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Tokyo, Japan
Day 1 - Fri Oct 17
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Morning:
After breakfast, head to Akihabara (20 min by subway), arriving at 9.30am spend an hour exploring Tokyo's tech/anime area and while there try a fluffy pancake in a themed cafe.
Late-morning:
Arrive at 11am in Nakamise Street (12 min by subway) and stroll around the area before stopping for lunch. After lunch walk 10 mins to Kappabashi Street which is the chef’s area for intricate plates/crockery.
Early-afternoon:
Catch subway to arrive at Ueon Park by 1.30pm (15 min subway) to visit Tokyo National Museum before heading back to the hotel for some R&R before dinner (30 min subway to hotel) - back at hotel by 3.30pm.
Evening:
At 5.30pm travel by 2 trains to view Senso-ji Temple as less crowded and looks beautiful at night. One of the major temples in Tokyo (trains 35 mins + 5 min walk), have dinner while there first before viewing temple lit up at night.
Day 2 - Sat Oct 18
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Morning:
After breakfast, head to Ginza (30 mins by subway) spend couple hours browsing high-end boutiques and flagship stores (UNIQLO). Have lunch in Ginza.
Early-afternoon:
After lunch, visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens (30 min by subway), taking in the historic landscaping and views of the palace. Head back to hotel for some R&R before dinner (35 mins by subway).
Evening:
Head to Rappongi for dinner (20 mins by subway) and drinks at BAR CENTIFOLIA (INSTAGRAM) - BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE !
Day 3 - Sun Oct 19
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Morning:
After breakfast, make our way to Harajuku to explore Takeshita Street (12 min by train) arriving no later than 9.30am to view its quirky shops and fashions (GIRLS DRESS UP ONLY ON SUNDAYS), have lunch while there.
Early-afternoon:
Visit the serene Meiji Shrine (13 min walk away) nestled in a forested area near Harajuku, participate in traditional Shinto prayer (at 2pm) and enjoy the tranquility of the gardens. Yoyogi Park is 5 mins walk away which has beautiful display of autumn foliage (may do this first then attend pray session).
Afternoon:
Head to Shibuya (20 min by subway) to arrive no later than 3pm see the iconic scramble crossing from the 45th floor of the Shibuya Sky building. Afterwards pop in for a coffee at Torahebi Coffee Stand in Shibuya (7 min walk) then back to hotel for some R&R before dinner (15 mins by subway).
Evening:
Make our way to the Golden Gai laneway to experience Shinjuku’s nightlife stopping for dinner and drinks.
Day 4 - Mon Oct 20
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Morning:
After early breakfast, visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (16 min walk) where there are tea houses, historic trees and a green house. Plan to be here by no later than 8.30am and spend 2 hours. Head back to Shinjuku station to catch train to Sumo Show.
Late-morning:
From Shinjuku Station make our way (40 mins by train) to the Sumo Show which starts at 12pm sharp (Get Your Guide), which includes lunch (goes for 2 hours).
Afternoon:
On way home from Sumo, pop into the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Shinjuku (18 mins by subway) for an hour then return to hotel (round 4pm) for some R&R before dinner.
Evening:
Dinner in Shinjuku Italian restaurant … with Yuriko ?
Day 5 - Tues Oct 21
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Morning:
After breakfast, travel to Samurai and Ninja Museum in Azakusa, Taito City (40 mins by subway) for 1 hour immersive experience. Book through: https://mai-ko.com/tour/tokyo-samurai-museum-with-experience-basic-ticket/
Late-afternoon:
Return to Shinjuku for lunch (45 mins subway), afterwards visit the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No. 1 Shinjuku to view Tokyo city from above, then return to hotel for R&R before dinner.
Evening:
On our final night in Tokyo, treat ourselves to dinner at the New York Grill Restaurant in the Hyatt Hotel, Shinjuku (due to re-open in October 2025 after major renovation).
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Kyoto, Japan
Day 6 (Wed Oct 22) - Historic Kyoto
Morning:
After arriving in Kyoto from Tokyo (2.5 hours away at approximately midday), check into our hotel and head to Nishiki Market for lunch and a wander through the market.
Mid-afternoon:
Make our way to venue (15 mins by train from our hotel) for 2pm Tea Ceremony (booked > Get Your Guide), afterwards head back to hotel (around 4.00pm) for some R&R before heading out to dinner.
Early-evening:
Meet at meeting point for guided walking tour of Gion (Get Your Guide) and pass by Yasaka Shrine before heading off to dinner in Gion.
Day 7 (Thur Oct 23) - Temples & Gardens
Morning:
After breakfast (7.00am), head out VERY EARLY (8am) to beat the crowds to Arashiyama (12 min by taxi), stroll through the iconic Bamboo Grove (also consider going to other bamboo forest 20 min walk away as less crowded (see Helen Bradbury’s blog in guides)
Blog Excerpt: You can also take the Sagano Romantic Train through the Rankyo Gorge. This is a scenic train ride with open sides and is definitely best enjoyed when the cherry blossom is in bloom or the autumn foliage is out. It costs 880 yen each way and takes about 25 minutes. Find more details and the current schedule in the link/blog.
Late-morning:
Explore the ancient moss covered figures at the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (25 min walk away) then head back to our hotel by taxi (13 min by taxi).
