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Inside Osaka

Your Osaka Travel Guide

Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo 10-Day Itinerary

Ten days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Japan. Here’s a great Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka itinerary that will allow you to see the best places efficiently and easily.

Osaka and Kyoto 1-Week Itinerary Summary

• A good breakdown is 2 days in Tokyo, 4 in Kyoto, and 2 in Osaka, plus two travel days.
• You’ll probably fly via Tokyo (NRT or HND airports) but it’s also possible to do this via Kansai (KIX), with some minor reorganization.
• A 1-week Japan Rail Pass will save you money on this itinerary, especially if you use it correctly. You can buy your Japan Rail Pass online .

Check Osaka Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Full Itinerary

• The biggest decision you must make is which city to visit first: Osaka or Kyoto? Here, we’ll suggest visiting Osaka first, but you could easily switch them around.
• Note that the two Osaka days here are a summary version of our Osaka 2-Day Itinerary. Visit our Osaka 2-Day Itinerary page for full details on those two days.

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

• You’ll most likely fly into either Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND). See our Tokyo Airport Transport page for full transport details.

Osaka Holiday Essentials

• Where To Stay In Osaka: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Osaka .
• Things To Do In Osaka: Check this overview of Osaka activities with links to all the key information.
• Flights To Osaka: Find the cheapest flights to Osaka and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner .
• Osaka Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Japan .
• Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.

Day 2: Tokyo: Modern Tokyo/West Side

• 8:30am: Travel to Harajuku, using the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station or the Chiyoda subway line to Meiji-Jingumae/Harajuku Station.
• 9:00am: Arrive in Harajuku and visit Meiji-jingu Shrine. Explore the shrine and then return to Harajuku Station then walk east on Omotesando. Continue east all the way to the superb Nezu Museum and do not forget to explore the sublime garden.
• 11:00am: Walk back to the intersection of Omotesando and Aoyama-dori and take the Ginza subway line west to Shibuya.
• 11:15am: Arrive in Shibuya and exit the station via the Hachiko exit and then cross the famous Shibuya Crossing. Explore the big department stores and boutiques of Shibuya.
• 1:00pm: Eat lunch somewhere in Shibuya. Don't forget that all the department stores in Shibuya have huge restaurant floors.
• 2.30pm: Take the Yamanote Line one stop south from Shibuya to Ebisu Station, then switch to the Hibiya Line subway and take that two stops east to Roppongi.
• 3:00pm: Arrive in Roppongi and walk west from Roppongi Station to the Roppongi Hills complex. Refuel with a cup of coffee there. Then, head up to the 52nd floor Tokyo City View observation deck of the Mori Tower to see the city.
• 6:00pm: Eat dinner in Roppongi.
• 8:00pm: If you still have any energy left, have a drink in one of Roppongi's many bars.

Day 2: Tokyo: Traditional Tokyo/East Side

• 9:00am: Head up to Asakusa. The Ginza subway line is a good way to get there from many parts of Tokyo. Asakusa is the spiritual heart of Tokyo and a good place to start your day. Visit Senso-ji Temple and nearby Asakusa-jinja Shrine.
• 10:30am: Take the Ginza subway line three stops west to Ueno.
• 11:00am: Arrive in Ueno. Take the exit for Ueno-koen Park and walk north across the park to the superb Tokyo National Museum. After visiting the museum, walk south to Tosho-gu Shrine and then make your way back to the station. As on Day 1, try to avoid eating lunch between noon and 1pm. Have a snack or a coffee to get your through.
• 1:00pm: Take the JR Yamanote Line south to Tokyo Station. Eat lunch in or around Tokyo Station. See the Tokyo Station Area Places to Eat section for my recommendations.
• 2:00pm: Check with the tourist information office in the basement of the Kitte Building to see what's on at the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum or the Bridgestone Museum of Art. If neither look good, walk over to the Imperial Palace East Garden and take a stroll.
• 3:00pm: Walk over to Ginza and do some late afternoon shopping.
• 4:00pm: Return to your hotel for a nap and a shower.
• 6:00pm: Eat dinner in an area like Shinjuku, Ginza, Marunouchi or someplace close to your hotel. See the relevant district pages for recommendations.
• 8:00pm: If you've still got the energy, go out for a drink in a place like Roppongi, Shinjuku or Shibuya. See the relevant district pages for recommendations.

Day 3: Travel to Osaka

• Take the shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka. If you’ve got a one-week Japan Rail Pass, this is the day to activate it. For details on the shinkansen trip between Tokyo and Osaka, see the How To Travel From Tokyo to Osaka page.
• Note that the trip between Tokyo and Osaka takes just a bit less than 3 hours, so you have time to do some sightseeing in Tokyo on this morning and some in Osaka this afternoon.

Day 4: Osaka: Osaka Bay Area and Kita District

• 9:30am: Travel to the Osaka Bay Area
• 10am: Visit Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)
• 11:30: Eat Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace
• 1pm: Travel from Osaka Bay Area to the Kita District
• 1:30pm: Explore the Kita District
• 3pm: Travel to the Osaka Castle Area
• 3:30pm: Visit Osaka Castle
• 6pm: Dinner in Kita , Minami or Central Osaka

Day 5: Osaka: Minami District and Tennoji

• 9:30: Travel to Minami
• 10am: Explore Minami
• Noon: Dotombori Area and Lunch
• 1:30pm: Visit Hozenji Yokocho
• 2:30pm: Walk through Doguyasuji Arcade
• 3:30pm: Visit Den-Den Town
• 5:30pm: Eat dinner in Minami
• 7:30pm: Check out the evening views from the Abeno Harukas 300 observation decks in Tennoji

Day 6: Kyoto: Travel to Kyoto and Explore Southern Higashiyama and Downtown

• 9am: Travel from Osaka to Kyoto. If necessary, either drop your luggage at your hotel or put it in the lockers or luggage storage office at Kyoto Station.
• 10am: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
• 11am: Walk down Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka.
• Noon: Enter Shoren-in Temple and enjoy a cup of tea overlooking the garden.
• 1pm: Get on the Tozai Subway Line at Higashiyama Station and get off at Kyoto Shiyakushomae (downtown).
• 1:30pm: Eat lunch downtown and explore Nishiki Market and the food floor at nearby Daimaru Department Store.
• 3pm: Take the Keihan Line to Fushimi-Inari Station and walk to nearby Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine.
• Dusk: Return to your hotel and relax and freshen up. (For Kyoto hotel recommendations, see the Kyoto Hotels page).
• Evening: Eat dinner downtown, then walk over to Shimbashi in Gion and keep your eyes peeled for geisha.

Day 7: Kyoto: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji and Daitoku-ji

• 8:30am: Head west to Arashiyama.
• 9:00am: Enter Tenryu-ji Temple.
• 10:00am: Leave Tenryu-ji Temple by the north gate and explore the Bamboo Forest for about half an hour.
• 10:30am: Leave the Bamboo Forest and enter Okochi-Sanso Villa.
• 11:30am: Leave Okochi-Sanso Villa and return to central Arashiyama. Eat a simple lunch of noodles or rice in one of the shokudo (simple eateries) on the main strip.
• 12:30pm: Take a taxi over to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the famed “Golden Pavilion” in Northwest Kyoto.
• 1:00pm: Explore Kinkaku-ji Temple.
• 2:00pm: Take a taxi down to Daitoku-ji Temple and enjoy the peace and quiet of a small subtemple there. Consider Koto-in Temple.
• 3:00pm: Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station and enjoy a bit of shopping or café life.
• 4:00pm: Take a rest at your hotel.
• 6:00pm: Eat dinner downtown and then take an evening stroll on Pontocho Alley or on Kiyamachi-dori south of Shijo-dori.

Day 8: Kyoto: Kurama/Kibune and Northern Higashiyama

• Morning: Take a day trip to Kurama and Kibune (ideally, hike over the mountain from Kurama to Kibune).
• Afternoon: Visit the Northern Higashiyama area: Ginkaku-ji Temple, Honen-in Temple, the Path of Philosophy and Nanzen-ji Temple.

Day 9: Travel Back to Tokyo

• Return to Tokyo by shinkansen. You’ll likely arrive back in Tokyo with some time to do some last-minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

Day 10: Depart From Tokyo

• You’ll most likely fly out of Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND). See our Tokyo Airport Transport page for full transport details.

Special Ticket Deals

• A 1-week Japan Rail Pass will save you some money on this trip. See our Japan Rail Pass: Is It Worth It? page for details. You can buy the Japan Rail Pass online .
• You might also save some money with a special 1-day transport pass in Osaka. See our Osaka Trains and Subways page for details.
• It’s important to stay somewhere central and convenient in each city in order to save time and money on transport
• See our Where to Stay in Osaka page for details on where to stay in Osaka.
• See our Where to Stay in Kyoto page for details on where to stay in Kyoto.
• See our Tokyo Hotels page for details on where to a careful selection of the best hotels in Tokyo.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Osaka Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
• Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka , Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
• You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Osaka's Kansai International Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Osaka District Map

• Shin-Osaka Area
• Central Osaka Area
• Minami Area
• Tennoji Area
• Osaka Castle Area
• Osaka Bay Area

The Ultimate 9-Day Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

Japan is the perfect destination for anyone who loves nature, vibrant city life and unforgettable good food. One of the best ways for first timers to see Japan is to embark on a multi-city trip to Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo to get a diverse experience. This could be the trip of your life!

Starting in Osaka , also known as the kitchen of Japan, you will be amazed by the bustling food streets that have a wide array of delicacies.

After Osaka, enjoy a laid back time in Kyoto as you explore castles, shrines and bonsai gardens. You also get to see how Japanese design and architecture is embraced throughout the city.

Further north in Hakone , nature lovers will love the serenity of this Onsen town around Lake Ashinoko. Aside from various museums and exhibitions, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance on a clear day.

Lastly, enjoy a bustling time in Tokyo as you go shopping, izakaya-hopping, and discovering the best food in the country.

Day 6: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sake Tasting, Shopping

Day 7: go to hakone via shinkansen, pirate cruise on lake ashinoko, onsen experience, day 9: explore asakusa’s traditional yet trendy streets for shopping and food.

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Best pass to buy to travel Japan

The new “klook jr pass” released in 2024.

What’s covered :

• Round trip ticket between Narita Airport and Tokyo
• 3 days of unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro
• 2x Shinkansen Tickets on the Nozomi (fastest line) between Tokyo and Osaka
• Kansai Thru Pass valid for 3 days

Instead of getting the Whole Japan JR Pass (7 days) which has an extra charge for the Nozomi Train ticket, why not save US$130 and get the Klook Value Rail Pass ?

I wish we had this option when we were going to Japan! This is probably the cheapest way to get around, while having access to the fastest Nozomi line when you take the Shinkansen.

To avoid fumbling for tickets at the station booths, I recommend booking this pass online to get e-tickets. This makes it super convenient and fuss-free especially for a foreigner.

Osaka and Kyoto 6-day itinerary

It can sometimes be cheaper to fly in to Osaka than Tokyo. This means that you could start your trip in Osaka and Kyoto, then travel up via Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo. After that, you could either fly straight out of Tokyo or take the Shinkensen train back down to Osaka for your return flight.

Don’t forget to buy a SIM card, or eSIM so you can stay connected and continue to navigate with ease. We got our eSIMs from Airalo previously as it was convenient to buy via their app, affordable and easy to use.

Read more: The Best Places To Stay in Osaka For Food Street s

Day 1: Arrive in Osaka, Travel to hotel

Most flights to Osaka and Kyoto will be via Kansai International Airport (KIX), and it takes around 1 hour to get from KIX to the heart of Osaka. You can buy a ICOCA card (prepaid transport card) from the airport station, and this will come in handy throughout your Japan trip. We added 2,000 Yen to our card as a start as the ride to the city only costs 930 Yen.

If you are arriving in the evening, you should let the accommodation staff know your estimated arrival time as some budget accommodations have a cut-off time for check-ins. That happened to us as our flight landed at 9pm, and we arrived at our hostel at 11:30pm. Even though there was a phone we could use to call, we did not manage to reach anyone.

At that point we were really hungry so we just left our bags at the reception area and went out to Dotonburi for our first meal in Osaka. Thankfully when we returned at 1am and tried calling again, the hostel owner came down to meet us.

We can’t really complain though, since we are only paying about 6,000 Yen per night. We even saw prices dip to 3,000 Yen in off-peak season, so if you’re looking for a decent budget stay, check out 1.2.3 Guesthouse in Nipponbashi on Agoda .

Day 2: Visit Osaka Castle, Explore trendy streets, Umeda ferris wheel

Before anything else – breakfast and coffee! Heading out from our hostel, we walked about 5-10 minutes to Pan-kobo Champignon . This small and almost hidden bakery is popular among locals, and they have a selection of French-style baked goods including croissants and caneles.

Afterwards you can go to SAKImoto Coffee for your daily caffeine. There are outdoor benches for you to sit and drink your coffee as you watch people walk by.

Osaka Castle and nearby food

After fuelling up, head to Osaka Castle via train. It will only take 30 minutes to get there. Osaka Castle is one of the many important historical and cultural landmarks in Japan, and you get to learn interesting things like how they use huge stone slabs to build the fortress walls.

This is one of the must-sees during the cherry blossom season as the pink flowers are set against the gorgeous green colours of the Osaka Castle roof tiles. From time to time, you will see buskers performing in front of the inner castle entrance, adding to the lively atmosphere. Even if you are not a fan of historical sites, this is still worth visiting as the walk is very relaxing.

Food options near Osaka castle are likely to be more expensive and catered to tourists. Instead, let’s walk 20 minutes out to look for a hearty Udon meal. Check out Udama 谷町base for their signature chicken tempura and udon that can be served with hot soup or as cold noodles.

Crepe Aimer is just 2 minutes’ walk away from the Udon shop, where you can enjoy various types of Japanese-style crepes for dessert. We tried the Choco Banana flavour, and really enjoyed the soft texture of the crepe.

Nakazakicho and Umeda for cafes and shopping

Next we head to Nakazakicho , where you will find photographic streets lined with cafes, artistic shops, vintage clothes stores. It is a nice place to walk around post-lunch without much of an agenda.

Umeda shopping area is also nearby, and you can head up to the Hep Five Ferris Wheel (above Hep Five mall) for just 600 Yen. It is one of the main attractions of Umeda, and highly accessible. You should go up at around sunset time to enjoy the best panoramic views of the city. Within the Hep Five Mall , check out various Gashapon shops where you can pick up capsule toys as souvenirs.

Dotonburi feasting

The good thing about staying near Dotonburi is that you can take your time to eat and explore the food options over a few days. The large food displays on top of the stores such as the crabs, dumpling, octopus and noodles are sure to make your mouth water. Set aside some time to try Takoyaki, Yakisoba, Crab sushi, 10-Yen Cheese Waffle, Ramen, Dorayaki, Yakiniku, and more! When in doubt, just join the queue wherever you see locals.

Day 3: Nara Deer Park, More food hunting in Osaka

We went to SAKImoto Coffee again on this day, and also bought some bread from SAKImoto Bakery which was just opposite the cafe. If you are looking for something warm for breakfast, check out Chitose Udon in Namba, where locals start forming a line more than 1 hour before the opening time.

Nara Deer Park – a possible day trip from either Osaka or Kyoto

Let’s slow down today and head to Nara to visit the deer park. It only takes 40 minutes from either Osaka or Kyoto to get to Nara, and is an ideal day trip for first-timers. We wanted to spend at least 2 nights in Osaka, hence we came here before our Kyoto part of the trip.

Once you get there, walk towards the deer park where you will find vendors selling nutritious crackers that are designated for visitors to purchase to feed the deer. The deer are free roaming in the parks and it was a very new experience for us to interact with these cute animals up close. Some of them seemed to be full and did not react to us offering them the snacks.

Lunch and shopping in Higashimuki Shopping Street

As with most touristy places in Japan, you will need to get to the popular restaurants early to avoid disappointment. We went to Soba-dokoro Kitahara , a cozy traditional soba restaurant, at 1:30pm and waited for 2 hours to get seated as they were short-handed.

Despite that, it was a good dining experience as we got to try soba-yu, a type of rich and savory soup made with your remaining soba dipping sauce. We also enjoyed the tempura and sake that complemented our soba meal perfectly.

If you have more time you can make a visit to the other iconic shrines like Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha , where you will find beautiful historical architecture and gardens. Before you head back to Osaka, drop by the Higashimuki Shopping Street . It is also a great place to have lunch as you have many options.

There are also stores selling Japanese sweets like dango and mochi. There is a small shop called Nakatanidou where you can watch them demonstrate the traditional Japanese method of pounding mochi, and buy some freshly made mochi topped with nutty powder.

A special Yakiniku dinner

Finally, we head back to Osaka to rest before a lovely dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M . It is a premium yakiniku restaurant with enclosed 2-person rooms where you can enjoy delicious barbecue and excellent service. There is a minimum order of 1 set per person with prices starting from around 7,800 Yen before tax. You can be assured of the best meat quality and a cosy atmosphere.

The cherry on top was the delicious Matsusaka Beef garlic rice served in a stone pot. It was the perfect meal to conclude the Osaka portion of the trip. Do make reservations ahead of time, especially if you are planning this for a special celebration.

Day 4: Travel from Osaka to Kyoto, explore Nijo castle and Gion district

Morning trip from osaka to kyoto via train.

After checking out, the journey from Osaka to Kyoto will take around 1-hour. I recommend staying at Piece Hostel Sanjo because of the good service (English-speaking), great location, and affordability given the quality of the rooms. We paid around 6,000 Yen per night for a double room with shared bathroom. Check the latest prices for Piece Hostel Sanjo on Agoda , and you might find a great deal for your Kyoto accommodation.

They have female-only and all-gender bathrooms and showers, a well-renovated open kitchen for shared use, and cosy lounges to hangout with your takeout food. If you arrive early before the check-in time, they can help to store your luggage as you head out to explore the city.

Obanzai-style brunch

When we arrived in Kyoto at around 10:30am, we decided to grab a healthy brunch at Obanzai Nomura Nishiki , which was on the way from the station to our accommodation. Obanzai is a traditional Kyoto style of cuisine with small dishes served along with rice and soup. The ambience is nice and quiet, and some seats are on tatami mats in rooms with traditional interior design.

You can also make a visit to the nearby Nishiki Market where you can find various types of seafood. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs as well. After filling our stomachs, we dropped off our bags at the hostel and went to HUMAN MADE 1928 Cafe by Blue Bottle Coffee .

Nijo Castle

Similar to Osaka, there are many cultural sites to visit in Kyoto. Nijo Castle is the one you should not miss. It has great significance in Japan because it is the former residence of the Shogun. A Shogun is essentially a very important military leader in that era. Here, you get to tour inside the castle and imagine how times were like in the past. The beautiful architecture and gardens are also quite therapeutic. There is even a cherry blossom park with rows of these trees for those who are here in Spring.

Wandering Gion District, getting dinner and dessert

Next, we head on to the famous Gion district to try catching a glimpse of Geishas and their apprentice Maikos. Aside from that, visiting at sunset has a magical feeling as you walk along the cobblestone paths.

There are excellent photo opportunities where you can capture the Hokan-ji Temple in the backdrop of these streets. Locals and foreigners like to dress up in kimonos when they visit Kyoto, which helps to add colour to the crowd. I recommend wandering along Yasaka-dori , Nineizaka , Sanneizaka .

If you are a matcha-lover, you will be happy to know that there are tea ceremonies you can join. One of the highly rated places is Tea Ceremony Camellia FLOWER in Gion. They offer both private and group sessions, though you will likely need to book and pre-pay before the actual day. Other tea shops include Tsujiri Tea House where you can buy souvenirs.

After a long day, we sat down at Tokkyu Ramen for a hearty bowl of ramen. There are vegan options here as well. The service was fast and we thoroughly enjoyed the authentic simplicity of this shop. To end the day, we crossed the Kamo River to get a Matcha ice cream cone at BABBI GELATERIA KYOTO . We walked and talked the remaining 15 minutes of the way back to the hostel.

Day 5: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Bonsai garden tour

We set off early today to arrive at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest by 8am, which is located 45 minutes away from central Kyoto by train. There were barely any shops open at that time, so you might want to pack a snack before you go.

Strolling through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and breakfast

The famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is just a short stretch of walking path. It is better to arrive early as it will be more serene. By the time we were done taking photos and turned back, we saw that there was barely any space for people to take a photo without others in the background. Aside from that, I still recommend first-timers to visit and witness the majestic bamboo trees.

If you want to escape the crowd that will be pouring into Arashiyama town, head over to BREAD, ESPRESSO & ARASHIYAMA GARDEN . This cafe serves delicious breakfast sets and coffee, and is situated within tranquil Japanese gardens. We got a seat easily when we were there at 9:30am, which is another advantage of starting the day early.

Food and sights outside the Bamboo Forest

Continue on toward Togetsu-kyo Bridge , where you can cross towards the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama . We chose to give this a miss because we have seen monkeys multiple times in Singapore. Nonetheless, the scenery here is very calming and you can also go on a boat tour along the river. Coffee lovers will be thrilled that % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama is located at the river shore.

For lunch, we head out to Otsuka steak which is another 15-minute walk away. That’s right, it’s good to exercise before your meals. It is often described as a hidden gem where you get high quality beef at a good price. A short plate beef bowl set costs just around 2,000 Yen. As usual, try to make a reservation before heading over. In our case, we had an early lunch so there only a queue outside when we were leaving.

Visiting the star-studded Bonsai Garden in Daitokuji Temple

Next, we head to North Kyoto where you can visit the famous Kinkaku-ji Temple and Daitokuji Temple . Located just 40 minutes away from Otsuka, we chose to visit the Bonsai Garden in Daitokuji Temple as we wanted to spend unhurried time here. It is the first bonsai garden established within a zen temple, and houses an impression collection of old bonsai.

The entrance fee to this garden is only 1,000 Yen, yet the richness of the bonsai here is immeasurable. The oldest bonsai is an 800-year-old Japanese yew, and there are many others that are 250 years old. I cannot imagine the amount of work generations of families put in to shape each tree to its current form. It is truly a living art that celebrates patience and years of devotion.

Fushimi Inari Shrine has thousands of vibrant red torii gates that lead up the trail towards Mount Inari. Aside from being excellent for photos, they offer a unique atmosphere of serenity as they wind upwards through the forest. We decided to climb all the way to the top for the full experience. We started our day at Fushimi Inari Shrine at 7am, giving us sufficient time to walk at our own pace before a bigger crowd arrived. I enjoyed being able to take photos slowly and create memories without the pressure of people waiting behind.

Thankfully, the path down was a gentler slope down the looped trail. Stores begun to open by that time, selling souvenirs, drinks and snacks for visitors to get an energy boost. We continued out of the shrine area to get breakfast at Komeda Coffee . Originating from Nagoya, this coffee chain offers a charming setting for coffee and sandwiches.

Visiting Gekkeikan Sake Museum in Fushimi

Next, we head to South Kyoto to visit the Gekkeikan Sake Museum , which is only about 15 minutes away by train. Fushimi area is one of Japan’s leading sake-producing regions, and Gekkaikan played an important role. For just 600 Yen per person, you will receive a sake cup and 3 sake-tasting tokens. Sake enthusiasts will enjoy learning about the process of sake brewing and its history. Another interesting place to visit in Fushimi for sake tasting is Fushimi Sake Village . This is a multi-room style restaurant with over 100 types of sake you can try.

Shopping in Kyoto

As you come back to the city, check out the malls around the main station. Uniqlo is one of our favourite brands, and we purchased some of their clothes that we could not find online. There are also interesting items at Tokyu Hands such as a Black Pine starter growing set. Other interesting shops to check out include this Columbia Factory Store that embraces the traditional Japanese architecture. Be sure to bring your passport along if you want to make tax-free purchases. This usually requires a minimum purchase amount of 5,000 Yen.

Hakone Day-Trip Itinerary

Finally, we will be leaving the Kansai region of Osaka and Kyoto, and heading towards Hakone and Tokyo. Hakone is a scenic area near Mount Fuji that is accessible to Tokyo via day trips. Hence it is the perfect stopover for an immersion into the vast natural landscape of Lake Ashinoko .

Tips for transporting your luggage from Kyoto to Tokyo

One of the best tips for such a trip is to have your luggage transported from your hotel in Kyoto to your final destination in Tokyo. This is a service that is commonly offered by the hotels, and has become increasingly popular. I highly recommend this so that you can have a comfortable journey on the trains and buses. You will also not have to worry about the baggage size restrictions onboard the trains.

If you need extra confirmation, you could enquire with the hotel staff about this service upon booking. Most established hospitality chains will be able to help you with this. Otherwise you could head to convenience stores to get this done, though I have heard of people having difficulty this way due to a language barrier.

During our check out process at Piece Hostel Sanjo , we requested for this luggage forwarding to be done. The hotel staff got us to write down our hotel details and measured our luggage dimensions. They also made a call to the hotel that we wanted to send our luggage to in order to confirm our reservation. Finally, we paid about 2,000 Yen for each bag and the hotel staff handed us our delivery receipts. The actual price may vary depending on your luggage size.

That’s it – and all we did from then was track the luggage locations via our Apple AirTags for peace of mind. We could even see when they arrived in our Tokyo hotel.

After settling the luggage forwarding with the hotel, we brought our day bags and made our way to Kyoto Station to purchase our Shikansen train tickets.

Purchasing Shinkansen bullet train tickets for Kyoto to Odawara

We had not bought a JR Pass as we are not planning to make another long trip back. That meant that it was more economical for us to buy stand-alone tickets. Besides, the ICOCA cards made it very convenient for us to just tap in and out. I recommend arriving to the station 1 hour ahead of your scheduled ride if you need to purchase a ticket at the station.

The Shinkansen bullet train ride from Kyoto Station to Odawara only takes 2hr 5min via the Hikari train type. Remember to check the schedule for these Hikari trains, and make it for the correct timing. Do also look out for the train type before boarding so that you do not take the slower train by accident. Even though you might see other trains with the same destination, they might stop at several intermediate stops. This extends the travel time substantially.

Trying Ekiben bentos from the train station

Eating Ekiben bentos on a Shinkansen bullet train ride was something we looked forward to on this trip. They are traveller meals that are sold in the major train stations. In Kyoto, you can find them either before or after you enter the paid area. They are inexpensive and high quality nonetheless. If you have some time as you transit through the station, I highly recommend looking out for shops that sell Ekiben bentos and try one for your journey. There are also bakeries in the station if you are not too hungry.

Buying the Hakone Free Pass at Odawara

The easiest way to get around in Hakone is via the Hakone Free Pass . You can purchase it from a Tourist Service counter at Odawara, and it costs 5,000 Yen for 1 day. This gives you access to the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable cars, ropeways, and boats. This helps you to save on hassle and cost.

From Odawara, head onward to Hakone-Yumoto Station , the main entry point for the Hakone area. From there you can hope onto the bus service that will take you to your first stop.

Enjoying nature in Hakone and Onsen

We arrived in Hakone after lunch time, which meant that we did not have the full day to visit the exhibitions or museums in Hakone. For reference, it takes about 1 hour to get from the Hakone-Yumoto station to Lake Ashinoko via bus.

If you have more than one day in Hakone, here are some attractions to check out:

• Hakone Open Air Museum
• Owakudani Valley via the ropeway
• Hakone Shrine
• Lake Ashinoko

My favourite experience was the pirate cruise along Lake Ashinoko. With the Hakone Free Pass, we could go from Togendai port to both Motohakone and Hakonemachi port. As you travel along the lake, look out for Mount Fuji in the direction of Togendai port. You might be able to see it on a clear day, perhaps even snow-capped. Closer to Motohakone and Hakonemachi, you can also catch a glimpse of the bright red Hakone Shrine .

Dinner and breakfast options in Hakone

Booking an accommodation near the lake gives you the chance to take a walk by the water during sunset. Hotel Musashiya is an affordable option located near Motohakone port, and just a stone’s throw away from the lake. You get to enjoy the lake view from your room and opt to stay indoors instead. There is also an Onsen on the top floor of the hotel which overlooks the lake. You can also check out other unique ryokans in Hakone on Agoda .

There is an option to have both dinner and breakfast provided by the hotel, though it will not be cheap. This could be a good option for dinner because the restaurants tend to close early before sunset. Alternatively you can grab a cheap meal from the nearby convenience stores.

