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

ExoticGem

19 Jan 2024

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the vibrant cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Ōsaka-jō. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, awe-inspiring landmarks, and delectable cuisine of Japan. From the iconic Tokyo Skytree to the serene Kinkaku-ji Temple, this 16-day adventure promises unforgettable experiences at every turn.

Trip to Tokyo

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling Nature's Wonders and Ancient Traditions in Tokyo

$32

$ 3

Sprawling museum with a 360-degree movie theater & exhibits on topics such as dinosaurs & evolution.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

A 3.9m-tall lantern greets visitors to this stately gate at the entrance to Sensō-ji temple.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

$19

Day 2Unleashing Your Inner Explorer in Tokyo's Cultural Hotspots

$23

$ 2

Stately museum complex devoted to the art & antiquities of Japan, as well as other Asian countries.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$10

36 - 44 min

Directions

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

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Embracing the Majesty of Tokyo's Icons and Urban Oasis

$19

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$19

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

22 - 27 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

16 - 24 min

Directions

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

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

•

Free

Day 4Reveling in Tokyo's Gardens, Shrines, and Imperial Splendor

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

17 - 21 min

Directions

Shinto-style shrine commemorating Japanese war dead, plus a garden with cherry blossom trees.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

6 - 8 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 5Immersing in Spiritual Serenity and Urban Greenery in Tokyo

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Reliving Childhood Dreams at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

$120

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

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$60

25 - 38 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$60

Budget breakdown: $592 In total

Activities & Food:$550

Transport:$43

Trip to Kyoto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling Nature's Wonders and Ancient Traditions in Tokyo

$19

$ 4

This venerable Zen temple at the foot of mountains features teahouses & serene, expansive gardens.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

7 - 9 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Day 2Unleashing Your Inner Explorer in Tokyo's Cultural Hotspots

$10

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$10

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

13 - 16 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Embracing the Majesty of Tokyo's Icons and Urban Oasis

$19

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Tower with an observation deck offering binoculars & touch-screen guides, plus a food court.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

9 - 11 min

Directions

This iconic Buddhist temple is known for its 1,001 life-sized wooden statues of the goddess Kannon.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Day 4Reveling in Tokyo's Gardens, Shrines, and Imperial Splendor

$25

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

23 - 28 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

14 - 17 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Day 5Immersing in Spiritual Serenity and Urban Greenery in Tokyo

$19

$ 4

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$13

25 - 30 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

36 - 44 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Budget breakdown: $592 In total

Activities & Food:$550

Transport:$43

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling Nature's Wonders and Ancient Traditions in Tokyo

$13

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Mainstay in Tennōji Park housing 200-plus species in varied habitats, from savanna to rainforest.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$13

21 - 26 min

Directions

Shinto shrine with a peaceful garden, plus structures rebuilt repeatedly since the 3rd century.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Unleashing Your Inner Explorer in Tokyo's Cultural Hotspots

$50

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

13 - 20 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$19

1 - 2 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

$25

Day 3Embracing the Majesty of Tokyo's Icons and Urban Oasis

$25

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

28 - 34 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$19

Day 4Reveling in Tokyo's Gardens, Shrines, and Imperial Splendor

$63

$ 5

Contemporary indoor/outdoor observation deck with panoramic city views, an eatery, cafe & gift shop.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$19

19 - 23 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

Directions

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

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

$31

Day 5Immersing in Spiritual Serenity and Urban Greenery in Tokyo

$113

$ 2

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

21 - 26 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

•

$100

Budget breakdown: $592 In total

Activities & Food:$550

Transport:$43