8 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Focus on food, sights, shopping areasJr pass puchasedGet to Osaka in the evening first dayOsaka 3 days, Kyoto 2, Tokyo remainingInclude places to eat for breakfast lunch dinner
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
- After arriving in Osaka in the evening, check into your hotel and freshen up.
- For dinner, head to , a vibrant street known for its delicious street food and iconic neon signs. Try local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
- Take a stroll along the Canal and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Day 2: Exploring Osaka
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at , a bustling food market offering a wide variety of fresh seafood, fruits, and local snacks.
- Visit , a magnificent historical landmark with beautiful gardens. Explore the castle grounds and learn about its rich history.
- For lunch, try kushikatsu, a popular local dish consisting of skewered and deep-fried meat, vegetables, and seafood. Head to , a vibrant neighborhood known for its kushikatsu restaurants.
- In the afternoon, visit the for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the observation deck.
- For dinner, venture to the , known for its upscale dining scene. Indulge in a delicious kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) or try some sushi at a high-end restaurant.
Day 3: Day Trip to Nara
- Take a day trip to Nara, a city known for its friendly deer and ancient temples.
- Start your day by visiting , where you can feed and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely.
- Explore , home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world.
- For lunch, try some local delicacies like kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) or yomogi mochi (mochi filled with sweet red bean paste).
- Visit , known for its beautiful lanterns and serene atmosphere.
- Return to Osaka in the evening and enjoy dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) to experience the lively nightlife.
Day 4: Travel to Kyoto
- Take a morning train to Kyoto, known for its traditional temples, gardens, and geisha culture.
- Start your day with a visit to , a stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.
- For lunch, try some Kyoto-style kaiseki or visit , a bustling food market offering a wide range of local delicacies.
- Explore the and enjoy a peaceful walk through the towering bamboo forest.
- Visit , famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates. Take a hike up the mountain for panoramic views of Kyoto.
- For dinner, try some Kyoto-style kaiseki or visit , a narrow street lined with traditional teahouses and restaurants.
Day 5: Exploring Kyoto
- Start your day with a visit to , a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wooden terrace offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
- For lunch, try some traditional Kyoto-style tofu dishes at a local restaurant.
- Explore the , known for its preserved traditional architecture and geisha culture. Take a stroll along and keep an eye out for geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha).
- Visit the , a historic castle known for its beautiful gardens and intricate architecture.
- For dinner, try some Kyoto-style kaiseki or visit for a variety of street food options.
Day 6: Travel to Tokyo
- Take a morning train to Tokyo, the bustling capital city of Japan.
- Start your day in Tokyo with a visit to , one of the world's largest fish markets. Enjoy a sushi breakfast at one of the local sushi restaurants.
- Explore the and visit , Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. Take a stroll along for souvenirs and traditional snacks.
- For lunch, try some ramen at a local noodle shop or indulge in some tempura at a traditional tempura restaurant.
- Visit the trendy neighborhood of Shibuya and experience the famous . Explore the shopping streets and department stores in the area.
- For dinner, head to Shinjuku and try some yakiniku (Japanese barbecue) or visit the Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) for a taste of traditional izakaya dishes.
Day 7: Exploring Tokyo
- Start your day with a visit to , a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Take a walk through the beautiful forested grounds.
- For breakfast, try some traditional Japanese breakfast dishes like miso soup, grilled fish, and rice at a local cafe or restaurant.
- Explore the trendy neighborhood of , known for its vibrant street fashion and quirky shops. Visit for unique shopping experiences.
- For lunch, try some delicious street food at or visit a local ramen shop for a satisfying bowl of noodles.
- Visit the historic district of Asakusa again and take a boat cruise along the for scenic views of Tokyo.
- For dinner, head to the vibrant district of Shinjuku and try some authentic Japanese izakaya dishes or visit a sushi restaurant for a sushi feast.
Day 8: Departure
- On your last day, take some time to explore any remaining areas of Tokyo that you haven't visited yet.
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe or try some traditional Japanese breakfast dishes at your hotel.
- If you have time, visit the for panoramic views of the city.
- Take the JR train to the airport for your departure, reminiscing about the amazing food, sights, and shopping experiences you had during your 8-day adventure in Japan.