As for breakfast, I would recommend getting the hotel breakfast. They usually serve traditional Japanese breakfast which will be a unique experience.

Tokyo 2-Day Itinerary

The next day, we made our way back to Odawara Station via bus, and continued on to Tokyo via the Shinkansen bullet train. The journey will take between 1.5 to 2 hours depending on where you plan to go in Tokyo.

There are no rules about the type of activities you should do and places to visit in Tokyo. Here are some ideas for first-time visitors to Tokyo.

• Shopping for collectibles and electronics in Akihabara
• Admire the modern design of Odaiba
• Experience the thrill of the Shibuya road crossing
• Breakfast and coffee at Tsukiji Market

Where to stay in Tokyo

Best for skyline view and famous attractions: odaiba ($$$).

Odaiba felt like an upscale area because of the international name hotel chains there. The trains were different, and the streets feel much less crowded. It is a great place to stay if you want to have a breather from the busy city center.

You can enjoy the skyline across the sea during sunset and watch the city lights come on. It is a popular choice with families as well because of the nearby attractions like the Rainbow Bridge, the giant Gundam, and Tokyo Disneyland. Those who love shopping will also be happy to know there are many huge malls here.

We stayed at Hilton Tokyo Odaiba and highly recommend it for the ocean view and balcony area. The lobby was also very bright and inviting.

Best for food, shopping with connectivity to Mount Fuji: Ikebukuro ($) or Shinjuku ($$)

If all you care about in Tokyo is eating and shopping, look no further than the Shinjuku to Ikebukuro area.

Although Shinjuku is a little bit more expensive due to its popularity, you save a lot of time and energy just because it’s a major transport hub. It also connects you easily to Mount Fuji area with the highway bus services. You can browse Shinjuku hotels here on Agoda .

Ikebukuro is also a great choice for budget conscious travellers, and you can also spend a lot of time at the Sunshine City mall. If you love anime and all kinds of cartoon (like Disney and Sanrio), I think Ikebukuro will be a hit.

We stayed at the Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Ikebukuro for 5 nights and love that there’s a convenient store just downstairs. It also happens to be in the same building as Sunshine City hotel, hence the name. You can grab a quick breakfast in the mall before heading off for your adventures. Check the latest prices and deals for Sunshine City Prince Hotel on Agoda .

Best for cultural scene and connectivity to Nikko and Narita airport: Asakusa ($)

There are many affordable accommodations here including the APA hotel chain . You can easily find a room that enjoys the river view and is near the train station. It’s also a popular place for culture and good food without too much crowds, and is also a convenient place to get to Nikko National Park for a day trip. You can also take a direct train to Narita airport from Asakusa.

I share more about what you can do in Asakusa later on in this post. Meanwhile you can check out hotel options in Asakusa on Agoda.

Day 8: Shinjuku and Ikebukuro shopping, dining and bar-hopping

Shinjuku is one of the best places to stay because of its transportation connectivity, especially if you plan to make other day trips to the Mount Fuji area. There is so much to do in Shinjuku and you can find a wide variety of shopping and food options. My personal favourites are shopping at flagship stores, exploring izakayas, and searching out the best Japanese cuisine.

Shop for anything and everything in Shinjuku

One of the shops that blew my mind here was Alpen Tokyo . This flagship store in Shinjuku spans 8 floors, and has a huge range of outdoor gear. They carry gear made in Japan as well as all kinds of popular international brands. The best part is tax free shopping! Whether you are a solo hardcore camper, a casual outdoor person, or a family tripper, Alpen Tokyo will definitely have something for you.

Another cool shop to explore is Shinjuku Hands . You can find almost anything you need there, be it travel supplies, home decor, toys, plant items, and more. It is easy to get lost in the various sections and also a great place to shop for practical gifts and souvenirs.

Shinjuku izakaya, yakitori and bar hopping

Omoide Yokocho is one of the unique alleys in Tokyo that exude a uniquely Japanese charm. As the sun begins to set, store lights and lanterns turn on, making it a cool place to walk through and take photos. It is not a big area, and you will see small yakitori shops with 4 to 7 customers seated in each shop.

We went there in summer and sitting directly in front of the grill was like sitting in a sauna. There was also a minimum order of 2 skewers per person, and we took the chance to try a variety of items. Overall, it was a fun experience drinking whisky highball and enjoying some beef and fatty pork cheek skewers.

Afterwards, we went to Bar Composition to chill in air conditioning and enjoy some cocktails. This is one of the many bars you can explore in Shinjuku, and you could even sign up for bar hopping tours. The interior decor mimicked a forest environment with spa-type nature atmospheric sounds playing in the background. Our cocktails incorporated Japanese ingredients and were visually appealing, and the bar snacks were so tasty. I recommend this place for a quiet evening of chill drinks.

Visit Sunshine City in Ikebukuro if you love Studio Ghibli, Disney, Sanrio, and anime

Ikebukuro , slightly north of Shinjuku, is also a fun place to be with Sunshine City as one of the popular shopping complexes there. Did you know that there is an aquarium, a planetarium, as well as a museum there? Studio Ghibli lovers will also be delighted to find one of the official Ghibli stores, Donguri Kyowakoku , in Sunshine City. At the same time, you can visit the Disney store and Sanrio cafe all in the same mall.

Dine at a standing sushi bar at Ikebukuro station

Standing-only sushi bars are small cosy stores that people go for a quick sushi meal. I highly recommend Midori Sushi Echika Ikebukuro which is located in the underground linkway of Ikebukuro station. We spent about $27 SGD per person and tried so many different kinds of high quality sushi. The atmosphere was quiet and service was efficient. There are people eating alone as well, which seems to be quite a common thing here in Japan.

Asakusa is a charming area in Tokyo that embraces its traditional culture. You can find people dressed in Kimonos (including tourists), and rickshaw pullers taking people around for sightseeing and photo taking. It reminds me a little bit of Osaka and Kyoto, with a lot more dining options in the same area. If you are flying from Narita Airport, Asakusa station offers a direct train ride there.

Shopping in the Senso-ji area

Senso-ji is the famous shrine in Asakusa that most people come to see. There is a shopping street called Nakamise-dori where you can find souvenirs and street snacks. We bought Japanese Ukiyo-e art inspired postcards and also tried some red bean filled doll cakes (ningyoyaki).

Aside from walking down this crowded street, I recommend checking out Asakusa Menchi for their tasty fried pork croquet. If you need a break from walking all day, Coffee Tengoku serves pancake and coffee sets that will satisfy your sweet tooth. We also enjoyed the espresso based coffee at Sukemasa Coffee .

Try the famous Asakusa Gyukatsu

You have probably seen this hyped up on social media before – a restaurant where customers can grill beef steak cutlets on stone plates. There are several outlets in Tokyo, and this one is near the Asakusa station.

The best part is, prices are quite affordable despite its popularity. Set meals start from 1,930 Yen ($19 SGD) for a 130g portion of beef, and 3,060 Yen ($29 SGD) for 260g. They come with 3 side dishes – grated yam, spicy cod roe, and warabi mochi. You can even request for a free one time refill of barley rice. It was a really enjoyable experience and I highly recommend this as a must-try.

The waiting time can get quite long, so you should come here at off peak times. This might be because they like to seat all the customers at the same time and clear out the venue completely before letting in the next batch of customers. The restaurant space is also pretty small, but it gives you a sense of exclusivity. Like “wow, I managed to get a seat in this Gyukatsu restaurant to enjoy such exquisite cuisine!”

Which cities did we like the most – Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo?

Personally, Osaka and Kyoto really blew me away. I love that I can get amazing food anytime in Osaka, and that Kyoto showcases Japanese culture and aesthetic. If you need a peaceful getaway, I highly recommend Kyoto.

Hakone would make a nice nature-filled weekend trip for anyone who lives in Tokyo, though it can be a little expensive. Last but not least, Tokyo is a vibrant place with excellent food, service and efficiency. There is something for everyone in this city, no wonder it’s such a popular destination.

I hope you enjoyed this first-timer’s itinerary for Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo. Let me know what you think in the comments, and if you need a trip planner I’d be happy to help! Drop me an email at [email protected]

If you liked this post, check out:

• Amazing Japan Hiking Trips For Mountains, Lakes and Islands
• How To Explore Asakusa and Ueno For First-Timers
• A First Timer’s Guide To Hokkaido: Daisetsuzan & Furano
• 3 Days In Hokkaido Lake Camping & Onsen Hopping
• Sapporo 1 Day Itinerary (Fun Guide To Bicycle Sightseeing)
• 9 Unique Souvenirs To Buy From Japan That You’ll Actually Want
• Nikko 2-Day Itinerary: The Best Way For Nature Lovers
• Unforgettable Food You Need To Try in Tokyo
• Beautiful Tokyo Hiking Day Trips You Need To Try In Summer
• How To Go Hiking In Mount Takao: 8 Trails To Explore

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Love this article ! Thanks for sharing and where did you stay in Tokyo?

Hi! We mainly stayed in Prince Hotel Ikebukuro (Sunshine city)

Thank you so much for sharing your itineraries with so many details and explanations. We’ll be landing on Osaka on 20/02 and departing from Tokyo on 01/03. Thus we have full 9 days of touring from Osaka – kyoto – Tokyo. Will go nara, hakone if time is enough. Mt fuji is a must for us.

Hi Alan, I’m glad this was useful! 🙂 Sounds like a super fun trip! Hakone is close to Fuji, great choice! Seems like you’ll see snow on Mt Fuji during that time

Hi Janice, when was this trip done? I plan to go in Dec, would this itinerary be applicable in winter?thanks

Hi! We went in March, but I believe winter should be fine too! Just take note to check the closing times for various places during winter as they typically have shorter hours. Otherwise, winter time onsen and seeing Mount Fuji would be really nice!

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The best 10-Day Japan Itinerary: Exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

When you think of Japan, your mind automatically thinks of a calm and peaceful place. The people of Japan are polite and organized, which adds to the calmness of the place. Even though the place is quite peaceful, Japan is way ahead in terms of technology and smart utilization.

Now, if you want to experience the taste and culture of the place, it will definitely not happen in a day or two. 10 days are the minimum required days to visit the most beautiful and interesting places in Japan and get a proper experience of the culture. 

Planning a trip of 10 days can be a bit overwhelming. Which places to go? Where to stay? What to eat? So many questions! Well, this article is a complete guide to a 10-day Japan itinerary that will give you a detailed explanation of everything you need to do within these 10 days. Let’s begin!

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

When is the best time to visit Japan?

Before starting an entire plan for your trip, you must know when the right time for you is to visit. In general, the tourist season in Japan is during Spring and Autumn, which is from March to May and September to November. Now, you have to decide which time is perfect for you. 

If you ask me, I would definitely suggest that you should plan these 10 days trip around November because the weather during that time is amazing without having to face too many crowds of tourists. During this time, the temperature mostly stays between 12°C to 18°C. The temperature may fluctuate and get colder during the night. 

Since it is the start of the off-peak tourist season, the prices of flights and accommodations are going to be way more affordable! Mild temperatures, less rainfall, and great budget deals are the best reasons to visit Japan during November. 

However, if you are planning to see and experience the beautiful Sakura season (cherry blossoms), it is best to travel by the end of March or the beginning of April. It will be crowded because of other tourists, but the different places painted pink by nature is just worth it!

How much will you spend for 10-Day Japan Itinerary?

In general, it takes around $60 to $80 per day per person if you are looking for a budget-friendly trip to Japan. However, for a luxurious experience, it may take up to $200-$250 per day per person. 

I traveled to Japan with a friend according to this 10 days Japan itinerary, and it was not as expensive as we expected since we shared accommodations. However, it was not the most affordable option either. For two people, it was around $3000, where we spent about $1200 on accommodation and $650 for travel. You can say that it will take you around $150 per day to travel. 

However, if you go for cheaper options in terms of hotels and restaurants, you can save a little bit more. You can also go for tourist hostels, which is going to save a lot in terms of accommodation. The JR pass is going to come in handy if you plan a lot of train rides. 

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Starting in Tokyo is a great idea for a 10-day trip to Japan. Tokyo is a vibrant city that perfectly represents the energy of Japan. When you arrive, you’ll likely land at either Narita Airport or Haneda Airport. You can take the Narita Express to the city center, which takes about an hour from Narita to the city center.

Haneda Airport, also known as Tokyo International Airport, is closer to the city center and is a hub for budget airlines like AirAsia. To get to the city center from Haneda, you can take the Tokyo Monorail, which is covered by the  JR pass . Once you’re in Tokyo, you can explore the city’s many attractions and experience its unique culture.

Since it will be your first day of travel with so much journey, you are most probably going to be jetlagged. It is best to avoid heavy traveling on that day and just relax in your hotel or AirBnB before exploring the area a little. 

If you want to explore the city efficiently, I suggest you stay somewhere in near Shibuya. The place is filled with interesting restaurants and bars where you can explore authentic Japanese cuisine. You can also go shopping around the area and end your day with the most beautiful sunset. 

However, if you are completely determined not to waste a single day, you can try exploring Asakusa . Asakusa is one of the districts of Tokyo that has entertainment all over the place. Temples, shrines, shopping streets, parks – Asakusa has everything for you!

Here are some of the places at Asakusa you can choose to visit after you arrive in Tokyo.

Sensoji Temple

One of the main attractions of Asakusa is the Sensoji Temple. The word “Sensoji” itself means Asakusa Temple. It was built way back in the 7th century and is one of the oldest constructions in Japan. 

Location:  2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032

Opening hours:  6 AM to 5 PM (6:30 AM from October to March)

Admission:  Free

Nakamise Shopping Street

Located on the main approach to Sensoji Temple, the Nakamise Shopping Street is a bustling hub of traditional Japanese souvenirs, snacks, and sweets. With over 50 shops lining the 250-meter street, tourists can find a wide variety of local specialties to take home as souvenirs of their trip.

From unique trinkets to delicious treats, the Nakamise Shopping Street offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to make your trip to Sensoji Temple even more memorable!

Opening hours:  Usually from 9 AM to 6 PM, depending on individual shops 

Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center

The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center , built in 2012, is a must-see attraction for both tourists and locals due to its impressive architecture. With eight floors, the center offers information desks in multiple languages, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the rich culture of the area.

There is also free Wi-Fi available, along with a nice café and an observation deck. You can enjoy a nice view of Nakamise Shopping Street and Sensoji Temple from the observation deck.

Location:  2 Chome-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0034

Opening hours:  Every day from 9 AM to 10 PM

Where to stay in Tokyo?

Since your flights are going to be based in Tokyo, it’s best to stay in the city itself to make the most of your time there. Tokyo offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels and AirBnBs, which are perfect for short stays. With so many neighborhoods to choose from, you can find a location that suits your preferences and budget.

You can book your hotel in  Shibuya  in advance to avoid last-minute hassle. You will find different hotels according to your budget and preference with great deals! If you prefer staying near the train station within walking distance of your hotel after a tiring day, you can always look for hotels in  Ginza  or  Tokyo Station . 

Shinjuku is also a great place to stay in Tokyo because of its diverse environment and great access to facilities. You will be close to Shinjuku Station, which is a very busy place for passengers traveling around. You will find some  great deals on accommodation  at a variety of expense ranges depending on your budget. 

Day 2: Discover Tokyo’s Landmarks

Staying for a day in Tokyo will be so unfair! You are going to miss out on a bunch of things. On day 2, it is time for you to explore this amazing city. Here are a few places you can choose to visit during your exploration according to your preference:

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree , standing at a height of 634 meters, is one of the tallest towers in the world and a popular tourist destination in Tokyo. Situated just a few kilometers away from the historic Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, the tower boasts a massive shopping mall and an aquarium at its base, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists in Tokyo. 

It is best to take a bus to reach Tokyo Skytree from Asakusa or Ueno Station. If you take a bus from Ueno Station, it is going to take you about 30 minutes to reach there, costing ¥220. From Asakusa, it will take about 16 to 20 minutes, costing ¥160. 

People usually get tickets from the counter, but you can also  book tickets in advance ,   which will cost you less and allow you to be free from the hassle of buying tickets on the spot.

Location:  1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045

Opening Hours:  Every day from 10 AM to 8 PM (Entry allowed till 7 PM)

Same-day ticket

You can buy same-day tickets directly from the ticket counter on the 4th floor of the structure. You can expect same-day tickets to sell out, so it is best to book your ticket in advance. 

First observatory: ¥2100 on weekdays and ¥2300 on weekends or holidays

Both observatories: ¥3100 on weekdays and ¥3400 on weekends or holidays

Meiji-Jingu Shrine

For those seeking a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, the Meiji-Jingu Shrine is a must-visit destination. This serene shrine is nestled within a lush forest, dedicated to the memory of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Take a stroll through the tranquil grounds and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Located conveniently near both Meiji-jingu Station and Harajuku Station, the Meiji-Jingu Shrine is just a short 10-minute walk away from either stop. For visitors looking to explore the area, taking this route is highly recommended.

Location:  1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557

Opening hours:  Every day from 5:20 AM to 5:20 PM

Harajuku and Akihabara

Exploring Harajuku and Akihabara is always a good idea for fashion or anime freaks. Game centers, anime shops, and maid café – all are worth exploring according to your mood!

Ameyoko Shopping District

The Ameyoko Shopping District in Tokyo is a bustling market where visitors can experience traditional Japanese cuisine. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide what to try. However, after sampling a variety of dishes, there are a few standout items that are not to be missed. Here are some of my personal favorites that are sure to delight your taste buds.

• Takoyaki at Minatoya 
• Grilled Chicken Skewers
• Chicken Karaage at Chicken Man
• Chinese Street Food at Tentenraku
• Sweets at Kimi Noen
• Daifuku Mochi at Shimura Candy Shop

Apart from these, you can always try out the fruit stalls for amazing fruity items like salads and juices or visit the interesting pubs and standing bars for a good time. There is something for everyone in this market!

Robot Restaurant

Located in the bustling district of Shinjuku, the Robot Restaurant is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and unforgettable dining experience. With its futuristic theme featuring robots, dancers, and lasers, this restaurant promises to deliver an evening of excitement and entertainment like no other. Don’t miss out on the chance to add some thrill to your day plan with a visit to the Robot Restaurant!

Location:  〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−7−7 B1F

Opening hours:  According to show timing from Friday to Wednesday 

Admission:  ¥8,000 per person entrance fee and optional meal fee of ¥1,000

Day 3: Day trip to the coastal town of Kamakura

On day 3 of this Japan itinerary, it is time for you to escape the busy vibes of Tokyo and take a day trip to the coastal town of Kamakura. There, you can visit several soothing temples and shrines, or you could also go to beaches and hiking spots. 

From Tokyo Station, JR Yokosuka Line directly connects to Kamakura Station. You can reach Kamakura Station from Tokyo Station within an hour, which will cost you ¥950. Yokohama Station, Shinagawa Station, and Kita-Kamakura Station will be on your way to Kamakura.

Kotoku-in Temple

The main attraction of Kotoku-in Temple is the giant Buddha statue. It is about 37ft tall and was constructed way back in 1252. You can just walk around the temple to relax and explore. 

If you start from the Hase Station, this temple is only 450 m away. You can easily walk there within less than 10 minutes. It is located in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is to the south of Tokyo. If you take a JR Yokosuka train from Tokyo Station, you can reach there within an hour.

Location:  4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016

Opening hours:  8 AM to 5:30 PM (April to September) and 8 AM to 5 PM (October to March)

Admission:  ¥200 to the temple grounds (additional 20 yen to enter the statue)

Kamakura Hasedera

Kamakura Hasedera is famous for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon. The statue is the goddess of mercy. You can take beautiful pictures there and explore the gardens surrounding it 

You can also visit the Kannon Museum next to the temple to explore quite interesting elements, such as picture scrolls, Buddhist statues, bells, etc.

You can end your relaxing day trip by going back to the Kamakura Hasedera and enjoying the most beautiful sunset. I swear, it is worth it!

Kamakura Hasedera is only about 5 minutes’ walk from Hase Station (it is the third station from Kamakura, which is on the Enoden railway line). You can easily find its terminal station in Kamakura. It is located right next to the JR Kamakura Station.

Location:  3 Chome-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016

Opening hours:  8:00 to 5:00 

8:00 to 5:30 (April to June)

No admission 30 minutes prior to closing

Admission:  ¥400 (children from age 6 to 11: 200 yen)

Kannon Museum

Location:  〒248-0016 Kanagawa, Kamakura, Hase, 3 Chome−11−2 長谷寺

Opening hours:  9 AM to 4:30 PM 

Admission:  ¥300

Where to stay in Kamakura?

You can either return to your hotel in Tokyo after your day trip to Kamakura, or you can easily book your hotel in Kamakura according to your budget and preferences. Most tourists tend to rush back to Tokyo after their short trip to this historical place, but there is no harm in having some information in advance about the accommodation of Kamakura.

You will find luxurious hotels such as WeBase KAMAKURA Resort Hotel & Hostel, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kamakura-Ofuna kasamaguchi, etc., or affordable guest houses like Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kamakura-Ofuna Higashiguchi in Kamakura to stay overnight and energize for your next destination!

Day 4: Mount Fuji and Hakone

Mount Fuji is one of the most desired views of Japan for tourists. It is an active volcano, and it last erupted way back in 1707. When the weather is clear, it can be seen from a number of places, such as Fujinomiya, Gotemba, Yokohama, etc. Another amazing way to view this beautiful scenery is while traveling between Osaka and Tokyo on a train. 

During my visit, I traveled to Hakone for a day to view it. It is at the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, where tourists and local people visit to enjoy the natural beauty. Hakone is just a few hours away from Tokyo, and you can go there by bus, train, or car. 

One of my other favorite places to view Mount Fuji is from Oshino Hakkai Village . It is another famous tourist spot that has eight beautiful ponds in Oshino. The ponds are filled with the snow that has melted from Mountain Fuji for over 80 years! The view is spectacular and worth it.

The JR pass is going to come in handy if you pick the train. You can travel from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, which will be covered by your pass, and reach Odawara Station. From there, you have to reach Hakone-Yumoto station through another train.

If you want to travel directly, you can also take a direct train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, which will probably take you around 80 minutes. 

Even though the bus is not the most preferred option, you can choose this option if you don’t like trains. You have to start from the Shinjuku stop to Lake Ashi, which is going to take around 2 hours, depending on the roads and traffic. 

Road trips can be made more special without public transport. Hence, booking a car can be one of the convenient options. You can easily  rent a car for a day , which will pick you up from the airport and take you to your destination. It is an expensive option and can cost you more than ¥6000. 

Climbing Mount Fuji

You may also prefer climbing Mount Fuji , which is a super adventurous experience considering it is the tallest mountain in Japan. If you are worried about how many days it can take, you can relax. Climbing Mount Fuji will take around 10 hours or less if you are fit enough. However, people are mostly advised to stay in a hut for the night after climbing and start their return journey the next morning. 

The official season for this activity Is from early July to the middle of September. You will find the weather to be mild and with no snow, which is a great environment for beginners.

During the official climbing season, the cost per person is around ¥1000 which is collected at the station near the base of the mountain. The mountains are divided into 10 stations, with the first one being at the base and the last one being near the peak. 

The overnight staying cost at a hut is around ¥9000 to ¥14000 per person, and you will be provided with two meals. People also rent huts for resting, which cost around ¥1000 to ¥3000, with paid toilets (¥200 to ¥300). 

Day 5: Travel to Osaka

After Tokyo, Osaka is one of the largest metropolitan areas of Japan. It is located in the Kansai region and was initially called Naniwa. Your 10 days Japan itinerary will be incomplete without Osaka! The most attractive elements of Osaka are the super delicious food, vibrant culture, and busy streets.

Osaka is only a short train ride away from popular areas like Kyoto and Nara. You can book your train and plan your trip to Osaka with your choice of transportation and accommodation. 

If you are traveling from Tokyo, you can choose from – flight , bus, or train . The fastest train options such as Shinkansen JR Central can be a little expensive but the cheaper options can take up to 8 hours of journey. Nozomi is one of the fastest train services that can take you from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station within around 2.5 hours for approximately ¥14000. Busses are available for around ¥4000 but they are super time-consuming!

When I traveled to Osaka, I only stayed in a budget hotel because I mostly stayed out exploring and eating. If you plan to stay in Osaka for longer, I suggest you go for a  traditional ryokan  for a memorable experience of Japanese culture.  

Dotonbori: Visit the Most Popular district of Osaka.

If you’re looking for the ultimate Osaka experience, make sure to visit Dotonbori district. Known as the “Mecca of kuidaore food culture,” this area is home to the iconic Dotonbori Canal and a plethora of popular tourist attractions.

Take in the vibrant colors and neon lights as you explore the bustling entertainment and shopping center. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the famous “Glico Man” billboard, which has been a fixture in the area since 1935.

Entrance fee : Free

Timings : Open 24 hrs.

Address : 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka

Osaka Castle Park 

Exploring Osaka Castle Park

Now, let’s talk about all the amazing places to visit in Osaka. I would suggest that you start with the Osaka Castle Park. Osaka Castle Park mainly has two attractive spots – the castle tower and Nishinomaru Garden. 

If you enter the castle tower, you will see how modernized it is now. You can even have access to an elevator to take you to different levels. There is also an interesting museum inside that narrates so much about the history of the castle. 

Surrounding the castle tower, there is Nishinomaru Garden, which is filled with 609 cherry trees. You can. Even find a tea house and an old Osaka Guest House. The view is spectacular, and you will need an admission fee for the garden. 

Castle Tower

Location:  1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002

Opening hours:  Everyday 9 AM to 5 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)

Closed:  December 28th to January 1st 

Admission:  ¥600

Nishinomaru Garden

Location:  2 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002

Opening hours:  9 AM to 5 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM from November to February) and open till 9 PM through cherry blossom season

Closed:  Monday and December 28th to January 1st

Admission:  ¥200 (¥350 during cherry blossom season)

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Osaka (Japan)

If you love theme park entertainment and rollercoaster, don’t forget to check out Universal Studios Japan. It is the first-ever theme park in Asia that was built under the Universal Studios brand. 

Apart from all the super fun rides, there is so much more to do! You can click funny pictures with several famous characters, such as Snoopy and Hello Kitty. 

You can easily reach there by bus, train or ferry. 

There are several train options to reach Universal Studios Japan. You can take a train to the Universal City Station (a 5 minutes’ walk from the USJ) on the JR Yumesaki Line. You can also take one of the many direct trains from Osaka Station. It will take around 15 minutes and cost 190 yen. 

You can take a bus from the Kansai Airport directly to Universal Studios Japan. The buses leave every hour and will take you around 50 to 70 minutes for 1600 yen. From Itami Airport, it will take you 45 minutes for 940 yen. You can also go for overnight buses from several cities all over Japan that has a stop near USJ. 

Captain Line is a ferry service that travels to Universal Studios, Japan, from Osaka Aquarium. The trip takes around 10 minutes for 800-yen one way and 1500 yen both ways. You will find around 1 or 2 ferries every hour. You can also purchase a ticket for the aquarium along with the ferry ride for 2900-yen one way and 3600 both ways. 

Location:  2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031

Opening hours:  Usually every day from 9 AM to 8 PM

Admission:  

¥5,400 to 6,300 (4 to 11 years old)

¥8,400 to 9,400 (12 to 64 years old)

¥7,600 to ¥8,500 (65 years or older)

Passes include all the rides for as many times as you want, which you can buy from their official website, partner hotels, counter, or  Klook . 

Osaka Takoyaki Park

Osaka Takoyaki Park is located 5 minutes of walk away from Universal Studios Japan, which is a collection of 5 amazing Takoyaki restaurants. Takoyaki roughly translates to fried octopus and the 5 different restaurants serve dishes related to this concept inspired from 5 different localities of Japan.

The different varieties of food items are something you can’t miss, so don’t forget to add this place to your trip to Universal Studios Japan! You can expect to spend around ¥1000 per person if you try their food.

Location: Japan, 〒554-0024 Osaka, Konohana Ward, Shimaya, 6 Chome−2−61 ユニバーサルシティウォーク大阪 ４Ｆ

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM

Admission: Free

Where to stay in Osaka?

You can find tons of hotels in Osaka starting from an affordable range to an expensive one. However, if you are not going to stay in Osaka for more than a day, it is best to look for budget-friendly dorms and hostels.

