15 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.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Tokyo National Museum and Odaiba. Visit Senso-ji Temple and Fukagawa Edo Museum for their historical value. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Tokyo: Moroiso Shores (in Miura), Zaimokuza Beach (in Kamakura) and Katase Higashihama Beach (in Fujisawa). There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Edo-Tokyo Museum, don't miss a visit to Shibuya Crossing, wander the streets of Ginza, and admire the masterpieces at The Hakone Open-Air Museum.

For reviews, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Tokyo trip itinerary builder tool .

Melbourne, Australia to Tokyo is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Melbourne to Tokyo is minus 1 hour. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Tokyo when traveling from Melbourne in October, with lows around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) to allow enough time to take a train 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji. Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Ginkakuji Temple are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Step out of Kyoto to go to Nara and see Todai-ji Temple, which is approximately 1 hour away. There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, contemplate the long history of Sanjusangendo Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ryoanji Temple, and don't miss a visit to Heian Shrine.

To find other places to visit, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Kyoto itinerary planning website .

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kyoto takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. October in Kyoto sees daily highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) so you can catch the 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.

Shop till you drop at Dotonbori and Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown). Get some historical perspective at Himeji Castle and Osaka Castle. Get out of town with these interesting Osaka side-trips: Kirihama Beach (in Toyooka), Nara Park (in Nara) and Akashi (Matsue Swimming Beach & Amore Beach). There's much more to do: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Koya, find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kongobu-ji Temple, and kick back and relax at Suma Beach.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Osaka online road trip planner .

Osaka is just a short distance from Kyoto. In October in Osaka, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 17°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.