Cultural Highlights & Modern Fun in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Explore the Capital 

Welcome to Japan's bustling capital, Tokyo! Meet your driver in the arrivals hall and transfer to your hotel to freshen up. When you're ready, venture out to explore the city on your own. A good place to start is the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world at 2,080 feet (634 m). Ride the elevator to the two observation decks, offering panoramic views of the city and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. On the higher deck, you'll also find a spiral walkway that encircles the building, offering an uninterrupted 360-degree panorama of the sprawling urban landscape.

When you're ready, head down to Tokyo Solamachi, an expansive shopping complex at the base of the tower featuring over 300 stores. Shop for souvenirs, visit the Sumida Aquarium, or indulge in local delights, like a hot bowl of ramen. End the day with a stroll through Sumida Park, known for its seasonal blooms, including vibrant cherry blossoms in the spring. Enjoy views of the Tokyo Skytree towering in the distance amid well-maintained gardens, open spaces for picnics, and inviting benches offering picturesque views. 

Day 2: Self-Guided Tour of Harajuku & Shibuya

Spend the day discovering some of Tokyo's most iconic neighborhoods on your own, starting with a subway ride to Harajuku Station to explore the fashion-forward district. Just two minutes from the station, you'll find Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. After admiring the shrine's elegant architecture, make your way to Takeshita Street, a bustling pedestrian thoroughfare lined with boutiques selling everything from the latest streetwear and quirky accessories to cosplay costumes and vintage treasures. 

Continue your shopping along the tree-lined Omotesando, often dubbed Tokyo's Champs-Élysées for its upscale shopping and modern architecture. Take a break from shopping at the Omohara Forest on the sixth floor of the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku to enjoy a drink overlooking the sprawling city below. Then, hop on the subway to Shibuya to cross the famous Shibuya Crossing and see it from above at Shibuya Sky's observation deck. End the night with a delicious dinner along Center-Gai, a bustling shopping street lined with casual eateries and izakayas (pubs).

Day 3: Watch a Sumo Practice Session, Go-Kart City Tour

Get ready for an early wake-up call as you make your way to Honjo-Azumabashi Station for a 25-minute ride to Asakusa Station, where a guide will be waiting to lead you to a sumo practice session starting at 7:25 am. Get a front-row seat and watch the sumo wrestlers, known as rikishi, hone their skills through various drills, matches, and physical conditioning. Throughout the session, the trainer will explain the different moves and rituals, giving you a deeper insight into the beloved tradition. 

Day 4: Self-Guided Day Trip to Hakone

Leave the city behind for the day as you make your own way to Shinjuku Station to catch an 85-minute train to Hakone, known for its unparalleled views of Mount Fuji. When you arrive, head to the Hakone Open-Air Museum to peruse the impressive collection of outdoor sculptures and installations from both Japanese and international artists. Rest your feet at the museum's foot onsen (hot spring) before continuing to the Hakone Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine featuring an iconic red torii gate that stands prominently on the shore of Lake Ashi.

Get a better look at the lake on a tranquil boat cruise, keeping an eye out for glimpses of Mount Fuji through the clouds. After the cruise, ride the Hakone Ropeway over the Owakudani Valley, where you can see steam vents and bubbling hot springs from above. Disembark at Sounzan Station and explore the valley on foot, getting a closer look at the volcanic features. You can't leave without trying the famous black eggs, which are boiled in the valley's sulfurous hot springs and are said to prolong life and bring good fortune. As darkness starts to fall, head back to the station for your return journey to Tokyo. 

Day 5: Train to Kyoto, Self-Guided City Tour

Say goodbye to Tokyo this morning as you head to the station to catch a 2.5-hour bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital and the "City of Ten Thousand Shrines." Make your way to your hotel to check in, then enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Start at the Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkaku-ji, better known as the "Golden Pavilion" for its shimmering gold leaf exterior. Wander through the temple grounds, which lead to various viewpoints, and admire the UNESCO site from every angle. Continue to Yasaka Shrine to discover the lantern-lined pathways, traditional wooden structures, and serene courtyard. 

Then, grab something to eat at one of the food stalls surrounding the shrine before going for a stroll through the neighboring Maruyama Park. A highlight of the park is the famous Gion weeping cherry tree near the central pond, which is especially beautiful during the spring blossom season. End the day with a kaiseki, a traditional multicourse meal that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, delicate presentation, and a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy a variety of dishes, including sashimi, grilled fish, and dessert, before returning to the hotel.

