Tokyo and Kyoto in 10 days (or just Tokyo in 7)
Itinerary overview
Day of arrivalDay 1 in Kyoto (Gion)Day 2 in Kyoto (Arashiyama and Downtown)Day 3 in Kyoto (Golden pavilion, Imperial Palace and Fushimi Inari) Extra day trip from Kyoto (Universal Studios in Osaka)Day 4 in Tokyo (Ginza)Day 5 in Tokyo (Ginza)Day 6 in Tokyo (Ikebukoro and Shinjuku)Day 7 in Tokyo (teamLab Planets and Asakusa)Day 8 in Tokyo (Shibuya)Day 9 in Tokyo (Akihabara)Day 10 in Tokyo (Harajuku)Day of departure
Before going
Make sure you read the tax-free rules before you start shopping. Some stores offer the option of shopping tax-free in store, they make deductions directly. In 2023 tax free was only available for purchases over around USD 45. You must be able to show the products you buy using tax free when you go through customs after security at the airport. If you check it in, you must tell the staff at check-in.
If you have a coin purse at home, bring it, because you will acquire so many coins.
Buying an E-sim is the best option if your cell phone plan does not cover surf in Japan. The wifi puck draws much more battery from your phone.
If you travel in the summer, make sure to buy a handheld fan at Muji or other store, it will help you keep cool.
Day of arrival in Kyoto
If you only have a couple of days in Kyoto, a good location is key to make the most out of your visit. I recommend staying in Downtown Kyoto and Kawaramachi for easy access to both Gion, transportation and nightlife.
We've stayed at Mitsui Garden Kyoto Downtown. It's a 5 minutes taxi ride from Kyoto Station, well worth not having to walk with bags.
Day 1 in Kyoto (Gion)
Explore traditional Kyoto
I recommend taking a full day to wander around Higashiyama and exploring the traditional quarters of Gion. Aim for Yasaka-dori and walk the connecting alleys. There are small shrines and shops everywhere. Don't forget to buy some fortune at the shrines. Closer to the top of Yasaka-dori, don't miss the crossing alley Ninenzaka that also has some great shopping and views.
Try the local snacks and drinks in Gion, for example Mitarashi Dango and soft serve Matcha. There aren't that many restaurants in upper Gion so when when you start craving something more filling I recommend heading towards Downtown Kyoto; for example Pontocho Alley or Nishiki market.
Make sure to squeeze in the following shrines. Walking between them is a great way to explore Higashiyama and Gion.
Time for a relaxing evening
After a day of sightseeing it is nice to head to Pontocho Alley for some drinks and food. The alley offers a lot of different Japanese dining options and bars. I really recommend Gin Bar C&D for a drink and Gyuatsu Kyoto Katsugya for Kyotos best Tonkatsu.
Higashiyama and Gion is not a big area but I still recommend making it a full day as it takes longer to get between places than one would think looking at the map. I think this is the same for most areas in Japan. There are just so many things to look at so time flies.
Late night onsen
You will most probably be a little exhausted after a day of walking around in Kyoto. Head back to the hotel and switch into the robe, it's time for onsen. The public baths at most hotels are really clean and relaxing. The baths at all hotel in this guide are all awesome! Take a shower and sit and relax in the warm pool. It's a great way to recuperate after a long day before you go to bed.
Day 2 in Kyoto (Arashiyama and Downtown)
Into the woods
Time to get out into nature! Take the metro to Saga-Arashiyama Station and then a 15 minute walk up to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Roam the bamboo grove for an hour or so, it's not that big.
When you have had your dose of bamboo. Walk to the neighboring Soganchi Pond Garden. It's a beautiful and relaxing traditional Japanese pond garden where you can walk around for an hour or two. If you are a garden person like me I also recommend taking a further 30 minute walk to Gio-ji Temple, a magnificent moss garden.
Time to get back into the city for some lunch. Jump in a taxi and head to Ramen Mugyu Vol. 2 Karasuma Takoyakushi. The ramen is one of the best I've had but the location is quite hard to find, just look for a narrow alley off Takoyakushi-dori and you will find it.
