The Perfect Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Itinerary, Japan (10 Days)

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For first-timers, the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route is typically the go-to itinerary to experience all the facets of quintessential Japan.

From Tokyo’s modern vibe to Kyoto’s ancient beauty and Osaka’s delicious food scene, this ten-day route through Japan’s major cities covers your bases.

From temples and tea ceremonies to cherry blossoms and zen gardens to cutting-edge technology and pop culture, politeness and stellar hospitality, onsens and castles, and more!

Whether you start in Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo or vice versa, this route is considered the “Golden Triangle” or the “Classic Loop” due to its ease of navigation for first-time visitors to Japan and its perfect blend of vibrant cities, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences.

However, many efforts are being made to de-influence this popular tourist route for legitimate reasons!

With visitors ever on the rise in Japan, the ugly side of tourism is seeping out: overtourism, irresponsible behavior, crowds, noise pollution, and negligence of local laws.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in that exact order or splicing it up across multiple trips.

It’s rather about how we do it.

In theory, the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route is perfect for first-timers. I also went this route on my first solo trip to Japan (10 days) and loved every second.

Despite overtourism and this itinerary being a popular choice, I’ve found that it’s possible to explore these places more responsibly and venture off the beaten path.

In Tokyo, for example, there are so many underrated neighborhoods packed with cute vintage shops, indie cafes, and vibrant local culture. You don’t have to stick to touring only Shibuya and Shinjuku.

In Kyoto, tourists also flock to the main shrines and streets in Gion, but what about taking a day to visit the rural countryside around Arashiyama? Or eating in a hidden noodle shop with no 2-3 hour queue?

Even in overcrowded cities, there is room to make your experience your own.

And this is what I endeavor to bring to you with this itinerary!

In this guide, I include my recommendations on how to visit Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka (or the other way around) in a unique and flexible way while considering and highlighting local businesses, authentic experiences, and mindful travel.

The Ultimate Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Itinerary (10 Days)

This itinerary works whether you start and end in Osaka/Tokyo or land in Osaka and fly out of Tokyo (which is what I did). Use it as a framework to inspire your trip and travel style.

Before you jet off to Japan, here are my recommended tools, apps, and services.

📱 Japan eSIM: Get data in Japan without changing your number with an easy-to-install Airalo eSIM.

✈️ Travel insurance: Protect your Japan trip with SafetyWing travel medical insurance (costs $28 per two weeks).

🚕 GO app: The #1 taxi app in Japan for hailing affordable taxis straight from your phone.

🤝 Meetup: My go-to website for finding social and community events in Tokyo!

🏨 Female-only accommodation: I use Booking to find female-only capsule hotels in major Japanese cities.

Days 1-3: Exploring Tokyo’s Iconic Sights and Secret Spots

Ahh, Tokyo. My favorite city in the world. How does one see and do it all? You don’t!

In a city like Tokyo, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by possibility.

I’ve been to Tokyo three (soon to be four!!) times, including living there for a summer while housesitting. From those experiences, I can tell you how I would split a 3-day itinerary (either as bookends or as a single journey),

In my experience, I like to separate West Tokyo from East Tokyo and explore both deeply across different days.

If I had to redo my first trip to Tokyo again, I’d do it like this from the start to avoid wasting time or money on transport.

Many first-timers to Tokyo cross the East and West sides of the city multiple times a day (e.g., visiting Shibuya after Asakusa, going back to Akihabara, etc.).

Instead, you can save energy, time, and money by visiting a group of wards/neighborhoods in one part of Tokyo and keeping the other for another day (or going at the end of the day rather than breaking up your morning/afternoon).

For example, here’s a brief overview with corresponding activities if you were to explore Central-East Tokyo.

• Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center, Sumia Park, Tokyo Skytree
• Ueno: Ueno Park, Ameyoko (street food)
• Yanaka: retro bathhouses, ancient temples, Yanaka Ginza (vintage shopping street)
• Akihabara: Electric Town, anime/manga, arcade malls, maid cafes
• Just to name a few!

These are all within 1-2 metro/subway stops from each other and are, therefore, much easier to explore. You can even go on foot or take an e-bike to explore the spaces between. These are my favorite places to visit, and spending a bit of time in each is doable even with only one (full) day in Tokyo.

For your first Day 1-2 in Tokyo, or whichever best fits your onward schedule, you can cover East Tokyo and finish up with West Tokyo.

Also, note that what you’d like to do really depends on which activities you’re most interested in.

For example, you may really want to see the popular lucky cat temple of Gōtokuji, but also go to Odaiba to explore teamLab Planets. Doing both back-to-back doesn’t optimize your time (they’re 1 hour away by train).