Afternoon:
After lunch, head off to the Sake Brewery for a tour (book direct well before) to sample sake and see how it’s processed before heading back to our hotel (around 4pm) for some R&R before dinner.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at local izakaya, immersing ourselves in Kyoto’s night vibe.
Day 8 (Fri Oct 24) - Half Day Trip to Uji
Morning:
After breakfast, travel by train (at 9am) to enjoy a half-day trip to Uji (30 mins away by train), famous for its top quality matcha. Visit the Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire its stunning architecture.
Early-afternoon:
After exploring Uji's tea shops and spending time along the Uji River with its calm atmosphere and picturesque views, grab some lunch and train back to Kyoto arriving around 2pm at hotel for some R&R before heading out to dinner.
Evening:
Enjoy a relaxed evening at a riverside café, taking in the vibrant city as it lights up after sunset.
Day 9 (Sat Oct 25) - Culture & History
Morning:
After breakfast, visit Nijo Castle (20 min away on subway) wandering through beautiful gardens and discover the history behind the shogunate era.
Late-morning:
Visit the Kyoto National Museum (20 min by subway) to delve into Japan’s rich history and art. Spend time in the surrounding area, which has charming cafés and shops. After lunch head back to hotel (14 min by train) for some R&R before heading off for an early dinner and then hopping on a train to visit Fushimi Inari.
Early-evening:
While still daylight, around 5.30pm train to Fushimi Inari (30 min away by train), to explore the thousands of renowned vermilion torii gates as it’s less crowded, walking along the serene trails adorned by the stunning gates. Train back to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 10 (Sun Oct 26) - Zen Shrines
Morning:
After breakfast, set out to visit Kinkaku-ji (40 mins away by train), the Golden Pavilion with its stunning gardens that reflect in the mirror pond. Next, visit Ryoan-ji (25 min walk away) to see the famous rock garden, a masterpiece of Zen design (12 mins by taxi to Philosopher’s Path).
Early-afternoon:
After a stroll and lunch along the Philosopher’s Path, make our way to explore the Ginkaku-ji Temple (5 min walk), then arrive back at hotel (5 mins by taxi) for some R&R before dinner.
Evening:
Wander through Pontocho Alley (7 min walk) to enjoy the night atmosphere and get dinner.
Day 11 (Mon Oct 27) - More Temples, Shrines and Cultural Experiences
Morning:
Early-afternoon:
After viewing the temple and gardens, catch a train back to Kyoto Nishiki Market (45 mins from Saihoji Temple) for lunch then head back to our hotel for some R&R before heading out to dinner.
Evening:
Dinner at The Sodoh to celebrate our anniversary (11 min walk from hotel).
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Osaka, Japan
Day 13 (Wed Oct 29) - Explore Osaka
Morning:
After arriving from Koyasan by train (approximately 1.5 hours by train), check into our hotel (or leave bags at reception) and head out to Osaka Castle to explore the historical grounds and stunning views of the city from the top.
Early-afternoon:
Head to Dotonbori, a lively district with shops and restaurants and grab some lunch while there. Return to our hotel for some R&R before heading out to dinner.
Evening:
As the sun sets, stroll along the Dotonbori canal experiencing the neon lights in Osaka (Glico Man), enjoy a drink and dinner at a nearby izakaya tavern for a taste of local cuisine and nightlife.
Day 14 (Thurs Oct 30) - Day Trip to Miyajima & Hiroshima
Morning:
After an EARLY breakfast, take an EARLY TRAIN (8.30am) to Hiroshima (1 hour away), then hop on a ferry to Miyajima Island (15 mins away). Explore the area on a Rickshaw (Get Your Guide or Viator) and the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. After a couple of hours exploring, board train back to Hiroshima (15 mins away).
Early-afternoon:
Arrive in time to try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for lunch, famous in this region. After lunch visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the city's history. Afterwards a quick whistle-stop visit to Hiroshima Castle.
Early-evening:
Back to Osaka for dinner in Dotonbori (2 hours back by train).
Day 15 (Fri Oct 31) - Day Trip to Nara
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Morning:
After an early breakfast (7am), travel to Nara (1 hour by train) to arrive in time for morning prayers (9am) at Kasuga-taisha Shrine held in Naoraiden (Ceremony Hall). Afterwards explore picturesque streets lined with traditional shops, Kasuga-taisha Shrine is known for its hundreds of stone lanterns.
Mid-morning:
Visit Todai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha statue and enjoy serene interactions/feeding deer at Nara Park.
Early-afternoon:
After lunch, return to Osaka (1 hour away) for some R&R back at the hotel before dinner.
Evening:
For dinner tonight, maybe try a cozy ramen shop near hotel or Dotonbori.
Day 16 (Sat Nov 1) - Fun in Osaka
Morning:
After breakfast, go Mario Go-Karting in the streets of Osaka (Get Your Guide).
Early-afternoon:
Okonomiyaki cooking class (25 min away from hotel in subway) starts at 1.30pm and runs for 2.5 hours finishing at 4pm (Get Your Guide).
Evening:
Dinner
Day 17 (Sun Nov 2) - Return to Tokyo
Morning:
After breakfast, spend remaining time exploring any unseen sites or head to Osaka Station for last minute shopping.
Depending on flight departure time out of Narita Airport, catch fast train back to Tokyo and enjoy kicking back to reflect on the many wonderful experiences and memories made while in Japan.