- Introduction
- Travel Basics
- Destinations Overview
- Transportation Guide
- Accommodation Guide
- Detailed Itinerary
- Budget Breakdown
- Cultural Etiquette
- Packing List
- Useful Phrases
- Emergency Information
- Additional Resources
This comprehensive travel guide has been created for your 10-day trip to Japan in June 2025, focusing on the cultural heart of Kyoto, the vibrant food scene of Osaka, and the modern energy of Tokyo's Shibuya district. The itinerary balances traditional cultural experiences with modern attractions, allowing you to experience the many facets of Japan.
June in Japan offers pleasant weather with the beginning of the rainy season, fewer crowds than peak tourist seasons, and special seasonal attractions like hydrangea blooms and firefly viewing. This guide provides all the information you need for a memorable journey through these iconic Japanese destinations.
As of 2025, citizens of many countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, and most European nations can enter Japan for tourism purposes without a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, you must have:
- A passport valid for the duration of your stay
- A confirmed return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
For the most current information, check your country's embassy website or visit the official Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: https://www.mofa.go.jp/
- Currency: Japanese Yen (¥/JPY)
- Exchange Rate (as of April 2025): Approximately 150 JPY = 1 USD
- Cash vs. Cards: Japan is still largely a cash-based society, especially for smaller establishments, though credit cards are increasingly accepted in major cities and tourist areas
- ATMs: International-friendly ATMs can be found at 7-Eleven convenience stores, post offices, and international airports
- Tipping: Not customary in Japan; service charges are typically included
June marks the beginning of the rainy season (tsuyu) in most of Japan:
- Temperature:
- Kyoto: Average 20-28°C (68-82°F)
- Osaka: Average 21-28°C (70-82°F)
- Tokyo: Average 19-25°C (66-77°F)
- Rainfall: Moderate to heavy; expect some rainy days
- Humidity: Increasing throughout the month
- What to Wear: Light, breathable clothing with a light jacket or cardigan for evenings; rain gear is essential
- Official Language: Japanese
- English Proficiency: Variable; more common in tourist areas and among younger people
- Translation Apps: Google Translate with downloaded Japanese language pack is highly recommended
- Useful Phrases: See the Useful Phrases section
- Pocket WiFi: Rental available at airports (¥800-1,000 per day)
- SIM Cards: Prepaid tourist SIM cards available at airports and electronic stores
- Public WiFi: Available in many hotels, cafes, and public spaces, but coverage and reliability vary
The cultural and historical heart of Japan, Kyoto was the imperial capital for over 1,000 years and is home to over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Offers stunning views of the city
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Iconic bamboo forest
- Gion District: Traditional geisha district
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Gold-leaf covered temple
- Hydrangea viewing at Mimuroto-ji Temple and other gardens
- Firefly viewing in rural areas around Kyoto
- Ajisai (Hydrangea) Festival at various temples
Known as "Japan's Kitchen," Osaka is famous for its food culture, friendly locals, and vibrant nightlife.
- Dotonbori: Entertainment district with iconic food stalls and neon signs
- Osaka Castle: Historic castle with museum and surrounding park
- Kuromon Market: Food market with fresh seafood and local specialties
- Shinsaibashi Shopping District: Major shopping area
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: One of the world's largest aquariums
- Tenjin Matsuri preparations: One of Japan's largest festivals (held in July)
- Blue Cave Illumination in Osaka Castle Park
Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most dynamic and youthful districts, famous for its scramble crossing, shopping, and entertainment.
- Shibuya Crossing: The world's busiest pedestrian intersection
- Meiji Shrine: Serene shrine set in a forested area
- Harajuku: Center of youth fashion and culture
- Yoyogi Park: Large park popular for recreation
- Shibuya Sky: Observation deck with panoramic views
- Sanno Matsuri: Major festival held in mid-June (in even-numbered years)
- Hydrangea viewing at Hakusan Shrine and Sumida Park
-
Main International Airports:
- Narita International Airport (NRT) - Tokyo
- Haneda Airport (HND) - Tokyo
- Kansai International Airport (KIX) - Osaka
-
Airlines with Direct Flights to Japan:
- Japan Airlines (JAL)
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- And many other international carriers
-
Airport to City Transportation:
- From Kansai Airport to Osaka: JR Haruka Express (¥3,000, 50 minutes)
- From Narita Airport to Tokyo: Narita Express (¥3,000, 60 minutes)
- From Haneda Airport to Tokyo: Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line (¥500-600, 30 minutes)
The Japan Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains, including most shinkansen (bullet trains).