Day 6: Travel to Kyoto from Osaka

Once you’ve finished exploring Osaka, it’s time to make your way to Kyoto. Luckily, there are several options for traveling between the two cities. Check out my separate article on how to travel from Osaka to Kyoto , which covers everything you need to know for a smooth journey.

Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, Kyoto is a much more soothing place that holds the ancient aesthetic of Japan. As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is a city concentrated on history and tradition. It is a must-visit for tourists because Kyoto has some of the most iconic cultural and historical sites, such as ancient temples and shrines, wonderful gardens, iconic streets, etc. 

Moreover, it is just not about the beautiful sites. It is also about the vibe of the city. If you are lucky, you can come across people in authentic Geisha attire that will portray a significant part of Japanese culture.

Kyoto is very close to Osaka, and you can reach there within 15 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. It will cost you around ¥1420 for a bullet train.

On your first day in Kyoto, you can do some light traveling, like walking around the streets of Gion, Geisha district, or Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. 

Where to stay in Kyoto?

Since you are going to spend more than a day in Kyoto, it is smart to look for a form of accommodation there beforehand. There are a number of options that you can try out Airbnb, hotels, and studio apartments – you can book anything in advance according to your preference. 

I found an amazing studio apartment for myself where we had access to a small kitchen, bathroom, washing machine, and WiFi. We did not even have to contact the owners because the entire process was online.

Day 7: Explore Kyoto

On your second day in Kyoto, it is time to have some fun. You can always start your exploration of Kyoto by visiting some of the iconic temples and shrines. 

Kinkakuji Temple

I started with the Kinkakuji Temple, which is also known as the Golden Pavilion since the top two floors of the temple are entirely enveloped in gold leaf. 

The temple was initially called Rokunji, which was the retirement villa belonging to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. He decided to make it a Zen temple after his death back I. 1408.

To reach Kinkakuji Temple, take a direct Kyoto Cuty Bus (101 or 205) from the Kyoto Station. It will take around 40 minutes and cost ¥230. If you want a faster route, you could take the Karasuma Subway Line that goes to Kitaoji Station, which will take you around 15 minutes and cost ¥260. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to the temple. 

Location:  1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361

Opening hours:  Every day from 9 AM to 5 PM 

Admission:  ¥500

Fushimi Inari Shrine

After that, you can visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine , which is famous for its thousands of crimson torii gates. An interesting fact about the Torii gates is that they represent donations from people or companies. If you look closely, you will notice the name of the donator and the date when the donation was made carved in the Torii gates along the entire trail.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is located a short walk away from Fushimi Inari Station. After reaching the second station from Kyoto Station, you will find it right outside of JR Inari Station. It is 5 minutes journey and will cost you 150 yen. 

Location:  68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882

Opening hours:  Always open

Apart from sightseeing, you can try out the food specialties of Kyoto to experience the culture better. I have tried out some of the amazing food items in Kyoto, and the taste is still unforgettable! I would recommend you try out Nishin Soba, Obanzai, or Saba Sushi. 

Nishin Soba is their special buckwheat noodles cooked in soya stand sugar that adds a unique blend of flavors to the dish. The best places to try it out are Matsuba and Ogawa. 

Location:  〒600-8214 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokoji Takakuracho, 8-3

Opening hours:  Every day from 11 AM to 9 PM 

Location:  515 Anenishinotoincho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8273

Opening hours:  12 PM to 2 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday), 6 PM to 9 PM (Monday, Wednesday)

Closed:  Sunday 

If you are a vegetarian, you are not missing out. Obanzai is a combination of a lot of small dishes that mainly consist of vegetables. Fresh vegetables are cooked in a delicious broth, which is something you don’t want to skip. I loved the Obanzai from Oryori Menami and Aisani.

Oryori Menami

Location:  〒604-8004 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakajimacho

Opening hours:  3 PM to 9:30 PM

Closed:  Wednesday 

Location:  〒600-8018 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward

Opening hours:  5 PM to 10 PM

Closed:  Tuesday 

A trip to Japan is incomplete without having some good sushi. After all, Japan is the land of authentic sushi! Unlike Obanzai, Saba Sushi is a delicacy because of its excellent flavors from fish fat and vinegar. I would highly recommend visiting Chidoritei or Hisagozushi for Saba Sushi.

Location:  〒605-0806 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Rokukencho, 203

Opening hours:  11 AM to 6 PM

Closed:  Thursday

Hisagozushi

Location:  344-3 Shioyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8027

Opening hours:  10 AM to 7 PM

Day 8: Day trip to Nara

Nara is such a unique place that it deserves an entire day from your 10 days Japan itinerary to be explored. There is so much to enjoy! I started my trip to Nara by visiting the famous Nara Park. It was developed back in 1880 as a central park in Nara. 

You can take the Miyakoji rapid train, which costs ¥720 and is covered by the JR Pass. It will take only 45 minutes as Nara is close to Kyoto. You can also go for Kintetsu Railway, which costs ¥1280 and also takes around 45 minutes from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station. Since Nara and Kyoto are close enough, you can easily go back to your hotel in Kyoto through the same train services you arrive.

The most interesting part of Nara Park is that there are over 1000 deer freely roaming all over the place. The deer are super friendly and interactive with the visitors. You can feed them special crackers, which are available in several stalls all over the park. It truly is a super fun and unique experience. 

You can easily walk to Nara Park from Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station. It will take 5 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station and 20 minutes from JR Nara Station. If you prefer bus rides, you can easily take a bus to reach several bus stops near the park. 

Opening hours:  Everyday 24 hours

Nara National Museum

If you are a fan of historical elements and art, Nara National Museum is just perfect for you! It has the culture and art of ancient Japan, which includes Buddha Statues and scrolls. 

This art museum mainly has Japanese Buddhist art and was formed back in 1889. The building holds its original format along with a joined wing that is connected to the original building. 

The museum is located in Nara Park, so you can easily visit thereafter your fun session of feeding deer and exploring the park. 

Opening hours:  9 AM to 5 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)

Closed:  Mondays and December 28th to January 1st 

Admission:  General Price – ¥700 (¥600 each if you are in a group of 20+ visitors)

College Student Price – ¥350 (¥300 each if you are in a group of 20+ visitors)

Day 9: Trip to Kobe

An entire day trip dedicated to Kobe is just worth it. My favorite part was the Kobe beef. Kobe beef is world-famous for its amazing flavor and tender texture. You can visit several meat markets to see the process and learn more about beef. There are several restaurants out there that sell amazing Kobe beef, and you can enjoy a lavish dinner or lunch there. 

From Kyoto, you can hop on a bus or train to reach Kobe. It takes around 30 minutes by train and 1.5 hours by bus. Even though the bus seems to be the cheapest option, taking the train will save you a lot of time.

The JR Pass will come in handy if you take the Shinkansen to reach the Shin-Kobe Station. It will only take around 32 minutes but will not drop you at Sannomiya Station, which is more convenient. To reach Sannomiya Station, you will have to take the Hankyu Kyoto Line, which will take around 70 minutes.

I absolutely loved trying out the Kobe beef dishes at  Kobe Beef Kisshokichi Honten . The meat was super fresh and tender, with lots of varieties in the dishes. 

Location:  2 Chome-4-14 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0022

Opening hours:  11 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM 

The Kitano-cho neighborhood is popular for having several beautiful European-styled mansions and buildings. There are also many embassies and consulates all over the area. It was a great place to walk around and visit different types of houses and see the beautiful architecture. 

The area Is located at the base of the Rokko mountain range, and you can get there by 10 to 15 minutes of walking from the Sannoniya or Shin-Kobe Stations. 

You can visit about 2 to 8 houses for ¥650 to ¥3000. The tickets are available at the desks of respective houses, and you can also purchase combination tickets for a better value. 

Sannomiya-Motomachi Area

End your day with a nice visit to the Sannomiya-Motomachi Area. The area is filled with hundreds of food stalls and restaurants that you can try out for some fun street food items. I had a lot of snacks such as duck skin crisp, pork belly, and lemon cocktail, which was an amazing end to my day trip. 

The area Is located a 5 minutes’ walk from Motomachi station, where you can find the most famous Chinatown of Japan, Nankin-machi. The stores are located in that area. 

Location:  1 Chome-3-18 Sakaemachidori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0023

Day 10: Back to Tokyo

On your final day in Japan, you cannot do much traveling because of your flight. However, if you have a late flight, you could take a few short visits to some interesting places. 

Tsukiji Outer Market 

You can enjoy a fun breakfast at any of the stalls or café in the market. There are a lot of options for everyone. Sushi, seafood, street food – you name it!

The market is just a short walk away from Tsukiji Shijo Station. You have to take the Oedo Subway Line. If you use the Tsukiji Station, you can take the Hibiya Subway Line, which will also end up a 5 minutes’ walk from there. 

Tokyo Station

Tokyo > Maruncho Subway Line > Ginza > Hibiya Subway Line > Tsukiji Station

The entire journey takes about 10 minutes and will cost you ¥180.

Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku Station > Oedo Subway Line > Tsukiji Shijo Station 

It will take you around 20 minutes and cost you ¥280.

Location:  4 Chome-16-2 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045

Opening hours:  8 AM to 2 PM

Closed:  Wednesday and Saturday 

Shopping in Ginza

If you are a fan of luxury brands, you could do a little last-minute shopping at Ginza before you leave. It is the most expensive area in Tokyo and has amazing shops like Ginza SIX and Ginza Mitsukoshi for getting authentic products. You will find expensive stores like Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc., as well as affordable options like Uniqlo, Zara, GAP, etc.

Ginza has something for everyone!

Location:  Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061

Now that you have a detailed overview of your 10 days Japan itinerary let’s look at other necessary information that you need to have a smooth trip. 

Getting around in Japan (Japan Rail Pass)

Japan Rail Pass is an important factor to consider if you plan to travel long distances using the train. The JR pass can be used only by foreigners at a very lower cost for rides compared to what local Japanese pay. You can basically purchase 3 categories of the JR pass for 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. Each comes in two options – ordinary and green car. 

  Number   of   days

  Green   Car

7 consecutive days

14 consecutive days

21 consecutive days

For your 10 days Japan itinerary, I would suggest you buy the 7 days pass and activate it when you start going for long train rides the most. It will work for 7 consecutive days, so plan accordingly. Moreover, it is important to note that the JR pass will not give you access to all the trains. Even though you will get access to most of them, it is important to know which ones. Here is the list: 

• Tokyo Monorail to/from Haneda Airport
• JR Ferry to Miyajima
• A few local JR buses.

I went for the ordinary option because it was more affordable and good enough. If you want a luxurious experience, you can always go for the green car for more foot space and better service. 

Useful packing tips for your 10 days in Japan

Packing wisely can be super helpful for your trip. I highly recommend packing light because you will be traveling to a lot of places within 10 days, so you have to stay at more than one hotel or apartment. Dealing with all the heavy luggage can be such a headache at that time!

Pack according to the weather

Even though this one is pretty obvious, many people mess up with it. Never forget to check the weather of your destination beforehand to pack accordingly. For cold times, don’t forget your warm and cozy outfits. For summer, bring in your flowery and breezy dresses! However, you must also carry a set of clothes contrasting the weather to be prepared for anything unexpected. Carrying a small umbrella will also come in handy because you never know about the rain in Japan sometimes!

As already mentioned before, you may consider packing light since you will be staying at multiple places during your whole 10 days Japan itinerary. Only pack light and comfy clothes so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest!

Clothing and accessories

Even though you should pack light, you should never be under-prepared. There can be unexpected rain or other weather conditions, so you should pack raincoats, portable umbrellas, and a set of clothing that contrasts with your expected weather. 

Electrical components

You should know that Japan uses 2-pronged “Type A” type (100 Volt, 50-60 Hz) outlets. Travel adapters are needed for all devices if your devices have plugs that are 3-pronged or European/UK-styled. You will also need a power converter if you are planning to carry a hair dryer or a curling iron that uses high power. 

Garbage bags

It will be wise to carry garbage bags with you to keep your trash until you find a place to throw them away. Surprisingly, I found very few trash cans on the roads of Japan, which made it difficult for me to carry all the trash. Carry them in a disposable bag until you find somewhere designated to throw garbage. 

Comfortable shoes

Whether you are traveling to Japan or anywhere else in the world, if it involves walking around, you must carry comfortable shoes. I would suggest you do not carry a lot of pairs of shoes because they are going to be a hassle to carry and take up a lot of space in your bag. Carry versatile shoes that are easy to wear and take off and super comfortable to support all day!

Language book

A language book that translates Japanese into your language is going to be so helpful in communicating with the local people. Not everyone is going to understand English, so you should carry a small book that will help you with basic communication. 

Carry extra bags.

You cannot imagine leaving Japan without so many cute and fun souvenirs! Making space in your original luggage can be challenging, so I would suggest you always carry an extra bag to carry all the memories from your trip.

Pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi is another essential for your trip. You may need to access the internet throughout your trip to get to know about locations or how to reach somewhere. To avoid any hassle, you can simply order your pocket WiFi beforehand or rent it . Many services even deliver it to your hotel, so it will be super easy to have access to unlimited internet and stay connected to your friends and family.

Nobody wants their battery to be dead during a trip. So, don’t risk it. Carry your power bank everywhere to charge your phone whenever needed. You just can’t afford to have a dead phone during emergencies in a foreign country.

Cash Yes, Japan is a technologically advanced country, but you should be prepared for not being able to use your cards in several places. Carrying almost half of your spending budget in cash is highly recommended to avoid any inconveniences. To make it safer, do not carry all of them everywhere you go. Just make an estimate and carry them with your trip and leave the rest in your hotel.

Some common Japanese phrases

Hello/Good Afternoon: Konnichiwa

Goodbye: sayonara

Please: kudasai

Thank you: arigatō

You are welcome: douitashimashite

Excuse me: sumimasen

Sorry: gomennasai

Delicious: Oishi

Where is the toilet: benjo wa doko desu ka?

So, you speak English: Eigo wo hanasemasu ka

Does anyone speak English: Eigo no hanaseru hito wa imasen ka

I only speak a little Japanese: Watashi wa nihongo ga sukoshishika hanasemasen

Is it worth getting pocket Wi-Fi in Japan?

In general, you will mostly need an internet connection for a lot of things in Japan. Even though you may get free Wi-Fi in your hotel or Ryokan, you need access to the internet for a lot of things outside, such as checking your train schedule, translating the language, finding out your location, connecting to people, etc.

The best thing to do is to get a  pocket Wi-Fi  for all time internet connection wherever you go. It sounds exactly like it is. You can easily carry it everywhere with you in a pocket! You can order it to receive it at your hotel and return it from there by the end of your trip. One pocket Wi-Fi can be used to provide internet access to up to 10 devices so you can easily share it with your friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Japanese food vegetarian-friendly?

Japanese food has great vegetarian options if you do your research beforehand. If you randomly decide to eat vegetarian food somewhere, you may not find good items. It is best to look for good Japanese restaurants that sell pure vegetarian food, as sometimes the chef may garnish vegetarian food with fish or meat flakes.

Is it worth going to Japan for 10 days?

If you want to have a proper trip to Japan, 10 days is the optimal timeframe. You are not going to regret it if you like the idea of their culture and lifestyle. However, you can also make a 7 days trip and skip a few destinations according to your preference. Some people also stretch a few days to have a trip of two weeks because there is just so much to see!

Do I need cash in Japan?

Even though most places accept credit cards in urban areas, temples, and shrines may not accept that. You need cash in rural areas to buy tickets and snacks. 

Should I get yen before going to Japan?

It is recommended to exchange some yen before your trip, but not all of it. You can exchange money at the airport or at a bank in Japan. It is also recommended to bring a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, as many places in Japan accept credit cards.

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7 days in Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

• Post author By Project Gora
• Post date January 24, 2023
• 5 Comments on 7 days in Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

As a seasoned traveler with a deep love for Japan, I’ve carefully crafted this 7 days in Japan Itinerary to ensure you make the most of your week-long journey. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Tokyo and Osaka, the historic streets of Kyoto and Nara, and the breathtaking Mt. Fuji. Read on to plan your dream Japan adventure!

7 days in Japan Itinerary: Highlights

• Food trip in Osaka
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan
• Nara Day Trip from Osaka/Kyoto
• Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan
• Cherry Blossom viewing in Tokyo

Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo

• DisneySea/Disneyland from Tokyo

This itinerary is specifically designed for first-time visitors to Japan who plan to spend 7 days and 6 nights in the country. The trip will begin at Osaka’s Kansai International Airport and end at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, or vice versa.

Day 1 (Osaka)

Choose a flight that arrives in Osaka earlier in the day, providing you with the opportunity to explore the city in the afternoon. This will allow you to combat jet lag and become familiar with Japan’s transportation system during the initial hours of your arrival.

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport , you can check in to a hotel or guesthouse of your choice. For convenience, I recommend staying near the city center, specifically in areas near train stations like Umeda and Namba . This will give you easy access to a wide range of dining options and popular tourist attractions.

To kick off your Osaka adventure, I suggest starting in the afternoon by visiting Osaka Castle . The castle can be easily accessed from a number of train lines. The nearest JR station is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line. After exploring the castle, you can visit other attractions in the area, such as the Osaka Aquarium , Tenmangu Shrine , or Umeda Sky Building .

Later in the afternoon or evening, head to the Dotonbori-Shinsaibashi area to experience Osaka’s unique food culture. This lively district is best reached by taking the Midosuji Subway line and getting off at either Namba Station (subway) or Shinsaibashi Station. Spend the rest of your day exploring the area and trying some of the local delicacies.

Where to Stay in Osaka

HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi 1-18-30 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo, Osaka, Japan

Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier 3-4-15 Nakanoshima, Kita-Ku, Osaka, Japan

The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi 1-10-24 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo, Osaka, Japan

Day 2 (Osaka or Nara)

If you are a theme park fan, then you can spend an entire day in Universal Studios Japan . There are plenty of amazing attractions here but the highlight, for me, is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . To get to USJ, take the JR Yumesaki (aka Sakurajima) line from Osaka Station or Nishikujo Station to Universal City Station.

Another option is a day trip to Nara from Osaka , which is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Japan. The journey to Nara takes about 45 minutes on the JR Rapid train, leaving plenty of time to explore all that this city has to offer. A few notable sights include Todaiji Temple and Horyuji Temple . If you’re going to Nara Deer Park , do not pet the deer and do not to feed them with any food other than deer rice crackers (shika senbei).

Day 3 (Kyoto)

Coming from Osaka, you can take JR, Hankyu Rail or Keihan Rail to get to Kyoto Station. Here’s my suggested itinerary for Day 3:

• Start your day by visiting Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
• Walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful stone walkway that follows a canal lined with cherry trees
• Visit Nanzenji Temple, one of the most important Zen temples in Japan
• Head to Yasaka Shrine, a Shinto shrine located in the Gion district
• Explore the Higashiyama district, a historic area of Kyoto that’s filled with traditional shops and restaurants
• Finally, visit Kiyomizudera Temple, a famous Buddhist temple on a hill overlooking Kyoto

Getting around the city is very easy because of its extensive bus network. Though Kyoto also has trains and subway network, I find navigating the city easier when I take a bus. Raku Bus is the city-run public bus in Kyoto, will cover most of your travel needs. Bus No. 100 goes to eastern Kyoto particularly the Higashiyama and Okazaki areas. Bus No. 101 goes its way up the middle of Kyoto to the northern parts of the city. Raku Bus No. 102 goes to the northern part of Kyoto.

Project Gora tip:  Purchase a Kyoto All-day bus pass (JPY 500) for unlimited bus ride on Raku and Non-Raku buses. It is more economical than paying for individual tickets because each time you ride a bus, it will cost you a minimum of JPY 230.  

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto 432 Matsuyacho, Gojo Karasuma-dori Higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8105, Kyoto

Hotel Anteroom Kyoto 7 Aketacho Higashikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8044, Kyoto Prefecture

Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushiteim Kichimonjicho 425, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan

Day 4 (Kyoto)

On day 4, consider Fushimi Inari as your first destination. Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of Rice. The place is famous for its thousand vermilion torii gates along the trail that leads to the forest of the sacred Mount Inari. The best way to access Fushimi inari is by taking JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to JR Inari station (JPY 140). Travel approximately takes 5 minutes.

Then, make your way to your second destination, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) , which is among the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. It is a Zen temple with two floors completely covered in gold leaf. The best way to access Kinkakuji is by going back to Kyoto Station following the same route then take Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205. Travel approximately takes 40 minutes and admission is JPY 400.

Spend the rest of the afternoon in Arashiyama District . From Kinkakuji, hop on Bus no. 101 and get off at Kitano Hakubaicho Station. Take the Keifuku Electric Railway aka Randen and get off at Arashiyama Station (requires a transfer at Kitabiranotsuji station).

You can also include this only-in-Kyoto experience in your Japan itinerary – Maiko Transformation for women or Samurai Transformation for men.

If you only got a day to explore Kyoto, you have to choose which attractions you want to visit. I created a 1-day Kyoto Itinerary which can help you plan your trip.

Day 5 (Tokyo)

Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo via Shinkansen (Bullet Train). Nozomi, the fastest Shinkansen costs JPY 14,110 one way from Kyoto Station to Tokyo Station and travel approximately takes 2 hours and 20 minutes. Hikari, which is slightly cheaper at JPY 13,800 one way, takes a little longer at 2 hours and 40 minutes. The slowest Shinkansen, Kodama costs JPY 13,500, reaches Tokyo in about 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Start your Tokyo adventure in Meiji Jingu , a shrine dedicated to the Meiji Emperor and his Empress. Despite being situated in the busy area of Harajuku, all the hustle and bustle were cut off the moment you turn right and cross over the 40-foot giant torii gate. The walk through the forest to get to the shrine is very relaxing. Travel from Shinjuku Station of JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station approximately takes 5 minutes (JPY 140).

End your day at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building back in Shinjuku where you can get a glimpse of Mount Fuji under favorable weather conditions. This is also a perfect place for sunset viewing where you can get a panoramic view of Tokyo and beyond.

You can also catch the most stunning views of Tokyo at the 360° open-air observation deck called Shibuya Sky . As it stands 230 meters above the ground, it is the highest point in the Shibuya district.

If you want to save some yen and avoid the queues, you can book your Shibuya Sky tickets online in advance for only JPY 1,800 (745 pesos or USD 13). But take note that tickets purchased online are only valid for a specific time slot on a specific date. Individuals with disabilities are also entitled to a 50% discount on the admission fee.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic 2 Chome-16-11 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo

Tokyu Stay Shinjuku 3-7-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku 160-0022, Tokyo, Japan

The Millennials Shibuya 1-20-13 Jinnan, Shibuya 150-0041 Tokyo, Japan

Day 6 (Tokyo)

If your travel dates happen to be in Spring, specifically Cherry Blossom season, do not miss cherry blossom viewing in Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen , Chidorigafuchi or Sumida Park . If it’s Autumn, you can see beautiful yellow ginkgo trees in Marunouchi Gyoko-dori and Yoyogi Park .

In the afternoon, check out some of Tokyo’s famous destinations like Akihabara, the center of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture. Don’t miss Harajuku , Shibuya and Omotesando . For dog lovers like me, pay a visit to Hachiko’s statue located in Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit. Another prominent landmark in Shibuya is the large intersection known as “The Scramble”. 

On Day 6, embark on a Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo . There are various tours tailored to the seasons, ensuring a personalized experience. These tours will lead you to panoramic viewpoints, tranquil nature walks, and cultural insights.

Theme Park Day: Disneyland or DisneySea

Alternatively, you can spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea , two of the most popular theme parks in Japan. Both parks offer a variety of attractions, shows, and parades, as well as themed areas based on popular Disney movies and characters. You can purchase a Tokyo Disneyland one-day passport here.

Note that the Tokyo Disney parks can be quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s a good idea to arrive early and plan your day accordingly. You can check the park schedules and plan your ride strategy in advance to maximize your time at the parks.

Day 7 (Tokyo)

On day 7, you can spend a few hours shopping before your scheduled time of departure. Find the nearest  Donki (short for Don Quijote), which is one of Tokyo’s cheapest supermarkets selling a huge variety of goods. Buy some Japanese snacks like Tokyo Banana, Japanese Rice Cake Mochi Daifuku and Kitkat Matcha (Gren Tea) flavor to take home for your friends and family.  

After shopping, head to Narita International Airport and take Narita Express (covered by JR pass). The regular price costs JPY 3,190 and travel is approximately 90 minutes. A faster and cheaper option is via Keisei Skyliner , which can get you from Ueno Station to Narita in just 40 minutes. A cheaper alternative is Keisei Main Line (regular commuter train) which requires one train transfer. From Shinjuku, take JR Yamanote line to Nippori Station (20 minutes, JPY 230) then transfer to Keisei Main Line to Narita Airport (about 80 minutes, JPY 1030).

If you have a heavy luggage, you may consider taking the airport limousine instead. Book your  Tokyo Narita International Airport Limousine Bus Round Trip Ticket here.

With this suggested itinerary, is a Japan Rail Pass worth it?

The Japan Rail Pass costs JPY 50,000 (roughly USD 330) for Ordinary Car/Second Class valid for 7 consecutive days. If you are going to follow this itinerary (arriving in Kansai and departing in Narita or vice versa), then the pass will not pay off . If you are going to different prefectures within a week (multiple bullet train rides), then it may be worth it.

I suggest coming up with an itinerary first then calculate your train ticket costs using the JR pass calculator. Get your JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days) here.

Did you like this 7 days in Japan itinerary? Got any questions? Comments? Insights? I’m all ears! Let’s chat down below. Arigatou!

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.

Sample JAPAN ITINERARIES with Estimated Budget: 4, 6, 7, 8, 15 Days

Here are some sample DIY Japan itineraries for Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto for 4 DAYS, 6 DAYS, 7 DAYS (1 WEEK), 8 DAYS, and 15 DAYS. Each DIY itinerary has its own recommended minimum budget to help you manage your finances well.

This post covers only Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. If you’re looking for sample itineraries for Sapporo and Nagoya, we have separate samples in the posts below:

• Nagoya Sample Itinerary
• Sapporo Sample Itinerary

If you need help on how to start planning a multi-city tour across Japan, this post might help: Japan Travel Guide

Please take note of the following.

• All the itineraries below assume that you are a party of two , that you will be staying at a double room of a budget hotel or hostel (less than $80 per night), and that you will be splitting costs. The only exception is Tokyo Option 3 and the 15-day backpacking itinerary.
• If your hostel or hotel does not serve free breakfast, visit the supermarket on your first day to buy food (biscuits, drinks, bread).
• Set aside ¥1000 for every unspecified lunch or dinner .
• Airfare is not included in the costing.
• Estimated budget indicated is per person. However, note that this has a big allowance. For example, the ¥1000 budget per meal is often too much because you can actually find a good bowl of ramen, even in Tokyo, for only ¥500. But it’s better to overestimate than under.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Tokyo Budget Itinerary: 6 Days

Duration : 6 Days, 5 Nights Estimated Budget : ¥35,000 (USD315, PHP15,600)

The BUDGET OPTION. This itinerary replaces the pricey Disneyland visit with a day trip in Odaiba and replaces double room with a bed at a capsule hotel.

Tokyo + Disneyland Itinerary: 6 Days

Duration : 6 Days, 5 Nights Estimated Budget : ¥53,000 (USD475, PHP23,700)

This itinerary removes the visit to Kamakura and Yokohama and adds a visit to Sensoji Temple.

Tokyo + Disneyland + Kamakura and Yokohama Itinerary: 6 Days

Duration : 6 Days, 5 Nights Estimated Budget : ¥56,000 (USD500, PHP25,000)

This is a pretty jampacked itinerary.

If you need more information about traveling on a budget in Tokyo, check this out: Tokyo Travel Guide

Osaka and Kyoto Itinerary: 4 Days

Duration : 4 Days, 4 Nights Estimated Budget : ¥38,000 (USD340, PHP17,000)

This itinerary assumes you will be landing at Kansai International Airport at night and will be staying in a double room at a budget hotel or hostel for ¥6000/night (¥3000/head).

If you need more help planning your Osaka-Kyoto trip, this post is for you: Osaka and Kyoto Travel Guide

Osaka – Nara – Kyoto Itinerary: 4 Days

Duration : 4 Days, 4 Nights Estimated Budget : ¥45,000 (USD400, PHP20,000)

This itinerary assumes you will be landing at Kansai International Airport at night and will be staying in a double room at a budget hotel or hostel for ¥6000/night (¥3000/head). You will be visiting Nara but only on a day tour.

Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo Itinerary: 8 Days

Duration : 8 Days, 8 nights Estimated Budget : ¥85,000 (USD760, PHP38,000)

This itinerary assumes you will be entering Japan via Osaka and leaving via Tokyo. You will also be staying in a double room at a budget hotel or hostel for ¥6000/night (¥3000/head) in Osaka/Kyoto and ¥9400/night (¥4700/head) in Tokyo.

Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 7 Days

Duration : 7 Days, 6 nights Estimated Budget : ¥85,000 (USD760, PHP38,000)

This is the reverse of the Osaka-Tokyo itinerary above. This one assumes you’re landing in Tokyo and leaving via Osaka. Your hotel budget here is the same: ¥6000/night (¥3000/head) in Osaka/Kyoto and ¥9400/night (¥4700/head) in Tokyo.

Tokyo – Nagoya – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 15 Days

15-Day Budget Backpacking Duration : 15 Days, 14 nights Estimated Budget : ¥115,000 (USD1030, PHP51,200)

This one is for budget backpackers. This assumes you’ll be staying at hostel dorm (around ¥2000 per night). Because you will be visiting multiple cities including day tours in Ibaraki and Kawaguchiko, it would be great if you have a JR Pass.

Do you really need a JR Pass?

It depends on your chosen itinerary. In this post, we weighed in on the JR Pass. You might want to read it first before making a decision: For more info, read: Is the JR Pass Worth It?

Top Budget Hotels in Tokyo

According to TripAdvisor users as of Feb 2017.

Search for more: Tokyo Hotels

Top budget hotels and hostels in osaka (under $70), search for more: osaka hotels, top guest houses in kyoto (under $70), search for more: kyoto hotels.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 2️⃣4️⃣ (updated) 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 5️⃣ • 2️⃣5️⃣ (first up)

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• 10 Photos of Cherry Blossoms in Japan
• JAPAN MULTI-CITY TOUR: How to Plan a Budget Trip
• Sample OSAKA-KYOTO-NARA-KOBE DIY Itinerary: 4, 5, 6 Days
• Sample OSAKA- KYOTO ITINERARY with Budget Estimates: 1-6 Days
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I probably visit your japan articles for so many times as I am traveling to Japan next month (solo trip). I am pretty anxious about how much it would cost me. Can I ask for advice if it’s better to get JR pass TOkyo-kyoto-osaka-tokyo is my itinerary.i wanted midnight bus but just wondering if it would cost the same if I have JR pass? Thanks! More power!

Hi Weywey, overnight bus is a looot cheaper than JR Pass. If you can handle an 8-hour bus ride overnight, go for it.

Here’s our article about JR Pass: http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/is-jr-pass-worth-it/

Hi. This post is so helpful. I’m planning for a 8d/7n trip to Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo-Osaka, solo traveler btw. :)

Day 1 – Arrival Day 2 – USJ + Dotonbori Day 3 – Arashiyama / Fushimi Inari / Gion Day 4 – Tokyo = Meiji Shrine / Shibuya + Hachiko / Takeshita / Sanrio Puroland Day 5 – Disneyland Day 6 – Ueno Park / Tokyo Museum / Akihabara / Return to Osaka Day 7 – Osaka Castle / Umeda Sky Bldg / Back to MNL

If ever I get JR pass, do you think it will cost me the same if I use midnight buses back and forth Osaka? Or it’s better if I depart na lang from Tokyo to MNL? (Mas cheaper kasi sa Osaka. Hahaha.)

Thank you so much in advance. :)

If you haven’t booked your return flight yet, I would seriously consider exiting via Tokyo so you don’t need to go back to Osaka. Yes, it might cost more but it will give you more time too. :)

From Kyoto/Osaka to Tokyo, take the overnight bus.

Hi! Would just like to ask if the budget you posted per option is on a per head basis? For example on option 7, budget is 38k pesos per person if there were 2 of us planning to take this trip?

Hi Meg, yes, that’s per person. But bear in mind that these are “overestimates.” For example, the ¥1000 budget per meal, which is used in these itineraries, is often too much because you can actually find a good bowl of ramen, even in Tokyo, for only ¥500. But it’s better to overestimate than under.

Almost 1/3 of the budget also goes to hotel accommodations. If you can find rooms cheaper than the price used in this itinerary, that would significantly bring the costs down.

Traveling Japan was one of my FAVORITE countries of all time. Kyoto was especially…well, special for lack of a creative word LOL Mindblowing might be more apt. Also, the Rail Pass was a HUGE cost saver. Great suggestion!

I’m curious if you guys can manage a budget trip like this for a ski trip, though. The snow is FANTASTIC out near Sapporo, but it was the most expensive part of my trip

Hi Lexi, oh the only time we tried skiing was at Fujiten (near Lake Kawaguchi). I think it’s a bit cheaper than other ski resorts, no entrance fee, but getting there was super expensive because if you don’t have a car (and we didn’t), the only way to get there was by taxi. And you know how costly Japan cab rides are.

Hi. We are 3 in the family going to Osaka next month for a week. Can you give us an itinerary for budget travellers? Thanks.

Hi Yoshke. Thanks for posting all these tips on Japan. I’d like to visit Hiroshima, would you mind sharing if you have been there. We would love to include it in our itinerary of osaka, kyoto amd Hiroshima. Thanks

Hi. I just want to ask for some advice. I have booked a plane ticket for Manila-Tokyo and vice versa this coming September. We plan to stay for a week but we thought that its too long if we will just stay in Tokyo. I just want to know if its practical to get a Whole Jr pass? Can we used that to go to Osaka and return to Tokyo? Hope you could help. Thank you

Hi Jenelyn, in my opinion, a week is still too short for Tokyo, there’s just a lot to do there. The surrounding destinations like Kamakura and Yokohama are also worth a visit. If you decided to stay in Tokyo, you don’t need a JR Pass.

If you really want to visit Osaka and your return flight will also be from Tokyo, the JR Pass isn’t the best option either. You can find cheap flights. Or if you’re up for it, take an overnight bus, which will also save you a hotel night.

More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/is-jr-pass-worth-it/

Hi, Your link to Sappora Itinerary Sample and Nagoya Itinerary Sample on the top of your page are swapped. Maybe you didn’t notice it.

Hi Win! Great catch! Thanks for letting us know. Fixed now!

Hi does the budget includes transportation cost in japan during the trip?

hi po, pla po namin mag punta ng japan next month. me, husband and yung son ko. manila-osaka tokyo to manila po ang plano namin. first time namin sa japan, kailangan ba namin bumili ng jr pass? hingi po sana ako ng suggestion mo, kung ilang days namin kailangan mag stay ng osaka para makalibot and sa tokyo.. 10-13 days po kami mag stay ng japan.

If Osaka and Tokyo lang ang balak nyong puntahan and no side trips to other distant cities, you don’t need a JR Pass. This post explains it: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/is-jr-pass-worth-it/

If 10 days, I suggest 6 days in Tokyo and 4 days in Osaka+Kyoto.

If 13 days, 7 days in Tokyo and 6 days in Osaka+Kyoto.

Can you recommend a travel agencies that organise the itinerary tokyo with disneyland

We haven’t tried having a travel agency organize our Japan trip for us, so we can’t recommend anyone. :(

hi, so we are going to Japan for the first time in August. I’ve only booked 6D/5N going to Tokyo…. Reading your articles, seems that is too short, waaaah :( Anyway, so just to confirm, if we stay in TOkyo we won’t be needing the JR pass right? How will we get around the city? Also, where do you think is the best area to stay as springboard to must-go places in Tokyo? The only sure place we will visit is Tokyo Disney as well as Mt. Fuji tour. What else can you recommend? Thanks in advance!

Yep, you DON’T need a JR Pass if you’re staying in Tokyo.

My favorite base is Ueno. We explained why in our TOKYO TRAVEL GUIDE. You can find that here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/12/tokyo-travel-guide-expenses/

Super thank you again!!! I’m going crazy making the itinerary…. All your articles are very helpful!

Hi Pwede po humingi ng soft copy of Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Iterynary. Thanks po

Do you have a itinerary for tokyo – hakone-mt fuji- kyoto- osaka- tokyo? Thanks.

Hi ask ko lng po if single entry lng ang visa. Can we enter in tokyo and exit in osaka? Or same exit din kame dapat kung saan ang point of entry nmin? Thank you!

Hi Chi, okay lang na magkaiba ang entry and exit points kahit single entry visa. Basta wag ka lang lalabas ng Japan tapos papasok ulit. :)

Hi! I love how comprehensive yet simple your website and itineraries are! May I know though if can replace Disney Sea/Land with Fuji Q, in your 8-day Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo itinerary? We have exactly 8 whole days for touring, that is excluding our arrival and departure days. We will travel this September na. Just got our visa. hehe

Hi Isla, yes, that’s possible. :) You can visit Fuji Q as a day trip from Tokyo. :)

hi Yoshke I will travel with my wife and two daughters age 18 and 20 to japan in march for 35 days. we will use the 21 day japan rail pass. we would like to visit Okinawa also. we fly out of Edmonton alberta Canada and will fly to okinowa first then return from Tokyo. this is our first trip to japan. could you help us with this itinery or suggest a good site for this period of time. Thank you and any help is appreciated.

Wow! 35 days! :D If I had that much time (and money), I would do it like this:

Days 1-5 Okinawa Days 5-9 Fukuoka & Nagasaki Days 9-12 Hiroshima Days 12-15 Tottori Days 15-20 Osaka & Kyoto Days 20-25 Nagoya/Gifu Days 25-29 Hokkaido Days 29-35 Tokyo

To maximize your JR Pass, use it first when you travel from Fukuoka to Hiroshima (Day 9). This will allow it to be effective until Day 29. when you travel from Hokkaido to Tokyo. This way, you have covered most long-distance trips.

Japan-Guide .com has an online forum too. Maybe you can post this on their forum. :D

Hi! I want to Travel to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto but I have roundtrip ticket MNL-NRT. No exact days yet since I can still rebook my flight but still with NRT. Is it okay not to get JR Pass? Or I do I need it to get back to Tokyo?

The number of days of your trip is a key factor in determining whether you need a JR Pass or not. So decide muna how long your trip is.

But yes, it’s possible to travel from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto and back even without JR Pass. You can take the bus.

hi Sir .. good day po . we’re planning to visit japan this november . 2 adult and 1 kid i saw your iteneray .. can you help me look for a budget hotel wre we can stay .gusto ko po sana na eto mga puntahan namin 7 days po tokyo kyota osaka wla po kase kayong hotel na nailagay. buget hotel po sna .. salamat

You may check out our individual travel guides for info and recommendations on WHERE TO STAY:

Osaka: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/what-to-do-in-osaka/

Kyoto: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/things-to-do-in-kyoto-itinerary/

Tokyo: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/12/tokyo-travel-guide-expenses/

I have a question on the itinerary particularly on Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 7 Days. 1. What type of pass or card recommended to use on this itinerary? Is PASMO card enough to use in all the transportation needed? 2. PASMO card is accepted also in OSAKA and Kyoto train/buses?

1. When is your trip? We will be publishing better, more cost-efficient sample itineraries later this month.

2. Yes, PASMO card is accepted by any train gate or bus with an IC reader. Not all buses have IC readers though, I think.

Hi. Would a single-entry visa suffice if we fly to Osaka then fly out from Tokyo?

Hi Louise, yes, as long as you’re not flying out of Japan in between!

Hi, Me and my brother are planning to explore Japan later this month for the first time. And we’ll be spending 10 days. Our flight will be MNL-OSAKA-MNL. What mode of transportation can you recommend if we want to go to Tokyo and come back to Osaka? And what are other itineraries can you recommend? Thank you so much.

Hi Rhona, if budget traveler kayo, okay i-take ang bus. Overnight bus, pwede rin para tipid.

We’ll be creating more sample itineraries soon!

Hi, paano mo gumawa ng itinerary templates for 7 days? Any app you can recommend? Love your blog and it’s so helpful! Thank you!

Hi Girlie, we make our itineraries based on experience lang.

Hello. I want to consider your 8 days / 7 days multi city itinerary, might follow it sa planned Japan trip. One question though, would want to include in the itinerary the visit to see Mt. Fuji. What route can you recommend in between those days? Thank you!

We would like to follow the 8 days intinerary (osaka – kyoto – tokyo ) 1. Do we need to get JR pass? 2.. in your itinerary , is it DIY? If so we need to buy all the tickets in advance thru klook or at site(japan) 3. Or you have arrange tour packages in agency?

Hope you can ease my mind and help me with this.

More power to you!

1. If your entry point is Osaka and exit is Narita/Haneda, no need for JR Pass. I’m assuming you’re taking the bus to Tokyo.

2. Yep, it’s DIY.

3. It’s DIY.

Hi Yoshke Dimen,

Greetings to you from Singapore.

I am planning a family trip of 10 days to Osaka/Nara/Kobe/Nagoya/Kyoto/Osaka in mid Nov this year. My tentative itinerary is as follows. Appreciate for your input. TQVM.

Day 1 Arr at Osaka at night Day 2 Osaka city tour Day 3 Nara day tour with train from Osaka Day 4 Kobe day tour with train from Osaka Day 5 Leave for Nagoya from Osaka- Nagoya castle Day 6 Shirakawa-go day tour Day 7 Ohsukamon & Ohsu shopping street Day 8 Leave for Kyoto from Nagoya Day 9 Visit Kyoto Day 10 Leave from Kyoto to Osaka for afternoon flight to Sg

Is the route feasible & practical? Appreciate for your suggestions. TQVM.

Switch Day 3 and Day 4 so that you’ll visit Nara on Day 4. Then, get a 5-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass, which will cover your journey from Osaka to Nara, Osaka to Nagoya, and Nagoya to Kyoto. :)

Replace Day 7 with the Day 4 in the sample itinerary here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/05/nagoya-japan-travel-guide/

We will soon be updating this post because we now have better sample itineraries. But we’re still trying to find time to update.

Greetings from the Philippines

My friend and her 2 sons will visit(1st time) Japan this June 20 to 26. Our entry is at Narita Airport, We dont have yet a place but we plan to stay in Tokyo, would you recommend any please? Or if not in Tokyo, where? Thanks in advance!

Hi Donna, this post might help: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/12/tokyo-travel-guide-expenses/

Hi! I’m planning to follow your Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo itinerary but will tweak it a bit to make it a 10-day trip. Our itinerary is still flexible. I’m planning to add one full day for Universal Studios in Osaka, and another for a day tour in Mie, specifically in Nabana no Sato. Any tips on which pass/es to use and if it’s necessary to go back to Osaka or go directly to Kyoto? Thank you in advance!

Hi Margaret,

If you’re visiting Mie too, consider getting a Kintetsu Rail Pass. :)

Have you considered making a stop in Nagoya? It sits right between Osaka/Kyoto and Tokyo, and it’s the city closest to Nabana no Sato.

Hello! Thanks for replying. I’m thinking of adding Nagoya to our itinerary as well. Is a day tour to Shirakawa-go worth it in the spring season + Takayama (we’re travelling april 2020 btw)? Or should we go there in autumn/winter instead? Any suggestions for this itinerary? Thank you!

Day 1 – Arrival in Osaka (visit places covered by Osaka Amazing Pass) Day 2 – Universal Studios Japan + Dotonbori Day 3 – Nara Day Tour Day 4 – Transit to Kyoto, Fushimi Inari, Gion District Day 5 – Arashiyama, Golden Pavilion, Transit to Nagoya Day 6 – Free morning + Nabana no Sato in the afternoon Day 7 – Nagoya Castle, Toyota Museum, Sakae District Day 8 – Transit to Tokyo, Ueno Park, Akihabara Day 9 – Shinjuku Day 10 – Shibuya, Harajuku Day 11 – Departure from Tokyo

Hi Margaret, yes, Shirakawa-go is worth it. Takayama is lovely too. I love small Japanese cities and villages so I’m a bit biased, haha.

I think your itinerary is good. A bit too fast-paced for me — I would insert a couple of free days — but since you only have 11 days and if you have the energy, go for it! :)

Hello Miss Yoshke Dimen,

I and my friends will be visiting Tokyo in October but we only plan to visit Hitachi Seaside Park, Tokyo Disneysea and Mt. Fuji. Is it practical to get the JR pass? We will be only be there for 5 days.

Thank you in advance!

Hi Russel, parang hindi practical for you.

Consider Tokyo Wide Pass. Covered nya Fuji, but I’m not sure about Hitachi Seaside Park. I think some parts of Ibaraki prefecture (where Hitachi Park is located) are covered though, di ko lang alam yung extent.

We’ll be travelling Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo by February 29 for 8 days trip with group of 8 adults and 1 child. please check if my itinerary is doable and any suggestion? Thank you so much!

Day 1 PM flight. Day 2 Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori Day 3 USJ Day 4 Kyoto Day Tour: Arashiyama, Fuji inari shrine, gion district Day 5 Tokyo: Yoyogi Park or Ueno Park??? Day 6: DisneySea Day 7: Shibuya, Akihabara Day 8 Manila

Hi Ana, it looks doable. My only comment is, Yoyogi Park is best if sa Day 7 rin since it’s located in Shibuya. Then ung Ueno Park and Akihabara naman yung magkalapit. :)

Maluwag yang itinerary na yan, which is okay if big group tapos may bata. :)

Hello! We already Visited Japan(tokyo, osaka, yokohama, atami) as a couple but we wanted to go back with kids this time. May you please suggest an itinerary that includes Disneyland, UStudios, hokkaido and other places that we have not visited yet. Thank you!

How many days do you have for that trip?

Hi, Do you have sample itinerary trip in Japan for 1 week during January. including skiing.

Hi, Yoshke!

Do you have a priced version of you Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 7 Days? Just so I could see the breakdown of the Php38,000.00, too.

By the way, thank you for the detailed itinerary. I’ll be sure to use your affiliate links. :)

Thanks, Rina

Hi Rina, unfortunately, I didn’t keep the breakdown when I made this. We’re planning to write a more detailed Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka itinerary with breakdown of expenses though, but not sure how soon we can do it as we’ll be hitting the road soon.

I’ll be touring Osaka (3days) -Kyoto (2days) -Tokyo (4days). I’ll be getting the JR pass but Im still confused if I ALSO need to get the ICOCA. Can I use the JR pass around Tokyo, or there’s a different pass for this? Thank you!

Hi Lei, as long as JR ang sasakyan mo, pwede mong gamitin ang valid na JR Pass.

If hindi JR yung train, you can buy a separate single ticket na lang or use ICOCA/SUICA. Depende yan sa specifics ng itinerary mo.

Hi do you have recommended itinerary for 12 days? Tokyo day 1-5 transit to Osaka day 6 then day 7-12 kansai region. Hope to hear from you. Thank you!

is the amount indicated like the osaka kyoto tokyo, around 38k, is that good for two or per person? We got a bit confused with the intro of this article. Just want to clarify. Thanks

Hi Patty, as stated, estimated budget is PER PERSON, but it’s assuming there are 2 people traveling and splitting the cost of accommodations.

If it’s confusing, we’ll probably revise the article and exclude hotel in the computation in the future.

Hi Yoshke! Your blog is so informative. Thank you for all the details. :) I would just like to ask help with the best itinerary for us, a family of 4 (kids are 10 and 1 yr 4 months). We will be going to Japan this coming Feb 10-19 and Osaka is our entry and exit. We are planning to tour Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo including USJ and Disney Sea if possible with the length of stay we have. Since we have a toddler with us and a senior citizen, can you give/suggest to us the best possible itinerary with the pass we need to buy? Hope to hear from you! Thank you very much!

Since Kansai Airport is both your entry and exit, visit Tokyo first. It’s always a good idea to visit the farthest destination first so you don’t stress yourself out trying to catch your flight out.

Day 1 – Arrival/Transit to Tokyo Day 2 – Disney Sea Day 3 – Shibuya (Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing) Day 4 – Transit to Osaka, Namba/Dotonbori Day 5 – Nara Day Tour Day 6 – Kyoto Day Tour Day 7 – Osaka Tour Day 8 – Universal Studios Japan Day 9 – Departure

If you want to take the train for Osaka-Tokyo-Osaka, get a nationwide JR Pass and make sure that long distance trips (Osaka-Tokyo, Tokyo-Osaka, Osaka-Nara) are all within 7 days.

If you want to fly for Osaka-Tokyo-Osaka instead, get separate city/regional passes na lang for the trains/subway.

Need your help if possible, this it our (adult son/me) first trip to Japan and we would like to visit everywhere but I know we can’t. I have already booked a hotel in Tokyo, purchased the 14 days JR pass and booked a couple of shows/places (below) which apparently sell out. Still pending to book the One Piece Tower/Park and Ghibli Museum. We are traveling during year end and I know many things are closed which is where am having a hard time. We want to spend a couple of days in Hokkaido/Sapporo and then go back to Tokyo, visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa, etc. We want to visit Mt. Fuji, Bamboo Forest the Temples, the Golden Castle, and the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, the deer, Disney, etc. I know it’s a lot and have no clue where to go first b/c I don’t know what will be closing down for new years. I also need an idea for my son’s New Year’s birthday. How can I make the most of my trip and plan it to make it super worth it. We are from Miami, FL USA it’s a very long trip and not sure how many times I can go again.

DEC26 Day 1 – Arrival at Narita Airport 3:20 PM 27 Day 2 – 28 Day 3 – 29 Day 4 – 30 Day 5 – 31 Day 6 – JAN 1 Day 7 – My son’s birthday 2 Day 8 – 3 Day 9 – have tix for TEAMLAB BORDERLESS (TOKYO) ENTRANCE 12:00 noon 4 Day 10 – 5 Day 11 – 6 Day 12 – 7 Day 13 – 8 Day 14 – 9 Day 15 – have tix for YAYOI KUSAMA MUSEUM – TOKYO 1:00 PM 10 Day 16 – 11 Day 17 – Departure from Narita Airport at 6:45 pm

My concern is your TeamLab borderless visit is smack in the middle of your itinerary, which throws a wrench into any smooth-flowing itinerary I could suggest.

Is that final or can that visit be moved towards the end of your trip?

Thank you for response and trying to help us. It ca be moved..

To be honest, 17 days is too short for all the places you want to visit. But if you really want to visit all those, here’s a simplified itinerary.

Note, however, that the journey to and from Sapporo by train is looooong. That’s why I always recommend flying when going to or coming from Tokyo or anywhere south of it.

I also didn’t consider the days when some attractions are possibly closed (especially on the days around New Year’s Day).

DEC26 Day 1 – Arrival at Narita Airport 3:20 PM 27 Day 2 – Tokyo to Sapporo 28 Day 3 – Sapporo 29 Day 4 – Sapporo 30 Day 5 – Sapporo to Osaka 31 Day 6 – Osaka JAN 1 Day 7 – Nara Day Tour (son’s birthday) 2 Day 8 – Kyoto Day Tour 3 Day 9 – Osaka to Hiroshima 4 Day 10 – Hiroshima 5 Day 11 – Miyajima Day Tour 6 Day 12 – Hiroshima to Kanazawa 7 Day 13 – Kanazawa 8 Day 14 – Kanazawa to Tokyo 9 Day 15 – Tokyo, including YAYOI KUSAMA MUSEUM – TOKYO 1:00 PM 10 Day 16 –Tokyo 11 Day 17 – Departure from Narita Airport at 6:45 pm

My reco is to remove Sapporo. It’s beautiful but it’s out of the way.

If Sapporo is non-negotiable, then probably remove Kanazawa then maximize your stay in Tokyo (there’s A LOT TO DO IN TOKYO) or insert a destination in Tohoku Region just to break the long train journey from Sapporo to Osaka.

Thank you so much for the help. I will further research the New Years shut down for the attractions and see what I can remove / change. Again thank you so much for all the info it is greatly appreciated. I will definitely will need to plan more than one trip.

No prob, Rita. It’s really hard to build a Japan itinerary because there’s SO MUCH to see. :S

Sorry just noticed I had a few typos. I can change it for later in the trip, that is not a problem.

I know! I have been trying myself for a while, thank you so much for your help. I am very exited!! Will tell you all about it when I come back.

Hi!! Please help.. im planning to visit kyoto and nara for 2 days then ride a bus overnight to tokyo. Should i buy a pass? Hope you reply.. thanks!!

In Kansai, where will you be based?

Hi, ask lang po san po best mag palit ng currency dito na sa pilipinas o dun na po sa japan? Thanks

Thanks to these itinerary references to create my own itinerary and have a budget for every place to visit for the first time. Because of the pandemic, I still have more time to save money. :) I’m a big fan of this Blog. Try to listen also to their Podcast on Spotify to have more details about their travel experience.

Hi, we are planning for 10D9N trip (Tokyo – Nikko – Kurakama – Hakone – Mt Fuji – Lake Kawaguchiko). Is JR tokyo wide pass + SUICA enough for us? thanks

Hi! Can you recommend an 8 day trip for Nagoya-Tokyo area? Or if you have a better suggestion for the itinerary, arrival and departure is in Nagoya. Thank you!!

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• 7-Day Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka Tour

Begin your trip in Tokyo, a bustling metropolis teeming with modern energy, then immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Kyoto, renowned for its historic temples and traditional arts. Finally, experience the vibrant urban life in Osaka, known for its modern architecture and bustling street markets. This well-structured itinerary offers the perfect blend of tradition, history, and contemporary allure, ideal for travelers seeking a concise exploration of Japan's diverse facets, from the modernity of Tokyo to the cultural depth of Kyoto and the lively ambiance of Osaka. Book now for an immersive adventure through Japan's iconic cities.

We can customize this trip by adding anything you're interested in and scheduling days to fit your pace. We would happily organize a unique theme or activities for birthdays, young children, anniversaries, etc.

• Best For: Slow Pacers and Couples
• Departure date: Up to you
• Sample Price: From US$3,199 p/p, (2 per room)*

* The price is based on a private tour for 2 people.

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Tour Highlights

Here are the fantastic attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Asia Highlights (AH Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Asia Highlights (Only With AH) included in this tour:

Delight in the captivating panorama of Tokyo city from the heights of the renowned Sky Tree Tower .

Learn about japanese emperors by visiting the imperial palace and the meiji shrine., dive into japan's vibrant traditions with sushi-making, a matcha tea ceremony, and ukiyo-e printing., enjoy an exciting journey aboard the famous shinkansen bullet train ., suggested itinerary for inspiration.

The itinerary serves as a mere example of a personalized tour, designed exclusively for you. Your preferences will shape the authentic journey. We are fully prepared to craft an tailor-made tour that fulfills your desires.

Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Tokyo. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.

Meiji Jingu Shrine: Stroll through the tranquil grounds of Meiji Jingu Shrine, an oasis of calm in the heart of bustling Tokyo. The serene forest paths and the shrine's peaceful ambiance offer an enchanting escape. Immerse yourself in Shinto traditions by making offerings, selecting charms, or inscribing wishes on ema plaques. Witness the grace of traditional wedding processions on Sunday mornings, an authentic and charming sight.

Sensoji Asakusa: Delve into Tokyo's ancient heritage by visiting Sensoji, the city's oldest temple. Marvel at the sacred Kannon statue and the temple's grandeur, enclosed by majestic gates and an iconic five-story pagoda. Traverse Nakamise Dori's vibrant stalls, where you can soak in the spiritual aura, experience the aroma of holy smoke, and seek your fortune, making it a must-visit on your Japan trip.

Anime Cafe Experience: Engage in the excitement of Japan's renowned pop culture with a visit to an anime-themed cafe in Tokyo. Whether you're a die-hard anime enthusiast or simply curious, these cafes offer a unique experience, blending trendy themes with delicious treats. It's a chance to savor a bit of Japan's creative and fun side that's hard to find elsewhere.

Harajuku's Fashion & Flavors: Explore Harajuku, a fashion mecca nestled between Shibuya and Shinjuku. Wander through Takeshita Street, where boutiques display the latest fashion trends amidst vibrant, photo-friendly treats. Witness a mosaic of styles, from gothic to colorful decora kei, and punk aesthetics. Stop by for delightful snacks like classic crepes, rainbow grilled cheese, oversized cotton candy, or indulge in Korean hattogu treats. Don't miss Cat Street's hipster cafes, vintage fashion outlets, and international brands towards Shibuya.