After lunch you have some different options of what to do next. If you are quick you might be able to make all three of them.
Option 1. Ikebana overload
Just around the corner of the ramen restaurant you can find the Choho-ji (Rokkaku-do) temple. This is the temple where Ikebana originated. Next to the temple you can also find the Ikabana museum.
Late night shopping and dinner
End the day at Nishiki Market in Downtown Kyoto. You will find the best restaurants and great shopping.
Day 3 in Kyoto (Golden pavilion, Imperial Palace and Fushimi Inari)
It is already the last day in Kyoto, so I assume that you will want to squeeze in as many sights as you can. This is the day to visit all of the most epic traditional buildings in the city.
Jump in a taxi and head to the Golden Pavilion Temple. Apart from the stunning temple it has a beautiful park area to walk around in. There are a lot of school field trips to this temple so expect some crowds. If you are not big on crowds you can skip this temple and direct your taxi to the next stop below.
Tea-time!
Jump in a taxi again. If tea is your beverage of choice you can't miss out on the famous Ippodo Tea with their own shop.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The impressive Kyoto Imperial Palace is located in the Kyoto Gyoen National Gardens, is a 15 minute walk from the tea shop. Enter the garden from the south side through the Sakaimachi Gomon Gate. The former palace of the Emperor of Japan is vast with a lot of things to see. Don't miss the Otsunegoten (Imperial Residential Palace) and the Oikeniwa pond garden.
Quick stop for fertility
The main purpose of the Shinto shrines are to house one or more kami (the deities of the Shinto religion). Take the time to read up on the different kami so that you can find the temple that best suits you. If you are looking for better fertility, or just into rabbits, don't miss Okazaki-jinja Shrine. It's a short taxi ride from the Imperial Palace. If you feel fertile enough and tired of rabbits, you can skip this stop and head directly to the next stop.
Let's get those Instagram likes
At this point your feet will be tired. If you still have energy the time, don't miss Fushimi Inari-taisha. It's the world-famous shrine with the Instagrammable red torii gates. Hitting it early morning or late evening is a good choice. This is an Inari Shrine the kami of foxes, fertility, rice, tea, sake, agriculture, industry, general prosperity and worldly success. You will find another Inari shrine in Tokyo later in this guide.
Head back for dinner at Nishiki Market or Pontocho Alley.
Extra day trip from Kyoto (Universal Studios in Osaka)
If you are a fan of either theme parks, Harry Potter, Super Mario, Jurassic Park or Minions, jump on the express train to Osaka Station and subway to Universal. It takes around an hour to get there. Make sure to book in advance and go for the packages including entrance to all areas and time slots for specific rides. And yes, you don’t need to have kids to go :)
Day 4 in Tokyo (Ginza)
Time to leave Kyoto. Take the express train to Tokyo (Ginza Station) in the morning and check-in at The Square Hotel Ginza. Staying in Ginza is very practical when you travel to and from Tokyo, it's a great place to land for a couple of nights before exploring other areas.
Shop to you drop
Ginza is one of the biggest shopping districts in the world, it's crazy! All the big brands, from luxury to high street, have stores in Ginza and it's not hard to find them, just walk around. Most brands have exclusive collections only sold in Japan and cool collaborations with other brands. The streetwear and sportswear brands are not to be missed.
Explore Japanese popular culture
Tired of shopping clothes and accessories? Even if you are not a big fan of cartoons and manga you must not miss the largest Pokemon Center in the world and Charachter Street under Tokyo Station where all the different game and anime characters have shops. It's a big part of Japanese youth culture and something you should definitely experience.
Japanese pancakes for dinner
The perfect way to end the day is with Okonomyaki (Japanese pancakes). 広島お好宜焼 鯉々 -こいこい- is a small restaurant on top of/in the Hiroshima satellite store. You will love it!
Day 5 in Tokyo (Ginza)
Start the day with a walk to Hamarikyu Gardens, a beautiful garden in Ginza. Walk around and enjoy the views of the city. I really recommend going to Nakajima-no-ochaya, a tea pavilion located in the middle of the park, for some traditional matcha and sweet pastry. Well worth a visit!
