Arrival Day
Tokyo-
Transfer to hotel
Train or airport limo into the city, gentle start
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Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, iconic and atmospheric
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Nakamise Street
Traditional snacks and souvenir stalls
Consider moving to last day to avoid carrying stuff
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Sumida River walk
Flat, scenic stroll with Skytree views
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Early dinner & sleep
Beat jet lag on day one
Check-in: 14:00
Easy arrival, jet lag friendly, great walking, direct access to JR & subway
Old Tokyo
Tokyo-
Ueno Park
Museums, wide paths, and early cherry blossoms
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Yanaka Ginza
Preserved old-town streets with local shops
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Ameyoko Market
Lively street market with food and bargains
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Izakaya dinner
Casual Japanese small plates and drinks
Modern Tokyo
Tokyo-
Meiji Shrine
Peaceful Shinto shrine in a forested park
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Harajuku (Takeshita St)
Youth culture, crepes, and people-watching
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Shibuya Crossing
World's busiest pedestrian crossing
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Shibuya Sky
Open-air observation deck with sunset city views
Travel to Kyoto
KyotoCheck-out: 11:00
Shinkansen (Hikari/Nozomi) ~2h-2h20
Sit on right side for Fuji views
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Gion stroll
Traditional streets, teahouses, lantern-lit atmosphere
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Early night
Prepare for early sightseeing
Check-in: 15:00
Walkable evenings, close to temples, romantic atmosphere
Kyoto Icons
Kyoto-
Fushimi Inari
Thousands of red torii gates up a forested mountain
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Philosopher's Path
Canal-side walk lined with temples and cherry trees
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Ginkaku-ji
Elegant Zen temple with moss gardens
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Kiyomizu-dera
Wooden hall with panoramic city views
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Pontocho dinner
Narrow alley with riverside dining
Kyoto Depth
Kyoto-
Higashiyama deep walk
Slower exploration of backstreets and shrines
Slow Kyoto
Kyoto-
Markets & cafés
Nishiki Market or neighborhood cafés
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Optional tea ceremony
Cultural experience in a traditional setting
Nara Day Trip + Tokyo
Nara TokyoCheck-out: 12:00
JR Nara Line Rapid ~45 min
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Nara Park
Free-roaming deer in a large park
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Todai-ji Temple
Home of the Great Buddha statue
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Kasuga Taisha
Shrine with lantern-lined forest paths
JR Nara Line Rapid ~45 min (collect bags)
Shinkansen (Hikari/Nozomi) ~2h-2h20
This is your longest day, but only one
Check-in: 14:00
Best base for sakura, Hakone trains, dining, and nightlife
Main Sakura Day
Tokyo SAKURA-
Shinjuku Gyoen
One of Tokyo's best cherry blossom gardens
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Rest / café time
Avoid burnout during peak crowds
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Chidorigafuchi Moat
Iconic cherry blossoms along the water
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Kagurazaka dinner
Charming streets with French-Japanese cuisine
Meguro & Nakameguro
Tokyo-
Meguro River
Canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees
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Daikanyama / Nakameguro
Stylish cafés, shops, relaxed vibe
Ueno & Asakusa
Tokyo-
Ueno Park
Lively hanami atmosphere under full bloom
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Asakusa shopping
Final souvenirs and street snacks
Hakone Onsen
HakoneCheck-out: 11:00
Odakyu Romancecar ~1h30
Reserve seats recommended (very easy)
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Onsen & kaiseki
Hot springs and seasonal multi-course dinner
Check-in: 15:00
Hakone & Return
Hakone TokyoCheck-out: 10:00
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Hakone Shrine
Lakeside torii gate and forest setting
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Ropeway
Volcanic views over Owakudani
Odakyu Romancecar or Rapid Express ~1h30-2h
Romancecar if tired & relaxed
Check-in: 15:00
No hotel change stress, easy airport access
Departure
Fly HomeCheck-out: 12:00
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Easy morning
Pack, breakfast, last stroll
Tokyo → Narita/Haneda: Narita Express / Airport Limousine / Monorail (45-90 min)
Transport Tips
- IC Card (Suica/PASMO): All local trains & buses
- Shinkansen: Buy individual tickets at station
- Romancecar: Seat reservation recommended