9 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.

Asakusa Shrine and Nezu Shrine are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Appreciate the collections at Fire Museum and Nezu Museum. Explore Tokyo's surroundings by going to Kamakura (Hokokuji Temple (Takedera Temple) & Kencho-ji Temple). And it doesn't end there: take a stroll through Yanaka, kick back and relax at Odaiba Kaihin Koen (Odaiba Seaside Park), take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, and contemplate the long history of Hie Jinjya.

To see maps, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Tokyo trip planner .

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands to Tokyo is an approximately 14-hour flight. The time zone changes from Chamorro Standard Time (ChST) to Japan Standard Time (JST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. In May, Tokyo is slightly colder than Saipan - with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Fri) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Sat): step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kinkaku-ji, and then look for gifts at Ippodo Tea Kyoto. On the 17th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Heian Shrine, steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and then steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.

For where to stay, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Kyoto itinerary builder tool .

Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. May in Kyoto sees daily highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) to allow enough time 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.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Mon): see the interesting displays at Glico Museum, examine the collection at CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA, take in the awesome beauty at Arima Onsen, then step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Osaka Fureai no Mizube. On your second day here, take in the spiritual surroundings of Toshodai-ji Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nigatsu-do Temple, don't miss a visit to Hozenji Yokocho, then stop by Kimono Photo Studio Wasabi Osaka, and finally wander the streets of Dotonbori.

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

Osaka is just a stone's throw from Kyoto. In May in Osaka, expect temperatures between 29°C during the day and 18°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.