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.

Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Ginza and Art Jeunesse Akihabara. Do some cultural sightseeing at Senso-ji Temple and Edo-Tokyo Museum. Venture out of the city with trips to Maihama (Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea) and Yokohama Chinatown (in Yokohama). Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, view the masterpieces at Wa Space, enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, and admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

To see more things to do, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Tokyo online travel route planner.

Jakarta, Indonesia to Tokyo is an approximately 12-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Western Indonesia Time to Japan Standard Time is 2 hours. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Jakarta in December, with highs in Tokyo at 14°C and lows at 4°C. Finish up 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.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Nijo Castle. Your inner history buff will appreciate Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Kyoto: Ise Ninja Kingdom (in Ise) and Asahiyaki (in Uji). The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Kinkaku-ji, shop like a local with Nishiki Market Shopping District, identify plant and animal life at Yodoryokuchi Park, and stop by Fuuka-Kimono.

To see maps, photos, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Kyoto online trip maker.

You can take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In December in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 13°C during the day and 4°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to go by car 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.

Kids will enjoy Universal Studios Japan and Daimaru Museum Umeda. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Dotombori District and Himeji Castle. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Osaka: Nara (Kofuku-ji Temple & Nara Park). The adventure continues: explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, stop by Jikko Japanese Knife Shop Namba Skyo, and wander the streets of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street.

Ask Inspirock to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Osaka fast, fun, and easy.

You can drive from Kyoto to Osaka in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Osaka are 13°C, while nighttime lows are 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.