A Midsummer Journey Through the Bustling Metropolis of Tokyo and the Ancient Capital of Kyoto
Good to know: July is mid-summer in Japan, and the weather is quite warm. We recommend carrying a parasol and sunscreen. It is advised to book your round-trip Shinkansen tickets between Kyoto and Tokyo online in advance to secure comfortable seats with extra luggage space. You will fly to Shenzhen on the 15th.
Trip total
$3,869.64est.
Estimated — actual prices vary by date and availability · 9 not priced yet
Per day
Arrive in Tokyo and check in to a top-tier luxury landmark
Arrive in Tokyo on your first day, check in, and enjoy an afternoon tea in the clouds at Aman Tokyo, then stroll through Ginza in the evening to experience the bustling night scenery.
Check-in at The Westin Tokyo
Arrive at the hotel to check in, experience high-quality rooms that blend European classics with Japanese elegance, enjoy butler service, and relax in the Executive Lounge.
惠比寿
Dinner at Ginza Kagari
Walk to the upscale shopping district of Ginza and taste their signature truffle chicken paitan ramen, featuring a rich and delicate broth reminiscent of a French bisque.
银座
Drinks at Bar High Five, Ginza
A classic bar founded by legendary bartender Hidetsugu Ueno, offering a menu-free experience where cocktails are custom-crafted to your specific taste preferences.
银座
In-depth tour of Tsukiji delicacies and Imperial monuments
Spend the morning enjoying a seafood feast at Tsukiji Outer Market, then spend the afternoon touring the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace to experience traditional Edo history and culture.
Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Walking tour
Guided by a professional expert, weave through Tsukiji Outer Market to taste fresh sashimi, tamagoyaki, and freshly grilled seafood, experiencing Japanese food culture.
筑地
Imperial Palace East Garden and Edo Castle Walking Tour in Tokyo
Stroll through the site of the former Edo Castle in the Imperial Palace East Gardens, admiring the well-preserved moats, castle tower base, and beautiful Japanese gardens.
千代田区
Michelin 2-Star Den modern kaiseki dinner
A top-tier restaurant of your choice that infuses traditional kaiseki with humor and modern creativity; their signature 'Dentucky' fried chicken is stunning.
神宫前
Shitamachi Culture and Sumida River Cruise Experience
Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, then take a futuristic sightseeing boat to admire the scenery along the Sumida River.
Senso-ji
Pass through the magnificent Kaminarimon Gate and the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street, draw an omikuji (fortune) at the main hall, and feel the spirit of Tokyo’s most iconic folk religious center.
浅草
Tokyo Cruise Sumida River (Leiji Matsumoto Ship)
Board the futuristic 'Himiko' ship designed by anime master Leiji Matsumoto, and travel along the Sumida River to Hama-rikyu or Odaiba to see Tokyo from a new perspective.
浅草/滨离宫
Tsukiji Sushidai Main Branch Lunch
Enjoy high-quality, authentic nigiri sushi near Tsukiji and experience the essence of the traditional sushi bar.
筑地
Maidreamin (Akihabara Idol Street Store)
Experience Tokyo's unique Akihabara maid culture, where energetic and adorable maids serve drinks and desserts decorated with cute patterns and perform lively 'moe' song and dance routines.
秋叶原
Roppongi Kappo Muroi Dinner
Savor refined and gentle Kappo cuisine, featuring the finest seasonal local ingredients, while watching the chef at work in a relaxed and intimate counter setting.
六本木
Trendy Shibuya and Fashionable Rooftop Nightlife
Visit Meiji Jingu in the morning to experience its lush tranquility, spend the afternoon browsing trendsetting department stores in Shibuya, and enjoy a luxurious rooftop nightlife experience at CÉ LA VI in the evening.
Meiji Jingu
Stroll through the quiet forest trails composed of 100,000 donated trees, visit the iconic giant wooden torii gate, and experience a sanctuary for the soul in the heart of Tokyo.
涩谷区
Harajuku & Omotesando Walk and Lunch
Omotesando is a fashion landmark in Tokyo, lined with architecturally stunning buildings. For lunch, we recommend enjoying exquisite Wagyu beef dishes at Omotesando Hills.
神宫前
Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky Observatory
Stand in the middle of the famous Shibuya Crossing to feel the surge of the crowds, then head to Shibuya Sky for a breathtaking panoramic view.
