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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Ueno District and Nezu Shrine. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Asakusa Shrine and Kencho-ji Temple. Change things up with a short trip to Hokokuji Temple (Takedera Temple) in Kamakura (about 1h 10 min away). Next up on the itinerary: stop by Yanaka District, take a stroll through Odaiba District, explore the world behind art at Nezu Museum, and steep yourself in history at Hie Jinjya.

To find more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Tokyo tour planning website.

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands to Tokyo is an approximately 9-hour flight. Traveling from Saipan to Tokyo, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Saipan in May, things will get a bit cooler in Tokyo: highs are around 28°C and lows about 19°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Fri) early enough to 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.

On the 16th (Sat), step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, and then stop by Ippodo Tea Kyoto. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Sun): contemplate the long history of Heian Shrine, then don't miss a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.

For ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Kyoto holiday maker site.

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kyoto takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In May, plan for daily highs up to 29°C, and evening lows to 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) to allow time to drive 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.

On the 18th (Mon), examine the collection at Glico Museum, see the interesting displays at Cup Noodle Museum Osaka Ikeda, soak in some Japanese tradition at Arima Onsen, then contemplate the long history of Osaka Castle, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Osaka Fureai no Mizube. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the spiritual surroundings of Toshodai-ji Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nigatsu-do Temple, get to know the fascinating history of Hozenji Yokocho, then look for gifts at Kimono Photo Studio Wasabi Osaka, and finally take a stroll through Dotombori District.

For maps, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Osaka trip planner.

Drive from Kyoto to Osaka in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. May in Osaka sees daily highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.