| Duration | Ordinary Pass | Green Pass (First Class) |
|---|---|---|
| 7-day | ¥50,000 | ¥70,000 |
| 14-day | ¥80,000 | ¥110,000 |
| 21-day | ¥100,000 | ¥140,000 |
- Activation: Exchange your voucher at a JR office in Japan
- Coverage: Most JR trains, buses, and ferries (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen)
- Recommendation: For this itinerary, the 7-day pass is most economical, activated when traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo
Rechargeable smart cards for public transportation and small purchases:
- Suica/Pasmo (Tokyo)
- ICOCA (Kansai region including Kyoto and Osaka)
- Initial cost: ¥2,000 (¥500 deposit + ¥1,500 initial charge)
- These cards are interoperable throughout Japan
Kyoto:
- Kyoto City Subway & Bus One-Day Pass: ¥1,100
- Kyoto City Subway One-Day Pass: ¥800
Osaka:
- Osaka Metro 1-Day Pass: ¥800
- Osaka Amazing Pass: ¥2,800 (includes free entry to many attractions)
Tokyo:
- Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket: ¥800
- Tokyo Subway Ticket (24 hours): ¥900 (Tokyo Metro and Toei lines)
- Google Maps works well for navigation in Japan
- Hyperdia or Japan Transit Planner apps are excellent for train schedules
- Rush Hour: Avoid trains between 7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM if possible
- Reserved Seats: Consider reserving seats on shinkansen during peak travel times
- Punctuality: Japanese trains are extremely punctual; arrive at least 5 minutes before departure
- Downtown Kyoto: Most convenient with restaurants, shops, and good transport
- Southern Higashiyama: Close to many sights with atmospheric lanes
- Kyoto Station Area: Excellent transportation connections
Luxury:
- Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: Riverside location with mountain views (¥80,000-150,000/night)
- Four Seasons Kyoto: Set around an 800-year-old pond garden (¥70,000-130,000/night)
Mid-Range:
- Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier: Modern design with Japanese elements (¥25,000-40,000/night)
- Nohga Hotel Kyoto: Contemporary design featuring local crafts (¥20,000-35,000/night)
Budget:
- Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto: Clean, compact rooms in great location (¥10,000-15,000/night)
- Kyoto Hana Hotel: Simple but comfortable rooms near Kyoto Station (¥8,000-12,000/night)
Traditional Ryokan:
- Tawaraya: Prestigious traditional ryokan (¥70,000-100,000/night)
- Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo: Historic ryokan with garden views (¥30,000-50,000/night)
- Namba/Minami: Heart of entertainment district with countless restaurants
- Umeda/Kita: Business and shopping hub with major transportation connections
Luxury:
- The Ritz-Carlton Osaka: Elegant European-inspired design (¥50,000-100,000/night)
- Conrad Osaka: Modern luxury high-rise with city views (¥40,000-80,000/night)
Mid-Range:
- Swissotel Nankai Osaka: Connected to Namba Station (¥20,000-35,000/night)
- Hotel Granvia Osaka: Located inside Osaka Station (¥15,000-25,000/night)
Budget:
- Dormy Inn Premium Namba: Free ramen at night and public bath (¥8,000-12,000/night)
- Hotel Sunroute Osaka Namba: Great location near Dotonbori (¥7,000-10,000/night)
- Shibuya Center: Heart of Tokyo's youth culture
- Harajuku/Omotesando: Trendy area known for fashion
- Ebisu/Daikanyama: Upscale residential areas with sophisticated vibe
Luxury:
- Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel: Landmark hotel with excellent views (¥40,000-80,000/night)
- Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu: Modern hotel in new development (¥30,000-60,000/night)
Mid-Range:
- Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel: Convenient location near station (¥15,000-30,000/night)
- Mustard Hotel Shibuya: Stylish boutique hotel (¥15,000-25,000/night)
Budget:
- UNPLAN Shibuya: Modern hostel with private and dormitory options (¥4,000-12,000/night)
- The Millennials Shibuya: High-tech capsule hotel (¥3,000-8,000/night)
- Book Early: June is becoming increasingly popular for tourism
- Room Size: Japanese hotel rooms are typically smaller than Western standards
- Ryokan Experience: Consider at least one night in a traditional ryokan
- Check-in/Check-out Times: Standard check-in is 3:00 PM, check-out is 10:00 AM
- Luggage Forwarding: Use takuhaibin service to send luggage between hotels (¥2,000-3,000 per bag)
Morning/Afternoon:
- Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Transfer to Osaka city center (approximately 50 minutes by JR Haruka Express)
- Check in to your accommodation in the Namba/Minami area
Evening:
- Explore Dotonbori district
- Walk along the canal and see the famous Glico Running Man sign
- Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants
- Recommended: Takoyaki (octopus balls) at Kukuru or Okonomiyaki (savory pancake) at Mizuno
Accommodation: Osaka (Night 1)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Visit Osaka Castle
- Explore the castle grounds and museum
- Enjoy the surrounding park
- Admission: ¥600
Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM):
- Try Osaka-style sushi or kushikatsu (fried skewers)
- Recommended: Kushikatsu Daruma in Shinsekai area
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM):
- Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping District
- Browse the covered shopping arcade
- Visit Amerika-mura (American Village) for trendy shops
Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM):
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
- One of the world's largest aquariums
- Admission: ¥2,400
- Nearby Tempozan Ferris Wheel for night views of Osaka Bay
- Admission: ¥800
Dinner:
- Return to Dotonbori area for dinner
- Recommended: Kani Doraku for crab or Ichiran for ramen
Accommodation: Osaka (Night 2)
Morning:
- Check out and take JR train to Kyoto (30 minutes)
- Store luggage at accommodation or station lockers
- Activate 7-day JR Pass (if using)
Lunch:
- Try a local restaurant near Kyoto Station
- Recommended: Kyoto Station 10th floor Ramen Street
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Walk through the thousands of vermilion torii gates
- Hike part of the mountain trail for scenic views
- Admission: Free
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
- Gion District
- Stroll through the historic geisha district
- Walk along Hanamikoji Street
- Possibility of spotting geiko (Kyoto's geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha)
Dinner:
- Traditional Kyoto cuisine in Gion
- Recommended: Gion Karyo for kaiseki or Issen Yoshoku for casual dining
Accommodation: Kyoto (Night 3)
Morning (8:30 AM - 11:00 AM):
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Famous wooden stage with city views
- Explore the surrounding historic streets of Higashiyama
- Admission: ¥400
Lunch:
- Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) at a restaurant near Kiyomizu-dera
- Recommended: Yudofu Sagano
Afternoon (12:30 PM - 4:00 PM):
- Nanzen-ji Temple and Philosopher's Path
- Visit the expansive Zen temple complex
- Walk the scenic Philosopher's Path
- Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) at the northern end of the path
- Admission: Nanzen-ji (¥600), Ginkaku-ji (¥500)
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
- Pontocho Alley
- Atmospheric dining alley along the Kamogawa River
- Dinner at a riverside restaurant (kawayuka dining in summer)
Accommodation: Kyoto (Night 4)
Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM):
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (early to avoid crowds)
- Walk through the famous bamboo forest
- Visit nearby Tenryu-ji Temple with its beautiful garden
- Admission: Tenryu-ji (¥500)
Late Morning (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Arashiyama Monkey Park
- Hike up to see Japanese macaques
- Enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto
- Admission: ¥550
Lunch:
- Try a local restaurant in Arashiyama
- Recommended: Yudofu Sagano for tofu or Arashiyama Yoshimura for soba
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM):
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Visit the famous gold-leaf covered temple
- Admission: ¥500
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM):
- Ryoan-ji Temple
- Experience the famous Zen rock garden
- Admission: ¥500
Evening:
- Return to Downtown Kyoto for dinner and shopping in Nishiki Market
- Recommended: Nishiki Market food stalls or Gyoza ChaoChao
Accommodation: Kyoto (Night 5)
Morning:
- Check out and store luggage at Kyoto Station
- Visit Kurama and Kibune area (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
- Take the train to Kurama
- Hike through the forested mountain trail to Kibune (approximately 2 hours)
