🌸 Japan Adventure: Ōsaka-jō, Kyoto, Tokyo 🏯

Ryoga Hibiki

3 Jan 2024

Embark on a 10-day journey through the cultural wonders of Ōsaka-jō, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of Osaka, discover the tranquility of Kyoto's temples, and get lost in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Join me as we explore ancient marvels, indulge in authentic cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in the Land of the Rising Sun!

Trip to Ōsaka-jō

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Osaka's Sky-high Delights 🌆

$113

$ 9

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$50

22 - 27 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

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$25

30 - 36 min

Directions

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

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

•

$38

Day 2Osaka's Vibrant Charm and Aquatic Wonders 🎡🐠

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

Ancient Shinto shrine with a sloped, tiled roof & garden, plus a bustling annual festival.

No time set

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

A wide variety of traditional food stalls, cafes & taverns line this narrow, stone-paved alleyway.

No time set

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $563 In total

Activities & Food:$496

Transport:$67

Trip to Kyoto

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Osaka's Sky-high Delights 🌆

$38

$ 8

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

19 - 23 min

Directions

Classic Shinto shrine & landscaped gardens created in 1895 for the city's 1,100th birthday.

No time set

•

$13

Day 2Osaka's Vibrant Charm and Aquatic Wonders 🎡🐠

$13

$ 15

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

21 - 26 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$13

19 - 23 min

Directions

Landscaped grounds with cherry blossoms & a stream, plus former imperial palace structures & events.

No time set

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Historic district with traditional buildings, kimono shops, restaurants & geisha.

No time set

•

Free

Day 3Day 1: Kyoto's Enchanting Shrines and Breathtaking Views ⛩️🍃

$38

$ 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

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

22 - 27 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$25

Day 4Day 2: Kyoto's Cultural Treasures and Golden Splendor 🛍️🏯

$45

$ 8

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

17 - 21 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$20

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$13

Budget breakdown: $563 In total

Activities & Food:$496

Transport:$67

Trip to Tokyo

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Osaka's Sky-high Delights 🌆

$63

$ 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

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

•

$25

7 - 10 min

Directions

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

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Osaka's Vibrant Charm and Aquatic Wonders 🎡🐠

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

Day 3Day 1: Kyoto's Enchanting Shrines and Breathtaking Views ⛩️🍃

$125

$ 3

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

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

•

$120

47 - 57 min

Directions

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

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Day 4Day 2: Kyoto's Cultural Treasures and Golden Splendor 🛍️🏯

$63

$ 6

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$38

20 - 24 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

53 - 64 min

Directions

Whimsical museum dedicated to the famed animation studio with a play area, theater & rooftop garden.

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

$25

Budget breakdown: $563 In total

Activities & Food:$496

Transport:$67