16 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.

Popular historic sites such as Sensō-ji and Tokyo National Museum are in your itinerary. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Ginza and Yokohama Chinatown. When in Tokyo, make a side trip to see Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama, approximately 30 minutes away. There's still lots to do: make an unforgettable trip to Tokyo Disneyland, don't miss a visit to Tokyo Tower, wander the streets of Asakusa, and get your game on at Owl cafe Akiba Fukurou.

For maps, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Tokyo tour itinerary builder site .

Jakarta, Indonesia to Tokyo is an approximately 11-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Jakarta to Tokyo is 2 hours. In December, Tokyo is cooler than Jakarta - with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can 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.

Bring the kids along to Ise Ninja Kingdom and Monkey Park Iwatayama. Get some historical perspective at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Sanjusangendo Temple. And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, appreciate the extensive heritage of Asahiyaki, explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, and look for gifts at Fuuka-Kimono.

To see where to stay, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Kyoto trip tool .

You can take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 13°C in December, and nighttime lows around 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough 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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Dotonbori and Nara Park. Head to Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and Daimaru Museum Umedafor plenty of shopping. Venture out of the city with trips to Himeji Castle (in Himeji) and Kofuku-ji Temple (in Nara). And it doesn't end there: find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan, explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and stop by Jikko Japanese Knife Shop Namba Skyo.

To see ratings, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Osaka trip planner .

Osaka is very close to Kyoto. In December, daily temperatures in Osaka can reach 13°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) early enough to travel back home.