Tokyo Skytree: Rise above Tokyo's skyline at Tokyo Skytree, standing tall at 634 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. On clear days, the vista doesn't stretch into infinity, but it's one of the rare spots where you can catch a glimpse of majestic Mt. Fuji from Tokyo.

Sushi-Making Experience with Lunch: Delve into the fascinating world of sushi from sea to plate in this immersive experience. Embark on a guided tour of one of the world's largest seafood markets, discovering the intricacies of fish procurement, distribution, and sales. Later, under the guidance of a skilled sushi master, learn the art of creating nigiri sushi. Cap off the hands-on experience by savoring your culinary creations during a delightful lunch session.

Shibuya: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Shibuya, the beating heart of Tokyo, exuding the essence of youth culture. Don't miss the iconic scramble crossing that has become a symbol of the city. It's a bustling area, showcasing trendy fashion, a lively atmosphere, and a dynamic pulse that captures the city's spirit.

Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Nozomi Train in Standard Class (Ticket Only): This ticket-only package provides access to the Nozomi Train, enabling you to travel comfortably between Tokyo and Kyoto. Please make your way to the station and utilize your ticket to board the Shinkansen bullet train, known for its efficiency and speed.Travel Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes.

Upon arriving at the station in Kyoto, you'll be responsible for making your way to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Nijo Castle: Located in Kyoto, Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site among the seven Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The expansive site includes two concentric rings of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the remains of the Honmaru Palace, and exquisitely designed gardens.

Nishiki Market: Situated in downtown Kyoto, Nishiki Market spans between Teramachi and Shinmachi, offering a wide array of local eats and traditional goods for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Gion Corner (Geisha Shows): Gion Corner, dedicated to preserving traditional Japanese arts and culture, showcases various daily performances. These include Kyomai Dance, a graceful and traditional dance performed by apprentice (maiko) and professional geisha (geiko) from Kyoto; Bunraku Puppet Theater, a centuries-old puppetry art form portraying historical events and legends; Koto Harp, a 13-stringed zither that has been played for over a millennium; the Tea Ceremony, emphasizing harmony and tranquility; and Gagaku Court Music, featuring ancient Japanese court music with diverse instruments. Performances vary according to Gion Corner's schedule.

Fushimi Inari Shrine: Situated on the outskirts of Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is a sacred religious site known for its elegant layout, recognized from the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha." The lane lined with red-painted torii (memorial arches) provides an excellent backdrop for photos.

Unleash the fun for your family in Osaka after the serene temple visits! Begin at Expocity, an expansive entertainment complex built on the grounds of the 1970 Universal Exposition. It's a historic site from the first-ever world fair in Asia.

Explore Expo Commemoration Park, sprawling over the former fairground. Discover its iconic Tower of the Sun monument, created by the renowned artist Taro Okamoto, within one of Kansai's most extensive green spaces.

Your adventure continues at the NIFREL museum, a creation from the minds behind Osaka Kaiyukan, the world's largest aquarium. NIFREL isn't just an aquarium, zoo, or art museum—it's an innovative experience for all your senses. Featuring over 2,000 animals of 150 different species, including rare Japanese creatures, it offers a unique and interactive environment unlike any other.

Journey to the VS Park, an exhilarating virtual reality sports arcade nearby. Tickets are included, providing you with up to 2 hours of immersive virtual adventures.

For lunch, head to central Osaka for a unique experience. Witness the incredible displays of hyper-realistic food samples outside Japan's eateries. Explore a sample laboratory where these incredibly detailed dishes are crafted from special wax. Follow the staff's guidance to create two sushi-shaped samples, which you can keep as one-of-a-kind souvenirs—one of them even becomes a keychain.

Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Osaka Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.

Our Service Includes:

• Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
• All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
• Hand-picked star-rating accommodations
• Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
• Governmental taxes

Tour code: ah-jp-cx-9

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Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.

Our guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!

Our China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.

She was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,

Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.

He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.

Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.

Our day trip to Hangzhou was phenomenal. Derek, our guide, was impeccable. By far the best guide we have had so far. He is extremely knowledgeable about the country’s history and geography and was always excited to share his insights.

Xian es encantadora, el hotel Eastern house boutique muy buena elección por parte de la agencia, los desayunos muy completos para complacer todo tipo de gusto, lo recomiendo 100%, el itinerario fue muy acertado fueron 2 días en la ciudad xian, compartimos con la guía Susana, la atención, la amabilidad y sobre todo su profesionalismo fue lo que marcó la diferencia, sus detalles, estaba siempre en el lugar y momento correcto para hacer de xian un lugar inolvidable.

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Planning a Trip to Japan? Tokyo Osaka Kyoto – 7 day Japan Itinerary

Are you planning a 7 day trip to Japan?  I’ve put together the best Japan itinerary 7 days blog with a bonus day for a Japan 8 day itinerary for your Japan Vacation.

This may seem overwhelming but I have included everything you need for your Japan Vacation!  There are so many things to do in Japan for a week.

Are you planning a trip to Japan?  Here are the things To Know Before You Visit Japan

Japan is a fascinating culture with a perfect blend of new technology ahead of most of the world and traditions and temples which date back centuries, all surrounded by beautiful landscapes and world-class cuisine.

This mix of cultures and traditions comes with certain do’s and don’ts, Japan is well known around the world for its organization, but this also comes with certain expectations and customs as with any other country.

In Japan, they love Americans and its culture, although unlike America it is not customary to tip and often the server will return they money thinking you made a mistake if you leave too much.

Japanese people are generally polite and they often watch the volume of their voices, in public areas you will usually only hear whispers or complete silence, the same with pointing, a big do not do in Japan, as well as taking photographs of people without their permission.

Everyone has stereotypes of Japan and what it would be like, but don’t expect this to always be the case, in many places in Japan you will not find English translations of items (although many Japanese people speak English), as will you not find hibachi restaurants.

READ MORE: The best travel planning apps for Japan

Beware that in Japan cash is king, few places will accept card payment so ensure you have enough cash.

Best Cities to Visit in Japan: Top Destinations in Japan

Japan is filled with beautiful destinations and wonderful things to visit and see. Each offering a unique experience and an insight into the countries culture and traditions. It is not possible to visit them all within seven days but if you return to Japan or have an extra day, these places are well worth a visit.

The three top cities to visit in Japan which you can visit in seven days are Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. These other cities are worth visiting if time allows or you have an extra day in one of the main three cities and can take a day trip out of the city:

• Hiroshima

• Kawagoe City

• Mayajima Island

What to do in Japan?  Here are the Top Things To Do In Japan

Japan has lots of things to see and do, the following things are a must-do for any trip to Japan.

• Witness Mount Fuji

• Drink Japanese Sake

• Eat sushi and ramen

• Walk around Toys Fish Market in Toyko

• See cherry blossoms (spring between late March and May)

• See the temples in Kyoto

• Witness and people watch at Shibuya Crossing

• Relax in a traditional Japanese park

• Buy something from a vending machine

• See the tall bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

• Walk through Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Go on a cycle or go-kart tour

• Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Nagano

Have you thought of visiting Japan in the Winter?  Check out my blog post on Winter in Japan as there is so much to do there in the winter and lots of festivals.

Check out my post on What to buy in Japan – the best Japanese Souvenirs you’ll want to check out.

How To Move Between Cities in Japan – Tokyo Kyoto Osaka

This itinerary includes moving between three Japanese cities – Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

The easiest way to travel between these three and other cities in Japan is by train. The most cost-effective way to purchase train tickets is to purchase a Japan Rail Pass , which allows a given number of days travel (7, 14, or 21 days) on all JR trains, which include the high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains.

This pass has to be purchased before you arrive in Japan and it will be delivered to you to take with you. The cost of this train pass is an initial investment but if you take two trips between cities you have already saved yourself money.

This makes traveling around the country easy and worry-free, without having to purchase tickets for every individual train or journey between cities.

Japan 1 week Itinerary Overview – Japan Travel Blog

Day 1 – Arrive in Tokyo and visit the Fish Market and Harajuku

Day 2 – Visit the Tokyo National Museum, Eat Sushi, and Go Karting

Day 3 – Take a Day trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji or spend 3 days in Tokyo

Day 4 – Visit Osaka and eat your heart out trying Okonomiyaki and street food and find the best place to stay in Osaka

Day 5 – Explore the Osaka Castle and cruise down the Dotonbori River before slurping some Ramen and checking out the Osaka Nightlife

Day 6 – Spend two days in Kyoto to see the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day 7 – Visit one of the 1600 Temples in Kyoto before heading back to Tokyo

Japan Itinerary 7 Days – 1 week in Japan

Day – 1 arrive in tokyo.

After you have arrived in Tokyo, it is time to start exploring. A great place to start is at the Toyosu Fish Market (used to be called Tsukiji Fish Market), where you can spend time exploring the largest wholesale fish market in the country and the world. With over 600 merchants in the market, there is plenty to see and purchase.

Another great place to visit on your first day in Tokyo is the Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, completed in 645 and is a great place to explore the temple and visit the shopping area with places to purchase souvenirs.

During your first day in the city a rest is required and what better place to do it than at the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden with cherry blossoms in spring and a great place to just relax and walk around.

A great place to stop for lunch is at the Michelin-starred Tsuta, which serves some of the best ramen in the world, before making your way to the Imperial Palace to explore the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family.

The Shibuya Crossing is one of Japan’s most iconic images, as the world’s busiest crossing it is a must visit for any trip to Tokyo. A great way to end your first day in Tokyo is by visiting the Robot Restaurant and show.

Day 2 – Tokyo

Day two in Tokyo is a great time to take a food tour, with delicious cuisine Japan, Harajuku is a great place to take a food tour with cultural snacks, creative pastries, unique sweets, and crazy lunches.

After a morning exploring Harajuku its time to relax at Yoyogi Park and walk around the lawns, ponds, and picnic spots. A great spot to stop for lunch is at the Cat Cafe Mocha, where you can have lunch or a drink while playing with the cats.

A nice place to visit in the afternoon of day two is the Tokyo National Museum, with over 110,000 individual pieces of art and archaeological artefacts. The museum is located within six buildings, with a variety of exhibits and galleries in a beautiful setting.

One of the craziest things to do in Tokyo is to go go-karting around the city, this bucket list experience is a unique and wonderful way to explore the city and have a lot of fun at the same time. For dinner on day two its time to try the countries most famous dish – Sushi.

Day 3 – Tokyo

On day three in Tokyo its time to venture to the north of the city to a town called Nikko, which is made up of a national park, the shrine of Toshogu, and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Leyasu. The national park is home to waterfalls, hot springs, lakes, hiking trails, and an abundance of wildlife. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing morning within one of the natural areas in the city.

Japan has over 5.52 million vending machines which sell almost everything from drinks, fresh fruit, soup, t-shirts, coffee, and even fresh flowers. No trip to Japan is complete without purchasing something from a vending machine.

Once you have purchased a vending machine snack, a great place to venture is along Todoroki Valley, a one-kilometre-long walking trail through woodlands, over bridges, and past the Todoroki Fudo temple. Another great place surrounded by nature is Meguro Ward, a riverfront area alive with cherry blossoms in the spring and filled with cafes, restaurants, and just a nice place to relax.

Tokyo Tower stands at a high of 333 meters and is a symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth, no trip to Tokyo is complete without reaching the visitor’s deck (150 meters high or 250 meters) and taking in the view over Tokyo. For you’re the last night in Tokyo its time to visit a Japanese karaoke bar, with single person booths, night clubs, and live music, a karaoke bar is a great evening activity.

I have a more detailed version of my three day Tokyo itinerary on my blog can be found here.

Day 4 – Osaka

For day four its time to leave Tokyo and travel to Osaka, you can travel between these two cities by train. Osaka has a large number of things to do and is a foodie paradise.

A trip to Osaka Bay is a great way to start your time in the city, with Universal Studios, an Aquarium called Kaiyukan and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. After all that walking its time for some lunch, a place to stop is at the Tempozan Marketplace (close to the Ferris wheel), where you will find food stalls and a food court with both Japanese and western food options.

A great traditional activity to undertake in the city is to visit a traditional Japanese puppet theatre, called a banraku. This art form is an interesting show to watch with large puppets which tell stories of history and folklore, shows usually last around two hours.

A unique and wonderful way to see Osaka is by taking a go-karting tour around the city. This once in a lifetime experience allows you to see the cities main sites, beautiful scenery, and you can even dress up in costumes.

Namba Yasaka Shrine is a lion-shaped face that you can walk up to, it is said to take away evil spirits and leave only good luck. After visiting the shrine, its time to try a Japanese delicacy Okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake), its similar to pizza and can be topped with cabbage, meat, and other savoury topics.

You can also read my post on the best things to do in Osaka at night .

Day 5 – Osaka

Osaka Castle dates back to 1583 and was rebuilt in 1931, this castle is an impressive site to see on day two in Osaka. Visitors can go up to the top of the tower via an elevator to look out over the beautiful views of the city.

Japan is famous for its sushi, so what better experience to have in Japan than to learn how to make the dish while being taught in the traditional way. Not only will you learn how to make sushi, many sushi classes take place in Japanese homes and you can also learn all about the customs and history of each dish.

If you are tired of walking a great way to see the city is by taking the Wonder Bus and Cruise, which is a cruise down the Dotonbori River and stops at 14 sites around the city.

Ramen is another of Japan’s famous dishes, with a rich bowl of broth, filled with noodles and topped with meats. Gujou is the restaurant to visit in Osaka serving what many call the best ramen in Osaka. Once you have sampled ramen its time to end the evening by visiting a local Sake bar.

I have a more detailed version of my two day Osaka itinerary on my blog can be found here.

Day 6 – Kyoto

The last stop on our itinerary is Kyoto, a city located only a short distance from Osaka it is an ideal place to finish your Japanese itinerary.

Your first stop in Kyoto should be at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which is a large bamboo forest, surrounded by nature. Arashiyama also has a number of attractions such as Kameyama Koen Park and temples to visit including Tenryu-Ji Temple and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is located on Mount Inari, a 233 meter or 3-hour walk from Fushimi Inari Station, the shrine has over 10,000 gates to walk through. Another great walk is the Philosopher’s Walk in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. The walk passes by the canal which has cherry blossoms in spring (March/April), with restaurants, temples, and a shrine to stop at and explore.

Day 7 – Kyoto

The last day on our itinerary starts with exploring the Temples of Kyoto, the city has a large number of temples including Sanjusangendo (1001 statues of the goddess mercy), Kiyomizudera Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Kinkaku-ji (a Buddhist temple covered in gold). These temples are great places to explore and walk around, as well as the beautiful gardens.

Kyoto has a free walking tour which takes place at either 10 am or 1.30pm daily and is a walking tour with a guide which speaks English, this will allow you to learn all about Japanese culture, religions, food, shrines, and temples all over the city. Alternatively, if walking isn’t your thing there is also cycling tours around the city.

Nishiki Market is a great place to experience Japanese culture and sample some delicious food. The market has everything and is a great way to experience something local.

I have a more detailed version of my Kyoto itinerary can be found here on my blog along with other attractions like the Temples in Kyoto .

Day 8 – Bonus Day for day trips

If you have an extra day in Japan (Day 8) you should consider taking a day trip from Kyoto to Nara or Hiroshima or add an extra day for a day trip from Tokyo to visit Mt Fuji or Kamakura.  Both are detailed guides on day trips you can find on my blog.

Conclusion – 1 week in Japan Itinerary

I hope you enjoy your 7 day trip to Japan!  Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about Japan and be sure to click through to the other articles I have linked in this post for my more detailed guides to each city.

Enjoy your Japan Vacation!

Sharing is Caring!  Pin this article for later

Nicole LaBarge is a travel expert who has been traveling internationally for over 25 years and she has visited over 115 countries all while working a 9-5. She has lived in England, Scotland, Japan and New Zealand. Check out her detailed destination guides and travel product guides.

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7 hours in Osaka – Day Trip Itinerary from Kyoto/ Tokyo

Osaka is the largest metropolitan area on the west side of Japan. Although it may look similar to Tokyo at first glance, there are many differences between these two cities. If you have learned Japanese before, you may even notice the different dialects spoken in the Kansai area which includes Osaka, Kyoto, and four other prefectures. The Kansai dialect is known for sounding a little more aggressive, but don’t be fooled – Kansai people are very friendly and kind. To give you a better idea, some compare Osaka to Southern France while Tokyo is like Paris, or Osaka is like California while Tokyo is New York!

You can enjoy a more lively atmosphere in Osaka and meet many fun locals. Also, Osaka attracts many tourists for its delicious specialty foods. In this article, we will share our suggested one-day itinerary in Osaka and how to get there from Kyoto or Osaka, and last but not least, local foods that you shouldn’t miss!

Recommended tours in Osaka:

How to get to Osaka from Kyoto or Tokyo?

10:00 am: jr osaka station ①, 10:30 am: osaka castle ②, 1 pm: suijo bus aqua-liner ③, 1:40 pm: abeno harukas at tennoji area ④, 2:30 pm : shinsekai area ⑤, 3 pm: kuromon market ⑥, 4 pm: dotonbori area ⑦, 5 pm: back to jr osaka station ①, okonomiyaki, kushi katsu, map of osaka with the spots we included on the itinerary, find the other tours, recommended hotels in osaka, let’s start planning your next osaka trip.

From Kyoto 【 JR Line 】 JR Kyoto – JR Osaka station: 560 yen / 30 min *If you already have a JR pass, there is no extra charge From Tokyo 【 Shinkansen 】 JR Tokyo station – JR Shin Osaka station: 14,450 yen / less than 3 hour *If you already have a JR pass, there is no extra charge

Suggested itinerary in Osaka

Welcome to Osaka! We have put together a 7-8 hour itinerary for you to explore the city. You can find all the places we have included on the map provided at the end of the article. Each location is labeled with a number for easy reference (e.g. Osaka station is labeled as ①).

Osaka Station is located in the northern part of Osaka and it is a major station in Kansai. The North Gate Building opened in 2011 and you can enjoy shopping in GRAND FRONT OSAKA . It is a developing area so if you want to know more about the area, check the article below!

The castle tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls, moats, and huge parks. This park is one of the most popular hanami spots which literally means flower viewing spot during the cherry blossom season, which usually takes place in early April.

▶ Osaka Castle and the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Tour

The Suijo Bus Aqua-liner allows you to explore Nakanoshima Island from the water. On their Osaka Castle and Nakanoshima course , you can enjoy the local scenery on the Ogawa River from the boat. The Aqualiner’s glass ceiling can be lowered to pass under the lower bridges which adds a thrilling taste to the tour. We recommend their course from Osaka Castle to Yodoyabashi. It takes only 20 mins and costs 940 yen. It’s a bit short but you can enjoy this activity.

Standing at 300 meters, Abeno Harukas  is the tallest skyscraper in Japan. The observation deck is called “ Harukas 300 ” and occupies the building’s top three floors (floors 58 to 60). Take the elevators from the 16th floor to get to the observation deck. With large floor-to-ceiling windows all around, the 60th floor offers 360-degree views of Osaka, while the 58th floor features an attractively designed inner court with a wooden deck and cafe. A souvenir shop and restrooms with views are also must-sees. ▶Get e-tickets for Harukas 300 Observatory

At the beginning of the 20th Century, the Shinsekai area flourished. Today, only a little bustle atmosphere remains, but many old eating and drinking establishments can still be found. One highlight of this area is Tsutenkaku Tower and Jan-Jan Yokocho Lane, which runs along one side of Shin-Sekai. This dining and shopping street is where laborers who rebuilt Osaka after World War II gathered, and it still contains Japanese-style pubs and cheap cafeteria-like restaurants with unique menus that include Kushi-Katsu and Kasu Udon. It’s an entertainment district for locals which is the same as it has always been. To learn more about the area, check the article below!

Kuromon Ichiba is a lively covered market that stretches for 580 meters in the Nipponbashi area. This market street is often called “Osaka’s Kitchen” because both local homeowners and restaurant chefs get their supplies here since the market is famous for its fresh seafood and street food. Take a guided tour to enjoy the market appropriately. You can find delicious local foods on the street while listening to the story behind the area.

The lively entertainment area of Dotonbori is Osaka’s most famous tourist destination and is renowned for its gaudy neon lights, extravagant signage, and enormous variety of restaurants and bars. You can walk to the Dotonbori area from Kuromon Market. There are Namba Grand Kagetsu and Doguyasuji Street  in this area. Dotonbori is famous for its eye-catching signage and billboards with a giant pufferfish, an octopus, a clown, and the Kani Douraku crab all vying for your attention and creating an amusement park-like atmosphere. Of all these signs, however, the most famous one is the Glico running man above Ebisubashi Bridge. Take a picture with the Glico sign!

It is time to go back to Kyoto or Tokyo. Osaka is a perfect day trip destination and if you haven’t added it to your Japan trip itinerary yet, don’t worry. It is not too late to add this one-day Osaka itinerary to yours!

If you have time, check out the Floating Garden Observatory at Umeda Sky Building (⑧ on the map) before you take a train back to your stay.

Umeda Sky building is located near JR Osaka Station. You can spend time on the open-air rooftop of this 568-foot-high, 40-stories building overlooking the city of Osaka. It opens until 10:30 pm (the last admission is 10 pm) and it is perfect for sunset or night view.

What should you eat in Osaka?

Do you know the word “ Kuidaore “? This is a very famous word that is often used to describe Osaka.”Kuidaore” means “Eat until you drop” so you should spend money and eat a lot of food! In Osaka, there are many delicious street foods. Here we listed the three most popular foods which are your must-try when you visit Osaka.

A ball-shaped Japanese light meal containing pieces of octopus inside, Takoyaki is one of the best street foods in Japan and also a popular home-cooking meal for many people in Osaka. Almost everyone who lives in Osaka has a Takoyaki-making machine at home!

Okonomiyaki is often described as a Japanese savory pancake. The ingredients could be varied but the popular ones are vegetables and pork or seafood. You can make it by yourself at the restaurant and it will be a very fun experience for you!

Kushi katsu is a deep-fried skewered meat and vegetable. You dip them into the thick sauce but some restaurants have the very unique rule such as not allowing to dip into the sauce twice!

Also, each area in Japan has its own specialty food. We highly recommend checking out the local foods in each area before traveling to Japan!

Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Osaka

If you are planning on visiting Osaka and need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place! We would be more than happy to help make your trip the best it possibly could be. We can advise you on where to go, or even better, hook you up with a local English speaking guide that can show you all of the best spots. Let us help you make fun, safe, and unforgettable memories in Osaka!

▶ Osaka Highlights Private Walking Tour On this full-day private tour of Osaka, we will take you to Osaka’s highlights that include Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, the popular Dotonbori area, etc. Learn about the rich history of the area, local lifestyle, and of course delicious Osaka food!

▶ Osaka Tenjinbashi Local Street Walking Tour Walk around the Tenjinbashi area with an experienced and knowledgeable English speaking guide! You can find all of the local secret hidden gems along the way. This tour also includes some delicious street food and drink.

▶ Kyoto Food and Drink Tour @Nishiki Street & Gion If you’re planning on visiting Kyoto along with Osaka and are looking to learn more about the culture and local cuisine, this is definitely the perfect tour for you! Take part in this fun food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous Gion district.

▶ Tour Packages If you want to make travel easier, we suggest you look into tour packages.There are a wide range of tour packages out there to suit the accomodate for each traveler needs. Click the button below to find the best tour package from various Tour Operators!

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Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

• 1 Week Japan Itinerary: Tokyo and Kyoto

If you’ve got about a week to spend and this is your first trip to Japan, this Classic Japan itinerary is for you. You’ll experience modern Japan in Tokyo and traditional Japan in Kyoto.

Itinerary Summary

• Duration: 7 to 10 days
• Perfect for: First time visitors to Japan with limited time.
• Cities visited: Tokyo and Kyoto
• Arrival City/Airport: Most people fly into Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports to do this itinerary. You can also fly via Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is the nearest international airport to Kyoto/Osaka.
• Best Season: Any time of year.
• Japan Rail Pass: A one-week Japan Rail Pass will save you a bit of money. For more details, see our Japan Rail Pass: Is It Worth It? page.

Hire A Travel Expert To Plan Your Japan Itinerary

Check hotel availability, destination, check-in date, check-out date.

How much time should you spend in Tokyo and Kyoto?

A crucial question you must ask yourself is how much time to allot to each city. For most people, the ideal breakdown is 2 full days in Tokyo and 4 full days in Kyoto (travel days are not considered full days). If you are more interested in modern Japan, then you could spend 3 days in Tokyo and 3 in Kyoto. For most people, Kyoto is more relaxing and more manageable, so spending more time in Kyoto results in a more enjoyable vacation.

The Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo You’ll probably arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT), but some flights also go into the more convenient Haneda International Airport (HND). See our Tokyo Airport Transport page for details on getting into Tokyo from the airports.

Day 2: Tokyo: Modern Tokyo On your first full day in Tokyo, you’ll explore the modern west side of the city. See our full Tokyo Two-Day Itinerary for details.

Day 3: Tokyo: Traditional Tokyo On your second full day in Tokyo, you’ll explore the traditional east side of the city. See our full Tokyo Two-Day Itinerary for details.

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto, Explore Downtown Kyoto Take the shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and costs Y13,080 (you can use a Japan Rail Pass to cover this trip). For details, see our How to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto page. You’ll probably have some time after arriving in Kyoto to explore. We recommend checking out the downtown area on this day.

Day 5: Kyoto: Southern Higashiyama On your first full day in Kyoto, you’ll explore the temple-packed Southern Higashiyama area. See our full Kyoto Three-Day Itinerary for details.

Day 6: Kyoto: Arashiyama On your second full day in Kyoto, travel west to the Arashiyama district, which is home to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. See our full Kyoto Three-Day Itinerary for details.

Day 7: Kyoto: Kurama and Northern Higashiyama On your last full day in Kyoto, consider a trip to Kurama and then explore the lovely Northern Higashiyama area. See our full Kyoto Three-Day Itinerary for details. Another option on this day would be a day or half-day trip to Nara. For information on Nara, see our full Nara guide .

Day 8: Travel from Kyoto back to Tokyo Take the shinkansen back to Tokyo. For details, see our How to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto page. You’ll probably have some time in the afternoon to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Note, if your flight out of Tokyo leaves after 3pm, you might be able to spend this night in Kyoto (see the note below).

Day 9: Leave Japan Return to Narita or Haneda airport and fly home. See our Tokyo Airport Transport page for transport details.

Important Note on Leaving Kyoto and Flying Out of Tokyo the Same Day

If your departure from Tokyo is after 3pm, you do not have to spend your last night in Tokyo; you can leave from Kyoto and still make your flight. As a rule, to travel from Kyoto to Narita takes around 4 hours, with transfers. The best way is to take a Hikari or Nozomi shinkansen to Shinagawa Station in Tokyo and transfer to the Narita Express there (if you change at Tokyo Station, you have to walk VERY far to reach the Narita Express platforms).

If you you’re flying out of Haneda Airport, allow about 3.5 hours travel time from Kyoto to Haneda. The best way is a Hikari or Nozomi shinkansen to Shinagawa Station in Tokyo and then the Keikyu Line to Haneda.

Japan Itineraries:

• Japan Itineraries Overview
• 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa
• 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto and Takayama
• 2 Week Japan Itinerary: The Grand Tour
• 7 to 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima
• Japan With Children Itinerary

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka by train

Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka by train

August 1, 2023

Japan is one of the most culturally rich and diverse countries on Earth. When exploring through the streets, hills, and castles of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you will be taken through time, history and places of breathtaking views and mesmerizing moments.

In this article, you will find how to make the following journeys around Japan — some of the most popular train trips among travelers:

• Tokyo to Kyoto
• Tokyo to Osaka
• Kyoto to Osaka

You can travel between these 3 incredible cities with the bullet train and using just your Japan Rail Pass .

Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka by Shinkansen bullet train

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are connected by the Tokaido Shinkansen line, included with the Japan Rail Pass .

This line is one of the most heavily travelled high-speed rail route in the world. It spans 515 km (320 miles), and offers the fastest and smoothest way for travelling between Tokyo station, and Shin-Osaka or Kyoto stations.

How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass is easy. You should take the Shinkansen Hikari  bullet train from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, and arrive at Kyoto Station.

Three trains run on the Tokaido Shinkansen line: Nozomi , Hikari , and Kodama . Take note that Nozomi trains are not currently included in the Japan Rail Pass. However, this will change (if you pay a supplement) from October 2023.

