12 days in Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto 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.

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Tokyo Tower. Get a sense of the local culture at Tokyo National Museum The Heiseikan and Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Historic Old Town area in Sawara, Katori and Madame Tussauds Tokyo. Venture out of the city with trips to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (in Kawagoe) and Nihon Minkaen Japan Open Air Folk House Museum (in Kawasaki). And it doesn't end there: admire the natural beauty at Kyu Iwasakitei Teien, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ikegami Hommon-ji Temple, see the interesting displays at Ota Memorial Museum of Art, and stop by Kiddy Land Harajuku.

For more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Tokyo trip planner .

George Town, Malaysia to Tokyo is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of ferry, train, car, and flight. The time zone difference when traveling from George Town to Tokyo is 2 hours. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from George Town in October: high temperatures in Tokyo hover around 26°C and lows are around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) to allow enough time to take a train to Kyoto.

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.

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Osaka Science Museum. On the 10th (Sat), engage your brain at Osaka Science Museum, enjoy the sand and surf at Omae Beach Park, then take in nature's colorful creations at Sakuya Konohanakan, and finally look for gifts at Kimono Photo Studio Wasabi Osaka.

Before you visit Osaka, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Traveling by train from Hiroshima to Osaka takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and flight. In October in Osaka, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 17°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) so you can travel to Tokyo.

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.

Jojakkoji Temple and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore hidden gems such as Ishiyamadera Temple and Mimurotoji Temple. Get out of town with these interesting Kyoto side-trips: Obakusan Manpuku - ji Temple (in Uji), Miho Museum (in Koka) and Shuonan Ikkyuji Temple (in Kyotanabe). And it doesn't end there: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Honen-in, tour the pleasant surroundings at Daitoku-ji Temple, take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hiei, and steep yourself in history at Hosenin.

To find traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Kyoto online road trip planner .

Kyoto is just a short distance from Osaka. In October, plan for daily highs up to 27°C, and evening lows to 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Sat) to allow enough time to take a train to Tokyo.

You've now added Tokyo Tower to your itinerary. Kick off your visit on the 10th (Sat): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo and then admire the masterpieces at Suntory Museum of Art. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Fire Museum, explore the world behind art at 21 21 DESIGN SIGHT, then make a trip to Tokyo Tower, then steep yourself in history at Hozomon, and finally pick up some new knowledge with TOKYO Samurai Kembu.

For more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Tokyo road trip planner.

Take a train from Kyoto to Tokyo in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) so you can travel back home.