Ten days across Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka hitting the icons, the hidden gems, and the food you actually came for.
– Day One: Arrive in Tokyo
Kick things off by settling into Ueno or Asakusa, which offer better value than Shibuya while still keeping you well connected to the rest of the city. Once you’re checked in, head to Sensō-ji Temple, which is free to visit, and take a wander down the nearby Nakamise Shopping Street for souvenirs and snacks. Wrap up your first night with dinner at a local izakaya. A quick budget tip before you head out: pick up a refillable IC card (Suica or PASMO) so you can hop on public transport without thinking twice.
– Day Two: Tokyo Icons
Today is all about the classics. Start at Shibuya Crossing before heading up to Shibuya Sky it’s worth booking sunset tickets in advance for the best views. From there, spend the afternoon exploring Harajuku and Takeshita Street, then stop by Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is free to enter. When evening rolls around, head to Golden Gai for drinks in one of its tiny, atmospheric bars.
– Day Three: Hidden Tokyo
For a quieter side of the city, grab breakfast in Kuramae, home to stylish cafés with a more relaxed atmosphere than the tourist hubs. Spend the late morning exploring Kappabashi Kitchen Town, then visit Kiyosumi Garden for a peaceful stroll. As the day winds down, make your way to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for sunset views from its free observation deck.
– Day Four: Hakone Day Trip
Take a day trip out to Hakone, riding the Hakone Ropeway for sweeping views and, weather permitting, a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Cruise across Lake Ashi and finish the day relaxing in an onsen. It’s a day that feels genuinely luxurious without the cost of an overnight stay.
– Day Five: Kyoto
Arrive in Kyoto and get an early start at Fushimi Inari Shrine before the crowds build up. From there, head to Nishiki Market to graze your way through the stalls, then spend the evening wandering Gion. It’s a day that costs surprisingly little, between the free shrines and affordable street food.
– Day Six: Kyoto Hidden Gems
Step off the well-trodden path with a visit to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, which sees far fewer crowds than Kyoto’s bigger sights. Follow it with a walk through Adashino Bamboo Forest, a quieter alternative to Arashiyama, then take the Philosopher’s Path at your own pace. Round out the day with a visit to a traditional tea house. It’s one of the most peaceful days of the whole trip.
– Day Seven: Nara
Head to Nara for an easy, budget-friendly day trip. Feed the famous deer roaming the park, visit Tōdai-ji Temple, and take some time in Isuien Garden. Save room for mochi tasting before you head back.
– Day Eight: Osaka
Arrive in Osaka and dive straight into Kuromon Market, then spend the afternoon and evening in Dotonbori. Fit in a visit to the Umeda Sky Building, and make sure your street food dinner includes takoyaki and okonomiyaki Osaka’s signature dishes.
– Day Nine: Hidden Osaka
See a quieter side of Osaka that many visitors miss. Spend the morning in Nakazakicho, known for its vintage cafés and independent shops, then relax in Nakanoshima Park. In the evening, visit the teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka for a completely different atmosphere after dark.
– Day Ten: Final Morning
Ease into your last day with slow coffee at a local café and a bit of last minute shopping before heading to the airport. One tip: leave room in your suitcase if you love to shop, because you’ll need it.
Estimated Budget (excluding flights)
Hotels will run you roughly $1,320–$1,880 CAD, while transport across the trip comes to about $470–$660 CAD. Food typically costs $38–$75 CAD per day, and attractions add up to around $280–$470 CAD in total. All told, expect to spend somewhere between $2,630 and $3,760 CAD, depending on your accommodation choices and activities