🗾 Journey through Japan: Ōsaka-jō, Kyoto, Tokyo

Kelly Chen

12 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling 15-day adventure through the vibrant cities of Ōsaka-jō, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, visit iconic landmarks, and indulge in delicious cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan!

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Serenity and Shopping in Ōsaka-jō

$13

$ 3

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

39 - 47 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Sky-high Thrills and Culinary Delights in Ōsaka-jō

$38

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$38

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Castles, Towers, and Panoramic Views in Ōsaka-jō

$70

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

24 - 29 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$20

14 - 21 min

Directions

3-tiered observation areas on the 58th–60th floors, with an open-air atrium, enclosed glass & cafe.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$38

Day 4Exploring History and Modernity in Ōsaka-jō

$75

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

19 - 23 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$50

Day 5Market Marvels and Aquatic Wonders in Ōsaka-jō

$63

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$63

Day 6Unleashing Your Inner Child at Universal Studios Japan

$200

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

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$200

Budget breakdown: $767 In total

Activities & Food:$728

Transport:$39

Trip to Kyoto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Serenity and Shopping in Ōsaka-jō

$38

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

27 - 40 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

Day 2Sky-high Thrills and Culinary Delights in Ōsaka-jō

$13

$ 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

30 - 36 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 3Castles, Towers, and Panoramic Views in Ōsaka-jō

$25

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

24 - 29 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Exploring History and Modernity in Ōsaka-jō

$20

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$20

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 5Market Marvels and Aquatic Wonders in Ōsaka-jō

$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

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

Budget breakdown: $767 In total

Activities & Food:$728

Transport:$39

Trip to Tokyo

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Serenity and Shopping in Ōsaka-jō

$ 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 2Sky-high Thrills and Culinary Delights in Ōsaka-jō

$38

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$38

24 - 29 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Castles, Towers, and Panoramic Views in Ōsaka-jō

$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 4Exploring History and Modernity in Ōsaka-jō

Budget breakdown: $767 In total

Activities & Food:$728

Transport:$39