountains and gardens, sculptures by Henry Moore & Picasso Pavilion.
• [ ] 🌄 Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) & Pirate Cruise ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Scenic lake cruise with views of Mt. Fuji (on clear days).
• [ ] 🚞 Hakone Ropeway & Owakudani ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Ride above volcanic valleys, taste black eggs boiled in hot springs.
• [ ] 🌳 Gora Park ⭐ (~1h)
  • Peaceful western-style park, especially pretty in spring.
• [ ] 🛀 Traditional Onsen Spa ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Experience a Japanese hot spring bath (choose a ryokan or day onsen).

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍶 Ryokan kaiseki dinner ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Elegant traditional multi-course meal served at many hotels/ryokan.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Tamura Ginkatsu-tei ⭐⭐
  • Famous for tofu-based “Ginkatsu” hotpot; expect lines. ~15-25 USD

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏛️ Pola Museum of Art (~1.5h)
  • Impressionist and Japanese modern art, tranquil woodland setting.

---

🇯🇵 Kyoto - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏯 Fushimi Inari Taisha ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • The famous “thousand torii gates” trail up a sacred mountain.
• [ ] 🏯 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Unmissable Zen temple covered in gold leaf, beautiful gardens.
• [ ] 🏯 Kiyomizu-dera Temple ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Panoramic city views & cherry blossoms, charming historic approach streets.
• [ ] 🏛️ Nijo Castle ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Beautiful former shogun residence, nightingale floors.
• [ ] 👘 Gion Historic District ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Traditional entertainment quarter, geisha-spotting, old merchant houses.
• [ ] ⛩️ Philosopher's Path ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Lovely sakura-lined walk beside a canal, especially magical in spring.
• [ ] 🏯 Ryoan-ji Temple ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Zen rock garden, UNESCO World Heritage.
• [ ] 🌳 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Iconic bamboo forest, nearby monkey park and Togetsukyo Bridge.
• [ ] 🏞️ Nishiki Market ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • “Kyoto’s Kitchen”—local delicacies and crafts.
• [ ] 🌸 Maruyama Park ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Best spot for hanami (cherry blossom picnics).
• [ ] 🏞️ To-ji Temple ⭐ (~1h)
  • Tallest pagoda in Japan, morning flea market on certain dates.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍶 Pontocho Alley ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Iconic narrow lane with intimate restaurants and lanterns along the river.
• [ ] 🍵 Traditional tea ceremony ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Experience Japanese hospitality and Zen aesthetics.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Nishiki Market Stalls ⭐⭐⭐
  • Try yuba (tofu skin), pickled vegetables, fresh mochi. ~10-25 USD
• [ ] 🍜 Omen Kyoto ⭐⭐
  • Celebrated udon noodles; simple, elegant flavors. ~20-30 USD
• [ ] 🍜 Yudofu Sagano ⭐
  • Buddhist temple cuisine centered on tofu. ~25 USD

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏯 Heian Shrine & Garden (~1h)
  • Beautiful grounds, less crowded, vibrant architecture.

---

🇯🇵 Osaka - 2 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏯 Osaka Castle & Park ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Iconic Japanese castle surrounded by gardens and cherry trees.
• [ ] 🎡 Umeda Sky Building ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Floating Garden Observatory, cityscape views.
• [ ] 🏙️ Dotonbori District ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Bustling neon-lit canal, street food, and the famous Glico sign.
• [ ] 🍜 Kuromon Ichiba Market ⭐⭐ (~1-1.5h)
  • Foodie's paradise for fresh seafood, takoyaki, grilled treats.
• [ ] 🌳 Sumiyoshi Taisha ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Ancient Shinto shrine, lovely arched bridge.
• [ ] 🏙️ Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Retro vibe, great for local street snacks.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍺 Namba Izakaya Crawl ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Experience Japanese pub fare and lively after-work crowd.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Mizuno (okonomiyaki) ⭐⭐⭐
  • Savoury pancakes, Dotonbori location. ~12-20 USD
• [ ] 🍜 Kushikatsu Daruma ⭐⭐
  • Fried skewers, famous Shinsekai specialty. ~15 USD
• [ ] 🍜 Takoyaki Street Stalls ⭐
  • Octopus balls, eat fresh! ~5-10 USD

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏞️ Tennoji Park & Zoo (~1h)
  • Relaxing spot or for animal lovers.

