16 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Tokyo: Tokyo DisneySea (in Maihama) and Lake Kawaguchi (in Fujikawaguchiko-machi). There's much more to do: get great views at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, have some family-friendly fun at Samurai Armor Photo Studio, don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, and ponder the world of politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings.

To see maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Tokyo online trip maker .

Melbourne, Australia to Tokyo is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Melbourne to Tokyo. In April, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) to allow enough time to 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Osaka side-trips: Himeji (Himeji Castle & Koko-en Garden) and Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum (in Higashinada). There's lots more to do: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan, get your game on at Sunset Owl Cafe, pick up some new knowledge with Ninja-Do, and see the interesting displays at Osaka Shiritsu Toyo Toji Museum.

To find maps, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Osaka road trip app .

Getting from Tokyo to Osaka by train takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. In May, daily temperatures in Osaka can reach 29°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Tue) so you can 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.

Kyoto is known for historic sites, shopping, classes, parks, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, don't miss a visit to Gion, expand your horizons at NINJA VR KYOTO, and explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle.

Plan my day in Kyoto using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

Kyoto is very close to Osaka. In May, daily temperatures in Kyoto can reach 29°C, while at night they dip to 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Fri) to allow time to take a train to Tokyo.

Step out of Tokyo to go to Kamakura and see Kōtoku-in, which is approximately 1h 25 min away. Explore Tokyo further: ponder the world of politics at Imperial Palace, make a trip to Tokyo National Museum, examine the collection at The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, and get a taste of the local shopping with Ginza.

For where to stay, maps, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Tokyo road trip planning app .

Getting from Kyoto to Tokyo by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.