It's almost time for lunch so walk over to Tsukiji Outer Market for some food. Try the Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) and some of the freshest sashimi you've ever had! The hot sake did not float my boat, but was very popular among the locals :).
Feeling like more shopping or want more culture? Either you can head back into central Ginza and shop to you drop. If you've already spent your daily allowance I recommend taking a taxi to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Around the palace there are scenic gardens that you can explore freely. If you want to get into the main residence of the Japanese emperor you need to book a tour or catch one on site.
Feeling a bit sore in your feet? I always like going to a cinema when abroad just to experience it and to relax. There is a large cinema complex just in-between the Imperial Palace and central Ginza.
Day 6 in Tokyo (Ikebukoro and Shinjuku)
Move to Shinjuku
Pack your bags and head to Shinjuku, about 30 minute trip with the metro. Check in at Yuen Shinjuku. This hotel is a true gem, quiet and homey, with a tranquil public bath on the top floor overlooking the city.
7-Eleven
Just opposite hotel you'll find one of the many 7-Eleven's in Japan. 7-Eleven has everything you need and is one of my favourite places to pick up a breakfast on the go. This Onigiri is awesome! And their iced coffee is a great pick me up. If you are an ice cream person I strongly recommend their strawberry macaron ice cream, it will change your life. All 7-Eleven offer ATM's which is useful even though most stores and restaurants take debit cards.
If you are looking for fried chicken, head to 7-Eleven's strongest competitor Family Mart as they offer the superior fried chicken.
Also a big shoutout to having breakfast at Starbucks. They have some drinks exclusively for Japan. DON'T miss the Affogato Frappuccino!
Explore Ikebukoro
Take the metro to Ikebukoro, a high-energy northern Tokyo neighborhood built to entertain, and a must-visit area full of anime, manga and cosplay. Explore the shops and gaming cafes on Otome road and adjacent streets.
The Animate store is well worth a visit if you are into manga or just want to see what the buzz is about. Expect some weirdly raunchy magazines!
Sunshine City is the hub of shopping and entertainment in Ikebukoro. In addition to another Pokemon Center Mega it has an extremely popular Pokemon Cafe.
If you want to experience cosplay in the wild, head to Naka-ikebukuro Park.
When you are starting to get hungry, stop for lunch at Mitsuyado Seimen Ikebukuro, their ramen is really good!
Start the evening with a visit to Muscle Girls in Ikebukoro. Just as the name entails it's a bar staffed by female body builders, one of the many weird themed venues you can find in Tokyo. In addition to a much beer as you can drink for an hour you can challenge your waitress in arm wrestling or sit on their shoulders. Don't forget to tip your waitress with a protein shake!
Evening bar run in Shinjuku
Take the metro back to Shinjuku for a walking tour of the area and the many bars. I recommend exploring both Golden Gai and the gay district.
Golden Gai which is a small area with restaurants and bars in narrow alleyways.
Day 7 in Tokyo (teamLab Planets and Asakusa)
Take the metro out to teamLab Planets. teamLab Planets is an art facility and visual experience. You will walk through water with koi fish swimming between your legs , and lay down in a garden where you become one with the flowers. Be sure to book teamLab Planets in advance. There is no need to be early for TeamLabs, aim at being there a maximum of 5 minutes before your admission. I recommend doing teamLab Planets in the morning as the first stop of the day. The full experience takes around 2 hours.
Asakusa
When you leave teamLab Planets, walk up to Toyosu Station and then jump on a bus up to SkyTree. If you want you can go up SkyTree for an awesome view of the city, but I have a much better recommendation for rooftop viewpoint coming later today.
Jump of the bus at SkyTree and walk over the bridge to Asakusa. Asakusa is a part of older Tokyo, with traditional craft shops and street-food stalls. Once you have crossed the river, head right up on Nakamise-dori and visit the shops leading up to Sensoji shrine. Asakusa can become very busy and full of tourists during weekends so if possible I recommend going in the weekdays.