涩谷
Shibuya Yakiniku Booya (Banya) Luxury Wagyu Dinner
Carefully selected whole-carcass branded Kuroge Wagyu beef, offering a grilled meat platter with various rare cuts; the meat is tender and melts in your mouth.
涩谷
CÉ LA VI Tokyo Rooftop Bar Party
Your designated trendy luxury landmark. Located on the 17th and 18th floors of Tokyu Plaza, it perfectly blends a nightclub, restaurant, and bar, allowing you to fully enjoy the atmospheric high-altitude nightlife of Shibuya.
涩谷
Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto and check into a boutique machiya hotel.
After checking out in the morning, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to the ancient capital of Kyoto. Spend the afternoon strolling along the Kamo River and exploring Gion.
Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto
Board the Nozomi Shinkansen at Tokyo Station for Kyoto Station; if the weather is clear, you can view Mount Fuji from the right side of the train.
东京站 - 京都站
Check in at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
After arriving in Kyoto, head to the hotel to check in, then take a break beside the peaceful 'Shakusuien' pond garden to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
东山区
Stroll through Gion and Hanamikoji Street
Stroll through Hanamikoji, Kyoto's most famous geisha district, where well-preserved wooden machiya townhouses and teahouses evoke a rich Edo-period atmosphere.
衹园
Dinner at Yakiniku Hiro (Pontocho)
A popular Wagyu yakiniku restaurant tucked away in the alleys of Pontocho. Enjoy premium Omi beef or local Kyoto beef, with the breeze of a summer night along the Kamo River creating a wonderful ambiance.
先斗町
Kyoto's Ancient Temples, Landmarks, and Kawayuka Dining
Visit the Senbon Torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha in the morning, explore the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera temple in the afternoon, and experience seasonal Kawayuka dining for dinner.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Explore the vermilion Senbon Torii tunnel early in the morning when there are fewer tourists. This is one of the most famous shrines dedicated to the god of Inari, where visitors pray for business prosperity.
伏见区
Kiyomizu-dera and a Stroll Through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
Visit the spectacular wooden Kiyomizu stage built on the edge of a cliff to overlook the city of Kyoto, then hunt for treasures and enjoy lunch along the charming stone-paved slopes.
东山区
Kifune-jinja and Kifune Chaya Kawayuka Dining by the Kamogawa River
A special summer privilege in Kyoto: enjoy exquisite Kyo-kaiseki cuisine on wooden platforms built directly over a cool mountain stream, a quintessential Japanese summer aesthetic.
贵船
Kyoto Arashiyama and Sagano Scenic Railway
After checking out and storing or forwarding your luggage, head to Arashiyama in western Kyoto. Stroll through the cool, deep bamboo groves and ride the vintage scenic railway to experience the natural beauty.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Officially known as Rokuon-ji. Its exterior is covered in gold leaf, creating a breathtaking contrast with its reflection in the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond) under the sunlight.
北区
Exquisite bento lunch at Shimogamo Saryo
Enjoy a classic Kyoto bento from a century-old restaurant before departure, experiencing authentic traditional aesthetics and exquisite ingredient presentation.
左京区
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Sagano Romantic Train
Walk through the lush, sun-dappled bamboo forest, then ride the Sagano Romantic Train as it winds slowly along the Hozugawa River ravine to enjoy the mountain and river scenery.
岚山
Tenryu-ji (Tenryu-ji)
Arashiyama's most important Zen temple; its Sogenchi Garden, which uses Arashiyama as borrowed scenery, is a World Heritage site and perfect for peaceful contemplation.
岚山
Unagi Hirokawa Dinner
A highly acclaimed Michelin one-star eel restaurant in Arashiyama, serving top-quality domestic eel grilled slowly over charcoal with a rich, savory sauce. Advance reservations recommended.
岚山
Uji Matcha Tea and the Byodoin Phoenix Hall
Head south today to the tea-growing region of Uji to taste authentic Uji matcha and visit the Byodoin Phoenix Hall, featured on the 10-yen coin.
Byodoin (Byodoin)
Built in the late Heian period, its Phoenix Hall reflected in the Aji Pond looks like a Pure Land paradise floating on earth; it is a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art.
宇治
Itokyuemon (Itokyuemon) Main Store Lunch and Desserts
Enjoy unique matcha soba noodles at this century-old matcha shop, and don't miss the exquisite limited-edition summer matcha parfait for dessert.