But looking at a map, you’ll see Gotokuji is near Shimokitazawa (a bohemian neighborhood with vintage markets), so combining both activities for exploring West Tokyo would make more sense.

Others may spend the entire day on a trip to Hakone for Fuji views (I recommend staying in Hakone), but anything is doable.

It’s all about how you slice it up and organize it!

Airport Tip: I prefer to stay in East Tokyo when I visit, especially if I land at Narita Airport (NRT), as it’s closer. If you’re arriving/departing from Haneda Airport, West Tokyo is more accessible and easier to stay in, and there are great neighborhoods to stay in that aren’t Shibuya or Shinjuku City (e.g., Koenji, Daikanyama, Ebisu, Shimokitazawa, etc.,).

For West-side Tokyo, you can spend entire days between Shibuya and Shinjuku or go off the beaten path to a few underrated neighborhoods.

• Shibuya: Shopping, parks, malls, Tokyo’s busiest hub.
  • Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Sky, Nintendo Tokyo, Hachiko Statue, MEGA Don Quijote, Meiji Jingu, Harajuku
• Shinjuku: Eccentric, futuristic, Tokyo’s nightlife.
  • Shin-Okubo (Korea Town), National Garden, Golden Gai, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, 3D Cat Screen, Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho
• Nakameguro: Known for its cherry blossoms (spring), vintage bookstores, and cozy coffee shops.
• Daikanyama: Hip and trendy with lots of cool nooks and crannies. Come here for a laid-back, upscale vibe.
• Shimokitazawa: Vintage markets (weekends), effortless-cool fashion, galleries, and hip shops.
• And so much more!

Let’s put it into a schedule! Again, please feel free to reach out with questions or tips for customizing your itinerary.

Day 1: Arriving in Tokyo (Half Day)

For your first (non-full) day in Tokyo, explore around where you’re staying for ease and convenience. Deplaning and getting transport into the city will already be tiring enough.

Again, if you’re landing in NRT, try to stay in East Tokyo for a shorter transit journey. If you arrive at HND airport, you won’t be far from West-side Tokyo.

If you’re based somewhere in the middle or west, I highly recommend seeing the Tokyo Tower at night (it’s open until 11 p.m.)—it’s so beautiful and iconic and is a great way to welcome yourself to Tokyo! Plus, the Tokyo Tower area won’t be as overwhelming as dropping into Shibuya or Shinjuku at night would be for your first time in Tokyo.

If you want to schedule a fun Tokyo-esque activity for night one, you can do the famous “robot fight” and play games inside the Red Tokyo Tower.

Alternatively, head to teamLab Borderless, located in Azubudai Hills, which is within walking distance of the Tokyo Tower.

If you’re lodging in the east, check out Senso-ji Temple at night in Asakusa. It’s a different experience than during the day!

For a list of Japanese foods to try for your first meal in Tokyo, check out my guide! You can’t go wrong with gyukatsu (beef cutlet), shabu shabu (hot pot), or, of course, some ramen or sushi.

Day 2: Explore Old & New Tokyo, From Temples to Arcades & More

For your second day in Tokyo (or first full day), I’d again recommend following more or less my 1-day in Tokyo itinerary, which starts in Asakusa.

Asakusa is home to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple—Senso-ji.

Visiting this beautiful temple complex is the perfect way to start an early morning in Tokyo.

Stroll down Nakamise-dōri Street, leading up to the main temple complex, and snack on street food. Alternatively, get away from the crowds by strolling alongside the Sumida River, which offers clear views of Tokyo Skytree.

For more food and crafts, wander through Nishi-sandō (shōtengai) after visiting Senso-ji or soak up the area’s atmosphere by hiring a rickshaw (powered by a muscly Japanese man!).

I love the Asakusa area, which is reminiscent of Edo-era Old Tokyo and known as Shitamachi (下町), the “lower side” of the city. This side contrasts with the hillier and affluent Yamanote (山の手) side in the western part of Tokyo.

From Asakusa, you can head one stop west to Ueno and Ueno Park, Tokyo’s largest urban park. You’ll find six museums, a zoo, a lake, and many temples inside Ueno Park.

I enjoy exiting Ueno Station and immediately walking the length of Ameyoko Street, a famous street in Tokyo for street food. You’ll find incredible, cheap food here, from curry ramen to footbath cafes!

From Ueno, I like to go to Yanaka, which is considered Tokyo’s “Little Kyoto” thanks to its nostalgic, traditional village atmosphere.