- Visit Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune Shrine
- Train fare: ¥420 one-way
- Kurama-dera admission: ¥300
Lunch:
- Try nagashi somen (flowing noodles) at a riverside restaurant in Kibune
- Recommended: Hirobun (seasonal, June-September)
Afternoon:
- Return to Kyoto Station and take the Shinkansen to Tokyo (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Journey takes approximately 2.5 hours
- Covered by JR Pass or ¥14,170 one-way
Evening:
- Check in to your accommodation in Shibuya
- Explore the area around Shibuya Crossing
- Dinner in Shibuya
- Recommended: Ichiran Ramen or Uobei Sushi
Accommodation: Tokyo/Shibuya (Night 6)
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM):
- Meiji Shrine
- Visit Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine set in a forested area
- Admission: Free
Late Morning (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM):
- Takeshita Street in Harajuku
- Experience Tokyo's youth fashion culture
- Browse unique shops and try street food
Lunch:
- Try a trendy café in Harajuku
- Recommended: Kawaii Monster Cafe or Harajuku Gyoza Lou
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM):
- Omotesando
- Explore the tree-lined avenue known as Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
- Visit upscale boutiques and unique architecture
Late Afternoon (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Shibuya Sky
- Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation deck
- Admission: ¥2,000
Evening:
- Shibuya Nightlife
- Explore Center Gai and surrounding entertainment areas
- Dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub)
- Recommended: Uoshin Nogizaka or Toritake
Accommodation: Tokyo/Shibuya (Night 7)
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM):
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Explore the food stalls and shops
- Sample fresh seafood and Japanese delicacies
Late Morning (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM):
- Ginza
- Visit Tokyo's upscale shopping district
Lunch:
- Try a department store food hall in Ginza
- Recommended: Mitsukoshi or Matsuya department store basement
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
- Walk through Nakamise Shopping Street
- Visit Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple
- Admission: Free
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM):
- Tokyo Skytree
- Enjoy night views of Tokyo from one of the world's tallest towers
- Admission: ¥2,100 (first observatory) or ¥3,100 (both observatories)
Dinner:
- Return to Shibuya for dinner
- Recommended: Shibuya Yokocho food alley
Accommodation: Tokyo/Shibuya (Night 8)
Option 1: Kamakura
- Take JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (1 hour)
- Visit the Great Buddha (Daibutsu)
- Explore historic temples and shrines
- Hike the Daibutsu hiking trail
- Enjoy the seaside atmosphere
- Round-trip fare: ¥1,890 (covered by JR Pass)
Option 2: Hakone
- Take Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku (85 minutes)
- Purchase Hakone Free Pass (¥5,700)
- Take a scenic railway and cable car
- Cruise on Lake Ashi
- View Mt. Fuji (weather permitting)
- Experience a hot spring bath
Option 3: Nikko
- Take JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, then JR Nikko Line (2 hours total)
- Visit the elaborate Toshogu Shrine
- See the famous "See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil" monkeys carving
- Explore scenic natural areas and waterfalls
- Round-trip fare: ¥10,000 (partially covered by JR Pass)
Evening:
- Return to Shibuya
- Farewell dinner
- Recommended: Izakaya-style restaurant for a variety of Japanese dishes
Accommodation: Tokyo/Shibuya (Night 9)
Morning:
- Last-minute shopping in Shibuya
- Recommended: Tokyu Hands or Loft for souvenirs
Afternoon:
- Transfer to Narita or Haneda Airport
- From Shibuya to Narita: Narita Express (1 hour, ¥3,250)
- From Shibuya to Haneda: Keikyu Line (30 minutes, ¥580)
Departure from Japan
| Category | Budget Range (¥) | Budget Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | ¥100,000 - ¥150,000 | $667 - $1,000 |
| Accommodation | ¥120,000 - ¥450,000 | $800 - $3,000 |
| Food & Dining | ¥60,000 - ¥150,000 | $400 - $1,000 |
| Activities & Entrance Fees | ¥30,000 - ¥60,000 | $200 - $400 |
| Shopping & Souvenirs | ¥30,000 - ¥100,000 | $200 - $667 |
| Miscellaneous | ¥15,000 - ¥30,000 | $100 - $200 |
