🗼🌸 Discovering the Essence of Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Ōsaka-jō

Denise Briggs

3 Jan 2024

Embark on a 13-day adventure through the vibrant cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Ōsaka-jō. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, awe-inspiring landmarks, and mouthwatering cuisine of Japan. From the towering Tokyo Skytree to the serene Kinkaku-ji Temple, this itinerary promises an unforgettable journey.

Trip to Tokyo

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Tokyo Delights - Sky-high Views and Ancient Temples

$38

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$38

9 - 11 min

Directions

Completed in 645, this temple, Tokyo's oldest, was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

27 - 33 min

Directions

Multibuilding mall with shops, eateries, an observation deck, aquarium, museum & indoor theme parks.

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Nature's Oasis and Sacred Serenity in Tokyo

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Towering Heights and Glamorous Nights in Tokyo

$38

$ 3

Reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, this landmark features observation areas & other attractions.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$38

7 - 9 min

Directions

Complex housing offices, restaurants & art museum, plus a skyscraper with a roof observation deck.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Parks, Zoos, and Disney Magic in Tokyo

$20

Popular city park featuring ample walking paths, a lake with boat rentals, a zoo & several museums.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$20

Day 5A Day of Enchantment at Tokyo DisneySea

$120

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

Day 6Fairy Tales and Imperial Grandeur in Tokyo

$120

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$120

30 - 36 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $781 In total

Activities & Food:$749

Transport:$32

Trip to Kyoto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Tokyo Delights - Sky-high Views and Ancient Temples

$13

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

36 - 44 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

Day 2Nature's Oasis and Sacred Serenity in Tokyo

$20

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$20

Day 3Towering Heights and Glamorous Nights in Tokyo

$25

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Iconic Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for the scenic views afforded from its sizable veranda.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$25

Day 4Parks, Zoos, and Disney Magic in Tokyo

$13

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

28 - 34 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

Budget breakdown: $781 In total

Activities & Food:$749

Transport:$32

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Tokyo Delights - Sky-high Views and Ancient Temples

$50

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$50

19 - 23 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Nature's Oasis and Sacred Serenity in Tokyo

$88

$ 3

One of the world's biggest aquariums, with exhibits ranging from Arctic to tropical marine life.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$63

43 - 52 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$25

Day 3Towering Heights and Glamorous Nights in Tokyo

$200

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

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$200

Budget breakdown: $781 In total

Activities & Food:$749

Transport:$32