12 days in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka Itinerary

Tokyo holds the status of most populous metropolitan area in the world--a fact you'll find tangible as you walk the bustling streets and explore its diverse neighborhoods and cultures.

Tokyo National Museum and The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin) will appeal to history buffs. Kids will enjoy Kamogawa Sea World and Ueno Zoo. Get out of town with these interesting Tokyo side-trips: Pola Museum of Art (in Hakone-machi), Minato Mirai 21 (in Yokohama) and Ghibli Museum Mitaka (in Mitaka). The adventure continues: examine the collection at Edo-Tokyo Museum, contemplate the long history of Yasukuni Shrine, get a sense of history and politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, and explore the world behind art at Tokyo National Museum The Heiseikan.

To find photos and more tourist information, use the Tokyo online sightseeing planner .

Singapore, Singapore to Tokyo is an approximately 10.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of flight, taxi, and train. The time zone difference moving from Singapore Time (SGT) to Japan Standard Time (JST) is 1 hour. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Singapore in June, with highs in Tokyo at 30°C and lows at 22°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) early enough to travel to Kyoto.

The national capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto retains much of the charm of old Japan, boasting numerous temples and shrines that seem completely untouched by the modern world.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Sat): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Toji, then contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and then contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Here are some ideas for day two: step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kinkaku-ji, browse for treasures at Maiko Antiques Kyoto, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Sanjusangendo Temple, and finally don't miss a visit to Nishiki Market.

For maps, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, use the Kyoto trip maker .

Take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In June, daytime highs in Kyoto are 32°C, while nighttime lows are 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) to allow enough time to take a train to Osaka.

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

Step off the beaten path and head to Mt. Koya and Koyasan Okunoin. Bring the kids along to Nara Park and Universal Studios Japan. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Osaka: Arima Onsen (in Kobe), Kadohama Gomatofu Sohompo (in Koya-cho) and CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA (in Ikeda). The adventure continues: take a stroll through Dotonbori, examine the collection at Glico Museum, and explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle.

To see photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Osaka driving holiday planning website .

Osaka is very close to Kyoto. In June, daily temperatures in Osaka can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.