Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka: how to plan the route

Ten days are enough to combine the three cities without changing accommodation every night. Treat this itinerary as a flexible framework and allow time for transfers, rest and weather changes.

The order can be reversed according to your arrival airport. Check times and fares with rail operators rather than building the route around currency conversions that may become outdated.

Four days in Tokyo

Day 1: Shibuya, Harajuku and Meiji Jingu

Group Shibuya and Harajuku to limit travel. The crossing, Hachiko and shopping streets combine well with the woodland and shrine at Meiji Jingu. If you want a viewpoint such as Shibuya Sky, book on its official site and allow for weather.

Day 2: Asakusa and Ueno

Senso-ji and Nakamise become busy; the first part of the morning is usually quieter. Continue to Ueno and choose between the park, museums and Ameyoko. Akihabara can be added later if it matches your interests.

Day 3: Shinjuku

Shinjuku Gyoen, department stores and observation decks make a varied day. Kabukicho and Golden Gai are nightlife districts, not enclosed attractions. Check prices, cover charges and house rules before entering a bar.

Day 4: personal choice

Keep the final day for a museum, Odaiba, a less central neighbourhood or a day trip. Digital exhibitions and other popular venues may require timed admission; check official availability.

Three days in Kyoto

Day 1: Higashiyama

Combine Kiyomizu-dera with the historic streets and Gion. Fushimi Inari lies to the south and can be visited early or at another point in the day. Completing the full climb is not necessary to appreciate the shrine.

Day 2: Arashiyama

The bamboo grove is small and becomes busy early. Add Tenryu-ji, the river or the monkey park according to time and mobility. Avoid combining Arashiyama with too many temples on the opposite side of the city.

Day 3: northern Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji can be grouped, although buses are slower at peak times. Alternatively, spend the day on gardens, crafts or a more leisurely route through central Kyoto.

In Gion, respect signs and the privacy of residents and workers. Do not block streets or photograph people without permission.

Three days in Osaka

Day 1: Namba and Dotonbori

Walk through Kuromon, Namba and Dotonbori without turning the day into a list of specific restaurants. Takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu are common specialities; compare menus and queues and check dietary restrictions.

Day 2: the castle and Umeda

The castle park and indoor museum require different amounts of time. Umeda then offers shops, architecture and viewpoints. Check current prices and opening hours on official sites.

Day 3: Osaka or a day trip

Nara is an easy day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Todai-ji and the park are explored on foot; follow local instructions when feeding deer. If you prefer to stay in Osaka, consider Shinsekai, museums or residential neighbourhoods.

Trains and passes

A nationwide Japan Rail Pass is not automatically good value for this route. Compare its current price with every JR journey you will actually make. Regional passes or individual tickets may fit better.

For the shinkansen:

1. Confirm the operator and exact station.
2. Decide whether you need a reserved seat and oversized-luggage space.
3. Check the rules for holidays and high-demand periods.
4. Buy through official channels or recognised distributors.

Reservations and pace

• Check weekly closures and building work before each visit.
• Reserve only the timed venues that require it, so the whole trip remains flexible.
• Leave a free period every two or three days.
• Calculate travel from the accommodation door, not only the train time.
• Adjust outdoor plans for heat, rain or typhoons.

Checklist

• ☐ Nights allocated around actual airports and times
• ☐ Accommodation close to useful transport
• ☐ Timed tickets booked through official channels
• ☐ Tickets and passes compared at current prices
• ☐ Luggage and hotel transfers planned
• ☐ Indoor alternatives saved