---

🇯🇵 Hiroshima & Miyajima - 2 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🕊️ Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Moving exhibits on the atomic bombing, UNESCO World Heritage.
• [ ] 🏛️ A-Bomb Dome ⭐⭐⭐ (~0.5h)
  • Preserved remains, symbol of peace.
• [ ] 🏯 Hiroshima Castle ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Reconstructed castle with city views, samurai history.
• [ ] 🏞️ Shukkeien Garden ⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Tranquil Japanese garden with ponds and tea houses.
• [ ] ⛴️ Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)
  • Famed “floating” torii gate, deers; accessible by ferry from Hiroshima.
• [ ] 🏔️ Mount Misen ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Hiking or cable car to panoramic views of the Inland Sea.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍶 Okonomimura (Okonomiyaki Village) ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Floor after floor of okonomiyaki stalls; Hiroshima’s specialty.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Nagata-ya Okonomiyaki ⭐⭐⭐
  • Savoury pancake layered Hiroshima-style. ~10-15 USD
• [ ] 🍜 Kakiya (Miyajima) ⭐⭐
  • Grilled oysters by the waterfront. ~15-20 USD

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏞️ Hiroshima Museum of Art (~1h)
  • Small but excellent collection of Western/modern Japanese art.

---

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇯🇵 Tokyo

• [ ] 🎬 Lost in Translation (2003) — ⭐ 7.7 — Modern classic about cultural isolation and self-discovery in Tokyo — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 📺 Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (2016–) — ⭐ 8.4 — Heartfelt vignettes set in a cozy Tokyo diner — Netflix

🇯🇵 Hakone

• [ ] 🎬 Spirited Away (2001) — ⭐ 8.6 — Magical anime partly inspired by Japan’s traditional bathhouses — Netflix

🇯🇵 Kyoto

• [ ] 🎬 Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) — ⭐ 7.3 — Dramatic adaptation filmed in Kyoto’s historic districts — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 📺 Samurai Gourmet (2017) — ⭐ 8.1 — Culinary travels, nostalgia, and Japanese comfort food — Netflix

🇯🇵 Osaka

• [ ] 🎬 Osaka Elegy (1936) — ⭐ 7.6 — Classic Japanese drama capturing the city’s spirit — Criterion Channel

🇯🇵 Hiroshima

• [ ] 🎬 Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959) — ⭐ 7.9 — Poetic love story set amid the aftermath of the atomic bomb — Criterion Channel
• [ ] 📺 In This Corner of the World (2016) — ⭐ 7.8 — Animated portrait of wartime Hiroshima — Amazon Prime

---

🍜 Local specialties

🇯🇵 Tokyo

• Edomae sushi
• Monjayaki (savory pancake)
• Tonkatsu (pork cutlet)

🇯🇵 Hakone

• Kuro-tamago (black eggs)
• Soba noodles
• Tofu hotpot

🇯🇵 Kyoto

• Yudofu (tofu hotpot)
• Kaiseki ryori (traditional multi-course meal)
• Yatsuhashi (cinnamon rice treats)

🇯🇵 Osaka

• Okonomiyaki (savory pancake)
• Takoyaki (octopus balls)
• Kushikatsu (fried skewers)

🇯🇵 Hiroshima

• Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
• Oysters (kaki)
• Momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes)

---

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇯🇵 Tokyo

1. 🌤️ Meiji Jingu Shrine & Yoyogi Park
2. 🌙 Golden Gai (Shinjuku)
3. 🛍️ Ginza Six
4. 🏨 Shinjuku Granbell Hotel
5. 🍽️ Tsukiji Itadori Market

🇯🇵 Hakone

1. 🌤️ Hakone Open Air Museum
2. 🌙 Onsen at Gora Kadan
3. 🛍️ Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street
4. 🏨 Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
5. 🍽️ Tamura Ginkatsu-tei

🇯🇵 Kyoto

1. 🌤️ Fushimi Inari Taisha
2. 🌙 Pontocho Alley
3. 🛍️ Nishiki Market
4. 🏨 Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
5. 🍽️ Omen Kyoto

🇯🇵 Osaka

1. 🌤️ Osaka Castle
2. 🌙 Namba (Izakaya crawl)
3. 🛍️ Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
4. 🏨 Cross Hotel Osaka
5. 🍽️ Mizuno Okonomiyaki

🇯🇵 Hiroshima

1. 🌤️ Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
2. 🌙 Okonomimura
3. 🛍️ Hondori Shopping Street
4. 🏨 Sheraton Grand Hiroshima
5. 🍽️ Nagata-ya Okonomiyaki

---

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Tokyo (Narita or Haneda)
• [ ] 🚅 Tokyo → Hakone (Odawara Station via Shinkansen/romancecar)
• [ ] 🚅 Hakone → Kyoto (Odawara → Kyoto, Shinkansen)
• [ ] 🚅 Kyoto → Osaka (Shinkansen/local JR, ~15min)
• [ ] 🚅 Osaka → Hiroshima (Shinkansen, 1.5h)
• [ ] ✈️ Hiroshima (or Osaka) → London

---

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Tokyo	4	Shinjuku Granbell Hotel	960 USD
Hakone	2	Hotel Green Plaza Hakone	500 USD
Kyoto	4	Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo	800 USD
Osaka	2	Cross Hotel Osaka	320 USD
Hiroshima	2	Sheraton Grand Hiroshima	400 USD
Total	14		2,980 USD

---

Enjoy your cultural, culinary, and historical adventure through Japan during the stunning cherry blossom season!