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.

Tokyo Tower has been added to your itinerary. Step off the beaten path and head to Madame Tussauds Tokyo and Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Historic Old Town area in Sawara, Katori and Kyu Iwasakitei Teien. Step out of Tokyo with an excursion to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe--about 38 minutes away. The adventure continues: admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum The Heiseikan, examine the collection at Ota Memorial Museum of Art, look for gifts at Kiddy Land Harajuku, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Ikegami Hommon-ji Temple.

For traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read Tokyo road trip planner.

George Town, Malaysia to Tokyo is an approximately 13-hour flight. Traveling from George Town to Tokyo, you'll lose 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from George Town in October, things will get little chillier in Tokyo: highs are around 26°C and lows about 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) so you can travel 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.

On the 5th (Mon), admire the natural beauty at Sakuya Konohanakan and then look for gifts at Kimono Photo Studio Wasabi Osaka.

To see more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Osaka trip tool.

You can take a train from Tokyo to Osaka in 3.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in October, and nighttime lows around 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Popular historic sites such as Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple and Mii-dera Temple (Onjo-ji Temple) are in your itinerary. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Miho Museum and Chishaku-in. Explore Kyoto's surroundings by going to Ishiyamadera Temple (in Otsu), Shuonan Ikkyuji Temple (in Kyotanabe) and Uji (Obakusan Manpuku - ji Temple & Mimurotoji Temple). Next up on the itinerary: stroll through Daitoku-ji Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Enkō-ji Temple, don't miss a visit to Yasakanoto, and take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hiei.

To find ratings, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, read our Kyoto vacation builder website.

You can drive from Osaka to Kyoto in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In October in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 27°C during the day and 18°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Sat) to allow time for travel to Tokyo.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Tokyo Tower. Start off your visit on the 10th (Sat): take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo and then explore the world behind art at Suntory Museum of Art. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 11th (Sun): see the interesting displays at Fire Museum, explore the world behind art at 21 21 DESIGN SIGHT, make a trip to Tokyo Tower, then steep yourself in history at Hozomon, and finally shop like a local with TOKYO Samurai Kembu.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Tokyo online trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Tokyo takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.