宇治
Ujigami Shrine (Ujigami Shrine)
The oldest original shrine building in Japan, set in a tranquil and elegant environment with towering ancient trees that exude a sacred and timeless atmosphere.
宇治
Gion Kappo Shin (Kappo Shin) Dinner
Return to the Gion district in Kyoto for an exquisite and refined kappo meal, where the chef prepares seasonal Kyoto vegetables and fresh seafood to showcase authentic local flavors.
祇园
A journey through Nara's sacred Deer Park and the historic Todai-ji
Depart from Kyoto today for the ancient capital of Nara. Stroll through the park filled with sacred deer, visit the magnificent wooden structure of Todai-ji, and return to Kyoto in the evening for exquisite cuisine.
Todai-ji & Nara Park
Explore the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), the world's largest wooden building, and interact with the gentle deer in the lush, verdant park to experience Nara's unique charm and antiquity.
奈良
Lunch at Shizuka Kamameshi
A popular, time-honored local establishment in Nara. Their signature seven-ingredient Kamameshi is cooked to order in dashi broth; the rice absorbs the sweetness of the seafood and forest delicacies, while the bottom forms a crispy, fragrant crust.
奈良
Kasuga Taisha
Nestled in a primeval forest of ancient trees, the stone lanterns and vermilion shrines are artfully arranged, exuding a mysterious and solemn Shinto atmosphere.
奈良
Dinner at Gion Sushi Tadayasu
Return to Gion, Kyoto, for a high-end luxury sushi omakase. The chef's mastery of fish aging and vinegared rice temperature delivers an ultimate counter-seating experience.
祇园
Ohara: Quiet Summer Retreat and Traditional Kyoto Aesthetics
Escape the bustle and head to Ohara in Kyoto's northern suburbs to explore the moss-carpeted grounds of Sanzen-in, then return to the city in the afternoon to experience kimono fitting or traditional crafts.
Ohara Sanzen-in (Sanjuyen)
Lush with ancient trees, the garden is covered in a thick layer of emerald green moss, where small, charming stone Jizo statues with various expressions are hidden, full of Zen atmosphere.
大原
Ohara Seryo (Vegetable Kaiseki Lunch)
A famous ryokan located in front of Sanzen-in, specializing in bento boxes and vegetable kaiseki made with seasonal local mountain vegetables and spring water from Ohara, fresh and natural.
大原
Kyoto Lacquerware or Kiyomizu-yaki Pottery Experience
Return to the city and experience traditional lacquerware gold inlay (maki-e) or Kiyomizu-yaki painting in a century-old workshop, taking home a unique souvenir of your own.
东山区
Sumibi Shirakawa Dinner
Specializing in premium Binchotan charcoal grilling, featuring high-quality Kuroge Wagyu beef and sweet seasonal vegetables, prepared with precise heat control in an elegant and private setting.
祇园
The perfect finale in Kyoto, setting off for Shenzhen
Spend a perfect final morning in Kyoto, enjoy an exquisite lunch, and then take the express train to Kansai Airport for your return flight to Shenzhen.
A stroll along Matsubara-dori in Kiyomizu-gojo
Purchase some Kyoto confections (wagashi) and Kiyomizu-yaki handicrafts as souvenirs near the hotel, and enjoy the tranquil streetscapes of the ancient city.
东山区
Kyoto Station, Hyotei, Morning Porridge/Bento Lunch
Enjoy the classic morning porridge or a bento from the Michelin three-star restaurant 'Hyotei' at their Kyoto Station branch—time-efficient yet full of ceremony.
京都站
Board the Limited Express Haruka for Kansai International Airport
Take the Kansai Airport Express Haruka from Kyoto Station directly to Kansai International Airport, prepare for check-in, and fly back to Shenzhen.
京都站
- Purchase round-trip Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo-Kyoto) tickets and select the oversized baggage seat option
- Book Michelin-starred restaurant 'Den' and Kifune kawadoko dining
- Add a Suica or Pasmo card to your digital wallet for the Tokyo Metro
- Purchase an e-ticket for the Kansai Airport Express Haruka
- Lightweight parasol and sunscreen (for summer heat protection)
- Portable pocket Wi-Fi or a Japanese e-SIM
- Comfortable, easy-to-remove walking shoes (often required for temple visits)
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