Tokyo to Kyoto: A Journey Through Japan's Rich History and Vibrant Culture

Benjamin Arp

4 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling 16-day adventure through Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Discover ancient marvels, immerse yourself in vibrant traditions, and indulge in mouthwatering cuisine. From the iconic Tokyo Skytree to the majestic Kyoto Imperial Palace, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience.

Trip to Tokyo

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Tokyo's Hidden Gems - Skytree, Zoo, and Gardens

$48

$ 9

World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower with an observation deck boasting 360-degree views.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$38

22 - 27 min

Directions

Tranquil, scenic landscape garden dating to the 17th century, with walking paths, a pond & bridges.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$10

28 - 34 min

Directions

Surrounded by forest, this venerable Shinto shrine features a seasonal iris garden.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Free

16 - 24 min

Directions

Large, public city park with lakes, fountains & forested areas with mature trees.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

•

Free

36 - 44 min

Directions

Venerable Shinto shrine moved to its current locale in 1616, with vibrant vermilion & gold coloring.

No time set

•

Free

Day 2Nature's Retreat - Mount Takao and Shinjuku Gyoen

$ 9

Foliage-covered, 599-meter-tall peak with a funicular railway, hiking trails & a Buddhist temple.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

62 - 75 min

Directions

This former estate is now a 144-acre park with diverse garden areas, grassy expanses & a greenhouse.

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

18 - 22 min

Directions

This site with scenic gardens & tours of the grounds is the main residence of the emperor of Japan.

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

•

Free

22 - 27 min

Directions

Festive, popular city district famed for its narrow, winding alleys & numerous snug taverns.

No time set

•

Free

Day 3Enchanting Disney Magic at Tokyo DisneySea

No time set

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

Sprawling, enduring mall known for numerous boutiques selling trendy Japanese pop fashions.

No time set

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $1074 In total

Activities & Food:$986

Transport:$88

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Trip to Tokyo

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Tokyo's Hidden Gems - Skytree, Zoo, and Gardens

$117

$ 6

World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower with an observation deck boasting 360-degree views.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$38

35 - 42 min

Directions

This former estate is now a 144-acre park with diverse garden areas, grassy expanses & a greenhouse.

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

•

32 - 39 min

Directions

No time set

•

$74

Day 2Nature's Retreat - Mount Takao and Shinjuku Gyoen

Surrounded by forest, this venerable Shinto shrine features a seasonal iris garden.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $1074 In total

Activities & Food:$986

Transport:$88

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Tokyo's Hidden Gems - Skytree, Zoo, and Gardens

$83

$ 12

Park on the grounds of a 1970 World's Fair featuring a museum, a stadium & the Tower of the Sun.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

32 - 39 min

Directions

Connected skyscrapers with a rooftop garden observatory, plus a restaurant & lounge with city views.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$38

22 - 27 min

Directions

Famous for its neon lights, this landmark features an observation deck open to the public.

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$20

22 - 27 min

Directions

10th-century Shinto shrine & site of one of Japan's biggest festivals, Tenjin Matsuri, held in July.

No time set

•

Free

19 - 23 min

Directions

Restored Buddhist temple first built in 593 with a 5-story pagoda, statues & ponds with turtles.

No time set

•

$13

Day 2Nature's Retreat - Mount Takao and Shinjuku Gyoen

$38

$ 3

Bustling shopping district featuring a wide range of high-end tax-free shops with airport delivery.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

18 - 22 min

Directions

Vast green space offering gardens with cherry blossoms, athletic fields, open-air theaters & more.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$13

3 - 4 min

Directions

Revered castle dating to 1597 & since rebuilt, featuring gardens & a museum with varied exhibits.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$25

Day 3Enchanting Disney Magic at Tokyo DisneySea

$75

$ 9

Osaka's tallest building features an observation deck, a department store, an art museum & a hotel.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$50

15 - 18 min

Directions

Spacious market with vendors selling street food, fresh produce & shellfish, plus souvenirs.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

Lively entertainment district known for its soaring illuminated billboards, restaurants & theaters.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

20 - 24 min

Directions

This 112.5m Ferris wheel holds 480 passengers & offers panoramic views plus illumination shows.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

•

$25

25 - 30 min

Directions

Intimate Buddhist temple along a quaint alley, with a moss-covered statue of the deity Fudomyoo.

No time set

•

Free

Day 4Disneyland Delights and Sky-High Views

$200

This sprawling theme park dedicated to popular American movies features rides & live entertainment.

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$200

15 - 22 min

Directions

No time set

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $1074 In total

Activities & Food:$986

Transport:$88

Trip to Kyoto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Tokyo's Hidden Gems - Skytree, Zoo, and Gardens

$25

$ 8

Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

8 - 10 min

Directions

Shrine with 10th-century origins featuring annual festivals to mark natural & historical events.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

10 - 12 min

Directions

Palace complex & former Imperial family residence reconstructed in 1855, with gardens & gates.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Nature's Retreat - Mount Takao and Shinjuku Gyoen

$33

$ 8

Built in 1603, this cypress-wood castle with extensive gardens was a home for the shogun Ieyasu.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$20

11 - 14 min

Directions

400-year-old iconic market studded with stalls offering all manner of Japanese edibles.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

27 - 33 min

Directions

This 15th-century Zen temple features picturesque gardens & a sand mound shaped like Mount Fuji.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$13

Day 3Enchanting Disney Magic at Tokyo DisneySea

$25

$ 8

Tours are offered of this iconic temple with a scenic pond & garden, plus a building with artifacts.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

34 - 41 min

Directions

Mountainside Shinto shrine dating from 711 A.D. featuring a path with hundreds of traditional gates.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Historic Buddhist temple with a 5-story wooden pagoda & sculptures of deities from the 8th century.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$13

Day 4Disneyland Delights and Sky-High Views

$25

$ 4

Contemporary space with exhibits on the railway & an array of locomotives & trains on display.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

21 - 26 min

Directions

This Shinto shrine was erected in 656 A.D. & is home to one of the most famous festivals in Japan.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $1074 In total

Activities & Food:$986

Transport:$88

Trip to Tokyo

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Tokyo's Hidden Gems - Skytree, Zoo, and Gardens

$68

$ 9

World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower with an observation deck boasting 360-degree views.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$38

20 - 24 min

Directions

19th-century zoo with 400+ animal species, including pandas, a petting area & a 5-story pagoda.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$20

18 - 22 min

Directions

Picturesque garden featuring traditional Japanese landscaping, several teahouses & a central pond.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$10

40 - 48 min

Directions

Large, public city park with lakes, fountains & forested areas with mature trees.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Nature's Retreat - Mount Takao and Shinjuku Gyoen

$ 6

Surrounded by forest, this venerable Shinto shrine features a seasonal iris garden.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

This former estate is now a 144-acre park with diverse garden areas, grassy expanses & a greenhouse.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

18 - 22 min

Directions

This site with scenic gardens & tours of the grounds is the main residence of the emperor of Japan.

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Enchanting Disney Magic at Tokyo DisneySea

$240

Part of the Disney resort, this large park has 7 themed ports of call with rides, shows & dining.

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$120

25 - 38 min

Directions

Tokyo offshoot of the iconic theme park known for its rides, live shows & costumed characters.

2:30 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$120

Budget breakdown: $1074 In total

Activities & Food:$986

Transport:$88