Wander through the vintage market street of Yanaka Ginza, visit dozens of preserved temples, or shed your clothes to try a traditional Japanese bathhouse or sento (I recommend Fukunoyu!).

The first time I visited Tokyo, I stayed in Yanaka at the gorgeous hanare village hotel.

Finally, finish the day in Tokyo’s Electric Town—aka Akihabara!

Famous for its maid cafes, arcades, and multi-floor malls with collectible anime, manga, and video game paraphernalia, Akihabara is the center of Otaku pop culture.

It’s such a weird, fascinating, welcoming place where I can unleash my inner child.

Day 3: From Shinjuku to Shibuya to Offbeat Neighborhoods

For your last day in Tokyo, explore the city’s west side. Shibuya and Shinjuku need no introduction, but there’s so much to do in each (and in between).

Here is how I’d spend a day on this side of the city!

First, I’d head directly to Harajuku Station to spend an early morning strolling the forested Meiji Jingu Shrine, arguably Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine.

Don’t forget to buy a little omamori or charm.

You can also collect a goshuin (御朱印) stamp in your booklet. Popular Shinto shrines may only hand out pre-stamped sheets, but in some cases, you can get them hand-written (I got a calligraphy-written stamp at Senso-ji).

After Meiji Jingu, duck down the colorful and crowded Takeshita Street for quirky fashion, rainbow grilled cheese (Le Shiner), delicious brown sugar bubble tea, and more odd finds.

At the end of Takeshita, explore on foot deeper onto Cat Street—arguably one of Tokyo’s coolest pedestrian-only streets, brimming with coffee and second-hand clothes shops.

This half-mile path connects Harajuku and Shibuya and is a must-visit!

You’ll exit Cat Street around Miyashita Park. From here, you can cross and visit PARCO (which houses Nintendo Tokyo), then on down to Shibuya Scramble Square (the largest pedestrian crossing in the world!).

Of course, don’t miss out on paying a visit to Hatchiko Statue.

Days 4-6: Kyoto’s Cultural Highlights and a Taste of Uji

On day four, leave early to depart Tokyo for Kyoto with the Shinkansen.

You can buy Shinkansen tickets on the spot at the machines or service counters at either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station (whichever is closest to where you are staying in Tokyo).

You can also purchase your Shinkansen tickets online and receive a QR code.

Now, to best explore Kyoto, I recommend dividing the activities and places you want to visit into North and South Kyoto.

Highly sought-after places in Kyoto, such as Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, are actually quite far from central/downtown Kyoto, where you’ll want to book your hotel.

Kyoto is all about traditional temples and cultural experiences. I recommend booking these tours and activities in advance:

Day 4: Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Gion, & Geishas (Central-East Kyoto)

For this first day in Kyoto, I recommend exploring the classic route before delving off the beaten path.

Most tourists walk around the heart of Kyoto’s past, from Ninenzaka to Kiyomizu-dera Temple on the hill, and get lost in the crowd.

Instead, I recommend grabbing lunch at the open-air Nishiki Market (food hall) before heading to your afternoon kimono tea ceremony or samurai katana-sword training.

If you’re intrigued by Japan’s samurai history, I recommend touring Nijo Castle.

Nijo-jo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former Imperial Villa and residence of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1868), which ruled over and eventually unified Japan.

Then, in the early evening, you can flaunter to Gion and the Geisha district.

I love walking down the historic Pontocho Alley and just soaking up the atmosphere.

Alternatively, I recommend walking the Philosopher’s Path, a pedestrian-only trail that follows a canal between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji, two historic, beautiful temples in East Kyoto.

Day 5: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion), Saga-Toriimoto, Aburi-Mochi (North Kyoto)

For your second full day, head up to North Kyoto for a full day of exploring.

You’ll have to see with your schedule and desired top attractions, but you could start early at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, then head to the Meiji-era preserved street of Saga-Toriimoto, before finishing up at Kinkaku-ji—Kyoto’s most famous temple, the Golden Pavillion.

To add a bit of sticky-sweetness to your day, don’t miss out on visiting the Imamiya Shinto Shrine. Right nearby this shrine is a 1020+ year old shop selling aburi-mochi.

These unique white miso-dipped mochis are grilled over hot coals and served on a stick with green tea. It’s the best thing you’ll eat in Kyoto!

To finish the day, soak in Funaoka Onsen or head south to my favorite retro bathhouse (sento) in Kyoto, Ume-Yu.

If you have extra time or prefer avoiding touristy spots:

• Kurama and Kibune Villages (North Kyoto): Two very cute small mountain towns for hiking and onsens.
• Ohara: Visit Sanzen-in Temple in this peaceful rural area just 1-hour north of Kyoto.