The alternative to the Nozomi trains are Hikari and Kodama . Both are high-speed bullet trains.

Hikari trains run between the major cities of Japan with a speed of 285 km/h (177 mph), making fewer stops.

Kodama also runs with an operating speed of 285 km/h but makes stops at the smaller towns.

For some great suggestions and recommendations on which places to visit and what to do in Kyoto, check out our Japan in 14 days (day 4-6) blog post.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Timetables and fares

A standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes close to 2 hours and 40 minutes , taking the Hikari Shinkansen. Unlike Hikari , all Kodama trains need around 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach Kyoto from Tokyo. This is because they stop at all stations before reaching their final destination.

The standard one-way fare would be 13,080 yen for non-reserved seats and 13,600 yen for reserved on both Hikari and Kodama trains. However, Japan Rail Pass holders can reserve a seat and take any of the two trains for free .

If you are confused by the difference between the different Shinkansen lines or you wish to learn more about how to find your platform or take any train, read our how to use Japanese trains article.

How to travel from Tokyo to Osaka

To get from Tokyo to Osaka , you will need to take very same Shinkansen trains. Either the Hikari Shinkansen or Kodama Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations in central Tokyo. Both run on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, connecting the two cities.

Timetable and fares

The Shinkansen Hikari train leaves approximately every 30 minutes from Tokyo and arrives at Shin-Osaka station after 2 hours and 53 minutes on average. The Kodama takes closer to 4 hours.

To get to central Osaka station, change to any of the local JR Tokaido-Sanyo trains.

Normal tickets from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka cost 13,620 yen for a non-reserved seat or 14,140 for a reserved seat.

All JR Pass holders will be able to make those trips free of charge.

For some interesting ideas on what to do in Osaka, read our 3 days in Osaka , and Japan in 21 days (week 2) articles, as well as our Osaka travel guide .

Osaka to Kyoto and back

Traveling between Kyoto and Osaka is now easier than ever. Just take the Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. You will get between Kyoto Station and Shin-Osaka Station in less than 30 minutes , traveling at a speed of 285 km/h (177 mph). Find out more detailed information in our article: Osaka to Kyoto: How to travel .

Furthermore, Japan Rail Pass holders can get to Osaka station from Kansai International Airport by taking the Haruka airport express for free. For general information, the standard price for a one-way ticket is approximately 2330 yen. It takes less than an hour to reach Osaka station from Kansai Airport.

Related posts

Related tours & activities.

We are planning to stay a month or more in Japan and we want to visit a lot of places. Is there a Japan rail pass available for an entire month? Does it cover the whole of Japan? Once its activated it keeps on counting the days if I understand it correctly. Is it possible to stop the counting for like a week (for example if you go hiking) and then let the counting continue? Are there other discount options for example based on the number of turns you take the train? Thanks in Advance.

Should you need a Japan Rail Pass that covers a month of travel you can combine a 7 day + a 21 day pass. This pass includes transportation thorugh the whole country. Please note usage days need to be consecutive , which meand you won’t be able to stop the counting at any point. We recommend you to combine tickets of different durations to enjoy a pause in the pass’ use.

Happy travels!

We are family of four (2 adult and 2 children (13 yo and 7 yo). We plan for visit Japan for 12 days (23 Dec-3 Jan). Arriving at Narita on 23 Dec and back through Narita on 3 Jan. We plan to spend 3 days in Tokyo then go to Osaka, Kyoto, Shirawakgo, Kanawaza then back to Tokyo on 31 Dec before flying out on 3 Jan. What is the best JR pass for these trips and how much are total prices for all of us?

HI, If i would like to activate my JR pass on 25/12/2019 from Tokyo to Osaka, with 7 days pass can i still travel back from Kyoto to Tokyo on the 31/12/2019.

Would also appreciate if you could advice how to reserve a seat for the bullet train and can i take the train to osaka from Tokyo Narita Airport?

Thank you !

Hi Winnie K!

The Japan Rail Pass validity period is calculated in days, not in hours. Therefore, if you have purchased a 7-day pass and your activation date (when you first use the pass) is the 25/12/2019, the exact expiration time will be midnight on 31/12/2019.

To reserve your seat just take your Japan Rail Pass to any JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi), spread through all Japanese train stations. Once at the ticket office, you will be asked about your destination and preferred departure time and handed your reserved seat ticket.

To get from Narita Airport to Osaka you will first need to get to central Tokyo. Please note you can easily do this using your Japan Rail Pass travelling in the Narita Express .

Can I find out the train seat availability before I purchase the pass?

Hello, I will be purchasing the JR Pass when travel in Japan. I understand that Shinkasen Nozomi in not covered by JR Pass. The part of the itinerary from Shin-Osaka to Okayama is run by Nozomi Line. Then from Okayama to Takamatsu by Marine Liner 53. What is the best thing to do in this situation Should I buy the ticket for Nozomi line separetly?

I will appreciate your comment and help.

Thank you, Beata

You can also travel between Osaka and Okayama on lines included in your Japan Rail Pass: takin the JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line from Osaka Station to Okayama Station takes about 45 minutes. The Hikari train is covered by the JR Pass.

Hi, I’m thinking of purchasing the JR pass and wanted more information:

Day 1: Tokyo to Kyoto Day 4: Kyoto to Osaka Day 7: Osaka to Tokyo

What is the cutoff time for using the JR pass? Meaning, what time do the pass expire on day 7? Thank you!

Check out our FAQ about Activation date , I hope you’ll find it useful.

Hello. Will be in Japan for 2 weeks. The first week all in Tokyo. The second week going to Osaka from Tokyo then back to Tokyo. Planning to buy a JR pass just for the second week but where would I pick it up if I am going to be in Tokyo going to Osaka?

The Japan Rail Pass can be sent to your home or to the hotel where you will be staying in Japan. Even if you are not going to use it until the second week of your trip, don’t worry, when you complete the activation process of your Japan Rail Pass, you will be able to select the activation date from which you want to use it, so you can take it from home and activate it when it suits you best while in Japan.

Hello, My partner and I will be arriving to the Haneda Airport in August. We want to begin our travels by going to Kyoto. What is the most convenient way to get to the Kyoto station from the Haneda Airport? We plan on visiting Southern Higashiyama.

Hi Hazel! The Limited Express Haruka is the only direct train service from Kansai Airport to Kyoto station – and best news is that it is included in your Japan Rail Pass . Happy travels!

do you have the timetable for tokyo to kyoto. if have please let me have it!

Hi Gladys! To check the most updated timetables we recommend you to use Hyperdia , which offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance, which will help you greatly in organizing your trips in Japan. Happy travels!

Hi I have clients traveling to Tokyo and will need to do a transfer to Kyoto they will be staying at the : Hotel Gracery Shinjuku Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku1-19-1 Tokyo City 160-0021 Is there a JR near this particular Hotel ? And do you recommend making a confirmed reservation for a mid week travel day ?

Thanks in advance for your time J

The Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is just a 7 minute walk from Shinjuku Station , which includes multiple lines included on your J apan Rail Pass .

Available seats are not guaranteed on the busy commuter trains going to and from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. There are no crowds in the intercity shinkansen trains so available seats tend to be available. However, it is recommended to book a seat before boarding any train to avoid missing trains due to lack of available seats. Green Pass holders are also advised to book a seat in advance to guarantee traveling on a green car, otherwise they may be relocated to a standard car.

Hi, One of our kid is turning 12 in the middle of our plan travel dates to Japan, should we get him an adult or child JR Pass?

Hi Jonathan,

Children who are 11 years of age at the time the Exchange Order is issued, are eligible for the discounted child Japan Rail Pass. You can read more about it in our FAQ: https://www.jrailpass.com/faq/children-eligibility

We will be flying into Akita Airport and staying for 4 days. Afterward, we plan to travel around Kyoto and Tokyo for the 6/7 days. We will fly out of Narita Airport. Could we use the 7days Japan Rail Pass to travel from Akita to Kyoto, Tokyo, and the airport ? We are traveling with 2 children ages 2 and 5, do they need rail passes? Is it convenient to do a day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo? Thank you.

Yes, the Japan Rail Pass can be used on the Akita Shinkansen Line , which connects the capital city of Tokyo to its namesake city, Akita. Regarding transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto as you can read in this article it is also included in the pass.

Kids under 6 years old can travel without a ticket. However they are not entitled to reserve their own seats and thus in case of full trains they do need to travel on their parent’s lap.

Hi, A little confused as to whether I should get a 7 day rail pass as I will only be utilising some parts and then have to pay the rest.. day 1 arrive fly into Kansai stay in Osaka day 2 Osaka to Tokyo Day 5 Tokyo to Kyoto Day 10 Kyoto to Kansai Airport Ca you let me know if it is worth it i the end or should I just pay as I go. thanks Karina

The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, JR bus services , ferry services, and airport transfers. A 7-day JR Pass only costs ¥29.110 which is actually cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train.

This means that if you make just one long-distance trip you can already save money. If you make multiple trips then you start saving thousands of yen.

In addition, when you start factoring in the money you would spend on the metro, buses, transfers, and ferries, then the savings become a must. A return transfer from Narita Airport is over ¥2.600 and a one-day metro and bus pass in Tokyo costs around ¥1.590.

Hello, I’m flying in Haneda International Airport on Nov 21 at 18:40, and want to use my JR pass to Osaka that night. What is the last Hikari Shinkansen train to Osaka? I’ve tried to use Hyperdia, but I’m confused on what trains to get to Osaka. Can you recommend the route and station I need to take from Haneda to Osaka?

Planning 7 day trip to Tokyo and Osaka this coming dec.

intend to stay 2 day at Osaka and remaining 5 day at Tokyo.

What would my transportation option to travel from Tokyo to Osaka and back to Tokyo ?

Hi Chris! This article specifically details the transportation between Osaka and Tokyo included in the Japan Rail Pass 😉 Happy travels!

Hi, I will visit osaka, kyoto and tokyo in 5 days, one way. The trip is very tight. Do you recommend JR pass? Thank you in advance

Hi Fia! The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. A 7-day JR Pass only costs ¥29.110 which is actually cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train. This means that if you make just one long-distance trip you can already save money. If you make multiple trips then you start saving thousands of yen. In addition, when you start factoring in the money you would spend on the metro, buses, transfers, and ferries, then the savings become a must. Happy travels!

Hi. I’ll be in Tokyo on Feb 28 to March 4, then off to Osaka Mar 4-7, Kyoto Mar 7-8, then back to Osaka Mar 8-9. Will be in Japan for a total of 10 days. If I get the 7-day JR Pass, can I activate it on a later date, for example March 3?

Hi VP! Yes you can – To activate your Japan Rail Pass , please go to any JR office. Once at a JR office, you will be asked to show your passport (the JR staff will look for the Tourist visa stamp/sticker) and your Japan Rail voucher (exchange order). After your personal data has been verified, you will be asked to select the activation date of your pass. This can be up to 30 days following the exchange date. Happy travels!

Hello there, I want to ask you if it’s possible to travel from Tokyo to Osaka with the bullet train with large luggage? Thanks in advance!

Hi Yordanov! Travellers are allowed luggage on board for no additional cost in Shinkansen bullet trains . However, there is a limitation of two pieces of luggage, both of which should have a maximum weight of 60kg and a total of 250 cm in height, length and width. There is also a delivery service option . Happy travels!

My friend and I are planning on travelling to Japan for 14 days next summer and are researching ways to get around the country.

Is there any way to travel from Kyoto to Fuji and then to Tokyo while maximising use of the JR pass? Even without the JR pass, what’s the best option to travel between the three cities?

Thanks! Aniza

Hi Aniza! We recommend you to check our article Mount Fuji from Tokyo: Day trip itinerary . There you will find not only how to get there from Tokyo byt also from Kyoto and Osaka using your Japan Rail Pass . Happy travels!

Hi, My family will be arriving in Tokyo on the 23 Dec. We are planning to get the 7-day pass, activating it on Friday, 28 Dec when we head to Osaka returning via Kyoto to Tokyo on Thursday, 3 Jan.

We are thinking to buy green tickets to get better seats and luggage allowance. How early can we reserve seats? Can were reserve from overseas?

Hi George! To book a seat take your Japan Rail Pass to any JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi), spread through all Japanese train stations. Booking a seat over the phone is not possible. However, seat reservations are available online for certain trains at the JR East Train Reservation Service (Ekinet) once your ticket has been exchanged in Japan. Happy travels!

Can I use JR Pass to travel from Hiroshima to Tokyo?

Thank you for your help!

Yes you can! Please check our Hiroshima guide for further information.

I want to travel to Kyoto from Gotemba station. Please help me out. Can I use my JR pass through out journey?

Hi! I will be traveling to Japan this coming Dec. 30 till Jan. 8. I plan to get the JR Pass for 7 days since I will be traveling from Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo. I just want to ask, if it will cover the transportation going to Naebi ski resort as well? Can you give me the directions how to get there? Thank you.

Hi. I wanted to go from Tokyo to Osaka, with a 2-day layover in Kyoto, on the Shinkansen train. What is the best option for me?

Hi Rohit! Please check this article you are commenting to find the best way to move between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with the Japan Rail Pass . Happy travels!

is JR hokuriku arch pass cover JR lines train to fushimi inari n arashiyama bamboo grove?

i’m planning to get JR Hokuriku Arch Pass.. is it included trip to Fushimi inari from kyoto station by JR Nara line? and is it included trip to Arashiyama bamboo grove from kyoto station by JR San-in Line?

I will be traveling to Japan for the first time next year for about 14 days. We would like to stay/base in one hotel in Tokyo the whole trip rather than changing hotels each time but we are planning to explore Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. With us purchasing the JR pass, would this be a good idea or would it be too much going back and forth?

You can do that with your JR Pass in hand, of course. Just please keep in mind that the travelling time to Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka is 3 hours, and for example, from Shin-Osaka to downtown Osaka (Namba station) is another 30 minutes. We recommend you check out our Tokyo , Kyoto and Osaka pages for further information.

I will be travelling to Japan from November 14h to November 23d, total of 9 days. I was wondering which option would be best and if there’s another option that’s cheaper since the JR pass is for 7 or 14 days.

I will be going to Tokyo from the Narita airport from nov 14th to the 17th, and then go to Kyoto from nov 18th to the 20th and Osaka from the 21rst to the 23rd, to go back to Narita airport.

Is the JR pass the cheapest way? Is it worth paying 200$ more for two days?

Thank you so much!

A 7-day JR Pass only costs ¥29.110 which is actually cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train. In addition, when you start factoring in the money you would spend on the metro, buses, transfers, and ferries, then the savings become a must. A return transfer from Narita Airport is over ¥2.600 and a one-day metro and bus pass in Tokyo costs around ¥1.590.

Hi I will be arriving at Haneda Airport Japan and spending a seven day visit. Will the Japan rail pass help me get around the city of Tokyo to Akihabara than I am planning a trip to Kyoto and spent three days there and then returning to Toko. Will the the JR 7 day pass be best to buy or a round-trip ticket to Kyoto.

Yes, the JR Pass is worth it already if you make a round-trip to Kyoto and move around Tokyo.

Hi, We(2 persons) have a JAL rail pass. We need to take the following trips while in Japan this October 2018. Looking for an overview of how to do it (which train/line, from which station to which station, any other information that you think might be helpful at all). Our goal is to have a simple guide to reference to make navigating the trains less stressful. Our itinerary is below: 1. We need to take the train from the Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo to Kyoto on the morning of October 20th. 2. We need to travel from Kyoto to Osaka on Sunday, October 21st. 3. We need to travel from Osaka to the Morizuya Inn (Kinosaki area) on Monday October 22. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! 4. We need to travel from The Morizuya Inn to the ANA Crowne Plaza Narita.

Hi Anna! The overall itineraries are already specified in this article. Regarding how to get to your personal accomodation, it would be adviceable to contact directly your hotels – they are experts on how to get to them 😉

We are looking to travel from 1 way from Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima- back to Osaka (to fly home to UK)

What JP Rail pass do you recommend?

Hi Gozg! It will depend on how many days you are travelling, since the Japan Rail Pass must be used on consecutive days. If you can fit all those trips in 7 natural days, then it will surely pay off 😉

My family of three will be traveling to Japan on Dec. 18, 2018, until Dec 26, 2018 (Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo, Is it advisable to activate the JR pass on 18 from Narita and will it be valid until the afternoon of 26 December?

Hi McRomel,

Yes, if you get the 14-day Japan Rail Pass… the 7-day pass won’t be able to last 8 days 🙂

For further information, check our FAQ about the JR Pass activation .

My wife and I are traveling to Kyoto for our honeymoon this week. We scrambled to get a flight to Narita after our flight to Kansai was cancelled due to Jebi. However, I understand most of the high speed trains leave from Tokyo Station. What is the easiest way to get from Narita to Tokyo Station, and is there a way to get help transferring luggage from one train to another? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

You can hop on the Narita Express for free with your JR Pass, or also with a round-trip ticket. Please check our Narita Express guide as well as our article about coin lockers and transferring luggage service.

My family and i are headed there on oct 24-30 and are planning to go to osaka, kyoto, tokyo and mt fuji, do you suggest we get the jr pass? We already bookd hotels for each place were going

Yes, the JR Pass is a great fit for moving between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka , as well as the Mt Fuji area. In your case, the 7-day pass will be more than worth it.

Just wanna ask for your valuable advice if it’s practical for us to buy JR Pass if we arrive in Narita airport then stay in Tokyo for 3 days and then we go to Kyoto or Osaka for the remaining 4 days since the airport for our departure is in Osaka.

Yes, the Japan Rail Pass is a good fit for you as it includes the airport transfers for Narita and Osaka airports, the shinkansen train from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka, and the JR loop and other local lines in Tokyo and Osaka.

Have a nice trip!

Hi, I will travelling with my family ,total 5 pax to Tokyo Narita Airport and intend to travel to Osaka right after we reach Tokyo. We intend to spend 4 days in Osaka and travel back to Tokyo for the rest of our trip in Japan and will go back from Narita Airport. Is it necessary for us to buy the JR pass ?

Looking forward to your reply!

Best Regards and Thankyou, Kristen

Hi Kristen!

The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. A 7-day JR Pass only costs ¥29.110 which is actually cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train.

Hi We are landing at Narita airport and plan to stay a few days in Tokyo, a day in Kyoto and a few more days in Osaka. We are not coming back to Tokyo. Is 7 day pass worth the money for one way trips.

Hi Maly! The Japan Rail Pass doesn’t pay off in your case (it would if you were returning to Tokyo for example). Happy travels!

My daughter and I will be visiting my wife who is working in Japan. We are planning to use the JR Pass but it is available for my wife who is working in Japan. Can you suggest what would be our alternative?

We are planning to visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara Park and Tokyo.

We will arriving in Narita since my wife is working in Chiba.

Hi Nino! The Tourist Visa is the only visa which allows you to obtain and use the Japan Rail Pass . If your wife has a working visa she will need to purchase separate tickets for each trip. However, you and your daughter will be entitled to make full use of the pass. Happy travels!

Hi, I was hoping you could give me some advice regarding our best option for train passes. We are spending 2 weeks in Japan, most of our time being spent in and around Tokyo, with some day trips to surrounding towns and Mt Fuji. We do however hope to spend 2 nights away. Travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto, then onto Osaka, finally returning back to Tokyo. Would it be worthwhile getting a JR pass for these 2 days away and what kind?

Thank you in advance for all of your help.

Hi Neil! To travel with your 7-day Japan Rail Pass , means to have the unique opportunity to discover the whole country at a cheaper price than a Tokyo to Kyoto return ticket, on a Shinkansen bullet train. For that reason we think it would be cost-effective using the pass when you intend to travel between Tokyo , Kyoto and Osaka and to try toadd within this 7-day validity period as many day trips as you can. Happy travels!

Good afternoon, We are a group of 7 friends all travelling to Japan in late October for 16 days. We will be arriving Osaka on the 20th October, then by train to Hiroshima on the 22nd, then to Okayama, then local train to Tamano (UNO) on the 24th, then to Kyoto on the 26th, then to Tokyo on the 28th for 7 nights, departing Narita on the 4th November. We are thinking the GREEN JR rail pass will be the best option? We would activate the pass on the 22nd (this should allow us to get all the way to Tokyo on the 7 day pass?) to take us to Hiroshima……..can we book all the seats for all trains at the Osaka rail office? Also would you know what the cost of the local train from Okayama to Tamano would be ? Is there anywhere we can view all the JR timetables? Kind regards, Declan

Yes, if you activate the Japan Rail Pass on October 22nd you will still be able to use it to travel to Tokyo on the 28th. You will also be able to book seats on all the trains once you activate or pass. To check all timetables please refer to Hyperdia , which offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance.

The JR Uno Line, included in your Japan Rail Pass , connects Okayama and Uno Station, in Tamano.

Hello, Reading your article above, it seems that traveling on the Shinkansen Hikari line from Tokyo to Kyoto will take 2hr 40 min but traveling from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka will take 2hr 30 min. This doesn’t make sense to me, have I misread or misunderstood this? thank you very much, Sarah

Hi Sarah! You are right – there was a typo in the text. We have already amended it since a standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes close to 2 hours and 40 minutes, taking the Hikari Shinkansen and this same train arrives at Shin-Osaka from Tokyo station after 2 hours and 53 minutes. Thank you very much for your contribution!

Hi, we are planning to go to Japan in Nov. Our flight will land in Narita at 15.15pm, if we make use of the JR pass, how do we get to Kyoto? Can we make it in the same day? What is the time table for Hikari Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto?

We recommend you to head to Tokyo in the Narita Express (included in your Japan Rail Pass ) and from there go to Kyoto. N’EX trains take approximately 1 hour to get from and to Tokyo Station (first stop city center) and, as specified in this article, a standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes close to 2 hours and 40 minutes, taking the Hikari Shinkansen.

Should you want to get the timetables for a train please check them at Hyperdia which offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance.

We hope you enjoy your stay!

Hi, so me and a group of friends are trying to decide what is the most affordable road to take. I want to confirm a few things thats already stated in these comments just so I am extra confident.

I saw round trip flights from Tokyo to Osaka in the low $100 range but since we will be taking trains to get around both Tokyo and Osaka.

I am considering the JR ticket. With the Jr pass am i able to go from Tokyo (Shibuya area) to Osaka (Namba area)? I will be landing in Tokyo July 17th and going to Osaka the 19th-22nd .

Hi Douglas!

Sure – you can do all the itinerary.

From Shibuya Station you can take the Yamanote line , included in your Japan Rail Pass, all straight to Tokyo Station. From there you will easily reach Shin-Osaka station as described in this article. To get to central Osaka station, change to any of the local JR Tokaido-Sanyo trains. From Osaka Station you will be able to access the Osaka Loop Line, included in your JR Pass. The Osaka Loop Line is also available one stop from JR Namba Station .

Hi, Can you show me how to make use of JR pass from Kyoto to Fujikawaguchiko, from Fujikawaguchiko to Hakone and Hakone to HND airport in a cheapest and fastest way? Thank you

Hi, I am planning a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto then to Osaka. I will arrive at Narita airport proceed to Tokyo for 7 days then follow by Kyoto 4 and Osaka 3 days. Go back from Osaka to Narita Airport May i know which package i should take? From Osaka to Narita duration and how long is the journey? Thanks.

As specified in this article, the Shinkansen Hikari train leaves approximately every 30min from Tokyo and arrives at Shin-Osaka station after 2:30min. Should you need to travel between the three cities we recommend you to get a Japan Rail Pass since it is the only pass that covers nation-wide transportation.

We will be traveling to Japan this coming Aug 2 – 11. We would like to go to the following cities. It will be more like a day trip, so we will go back to Tokyo in the afternoon and will not spend the night in each city. Will the JR pass cover unlimited round trip on the bullet train as well?

1. Kyoto 2. Nara 3. Osaka 4. Mt Fuji (how will we get here with JR pass?)

Thank you, Diwa

Yes, the Japan Rail Pass will allow you to make unlimited (round) trips in the included transportation within its validity period. If you are looking forward to reach all those destinations as a day trip from Tokyo, the Japan Rail Pass will be very cost effective.

To get all the details on the Mount Fuji and its area we recommend you to read our dedicated article Mount Fuji from Tokyo: Day trip itinerary .

My itinerary listed below and please advise if buying a 7-day JR Rail Pass economical or buy as I travel:

10/7/18 Arrival Kansai and to Kyoto – how much ticket for return and single 11/7 (i) Ryoanji Temple (ii) Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple); (iii) Kyoto Imperial Palace; (iv) Nijo Castle; (v) 12/7 (Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine; (ii) Sanjusangendo Hall; (iii) Kyoto National Museum (Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan; (iv) Kiyomizu-dera Temple 13/7 (i) Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; (ii) Tenryuji Temple; (iii) Okochisanso Garden; (iv) Otagi NeThenbutsuji Temple 14/7 (i) Ginkaku-ji; (ii) Philosopher’s Walk; (iii) Nanzen-ji Temple; (iv) Chion-in; (v) Maruyama Park; (vi)Yasaka Shrine (vii) Pontocho Alley 15/7 Departure from Kyoto to Kansai Airport These are the locations I plan to see in different parts of Kyoto

Hi Susan! For detailed costs and travel times please check Hyperdia , the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. Hyperdia offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance, which will help you greatly in deciding which type of pass is more cost effective for your trip.

Hi – we are going to Japan August – arriving in Tokyo on Aug 7th and leaving Tokyo on August 16th. We plan on staying in Tokyo until August 9th at which time we’ll go to Osaka and stay there until it’s time to go back to Narita airport on the 16th.

I have some questions: From Tokyo: 1) Can we get to Disney Sea on JR Line? 2) To Mt Fuji? 3) How do we get to Osaka? 4) How do we get back from Osaka to Narita?

DisneySea is a twenty-minute walk from Maihama Station which can be reached with your Japan Rail Pass: travel from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station, on the JR Keiyo line. Alternatively you can take the Disney Resort Monorail from Maihama to Tokyo Disney Sea Station. To get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji you can just follow the Gotemba trail, one of the most popular routes among visitors.

To get to Osaka please review this article you are commenting, it includes the route in detail 😉 and to get from Osaka to Narita we recommend you to go back to Tokyo Station and to take the Narita Express there.

This December 2018, our whole family will go to Japan for 9days. We plan to visit the following: Osaka , Kyoto, Tokyo and Hiroshima + Miyajima.

Can you help us plan a route? Our arrival and departure date are as follows below: Day 1 – arrival in Kansai airport 8:00pm Day 9 – depart Japan thru Kansai airport at 8:45pm

We recommend you to check our planned itineraries – whether you have 1, 2, 3 weeks, or more, with the help of this section you can personalize your trip by following or combining the suggested itineraries:

Japan in 7 days: Travel itinerary 10 days in Japan: Travel itinerary

We hope you enjoy your trip!

Hi, We are looking to travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen Hikari after arriving on an international flight at 5am at Haneda Airport in mid December. We expect to be ready to depart the airport at around 6am as we need to check ski luggage into storage at the airport. Could you please advise the best approach to utilise a Japan Rail pass for the Kyoto trip as I understand the Haneda Airport JR office does not open until 7:45am. Also, it would be good to know which train and station is best to get to the Shinkasen Hikari from Haneda.

Hi Dom! Although the Tokyo Monorail is a private railway, it has been integrated for use of the Japan Rail Pass . You can take this train to reach central Tokyo, from where you’ll be able to reach the Hikari Shinkansen. Please note you won’t be able to use the Japan Rail Pass until you have effectively exchanged it. Enjoy your stay!

We will be travelling to Japan this coming December.

Our itinerary is mainly Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and we were advised that it will be convenient to get Hokuriku Arch Pass.

Can you explain the details of this pass? What are the inclusions and can it be used for the Narita Express?

Hello, I would like to check with you for your recommendation which type of Train Tickets to buy. We will arrive at Kansai airport then travel to Kyoto for 2 days. Kyoto to Kobe for 3 days. Kobe to Osaka 3 days Then back from Osaka, Kansai airport.

I am planning to buy JR pass for a guest who will be visiting Japan for two weeks. Where do I buy it? I also plan to go to Kyoto and Osaka from Tokyo. So, how do I plan to go together with someone who can use JR pass? I cannot get one since I am not a tourist in Japan.

Hi Mandira!