| Total | ¥355,000 - ¥940,000 | $2,367 - $6,267 |
- Japan Rail Pass (7-day): ¥50,000
- Airport transfers: ¥5,000 - ¥10,000
- IC Card initial charge: ¥5,000
- Local transportation: ¥20,000 - ¥30,000
- Day passes: ¥5,000 - ¥10,000
- Occasional taxis: ¥15,000 - ¥45,000
- Budget: ¥63,000 - ¥108,000 (¥7,000 - ¥12,000 per night)
- Mid-Range: ¥120,000 - ¥225,000 (¥12,000 - ¥25,000 per night)
- Luxury: ¥300,000 - ¥450,000 (¥30,000 - ¥50,000 per night)
- Budget meals: ¥60,000 - ¥90,000
- Special dining experiences: ¥15,000 - ¥75,000
- Temples, shrines & museums: ¥10,000 - ¥15,000
- Special experiences: ¥20,000 - ¥45,000
- Activate the JR Pass strategically for the period with the most long-distance travel
- Eat breakfast at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- Look for lunch sets (teishoku) which offer great value
- Stay in less central locations with good transit connections
- Visit free temple grounds instead of paid inner areas when possible
- Use tax-free shopping (available for purchases over ¥5,000)
- Drink water instead of soft drinks or alcohol with meals
- Consider budget accommodations like hostels or capsule hotels
- Bowing: The traditional greeting; a slight bow is appropriate for tourists
- Shoes: Remove shoes when entering homes, ryokans, and some restaurants
- Chopsticks: Never stick chopsticks vertically in rice; don't pass food chopstick-to-chopstick
- Tipping: Not customary and may cause confusion
- Public Behavior: Keep voices low on public transportation; avoid eating while walking
- Onsen (Hot Springs) Etiquette:
- Wash thoroughly before entering the bath
- No swimsuits allowed
- Small towel for modesty, but don't put it in the water
- Most onsen are gender-segregated
- Temples and Shrines:
- Follow signs regarding photography
- Be respectful and quiet
- Wash hands and mouth at purification fountains before entering shrines
- Passport and copy of passport
- Flight tickets/confirmations
- Travel insurance documents
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash (Japanese Yen)
- Medications and prescriptions
- Light, breathable clothing for warm days
- Light jacket or cardigan for evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Socks (for temple/shrine visits where shoes are removed)
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Hat for sun protection
- Smartphone with travel apps
- Camera
- Universal power adapter (Japan uses Type A/B plugs, 100V)
- Portable charger/power bank
- Headphones
- Basic toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Small pack of tissues (some public restrooms don't provide toilet paper)
- Travel guidebook or downloaded guides
- Reusable water bottle
- Small gifts from your country (if meeting locals)
- Foldable shopping bag (plastic bags cost extra in Japan)
- Hello: Konnichiwa (kon-nee-chee-wah)
- Thank you: Arigatou gozaimasu (ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mas)
- Excuse me/Sorry: Sumimasen (soo-mee-mah-sen)
- Yes: Hai (hai)
- No: Iie (ee-eh)
- Please: Onegaishimasu (oh-neh-gai-shi-mas)
- Where is...?: ... wa doko desu ka? (... wah doh-koh des-ka?)
- How much?: Ikura desu ka? (ee-koo-rah des-ka?)
- I don't understand: Wakarimasen (wah-kah-ree-mah-sen)
- Do you speak English?: Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (ay-go oh hah-nah-seh-mas-ka?)
- Delicious: Oishii (oh-ee-shee)
- Cheers: Kanpai (kan-pie)
- Japan Tourist Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (Available 24/7 in English)
- Police: 110
- Ambulance/Fire: 119
- Japan Visitor Hotline: 03-3201-3331
- US Embassy in Tokyo: 03-3224-5000
- Lost/Stolen Credit Cards:
- Visa: 00531-11-1555
- MasterCard: 00531-11-3886
- American Express: 0120-020-120
- Japan National Tourism Organization: https://www.japan.travel/en/
- Japan Guide: https://www.japan-guide.com/
- Hyperdia (Train Schedules): https://www.hyperdia.com/
- Japan Travel by NAVITIME
- Google Maps
- Google Translate
- Hyperdia
- Tokyo Subway Navigation
- Lonely Planet Japan
- DK Eyewitness Japan
- Rice, Noodle, Fish (for food lovers)
This travel guide was created to help you make the most of your 10-day journey through Japan. The itinerary and recommendations can be adjusted based on your preferences and interests. Enjoy your trip to this fascinating country where ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity coexist in harmony!