Day 6: Fushimi Inari, Tofuku-ki, Sake, Uji Matcha

For your last day in Kyoto, I recommend exploring around the south, starting the day early with the Fushimi Inari hike.

Walking to the top of the mountain, underneath 10,000 Torii gates, is what, for me, makes visiting Fushimi Inari extra special.

The temple complex is beautiful, but it’s among the forest where you’ll sense the kami Inari and their fox spirits.

Afterward, you can visit Tofuku-ji, a lesser-known Zen Buddhist temple. In autumn, it’s beautifully decorated with fall colors.

Next, head to the station to spend a half-day visiting Uji, the matcha capital of Japan. 🍵

Here, you can experience a traditional tea ceremony beyond the crowds of Kyoto and visit the iconic Byodoin and Koshoji Temples.

On my first solo trip, I took this beautiful Airbnb experience: a Uji tour with Terumi-san, perfect for getting a better sense of Uji and its cultural and historical significance.

If you want to take matcha home, Uji is where you should buy it!

Days 7-10: Osaka’s Vibrant Spirit and Side Trips to Kobe or Nara

Osaka is such an edgy, fun city. It’s so different than Tokyo or Kyoto.

Most flock to Osaka for its famous street food, such as okonomiyaki, which is why it got its nickname “Hell’s Kitchen.” Everything here—the art, the fashion, the food—demands your attention.

I love spending time in Osaka because it has a grungy vibe that is laid-back, artsy, and open-minded, whereas Tokyo feels more streamlined, professional, and traditional.

I’ve spent several weeks as a digital nomad in Osaka, living in the quaint neighborhood of Juso. Returning to Osaka, this is how I’d split up my time!

Day 7: Osaka Highlights

Start your day early at Osaka Castle (8:30-10:30 am). Explore the castle grounds and the museum inside to learn about the city’s history!

If you purchase an entry ticket on Klook in advance (included in the Osaka Pass), you can skip the wait line to get inside Osaka Castle Museum.

The best part about visiting Osaka Castle is actually not the castle itself but the grounds around it. Prepare to walk a lot, so wear good walking shoes!

Next, hop on the subway for a short ride to Osaka’s Namba Yasaka Shrine (the “Lion Head” shrine). This is a brief visit, but a cool one! Don’t forget to purchase a lion’s head omamori from reception.

After Namba Yasaka, you can take the metro for 15 minutes to visit Shittenoji Temple, one of Osaka’s (and one of Japan’s) oldest Buddhist temples from 593 AD.

For lunch, you can’t go wrong at Kuromon Ichiba Market for Osaka’s claim to fame: street food!

From takoyaki (octopus balls) to kushikatsu (fried skewers) to fresh seafood, Osaka has it all—the yummy, the weird, and the questionable!

Once your belly is full, head to the Shinsekai neighborhood to visit the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, which is surrounded by colorful shops and izakayas.

This area is a bit touristy but if you go just one or two streets down you’ll find loads of shops and covered markets where tourists rarely go. If you have time, you can even go in the tower for panoramic views of Osaka!

After Tsutenkaku, one of my favorite understated neighborhoods in Osaka is Nishishinshaibashi where you can find Amerikamura—”America Town.”

This place is so iconic in Osaka because of the youth street fashion and the otaku culture here. It’s like the Akihabara version of Tokyo, but in Osaka, with more fashion brands than anime or manga.

This neighborhood has many funky shops, street art, and even video game bars. It’s a fun place and a nice stroll-through on your way to/from Dotonbori!

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, don’t miss out on this hidden gem across the street: Minalima Osaka, where you can learn about (and shop) Miraphora and Eduardo’s work on the films.

Head to Dotonbori for vibrant lights, the giant Don-Quijote, and more street food to wrap up the evening.

Expect to rub shoulders with the crowds as you walk down the canal and snap photos of the iconic Glico Man sign!

For dinner, I recommend trying Osaka’s specialty: Okonomiyaki!

Day 8: Universal Studios / Super Nintendo World

For Super Mario and Universal Studios/Harry Potter fans, you MUST go to Universal Studios for an epic day playing in the Mushroom Kingdom of Super Nintendo World Japan (read my guide for details!).

Book your Nintendo World tickets online with Klook to save time and hassle! PS — Use my code BUCKETLISTBRIKLOOK for a discount on booked activities.