The Japan Rail Pass can be purchased online at http://www.jrailpass.com . You can travel with a Japan Rail Pass holder without problem, you will just need to purchase individual tickets for the same transportation the holder will be using.

Hi, I’ll be travelling to Japan on November and would like to ask some stuffs.

1. From Osaka to Tokyo by using JR Pass, could I stop at Shibuya without additional charge? 2. How to get to Narita Airport from Shibuya by using subway?

No Shinkansen lines serve Shibuya Station directly, and thus you won’t be able to stop at Shibuya when travelling from Osaka to Tokyo. To get from Shibuya to Narita Airport you can take the Narita Express, which is included in your Japan Rail Pass. Happy travels

Hi, on may31, we will be travelling back to Nrt airport from Osaka to connect on another flight at 1345pm out Nrt. We have JR pass. What would be the best route snd schedule of train to get preferably the fastest train to get back to Nrt airport. Thanks, Menchu

Hi Menchu! You can follow this article’s indications to travel from Osaka to Tokyo , and once in Tokyo you will be able to easily take the Narita Express .

Hi, We plan to visit Japan in June 2018. What is the best transportation from 1. Tokyo to Mt Fuji (around 7 am from Tokyo) 2. Mt Fuji to Kyoto (around 4 pm from Mt Fuji) 3. Kyoto to Osaka (around 4 pm from Kyoto)

Please advise names of trains, stations, and trip durations. Hope JRP covers all of these. We plan to buy the 7-day ordinary JRP.

fyi, we hope not to spend extra fare on transportation. We rely on our JRP tickets alone.

Thank you so much for your help.

– Tokyo to Mount Fuji via Gotemba: take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station, using your JR Pass. Once at Kozu (Kanagawa), take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu. Get off at Gotemba Station. Once at Gotemba station, take a bus to Subashiri 5th station. The bus operated by Fujikyu which is not part of the Japan Rail Group, which means the Japan Rail Pass does not cover it. – Mount Fuji area to Kyoto : start your trip at Hakone-Itabashi Station and take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto Station (not covered by JR). Get off at Odawara station and take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass). – Kyoto to Osaka is already described in this article 😉

Enjoy your trip!

Hi there! I will be landing at Narita airport and exploring Tokyo for about 5 days and then I plan on going to Osaka and Kyoto for 5 days. I will then fly from Kansai airport to Haneda airport back home. I am leaving next week and I still have not bought any transportation passes.

What would be you best suggestions in terms of transportation with the train/subway? What specific lines would I have to take?

Thank you in advance!

My family and I will be arriving at Haneda on 23 Aug early morning. We plan to start our journey from Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo. Need some advice on utilizing JR passes base on below rough itinerary:-

Day 1 – Arrival at Tokyo in Haneda airport around 930am. Shinkansen to Osaka with JR passes? Hotel around Umeda area and can I use JR passes on local subway line in downtown osaka? Day 2 – Universal studio. Which station do we alight and if JR pass works? Day 3 – Depart for Kyoto . Shinkansen to Kyoto station? Have not confirm hotel in Kyoto but love to have recommendation near train stations for easy commute Day 4 – Fushimi Inari/Arashiyama bamboo grove/Geisha District Day 5 – Nijyo castle/kinkaku-ji/daigo-ji temple Day 6 – Depart for Tokyo by Shinkansen. Have not confirm hotel but need recommendations that near commute to Narita airport. Day 7 – DIsney Seaworld. Which station and can JR pass works? Day 8 – Depart for Narita. Understand we need to reserve seats for Narita express ?

Thanks for all your recommendations and advice in advance.

Need some advice on how to go about with JR pass if we plan our free and easy FIRST trip to Japan this coming Aug. :-

Day 1 : Arrival early in Haneda airport and depart for Osaka. Hotel booked at Umeda area Day 2 : Depart for Universal Studio Day 3 : Depart for Kyoto . Fushimi Inari Day 4 : Arashiyama Bamboo Grove/Geisha District/Kinkaku-ji Day 5 : Depart for Tokyo/Shibuya/Shinjuku/Harajuku Day 6 : Disney Seaworld Day 7 : Free and easy Day 8: Depart for Narita Airport

I am still unclear if JR passes also apply to the local subway lines within osaka, kyoto and tokyo. Say to the places of interests as planned, are there additional passes I need to purchase to get ourselves there?

Your advice and guidance are very much appreciated!

Thanks Gillian

Apparently there is an issue that I am unable to go straight to Kyoto from Shinagawa station after 8PM. If I decide to stay in Tokyo until the earliest Hikari train, would I have to reserve a seat?

Thank you -Princess

Hi Princess!

Available seats are not guaranteed on the busy commuter trains going to and from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. There are no crowds in the intercity Shinkansen trains so available seats tend to be available. However, it is recommended to book a seat before boarding any train during the peak seasons. Green Pass holders are also advised to book a seat in advance to guarantee traveling on a green car, otherwise they may be relocated to a standard car.

I my wife and I have already purchased the JRP. We are landing at HND airport around 8PM. We need to head directly to Kyoto with the JRP. What is the best route to do this?

Haneda Airport’s Exchange Office closes by 18.30h so please consider you may not be able to exchange your voucher upon landing.

When landing at Haneda you will be entitled to make full use of the Tokyo Monorail , heading you straight to Tokyo center. Monorail Hamamatsucho Station facilitates transfer to the JR Yamanote , which will take you to the stations that will allow you to take the Hikari to Kyoto as specified in this article.

Hi! I have a group of 5 who want to use the Japan Rail Pass. We want to immediately head to Kyoto from HND airport. The issue that we are seeing is that we land at HND at 7:45PM Monday. This means that the JRP office is closed!

Can you please recommend an efficient way for us to head for Kyoto by bullet train when we land at HND?

*Please keep in mind that we are landing at 7:45PM. Can you please give us some advice on how to go about doing this in consideration to the time that we land? Thank you*

regards, Em

The bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto costs around 13.000 yen so it may be interesting to consider exploring Tokyo and once the voucher is exchanged into the Japan Rail Pass travelling to Kyoto .

Should you need to travel on this day without using the Japan Rail Pass , the Keikyu-Kuko train line goes directly from Haneda terminals to Shinagawa Station . From there you will be able to easily reach Kyoto as detailed in this article.

Hi, I will be traveling to Japan this September from the 21st-30th. What would be the best travel routes for:

1. Arriving in Narita airport around 1:30 pm and staying in Shinjuku for two nights. 2. Traveling from Shinjuku to Kyoto and staying three nights. 3. Kyoto to Osaka for two nights. (One day in Osaka I was planning on traveling to Nara) 4. Osaka back to Tokyo.

All answers are spread through our articles in this blog 🙂 Given the places you want to visit, we recommend you to check the following articles that will help you solve any doubt you may have:

Narita Express: Tokyo Airport transfer with the JR Pass Getting around Tokyo with the JR Pass: Metro, trains and more Osaka Loop Line: Getting around Osaka with the JR Pass

Besides this, please read carefully this article you are commenting since it gives deep insight on how to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with the Japan Rail Pass .

Hi, My family of 5, including an elderly (age 76) and two full-time students (age 22 and 23), planned visiting Osaka and Kyoto in May 2018. Following is our planned itinerary:

Day 0: Take international flight to Osaka Day 1: Reach Osaka Kansai Airport at around 6am -> Take a train to Ayashirama -> Explore Ayashirama Day 2: From Ayashirama to Central Kyoto -> Explore Central n Southern Higashiyama Day 3: From Central Kyoto to Osaka Namba station -> Explore Osaka and surroundings Day 4: Explore Osaka and surroundings Day 5: From Osaka Namba to Nara -> Explore Nara Park with Bus -> Back to Osaka Namba Station (May swop day 4 and 5) Day 6: From Osaka Namba station to Osaka Kansai Airport by 7.30am

May I know what type of JR Pass should i purchase that will fully cover above-mentioned, and the name of the trains/bus that i should book for each of the day please.

Thank you very much for the help

Regards Gary

Hi, I am planning to visit Japan from 8th June until 16/17th June…pls guide if it is a good time or not

Also someone told me best places to visit are Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara

Please advise if I fly in and fly out from Tokyo and stay in Tokyo for 4 days in between visit Hakone and than I stay in Kyoto for 3 days in between visit Nara and than on last day I come back to Tokyo to catch my flight…do you think all this is possible?

Kindly also advise if JR Pass will cover all these destinations

Regards Prerak Gulati

Hi Prerak! Yes of course – perfectly doable. We recommend you to check our 10 days in Japan: Travel itinerary article to get further insight on how to combine all the destinations and for further recommendations should you have more time 😉

hi i forgot my last question,,, should i write the exact arrival date in the JR pass online purchase form ? or approximate date ? because i still didnt book my airline ticket thank you

The arrival in Japan is only an orientative date. Your estimated date of arrival in Japan is required in order to ensure that you will receive your tickets prior to your travel and within it validity.

Please help I’m travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto staying there for three days would like to go to Nara in that time then on to Osaka for one night then onto airport to Okinawa then flying back to Tokyo which is the best travel pass please . Thank you Annette

Should you want to use your pass to travel through the whole country, the Japan Rail Pass would be the only pass that would cover your trips nation-wide. To travel with your 7-day Japan Rail Pass, means to have the unique opportunity to discover the whole country at a cheaper price than a Tokyo to Kyoto return ticket, on a Shinkansen bullet train .

Very happy travels!

hi i will be in (Tokyo Haneda) in april ,, will stay in (Shibuya) area ,,then travel to (Osaka shinsaibashi or other you suggest? )then( Nara ) and return back to tokyo haneda can you help me in name of the stations which i should go to ,,,thank you

If you are travelling with your Japan Rail Pass you will be able to fully cover your itinerary!

– From Haneda Airport you will be able to easily reach central Tokyo in the Tokyo Monorail . To get to Shibuya area upon arrival just get off at Monorail Hamamatsucho Station: it will allow you to transfer to the JR Yamanote . The Yamanote line is fully included in the pass and is probably the most popular and convenient way for getting around Tokyo. – From this article you already know how to get from Tokyo to Osaka 😉 – Begin your trip from Osaka to Nara at the JR Osaka Station. Take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station.

Hello, We will be traveling to Japan on October 2018 with 8 persons in the group can we use the JR Pass on: 1. Narita airport to Shinagawa Prince Hotel? 2. Ride the Yamanote Line? 3. Shinagawa to Hotel Fontaine in Osaka? 4. From the Hotel Fontaine in Osaka to Kansai Airport? Thank you Josie Cruz

Regarding the best access to the accomodations you have chosen, please make sure to contact them since they will be able to better assist you. Besides this, the Japan Rail Pass grants access at no additional cost on the following lines:

– Narita Express , the most convenient Tokyo city transfer from and to Narita International Airport. – Unlimited rides in the Yamanote line , the most popular and convenient way for getting around Tokyo. – Transportation between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka as you already know from this article. – The Osaka Loop Line , which circles through downtown Osaka. – The Haruka Express , a limited express, airport rail link train service.

Hi, I’m planning to visit Japan in May Andy would like to know if you give me some advice about transportation. My itinerary is as follows: Day1: arrival at Narita airport. Hotel in Shinagawa Day 2: going to Hakone ( stay a night) Day 3: going to Kyoto from Hakone (3 nighs in Kyoto) Day 6: from Kyoto to Tokyo. Hotel in Akasaka. I would like to know if I’ll be able to access to these many places easily with a JR pass. Thank you in advance.

The answer is yes – you will be eligible to follow your itinerary travelling with a Japan Rail Pass . This pass includes:

– Unlimited rides in the Narita Express at no additional cost, which will take you from Narita Airport to central Tokyo. It has a stop a Shinagawa Station . – Access to five different Tokyo railway lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line , the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – Acces from Tokyo to Hakone with the bullet train.

Hi: We are traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto on April 16th. Can you please recommend what route/trains to use for this trip using the Japan Rail Pass. Additionally we will be traveling from Kyoto to Hakone on April 18th, is there a japan rail train we can take for this trip and what route/train do you recommend for us to take from Hakone to Narita Airport for our return flight home on April 19th. Thank you so much for your response and suggestions.

The recommended itinerary to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass is detailed described in this article. Please read it carefully.

Here’s how to get from Tokyo to Hakone with the bullet train: take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass). Get off at Odawara station, then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto (not covered by JR) and get off at Hakone-Itabashi.

I think you misunderstood my itinerary. We will be traveling from Kyoto to Hakone and then from Hakone to Narita Airport. What is your recommended trains from Kyoto to Hakone and what train should we take from Hakone to Narita Airport. Thank you.

We were hopping our itinerary base would help you move within your desired itinerary. Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo , and from this article you know how to move between Tokyo and Kyoto 😉 Also Narita Airport is in Tokyo so just go back there and take the Narita Express .

Hi, I thought there might not be enough time to get our JR vouchers delivered to America before we leave town which is Friday March 23rd. I read on the website that I can have it delivered to a hotel. Do you deliver to a hotel in Seoul, S. Korea? That’s where we will be for a few days before we come to Tokyo.

Sure – please make sure to order on http://www.jrailpass.com and to provide a correct and complete address in English to avoid shipping problems.

Hi, Our flight lands at Haneda at 18:55 on Sunday 26th March. It looks like the JR office will be closed then. Our hotel is in Chuo Ward, quite near to Suitengu metro station. I guess we will need to exchange our tickets on Monday 27th – which JR exchange office is closest to our hotel please?

Thanks, Paul

To activate your Japan Rail Pass , please go to any JR office . They are spread through the whole country so please check the list and opening hours to make sure you seize your time!

I arrive in Tokyo (Haneda) on 2nd April. Going to Kyoto on 6th April (may visit Osaka whilst in Kyoto). Leaving Kyoto for Kanazawa on 12th April. Kanazawa to Narita on 15th April. Would you suggest purchasing a JR Rail Pass? Thank you.

Since you seem like you want to travel through the whole country, a Japan Rail Pass would be the only option that would fit all those cities un such different areas.

From Shinjuku, Tokyo, how do I travel to Kawaguchiko station in Fujikawaguchiko, Funatsu for an overnight stay on April 10-11. Around mid day (after lunchtime) I’m leaving for Osaka. 1. From Kawaguchiko station, how do I travel to Osaka? 2. From Osaka, how do I travel to Kyoto station? 3. From Kyoto station, how do I travel to Takayama?

Regards Jude

To get from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station, just take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station. There, transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line. The trip between Osaka and Kyoto is well described in this article you are commenting 😉 . And for the last part of your trip, to travel from Kyoto to Takayama , from Kyoto Station, take the Hikari or Kodama trains on the Tokaido Line to Nagoya , then take the JR Hida Limited Express (also known as Wide View) from Nagoya to Takayama.

I’ll be traveling to Japan for 5 days in April, I want to know if I purchase a 7 day JR pass will I need to purchase an additional ticket to travel roundtrip to Kyoto in addition to riding the local trains?

Will the JR Pass be able to solve all of my travel needs with a single purchase? What else should I be considering?

If you travel with a Japan Rail Pass , it will itself include the roundtrip to Kyoto.

It should mostly cover all your transportation needs, since the Japan Rail Pass covers all JR Group limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local ones. Shinkansen bullet trains are also covered, except of NOZOMI and MIZUHO. Furthermore, the JR Pass can be used on the Tokyo Monorail , the Yamanote line (Tokyo Metro); the Aoimori Railway between Aomori and Hachinohe; the JR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata; the Ainokaze Toyama Railway beween Toyama and Takaoka; Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo. It is also valid on all local JR bus lines and on the JR-West Miyajima ferry services.

I am going to tokyo to osaka to ykoto to osaka, do i need to buy jr pass?

i”m planning a day trip from tokyo to Mt Fuji, I found a detailed article on how to get to Mt Fuji, it says to board Limited Express Azusa on the JR Chuo line, headed to Otsuki ,is this part of JR pass.

Hi Elizabeth,

Yes, the Azusa trains on the JR Chuo line belong to the JR Group so you can ride them for free with your Japan Rail Pass. You can check our Mount Fuji article for more information.

To go to Kyoto from Tokyo, is it more convenient to board the Shinkansen Hikari from Shinagawa Station than Tokyo Station?

Tokyo Station seems to be quite big, would Sinagawa Station be easier to navigate?

Tokyo Station is the largest and busiest train terminal in Japan. Shinagawa Station has two floors, these also being designed for ease of use. The JR and Shinkansen platforms are located on the first floor. Shinagawa Station should be easier to navigate.

Enjoy your stay!

1) can you provide a suggested itinerary to get from Sendagaya or Yoyogi Station in Tokyo to Kyoto Station (Kyoto)? We’re 8 people planning to buy JR pass to go from Tokyo to Kyoto using the Shinkansen on April 4 to arrive early in the PM.

2) Similarly can you provide a suggested itinerary to get from Kyoto Station (Kyoto) to Narita Airport on April 8 so that we could get to the airport at around 2PM?. We will be flying out from NRT at 4PM. Again for a party of 8 people.

Yoyogi is part of the JR Yamanote line , included in the Japan Rail Pass. This line will take you straight to Tokyo Station , where you will be able to travel all straight to Kyoto as described in this article you are commenting.

To get from Kyoto Station to Narita Airport you can travel all straight to Tokyo as described in this article to Tokyo Station. Once there you will be able to take the Narita Express , included in the Japan Rail Pass, that will take you to Narita Airport.

Hi, Could you please guide us how can we reach Osaka the same day if we land in Tokyo on 23rd February, 2018 at 1730 hrs. We have purchased a JR pass and would like to reach Osaka at the earliest.

Depending on the airport you land you will have to take different transportation to reach central Tokyo: if you land at Haneda airport you will have to travel on the Tokyo Monorail, and if you land at Narita, the Narita Express . Both are included in the Japan Rail Pass.

As specified in this article, the Hikari train that will take you from Tokyo to Kyoto can be taken either at Tokyo Station or at Shinagawa Station . The Narita Express stops at both of them, and the Tokyo Monorail only at Tokyo Station .

We hope you have an amazing time at Japan!

Hi, My partner and i are travelling to Japan in April for 13 days. I was just wondering how does the JR Pass work? If i buy the 14 day ticket does that mean that i can swipe my JR Pass for any JR Trips and its included in the price? or do i have to top it up once i use a specific amount of money? Thanks, Daniel

The Japan Rail Pass is a multi-use all-you-can-ride discounted rail ticket. It gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, as well as JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers during the selected validity time frame (either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days). You don’t have any limit besides the selected time frame and the included transportation .

We are a family of 4 adult who will travel to Japan for the first time for 9 days. We will arrive Chubu Airport (Nagoya) from Manila at 8:30pm and will leave same airport at 9:00pm.

I need your expert advise on the following: 1. Do we need to stay overnight in Nagoya upon arrival or go straight to either Kyoto or Osaka? 2. Our planned itinerary are: Day 1 – accomodation in Osaka, day trip Kyoto-Nara (Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Shrine) Day 2 – Osaka (Universal Studios-Wizarding World of Harry Potter) Day 3 – Osaka Castle, Dohtonburi, Himeji Castle Day 4 – travel to Tokyo ( Shibuya, Akihabara) Day 5 – Tokyo Disneyland Day 6 – Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace) Day 7 – Back to Nagoya Day 8 – Depart Chubu Airport I understand that getting the 7 day JR Pass will definitely save us more on transportation cost. Can you guide us on what train line and where exactly to exit given those places that we want to see.

Thank you in advance.

You will be entitled to use the Japan Rail Pass for your planned itinerary in the following lines:

– While in Osaka, you will have unlimited access to the Osaka Loop Line . – As you have already read in this article you are commenting, travelling between Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto is very easy. To get to Nara you eill just need to take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, on the JR Nara line, to JR Nara Station. – To get to Universal Studios Japan, from Osaka Station take the Osaka loop line to Universal City Station. – To get to Tokyo Disneyland use your JR Pass to travel from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station, on the JR Keiyo line. – When traveling from Tokyo to Nagoya , the quickest option is to use the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, accessible using your JR Pass. Taking the Hikari train, you will reach Nagoya in less than two hours.

Your website is really a great help for us who wants to travel and see the beauty and charm of Japan. We are a family of 4 adult who will stay in Japan for 9 days. Our point of entry and exit is Chubu Airport (Nagoya). Arrival at Chubu Airport from Manila at 8:30pm and Departs Chubu Airport to Manila at 9:00pm. I understand that we really need to buy the 7 day JR railpass to save cost of transportation. But i need your advise on how we can maximize our time and cost of transportation on our stay in Japan.

Can i have your guidance/advise on the following:

1. We will arrive Chubu airport (Nagoya) at 8:30pm. Our itinerary includes Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo-Nagoya. Do we need to stay overnight upon our arrival or directly travel to Osaka on that night? Then proceed Osaka stay 3 days ( Osaka Castle, Dohtonburi Area, Himeji Castle, & Universal Studios) day trip to Kyoto & Nara (Todaiji Temple/Nara Park, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine) back to Osaka. Osaka to Tokyo stay 3 days (Meiji Jingu Shrine, Sensoji Temple, Shinjuku Gyoen Natl Garden, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Disneyland) then back to Nagoya 2 days. Is this itinerary possible?

2. Can you please guide us on what train line to take and where to exit on each line.

Hi I’m going for a 16 days trip to Japan . Will be landing at Sapporo. Thinking of going Sapporo-> Hakodate-> Tokyo->Kyoto-> Osaka. As my returning flight is at Osaka. So do you think is more worth to get 14 day JR pass or 7 day ? Can JR pass be used within the respective area ?

Hi Kimberly!

To assess if the 7-day Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket or if the 14-day will also help you save money for your trip, we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

However please keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass affords access to many other transportation (besides what you already read in this article) you could take at no additional cost:

– Transfer from main airports to city centers (for example, the Haruka Express that will take you from Osaka to Kansai Airport). – Transportation within Tokyo, included lines are the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line , the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – Transportation within Osaka in the Osaka Loop Line . – Connection between Sapporo and Japan’s main cities .

Just wondering should I be heading to osaka > kyoto > tokyo for 11 days, will it be more advisable and cost-efficient to purchase the 7 or 14 day rail pass as it is kinda stuck in the middle.

Thank you! 🙂

However please keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass affords access to many other transportation (besides what you already read in this article) you could take at no additional cost: – Transfer from main airports to city centers ( Narita Express and Tokyo Monorail to central Tokyo and Haruka Express to Kyoto and Osaka). – Transportation within Tokyo, included lines are the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – Transportation within Osaka in the Osaka Loop Line . – Connection to many other areas that can be reached as a day trip from Tokyo , from Kyoto and from Osaka.

Hi, Im planning to go from Tokyo to Osaka to Kyoto for a day trip, is it possible? What JR line do you recommend?

Hi Yana! Your answer is fully detailed in the article you are commenting, we recommend you to go over it 😉

Hi, I am going to Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo, which JR pass should I purchase? And also Kansai Airport how travel to Osaka? JR pass got include Kansai Airport to Osaka? Thanks

Hi bingbing!

Yes, the Haruka Express is included in the Japan Rail Pass and fully covers the trip from Kansai Airport to Osaka. Besides this, as you have already read in this article you comment the Japan Rail Pass makes it very easy to travel between Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo.

The pass will be useful for your trip not only for these itineraries but also on the following transportation: – The JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – The Osaka Loop Line , which “loops,” or circles, through downtown Osaka, is also fully included.

Hello I’m planning to visit Tokyo on April, 17,2018 22.00 time arrival flight then I have to travel to Kyoto in the early morning for 2 days to attend Asian urological conference in Kyoto and then return back to Tokyo for one day than to return back to my country on April,21,2018. does 7 days JR pass is a perfect for my trip?

Thanks, Hesham, Saudi Arabia

The Japan Rail Pass will cover all of your planned trips:

– Once you land in the airport, transfers to main cities are included in the pass ( Narita Express from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, Haruka Express from Kansai Airport to Osaka and Kyoto). – While in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different local railway lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – As you have already learned from this article you are commenting, transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto is fully included.

We hope you have an amazing trip!

want a round trip from Kyoto to Osaka on 3/21.Have between 3 and 5 pm to do it, Is that possible? What Price if so? how far is Kyoto Station from the Cruise Ship Port? Thank You

The Japan Rail Pass includes the trip between Kyoto and Osaka as specified in this article. Should you need the timetables please visit Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool.

We hope you have an amazing time in Japan.

Hi I’m planning to arrive in Kansai in March. I’ll be staying in Osaka for 3 days with a day trip then Kyoto for 3 days and then staying in Tokyo for 7 days. We will then head back home from Tokyo. Do you recommend getting the JR pass or buy tickets individually?

Thanks Jenny

To assess if the Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket for your trip, we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

However please note that generally when you make long-distance trips such as Kyoto -> Tokyo it tends to pay off. Transportation in Japan is not cheap.

Have an amazing trip!

Hi, How do you advise to move from : 1. Haneda Airport to Gracery Hotel Shinjuku. 2. Shinjuku to Mount Fuji and back. 3. One way trip to Hilton Tokyo Bay from Gracery Hotel Shinjuku 4. One way trip to Osaka from Hilton Tokyo Bay.

Hope JR Pass covers all this. Pls advise names of trains. Tx.

For the routes starting/ending at specific hotels please make sure to contact them directly. Below we provide the itinerary as from one city to another:

– From Haneda Airport you can get to central Tokyo in the Tokyo Monorail, fully included in your pass. – To get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station. Once at Kozu (Kanagawa), take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu and get off at Gotemba Station. Once at Gotemba station, take a bus to Subashiri 5th station, the gateway to climbing Mount Fuji. This last bus will be the only part of the itinerary not covered by your Japan Rail Pass. – Last but not least, from this article you have already learned how to travel between Tokyo and Osaka with your pass.

We hope you have a great trip!

I forgot, we intend to travel by Shinkansen if possible between Tokyo-Kyoto and Kyoto-Osaka.

Thanks again.

The Japan Rail Pass would be a great fit for your trip.

– It would allow you to travel from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo in the Tokyo Monorail. The Tokyo Monorail does not directly serve Tokyo Station , but it can be reached by taking either the Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku lines from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho Station. Both are included in the pass. – When in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different local railway lines: the Yamanote Line, the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. The Yamanote line will take you straight to Shibuya, Akihabara and Tokyo Station, among other stations. – Travelling between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is extremely easy with the Japan Rail Pass travelling in Shinkansen as you have already learned in this article you are commenting. – While in Osaka, you will be entitled to make full use of the Osaka Loop Line at no additional cost. – To get to Universal Studios Japan from Osaka Station, just take the Osaka loop line to Universal City Station. The park is a five-minute walk from the station. – You will be able to reach Kansai Airport from either Tokyo or Kyoto in the Haruka Express .

Hello! I’m planning a trip with 5 adults for 7 days this coming April. Which JR Pass would you suggest we could make the most use of with this itinerary?

1. Arrival in Haneda at midnight 2. Transfer to Tokyo Station 3. Self-tour via subway (Shibuya, Akehibara, Asakusa, Odaiba) 3. Transfer to Kyoto; self-tour via bus and train 4. Transfer to Osaka; self-tour via bus and subway 5. USJ 6. Depart for KIX for 9am flight.

Thank you so much for your help!

I am planning to have a trip to japan this coming April 29-May 8. My trip covers osaka-kyoto-gamagori-tokyo. I plan to have a kansai pass thru in my stay in osaka, then a 7-day JR pass in kyoto-gamagori-tokyo. Will a 7-day JR Pass cover my whole trip form kyoto-gamagori-tokyo?

Thanks! Ces

to clear it up. I meant gamagori, aichi.

Yes you will be able to make the last part of your trip using a Japan Rail Pass .

To go from Kyoto to Gamagori you will need to first take the Hikari or Kodama train on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen lines from Kyoto Station to Nagoya . Once there you will need to change to another Hikari or Kodama train straight to Toyohashi. Last but not least, from Toyohashi you will need to take the JR Tokaido Rapid/Local train to Gamagori.

From Gamagori to Tokyo you will first need to take again the JR Tokaido Rapid/Local train to Toyohashi. Once there you will just need to take either a Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen straight to Tokyo Station. This trip will take you approximately 3 hours.

Hi, I will arrive in Osaka on 22nd Feb, and plan to go to Himeji castle, Kyoto return trip, and around Osaka, then go to Tokyo on 26th Feb. In Tokyo, plan to go around Tokyo sightseeing and go back on the 2nd March.