Day 6: Rickshaw Ride in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Start your day with a relaxing rickshaw ride through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Look out at the towering bamboo stalks while your guide shares fascinating stories and insights about the area. Stop at Nonomiya Shrine to take pictures of the torii gates, and continue your exploration of the bamboo forest on foot for a closer look at the dense canopy as sunlight filters through the stalks. After the 70-minute tour, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

You could head to the nearby Okochi Sanso, the former villa of the renowned Japanese actor Okochi Denjiro, now a lush garden and tea house. Wander past carefully arranged rock formations, serene ponds, and lush foliage before enjoying a cup of matcha and a traditional Japanese sweet in the tea house. Head to Jojakuko-ji next to enjoy views of Kyoto's mountains amid the Zen-style temple complex. End your self-guided city tour along Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street, known for its traditional machiyas (Japanese townhouses), quaint storefronts, and traditional tea houses.

Day 7: Traditional Tea Ceremony, Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's rich culture this morning with a traditional tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or sado, in the Higashiyama district. Before the ceremony begins, choose from a selection of beautiful kimonos, then get your hair styled to complement the outfit. When you're ready, sit down and listen as the tea master guides you through the steps of preparing your own cup of matcha. After enjoying your tea, you can continue exploring the area on your own. Opt for a visit to Fushimi Inari-taisha, a Shinto shrine featuring a torii-lined path up Mount Inari.

Admire the thousands of red torii gates inscribed with the donors' names and wishes as you walk up the mountain. The climb, which takes 1-2 hours, depending on your pace, will be well worth it as you enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto and the surrounding countryside. In the evening, make your way to Gion Maikoya for a 45-minute geisha performance. Watch in awe as the geisha and their maiko (apprentice) perform traditional dances with grace and precision. Then, meet the geishas, take photos with them, and play traditional games to end the night.

Day 8: Day Trip to Nara, Half-Day Walking Tour

Step back in time with a day trip to Nara, Japan's first capital. Board a 45-minute train to Kintetsu-Nara Station, then meet your guide in front of the statue of Gyoki Bosatsu, a beloved Buddhist monk. Walk through a shopping arcade to get to Kofuku-ji, one of the country's oldest and most significant temples. Admire the striking five-story pagoda before continuing to Todai-ji, home to the largest Buddha statue in Japan at nearly 49 feet (15 m) tall. Climb to the top of the temple complex to discover Nigatsu-do, known as "The Hall of the Second Month," and enjoy panoramic city views.

Your next stop is Kasuga-taisha, a Shinto shrine renowned for its array of bronze and stone lanterns that line the pathways and illuminate the grounds. Grab a vegetarian or vegan lunch at a local restaurant, then explore Nara Park, where you'll find hundreds of freely roaming deer you can feed. Then, shop for souvenirs and learn about local crafts before visiting a traditional merchant's house in Naramachi. Learn about the neighborhood's history as you get a glimpse into the life of prosperous merchants from the Edo period. After a full day of exploration, hop on the train back to Kyoto. 

Day 10: Self-Guided Tour of Osaka, Evening at teamLab Botanical Garden 

Set off on a self-guided tour of Osaka, starting at the iconic Osaka Castle, dating back to the 16th century. Look up at the imposing stone walls surrounded by beautiful gardens, then step inside to discover the museum, housing artifacts and exhibits detailing the castle's storied past. Climb to the top floor for panoramic views of the city before continuing to Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street. Peruse the array of shops, ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to quirky souvenir stores, or grab a bite to eat from one of the street vendors. 

Day 11: Train to Tokyo, Sushi-Making Class

Your penultimate day in Japan starts with a 2.5-3-hour train back to Tokyo, where you can enjoy a sushi-making class after settling in. Learn the essential techniques from a skilled chef as you prepare sushi rice, slice fresh fish, and craft your own rolls. When they're ready, sit down to enjoy your handmade creations paired with a delicious saké (Japanese rice wine). After the three-hour class, the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.

You could continue your culinary journey at Tsukiji Outer Market, known for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. Indulge in freshly prepared sashimi, crispy tempura (deep-fried vegetables and seafood), or tamagoyaki (a sweet and savory rolled omelet). Then, head to Odaiba, a shopping and entertainment district on a human-made island in Tokyo Bay. Enjoy panoramic views of the skyline from Odaiba Seaside Park, visit the futuristic Miraikan Museum to learn about robotics, or shop for souvenirs at one of the many malls to end your day. 

Day 12: Depart Tokyo

After exploring three iconic Japanese cities, your 12-day adventure comes to an end today. If you have time before your flight, you can explore more of the capital on your own. Consider a boat ride along the Sumida River for one last look at the city's blend of historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers. Glide past landmarks like the Tokyo Skytee, Hamarikyu Gardens, and Asahi Beer Hall while you listen to the onboard commentary. When it's time, return to your hotel, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other Japan itineraries, explore different ways to spend 12 days in Japan, or discover the best time to visit Japan.

 

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