Day 9: Day Trip to Kobe or Nara

For your last day in the Osaka area before flying out or returning to Tokyo for your departure, I recommend picking between these two options:

Option 1: Hang back to explore more of central Osaka to visit places like Umeda, Nakanoshima, and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

Option 2: Day trip to Kobe (30 minutes from Umeda) or day trip to Nara (35-40 minutes from Umeda/Namba).

As we were staying in Juso (north Osaka), we opted to take a day trip to Kobe, and it didn’t disappoint!

Note: The two day trips are very different!

A day trip to Kobe offers a mix of cosmopolitan charm and nature. In a half day, you can savor Kobe beef at a local restaurant, explore the atmospheric streets of Kitano-cho’s “Western-style” houses, or take the gondola to visit the beautiful botanical gardens!

Alternatively, you can venture a bit further from Kobe to relax in the soothing hot springs of Arima Onsen (on the other side of the mountain—an additional 30 minutes from downtown) or even indulge in a unique Kobe Sake Brewery Tour.

In contrast, a day trip to Nara will feel more similar to Uji, immersing you in Japan’s ancient history with gardens and shrines and temples.

Highlights include the free-roaming deer of Nara Park (of course), the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, the gardens of Isuien, and wandering the old-era streets of Naramachi.

It’s possible to do both, but not in one day unless you combine them as part of a larger inclusive sightseeing tour like this one, which combines Uji and Nara from Kyoto.

Day 10: Return to Tokyo for departure

Depending on your schedule and departing flight, you can spend another half-day exploring or go ahead and take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo for the airport.

While there are many Shinkansen trains departing every 15 minutes or so.

But pay attention to which type of train you’re boarding; there are three different Shinkansens that travel from Osaka to Tokyo daily:

• Nozomi: The fastest service, completing the trip in 2 hours and 30 minutes (not covered by JR Pass).
• Hikari: A slightly slower option, taking about 3 hours.
• Kodama: The slowest, stopping at all stations and taking around 4 hours.

🎟️ Make it easy on yourself and book your Shinkansen tickets on Klook!

FAQs for Planning Your Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka Itinerary

How many days should you spend in each city?

To optimize your time in each, I’d recommend splitting them up pretty evenly across 10 days. I recommend a minimum of 4 days in Tokyo, 3 days in Kyoto, and 2-3 days in Osaka (including a one-day trip).

On my first solo trip, I spent five days in Kyoto and wandered Osaka in just two days, but wish I had more time.

As for Tokyo, well, I spent months there and didn’t get to see and do it all (again, impossible!), but because it is so vast and diverse, I recommend no less than 3 days, not including day trips.

For adding on day trips to Nikko, Hakone, Yokohama, etc., I’d recommend 6-7 days.

Is the JR Pass worth it for this route?

No, you won’t need a JR Pass for ten days in Japan to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. It’s cheaper just to buy two single journeys if you travel to/from Tokyo for your arrival/departure.

Also, your trip is limited to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, so just one round trip is enough (¥29,740 is cheaper than the pass). You are staying primarily in one region, such as Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe), where local transportation is inexpensive.

What’s the best way to experience Japanese culture on this trip?

I’ve seen it happen: tourists go to Tokyo for three days, and all they see or do is visit Shibuya Sky, TeamLab, and Shinjuku nightlife. They won’t take any workshops or engage in cultural activities.

If you wish to experience Japanese culture beyond the social media trends, look for specific experiences led by locals!

Kintsugi: Learning to repair broken pottery/pieces with golden or metallic inlay. This is an ancient tradition and a unique experience to have in Japan! Check out this Kintsugi workshop led by Master Taku in Tokyo.

Tea ceremonies: Whether in Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo, participating in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony to understand its rituals and significance is a must! I recommend trying one in Uji (the capital of matcha) or Kyoto. You can read about my kimono tea ceremony in Kyoto here.

Sumo wrestling: If you can’t catch the real Sumo Tournament in Tokyo each May, you can get a teaser with an insightful and entertaining sumo wrestling match like this one in Asakusa’s Sumo Club.

Onsens and sentos (bathhouses): While you won’t be taking a tour for this experience, I urge you to shed your clothes (and your shyness) and step into a traditional public bathhouse or onsen. I will never forget my first sento in Kyoto!

Japan food tours and cooking classes: Connecting with a culture’s food is one of the best ways to get a deeper sense of place!

Woodworking and craftsmanship: From making your own chopsticks to sword making and fabric dyeing, there are so many other traditional experiences to try on a trip to Japan!

Here are just a few workshops in Tokyo available to book:

Most importantly, I urge you to make your ten days in Japan your own! Please use my Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka itinerary as a starting point.

If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments below!

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