Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka: Best Itinerary Ideas

How many days do you need in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka?

• Most travelers spend 9-12 days in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka combined
• Visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in 6 to 8 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
• With 13 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
• The most common extensions are Hakone and Hiroshima

How Many Days to Spend in Japan

Recommended Itineraries for Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days

Japan's culture is an intoxicating mix of old and new. Staying in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka over nine activity-filled days, you'll get under the skin of both sides of this fascinating country. See the historical and futuristic sides of Tokyo and cruise among the neon lights of Osaka. Immerse yourself in Japanese tradition, from watching a sumo wrestling practice to sampling whiskey at a top distillery. You'll also walk among Kyoto's serene shrines and temples and get to know geisha culture. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days

Welcome to Japan! Dive into the diverse culture of this fascinating island nation on an 11-day part-guided itinerary. Sing karaoke and check out the fashions of futuristic Tokyo, the world's biggest city, and take in the neon lights of playful Osaka on a river cruise. Along with traditional experiences, such as a tea ceremony in Kyoto and exploring the serene grounds of several temples and shrines, this tour is a whirlwind introduction to Japan's contrasts of old and new. Read more

Extended Itineraries

9-Day Itinerary Including Hakone

Explore Japan's natural beauty and intricate rituals on this fascinating nine-day itinerary. In Tokyo, you'll travel back in time by wandering the streets in a kimono. Head to Hakone to cruise on Lake Ashi, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji, and finish the day in soothing natural thermal springs. Continue to Kyoto for Buddhist temples, gardens, palaces, and shrines, then end in Osaka to revel in the city's dynamic "foodie" districts. Read more

10-Day Itinerary Including Hiroshima

This diverse 10-day itinerary leads you through Japan's four major cities. Start in Tokyo, exploring the city's ultra-modern technology and ancient monuments. Then head to the quiet shrines of traditional Kyoto, the buzzing food scene of trendy Osaka, and the historic landmarks and lively downtown of Hiroshima. Along the way, you'll visit beautiful islands and bamboo forests, sample regional delicacies on a food tour, see sumo wrestlers in action, and try locally produced sake and whiskey. Read more

13-Day Itinerary Including Hiroshima & Hakone

See some of Japan's most famous sites while exploring the country by bullet train on this 13-day tour. After learning about Tokyo's history and culture, visit Nikko for a rejuvenating hike, Kamakura to explore its shrines and temples, and Hakone, where you can relax in its thermal waters. Then it's on to Kyoto to admire the beautiful shrines of Fushimi Inari and Hiroshima to reflect on the tragic events there. End your adventure in Osaka to look around its famous castle and sample street food. Read more

How to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

How to get from Tokyo to Kyoto
Kyoto is 283 miles (445 km) from Tokyo, but you can get from Tokyo to Kyoto in just over two hours if you travel on a high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train). By air, the journey will take about three hours, including ground transportation. Read more

How to get from Kyoto to Osaka
Kyoto and Osaka are just 35 miles (56 kilometers) apart, so it does not take very long to travel between these iconic Japanese cities. In fact, you can even bicycle from Kyoto to Osaka, perhaps after taking a 7-day bicycle tour of Kyoto and the surrounding area, because a network of bike paths connects the two cities. While most visitors get from Kyoto to Osaka by train, you can also drive or hire a taxi or private driver. Bus travel is not recommended because it is less efficient than traveling by train. Read more