Time to see the city from above
When you have had enough of Asakusa, jump on the metro and head back to Shinjuku. Exit the metro to the other side than the hotel and head towards Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Here you can enjoy commanding views of downtown Tokyo from a height of 202 meters, totally free.
Time for some dinner! Not too far from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, in the direction of the hotel, you will find an awesome standing sushi restaurant, Uogashi Nihon-Ichi. Just take a stand by the chefs counter and they will serve you some of the best sushi you've ever had.
Day 8 in Tokyo (Shibuya)
Meiji shrine morning walk
Put on your shoes and head towards Eggslut for breakfast. Very tasty and filling! You will need the energy for a long day in busy Shibuya.
Ones you have gathered your strength from the breakfast, walk towards the Meiji Shrine. You can take the northeast entrance to Meiji when you walk from Shinjuku. The park around the Meiji shrine is beautiful. When you have visited the shrine, head to the little garden within the park. It offers some incredibly views and is well worth a visit.
Shopping in Shibuya
Leave Meiji Shrine park at the entrance by Harajuku. Then head down towards Shibuya on the west side of the tracks, through the area of Udagawacho. This area offers really nice smaller clothes shops and exclusive second hand stores.
Continue the walk all the way down to Shibuya for a walk on the famous Shibuya crossing. There are so many shops in the area so I don't think you need any recommendations. A shout ot for the Nintendo Store in Shibuya where you can pick up some Super Mario Merch.
Dinner in Shinjuku
When you have spent all your money and starting to feel tired, head back towards Shinjuku by foot or metro for dinner at Ramen Hayashida. Very good ramen!
Day 9 in Tokyo (Akihabara)
Morning tube to Koishkawa Korakuen Garden. Very nice large garden to spend a few hours in.
Akihabara
Akihabara is a buzzing shopping hub famed for its electronics retailers, ranging from tiny stalls to vast department stores like Yodobashi Multimedia Akiba. Venues specializing in manga, anime, and video games include Tokyo Anime Center, for exhibits and souvenirs, and Radio Kaikan with 10 floors of toys, trading cards, and collectibles.
Then get back on the metro and head to Akihabara to visit various gaming shops etc. Tip, play in claw machines, for example at GiGo Akihabara. Very funny! We won a huge Kirby. Perfect if you're low on energy :).
Tokyo National Museum
After Akihabara we went up to Ueno Park and went to the Tokyo National Museum. Worth a visit to get some history.
Head back to Shinjuku for some dinner.
Day 10 in Tokyo (Harajuku)
Up early for the train to Toyokawa Inari Betsuin, a very nice temple for foxes.
Harajuku
Buzzing Harajuku is renowned for colorful street art and youth fashion, with quirky vintage clothing stores and cosplay shops along Takeshita Street, and traditional, upmarket boutiques on leafy Omotesando Avenue. Small, trendy bars fill the surrounding lanes, while dessert shops and carts specialize in sweet crêpes,
Then on to Harajuku for a full day of shopping and food. Pre-booked visit to minigris cafe. A bit scary when the pigs started arguing all the time. Would probably take Shiba-cafe instead :) But very fun concept!
Tip, Medicom who make Bearbrick has a store in Harajuku. Otherwise, everything is there, so it's no problem to find something you like. Might be worth dropping a few pins on the map for shops you want to visit so that you have something to relate to as it is a large district.
There is a lot of fun skin care! Senka Perfect Whip is a great cleanser. Might be worth googling a bit before if you want something special, because the shop staff aren't always that good at English.
Day of departure
If you depart in the afternoon I strongly recommend spending your last morning walking around the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, very nice park with many different parts. There's even a Starbucks in the park wit ha view that surely must be one of the best views from a Starbucks in the world.
The hotel is just a short walk so you can leave the bags in the hotel and go back in time to catch the Metro and train back to your airport of departure. Shinjuku offers express trains to Narita. Don't forget to pack the things you bought tax free in your hand luggage!
I hope you have had the most amazing trip, be sure to check out my other travel itineraries.
The home for unique & authentic travel