Is it worth it to get 7 day JR Pass, or just get the city pass (ICOCA) at Osaka and Tokyo?

I heard that train can be very crowded if it’s not the JR Line. And that with JR Pass it’s first class travel (with a possibility to reserve seat). I’m considering that I will be travelling with my 70yo mom and we’ll be bringing luggages.

Your help is much appreciated.

The ICOCA prepaid id card is offered by JR West and services JR trains in the regions of Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama. Given that you are planning to use it at Tokyo it might not be useful for your whole trip. The Japan Rail Pass will grant you access to all the mentioned trips:

– Osaka Loop Line while you are staying in the city. – When traveling from Osaka to Himeji Castle , you may take the direct access Hikari train from Shin-Osaka Station. From the JR Osaka Umeda Station, you may take the JR Special Rapid Train for a direct trip of just over one hour. When you arrive at Himeji Station, exit via the Central Ticket Gate and take the North Exit. You will be able to see Himeji Castle in the distance. The castle is a 20-minute walk down Otemaedori Street. – Travelling between Kyoto and Osaka is now easier than ever. Just take the Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. You will get between Kyoto Station and Shin-Osaka Station in less than 30 minutes. – To get from Osaka to Tokyo, you will need to take the Hikari bullet train in Shin-Osaka station to Tokyo or Shinagawa stations in central Tokyo. – When in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.

Also please note the Japan Rail Pass will cover your transfers to and from main airports – should you be landing in Kansai airport you could take the Haruka Express all straight to Osaka.

Buying the Green Pass is ideal for the busy months in Japan since it guarantees a spacious and comfortable seat in the air conditioned cars of all the JR lines. The only thing you need to do is book your seat for free. You can do this a day in advance or just before boarding the train.

I’m flying to Tokyo from the Philippines and I plan to travel from Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and back, then Osaka back to Tokyo. All in 5 days. Will a 7-day Japan Rail Pass be worth it? Thank you!

The Japan Rail Pass will surely be worth it in your case:

– Narita airport to Tokyo would cost 1,000-3,000 yen each trip (upon arrival + upon departure will double the cost) depending on the station you are heading to. – Tokyo to Osaka would be between 13,500-14,000 yen, and you will make this itinerary twice. – Roundtrip between Osaka and Kyoto will cost you 1,000 yen.

As you will see it would already pay off, and should you travel with a Japan Rail Pass you would have unlimited access too to other lines that will be useful in your trip:

– The JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines: Yamanote Line , Keihin-Tohoku Line, Rapid Chuo Line, local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – You will also be entitled to make full, unlimited use of the Osaka Loop Line .

And the easiest – you can easily purchase it online here .

It is my first trip to japan and i am planning to travel during this April for 10 days covering toyko-osaka-kyoto-nara-toyko. I will be arriving at narita airport.

I am looking at JR pass 7 days. May I know what is the difference between JR railway pass (¥29110)and hokuriku arch pass(¥24000)?

As there are many types of JR passes. Hence i am confused and hope to hear your feedback

The difference is the area they cover: the Japan Rail Pass can be used nation-wide while the Hokuriku Arch Pass is a more limited pass. For example, for your trip the Hokuriku Arch Pass does not cover the Narita Express , which is the best option to travel between Narita Airport and central Tokyo. This trip is fully included in the Japan Rail Pass . Should you need to pay for these tickets separately besides the Hokuriku Arch Pass, your trip would be more expensive since the single-trip prices of Narita Express are the following:

Tokyo Station – 3,020¥ / 4,560¥ Green Class (GR) Shinagawa – 3,190¥ / 4,730¥ GR Shibuya – 3,190¥ / 4,730¥ GR Shinjuku – 3,190¥ / 4,730¥ GR Ikebukuro – 3,190¥ / 4,730¥ GR Omiya – 3, 840¥ / 5,380¥ GR Yokohama – 4,290¥ / 5,830¥ GR Ofuna – 4,620¥ / 6,160¥ GR

In your case, the 7-day Japan Rail Pass would be a better choice.

I am planning to go to Japan this summer for 8 days (including day of departure) and might arrive at Kansai International Airport. During my stay, I plan on only going around Osaka and Kyoto but might choose to visit Tokyo for 2 days. 1. Will it be more favorable if I buy the National JR Pass or the JR Kansai Pass, keeping in mind that I might go to Tokyo? 2. Does the National JR pass covers trips around Osaka using the local line especially when going to Shin-Osaka and Kyoto Station?

Your kind advice are deeply appreciated as this is my first trip to Japan. Thank you

Regards, Jun

If you want to have your round trip to Tokyo covered you should go for the nation-wide Japan Rail Pass . It will also cover all the trips you make in the Osaka Loop Line , which “loops,” or circles, through downtown Osaka; the trips from Shin-Osaka Station to Osaka Station on a Rapid Express JR train; and also trips between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka as you have already discovered in this article you are commenting.

I am planning to visit Japan this September. I have a few questions of my own if you don’t mind answering them, please.

1. Arrive at Kansai International Airport and will stay in Osaka for 6 days. In between those days, I will travel to Kyoto including Sagano Romantic Train, so should I bought Kansai Area Pass (4days) and JR West Pass (2days) to cover both areas? 2. Day 7, I will use the 7days JR pass to Tokyo as I will leaving the country from Narita Airport. Part of the planned is to visit Mt Fuji & Hakone while I am in Tokyo.

In your suggestion, will this be the best options for money instead of buying the 14 days JR Pass?

Best Regards,

Hi DotJohn!

It is generally adviceable to use the Japan Rail Pass when you travel through the whole country but we strongly recommend to check since transportation in Japan is expensive and sometimes the Japan Rail Pass pays off even when not used for the whole trip.

I will be travelling to Japan from 07 – 21 April (14 days). Mostly staying in Tokyo. Only leaving for Kyoto on 15 & 16 Apr and continue to Osaka on 17, 18, 19 Apr Then back from Osaka to Tokyo on 20 April.

May I know if I should purchase the JR Pass for 7 or 14 days for the above itinerary? Or would it be more cheaper to purchase one way trip each time I travel from the train station itself?

Thank you in advance! (:

Rgds, Kelly

However please keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass affords access to many other transportation (besides what you already read in this article) you could take at no additional cost: – Transfer from main airports to city centers ( Narita Express and Tokyo Monorail to central Tokyo and Haruka Express to Kyoto and Osaka). – Transportation within Tokyo, included lines are the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – Transportation within Osaka in the Osaka Loop Line . – Connection to many other areas that can be reached as a day trip from Tokyo , from Kyoto and from Osaka.

I’m planning for a 7nights trip to Japan in March 2018. Mostly in Osaka, with dedicated day trips to Kyoto & Nara. I’m also travelling with toddlers so it’s important to have access to the nearest station for every attraction.

I have the following questions : 1) Which JR Rail pass would be most suitable ? Is it sufficient to cover the major attractions in Osaka or do I need to buy another pass like the ICOCA / Kansai Pass Thru?

Looking fwd to your feedback!

The Japan Rail Pass affords full access to the Osaka Loop Line , which “loops,” or circles, through downtown Osaka. When riding the Osaka Loop Line, you will notice connections to other lines not operated by the JR Group. Depending on what you want to see you might need an additional ticket.

Should you travel with a JR Pass you would have included the day trips to Kyoto (as you have already read in this article) and Nara .

Hi KL I am planning to visit Tokyo end of April next year and want to see Kyoto head to Tottori then back to Tokyo to fly to Seoul. I am aware that there are regional jr passes available. I intend to buy the 7 day pass but unsure as to which one is better in terms of saving money! Any advice would be of great help! Thank you

To assess if the Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective ticket for your trip we recommend you to check at Hyperdia which would be the cost of the individual ticket. When you have this detail you will be able to compare this price to the nation-wide pass price.

We hope you have an amazing trip.

Thank you for your website and your clear responses to other viewers on this website. I have a few questions of my own if you don’t mind answering them please.

1) I’m arriving on Saturday 6/1/18 and leaving on 13/1/18. If I purchase 7 day pass and activate it on 6/1/18, that means it is covered for 7 days until the 12/1/18 and I am not covered for my last day on 13/1/18, is that correct?

2) Must I order the JR Pass online or can I purchase at the train station?

3) Does 7 day JR Rail Pass cover trips from Osaka/Kyoto to Hiroshima?

4) Does the JR Rail Pass cover trips to Karuizawa Station from Tokyo Station?

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you very much for your kind words 🙂 Below you will find our answers:

1) The Japan Rail Pass validity period is calculated in days, not in hours. Therefore, if you have purchased a 7-day pass and your activation date (when you first use the pass) is the 6th of January, the exact expiration time will be midnight on January 12. 2) It is usually better to purchase it online from an official vendor like this : they are cheaper than purchasing in Japan and offer much flexible payment methods and curencies 😉 3) Yes it does! To go to Hiroshima from Kyoto you can take the Hikari bullet train from Kyoto Station to the Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen line for the remainder of the trip. If you want to start in Osaka, from the city center, take the JR Haruka Express to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen line (westbound, Hikari trains). Both itineraries are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. 4) Yes it does! Several major Shinkansen lines are served by Tokyo Station and are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, including the Hokuriku/Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano and Karuizawa.

We hope you have an awesome trip!

i need to know is jr pass can use for route from kyoto(which station) to tokyo station. what is the cost.

You can find your answer in this article you are reading 😉 The Japan Rail Pass covers the trip between Kyoto Station and Tokyo Station through the Hikari train.

Hello, my family is traveling to Japan with the following route. I need to know if JR Pass could be use in all these routes and train station. 1. kansai airport – osaka 2. osaka – nara – osaka 3. oksaka – kyoto 4. kyoto – tokyo – haneda airport

Yes – the Japan Rail Pas s will cover all the mentioned routes:

– To travel from the Kansai Airport to the city of Osaka, board the Limited Express Haruka at the Kansai Airport Station using your Japan Rail Pass. Take the Haruka to Shin-Osaka Station, and once there transfer to a local train to Osaka Station. – To go from Osaka to Nara (and back), begin your trip from Osaka to Nara at the JR Osaka Station. Take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station. These trains run once per hour; the trip lasts around 45 minutes and is covered by the JR Pass. – Osaka to Kyoto and Tokyo is fully covered as you have already read in this article 😉

Hi Traveling to Japan in End Jan 2018. Arriving at Narita airport and staying in nearby Tokyo Station for 4 nights. (Day trip to Hakone or Kamakura) Then traveling to Kyoto for 3 nights and hoping to do a day trip to Narra. Then we heading to Osaka for 3 nights before heading home via Kansai International Airport. 7 day JR rail pass be worth the money? Thanks for you help! Eric

Please keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass will fully cover your described trip as well as many other day trips from main cities (besides transportation connecting Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, which you have already learned in this article):

– Transportation between Narita Airport to central Tokyo through the Narita Express . – When in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – To get from Tokyo to Hakone you will just need to take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Odawara station. Then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto and get off at Hakone-Itabashi. This is your final destination. – Should you prefer to visit Kamakura , you can take the JR Yokosuka Line, which is a direct connection from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. – In order to get from Kyoto to Nara , begin at Kyoto Station. Take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, on the JR Nara line to JR Nara Station. – Finally to get from Osaka to Kansai Airport you can make full use of the Haruka Express .

Hi I was wondering, if I am travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka and then back to Tokyo, is it worth it to buy the green pass? As I see that the Hikari trains don’t actually have the green pass compartments. thanks!

Indeed they do – Hikari trains do have Green Car compartments on Tokaido line which is the one that connects these 3 cities.

Hello, my family is travelling to Japan with the following route. I need to know if JR Pass could be use in all these routes: Tokyo to Aomori Aomori to Saitama Saitama to Gunma Gunma to Tokyo Tokyo to Kyoto Kyoto to Osaka Osaka to Kansai Airport It will be a tight seven day trip, but i think its doable with the bullet trains, but would need your expert advice. Thank you very much

Hi Chona Trinidad!

The Japan Rail Pass can be used in your itinerary routes as follows:

– To go from Tokyo to Aomori, you can take a Hayabusa train on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori and transfer to a local or limited express train for Aomori Station. The entire trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. – To travel to Saitama you can take the JR Saikyo line or the Shonan-Shinjuku line to the JR Omiya Station. – Moving between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is easy and you have already read how in this article you are commenting 🙂 – To go from Osaka to Kansai Airport you will be entitled to make full use of the Haruka Express .

Hi Family of 4 traveling to Japan in March 2018 Arriving at Narita airport and staying in Asakusa for 5 nights and wanting to do basic sightseeing in the area Then traveling to Osaka for 2 nights and hoping to do a day trip to Hiroshima and maybe Kyoto/Narra Then we head back to Tokyo to stay 2 nights before heading home via Narita airport. My understanding is that the first leg of the trip Narita to Asakusa is best with a Skyaccess train? My question is would a 7 day JR rail pass be worth the money? Thanks for you help! Larissa

Hi Larissa!

Please keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass will fully cover your described trip as well as many other day trips from main cities:

– Transportation between Narita Airport to central Tokyo through the Narita Express . – When in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – Transportation between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, as you have already learnt in this article you are commenting. – When in Osaka, you will be entitled to make full use of the Osaka Loop Line . – Transportation between Osaka and Hiroshima by taking the JR Haruka Express to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfering to the Sanyo Shinkansen line (westbound, Hikari trains). – Transportation between Osaka and Nara by starting your trip from Osaka to Nara at the JR Osaka Station and takinge the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station.

hi, i have purchased jr pass 7 days, but i dont know how to go tokyo from osaka, which station i should go? how to check the train time pleasE?

Hi Chrissie!

The details on how to move between Tokyo and Osaka can be read in this article you are commenting 🙂 To check the train schedules we strongly recommend you to check Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool.

Also since you are travelling to Japan we recommend you to do so with wifi connection from your own since public one is not reliable. We think best options would be to rent either a Pocket WiFi device or a SIM Card for the duration of your stay.

We are travelling to japan in dec-2017. Our itenary is Day 1 – Arrive in Haneda airport(3 pm – local time) and go to kyoto Day 2 – Sight seeing in Kyoto Day 3 – Sight seeing in Kyoto for 1/2 day and travel to Hakone Day 4 – Sight seeing – Mt Fuji Day 5 – Activities in Mt. Fuji + Hakone Sight seeing & travel to Tokyo Day 6 – Tokyo Sight seeing Day 7 – Tokyo Sigh seeing Day 8 – Fly back home We are planning to buy JR pass – 7 days. Will that be sufficient to travel to these places or should we top up the JR 7-day pass. Any other suggestion to change our itenary..

The Japan Rail Pass validity period is calculated in days, not in hours. Therefore, if you have purchased a 7-day pass and your activation date (when you first use the pass) is the 1st of December, the exact expiration time will be midnight on December 7. In that case a 7-day pass would not fully cover your stay and you would need to pay the last day ticket separately.

We hope you have an amazing stay!

Hello! I will be staying in Tokyo for 4 nights and have a day trip planned for Osaka. What is my best option to get to Osaka, plus utilization of the light rail in Tokyo? Also do I need to buy tickets in advance?

In this article you can already read how to get from Tokyo to Osaka using your Japan Rail Pass. When in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.

Hi, My plan itinerary is Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Osaka and then will travel to Takayama for 2 nights. Then from Takayama to Tokyo (Ueno) for 2 nights and then to Haneda airport. Can you advise from Osaka-Takayama-Tokyo what train should I take? Will my 7 days JP Pass cover all the places? My travel period is from 5 – 12 Jan.

Hi Jasmine!

Yes – you can use your Japan Rail Pass for your itinerary:

– You can go to and from Haneda Airport travelling in the Haruka Express at no additional cost. – From this article you already know that Hikari Shinkansen will easily take you between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. – To get from Kyoto to Nara , begin at Kyoto Station. Take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, on the JR Nara line to JR Nara Station. The rapid trains run twice per hour, and the 45-minute trip is covered by your JR Pass. – From Nara you can easily travel to Osaka taking the Yamatoji Rapid Train from JR Nara Station to JR Osaka Station. – Takayama is easy to access using your Japan Rail Pass. If traveling from Tokyo, first take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya. From either Nagoya or Toyama, take the JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama. When traveling from/to Kyoto or Osaka, from Shin-Osaka Station or Kyoto Station, take the Hikari or Kodama trains on the Tokaido Line to Nagoya, then take the Hida Limited Express from Nagoya to Takayama.

We hope you enjoy your stay in Japan!

Hi thank you for the reply. I will take note on the Nozomi part but is it correct that I need to purchase it at any JR ticket office? and which line should i take after i purchase the Nozomi ticket?

I have a last minute plan which I will extend my stay from Tokyo to Osaka (11/12 – 15/12) , I will check in on 11/12 midnight (Osaka) and plan to take the bullet train (Nozomi…?). And from Osaka, to have a day trip to Kyoto. Please suggest which type of JPR i should purchase and any recommendation to make my travel smooth? Thank you in advance 🙂

As stated in this article, the Japan Rail Pass will cover your trips between Tokyo , Kyoto and Osaka in the Hikari and Kodama trains. Please note Nozomi is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. You will not have access to the ‘Nozomi’ and ‘Mizuho’ Shinkansen that are the fastest trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines. However, you have access to the ‘Hikari’ or ‘Sakura’ Shinkansen that cover the same routes. The Hikari and Sakura bullet trains reach the same top speed as the Nozomi and Mizuho trains and use the same type of actual train, but have more stops along each route. For example, from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Hikari takes 15mins more than the equivalent Nozomi.

Thank you! so, I may also use it to go from tokyo to osaka and back with the JR rail pass? Or would I have to stop at kyoto and spend day there before going to osaka?

Yes, you can go directly from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station and back using your Japan Rail Pass . Please check the exact schedules through Hyperdia or local offices in Japan train stations .

Hi! Planning on arriving Dec. 22 and staying in Tokyo til Dec. 26. Day trip to Gala Yuzawa for snow activity on 25. Then to Osaka Dec 26-30 and back to Tokyo for 2 nights, departure on Jan.1 out of narita.

Does JR rail pass cover my trip to Gala Yuzawa, Disneysea and Universal studios? Thank you!

Hello Joey,

The Japan Rail Pass covers all your trips: Gala Yuzawa has its own bullet train station. The Joetsu shinkansen, included in the JR Pass, takes you straight from Tokyo to this location on the Niigata prefecture, in just two hours. For Tokyo Disneyland use your JR Pass to travel from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station, on the JR Keiyo line. Travel time is 20 minutes and the park is a mere five-minute walk from the station. And last but not least, for the Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) take the Osaka loop line, from Osaka Station to Universal City Station. From Nishikujo Station, you can also take the JR Sakurajima line (also called Yumesaki line). The park is a five-minute walk from the station.

Hope this helps 🙂

I am traveling to Tokyo in dec with my kids 3 and 9 years.

I wan check if I wan to travel to Osaka from Tokyo Narita Airport, which station will easier for me to transfer, Tokyo Station to Shinagawa Station? As I will having a few baggages too.

Hi Shellen!

You might prefer to transfer at Shinagawa Station, specially if you come from the Narita Express : platforms are close and station is smaller, which makes it easier to navigate. Tokyo Station is easy too since you can just follow English signs but you do need to go up elevators/escalators.

Have an awesome trip!

I m traveling to Tokyo in dec with family n with two kids age 3 and 9. Is it worth to get 7 days JR pass to travel from Narita Airport to Osaka then back to Tokyo? I will staying at Osaka for 2 nights. And with 2 kids And few luggages , which should I change at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa station Is better?

Please keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass will fully cover your described trip as well as many other day trips from main cities: – When you land at Narita Airport you will be entitled to travel on the Narita Express to central Toyko. From Tokyo you will be able to easily reach Osaka, as described in this article, as well as travelling back to Tokyo. – In Osaka you will be entitled to make full use of the Osaka Loop Line .

We hope you have an awesome time!

Hi there.. Planning a trip from tokyo to osaka.. how to get there by using JR pass??

Hi Melyabani!

As you can read in this article, to get from Tokyo to Osaka you will need to take either the Hikari bullet train or Kodama from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations in central Tokyo.

Hi, Our itinerary is covering Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo. We will be spending 2 nights in Osaka, 5 nights in Kyoto and we plan to take a 1way bullet train going to Tokyo for 5days. May I know what do you suggest of the kind of pass we need to take?

Thank you so much.

The Japan Rail Pass will fully cover the mentioned itinerary, as well as many day trips from Tokyo , from Kyoto and from Osaka. Besides transportation between Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, which you can already read in this article, the mentioned trips would be covered in the following way:

– It will cover your transfers from main airports to city centers (either Narita Express to central Tokyo or Haruka Express from Kansai Airport to Kyoto and Osaka). – When in Osaka, you will be entitled to fully use the Osaka Loop Line . – When in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.

Hi, my family and I will be travelling to japan on January 2018. Just want to check what type of pass should we get for a cost effective way of travelling around japan.

Details of trip:

Arrive at Narita Airport, follow by going to Tokyo and stay for 4 nights with 1 day of Mount Fuji visiting.

Then will be doing a One-Way trip to Kyoto and spend 2 nights in Kyoto.

Last day will be departing Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport to fly back to Singapore.

Please advise is it better to purchase a JR pass or any other pass that is more suitable for this travel pattern. Will greatly appreciate any help given. Thanks.

The Japan Rail Pass will fully cover your trip:

– When landing at Narita Airport, you will be able to easily reach central Tokyo through the Narita Express . – When in Tokyo, the JR Pass will afford access to five different Tokyo railway lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – Day trip to Mount Fuji will be easily doable through the Gotemba trail (please check carefuly since last part of the trip is not included in the Japan Rail Pass). – Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass is easy, as described in this article. – The Limited Express Haruka is the only direct train service from Kansai Airport to Kyoto station – and it is free with the Japan Rail Pass!

Would like to ask for suggestions and itinerary, If my family and I would like to travel from Tokyo 3nights > Osaka 2nights > Kyoto 1night > Tokyo 2nights. JR Pass 7days is sufficient? We have total of 5 adults and 2 children (5 and 9 yrs).

The Japan Rail Pass would cover your whole trip, however to assess if it is more adequate to get a 7-day pass or a 14-day one we recommend you to check which are the individual prices of each trip in Hyperdia and compare it to the nation wide pass price. It will also be of great help if you want to check for which days of your trip (beggining or end) would be more adequate a 7-day one!

The Japan Rail Pass would cover your full trip as follows:

– Transport between Narita Airport and Tokyo city center would be fully cover since you would be entitled to take the Narita Express unlimitedly. – Transportation in Tokyo’s JR lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – Tokyo to Osaka by taking either the Hikari bullet train or Kodama from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations in central Tokyo. – Transportation in the Osaka Loop Line . – Osaka to Kyoto taking the Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. – Kyoto to Tokyo in the Shinkansen Hikari from Kyoto Station to either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo.

Hello, i will be traveling in Japan from 30th of December to 14th of January (flying in and flying out of Haneda Airport). We are planning to stay in Tokyo for 1st 2 nights and then travel to Osaka and stay there 4 full days (probably do two side trips),then move to Kyoto( 3 full days) and Takayama (2 full days) and back to Tokyo. My questions are: Should we activate our 14 day pass by taking train from airport on the 30th, or should we do it on 31st when we take train to Kamakura for NYE clebration? From which station train to Osaka from Tokyo leaves? What is the best way to get to Takayama? How can be sure routes we take on JR trains are covered by JR pass. Can you get discount for hotels/attractionswith JR pass? Thank you in advance .

Hi Bernadetta!

– The activation date of your Japan Rail Pass will fully depend on your itinerary. Please note that you will be asked to select the activation date of your pass. This can be up to 30 days following the exchange date. – Regarding the station where to take the train from Tokyo to Osaka, all the details are specified in this article you are reading 😉 – Takayama is easy to access using your Japan Rail Pass. If traveling from Tokyo to Takayama, first take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya. From there, take the JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama. If traveling from Kyoto or Osaka to Takayama, from Shin-Osaka Station or Kyoto Station, take the Hikari or Kodama trains on the Tokaido Line to Nagoya, then take the Hida Limited Express from Nagoya to Takayama. – To be sure that you take transportation included in the Japan Rail Pass please verify them at Hyperdia using the right filters, as explain here . – Holders of the Japan Rail Pass can take advantage of discounted prices with the JR Hotel Group .

We hope you have a nice stay in Japan!

I am spending 10 days in Japan, going from Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Tokyo. Will i need a national rail pass or can I get one that only includes these areas?

The Japan Rail Pass will fully cover the mentioned itineraries as well as others that will for sure be useful: airport transfers (for example, you are entitled to travel on the Narita Express from Narita Airport to central Tokyo) and transportation inside the city (for example, the Yamanote line in Tokyo or the Osaka Loop line are fully included).

The pass costs about the same as rail fare between Osaka and Tokyo (round ticket) so it should pay off for your concrete trip.

can i know for itenery below :

Kasai – Osaka Osaka – Kobe – Osaka Osaka – Nara – Osaka Osaka – Kyoto Kyoto – Tokyo

Please advise which one is affordable price.

The Japan Rail Pass will fully cover the mentioned itinerary:

– To travel from the Kansai Airport to the city of Osaka, board the Limited Express Haruka at the Kansai Airport Station using your Japan Rail Pass. Take the Haruka to Shin-Osaka Station, a journey of about one hour. At Shin-Osaka, transfer to a local train to Osaka Station. – You have two options when traveling from Osaka to Kobe using the JR Pass. You may take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station. This trip lasts approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you may take a JR Special Rapid Train from Osaka Station to the Kobe Sannomiya Station, with a trip duration of around 20 minutes. – To go to Nara from Osaka begin your trip at the JR Osaka Station. Take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station. These trains run once per hour; the trip lasts around 45 minutes and is covered by the JR Pass. – As you have already read in this article, travelling between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is as easy as pie – and fully included in the Japan Rail Pass!

Hi, Does the JRailPass cover for travelling from Tokyo to Sapporo ? Thank you.

Yes – travelling to Sapporo by train is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass!

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tohoku / Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate Station. This is the halfway mark of the nearly eight-hour journey. From Shin-Hakodate Station, you will take the Hokuto limited express or Super Hokuto trains to Sapporo Station.

Since it is a long trip, you may want to consider a stopover in nearby Hokuto, as there are a number of temples, shrines, and other places of interest in the area, including a mountainous campground.

Hello 🙂 Would like some advice. Me and my family of 5 will be travelling to Japan for 8 days. Our itinerary will start from OSAKA -> KYOTO->Mt FUJI-> TOKYO. All of it only covers one way trip. Will the JR 7 days pass be worthy? I’ve read online that some have mentioned that JR pass will only pay off if is a round trip. It will be more worthy to get separate tickets if is one way. Thank you.

The most economical pass will always depend on your itinerary and that is why we always recommend you to check which is the cost of the individual trips at Hyperdia and compare it to the price of the nation-wide pass. Please note the Japan Rail Pass would cover your whole trip:

– When landing at Kansai Airport, full transfer to Osaka in the Haruka Express . – Trip from Osaka to Kyoto as you have already learned in this article 🙂 – Kyoto to Mount Fuji : just take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Kodama and some Hikari trains) from Kyoto Station or Shin-Osaka station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass) and get off at Odawara station. Then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto Station (not covered by JR) and get off at Hakone-Itabashi Station. – To get from Mount Fuji to Tokyo take the JR Gotemba Line at Gotemba Station and travel until Kozu (Kanagawa). Once there take the JR Tokaido Line to Tokyo Station. – Airport transfers from central Tokyo, either if you are departing from Narita Airport (through Narita Express ) or from Haneda Airport (through Tokyo Monorail).

Please also keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass will provide additional comfort by not needing to queue each time you aim to purchase a single ticket.

Hi there Team!

From reading the articles online here and also a LOT of peoples comments I thought I would ask mine to get some clarification…and some advice too!

I plan on being in Japan beginning of May 2018. Most of the places I will be visiting will be in the “Tokyo” region. I do plan on visiting Kyoto and Nara when I get the chance. I’m hoping to stay for about 2 weeks (to get the best first experience I can!). Would it be worthwhile to get the JR pass for these 2 weeks since as it’s said, can use all the trains? A few of my itinerary/plans is/are as follows: Tokyo – Ghibli museum (as it closes may 15), sensoji temple, akihabara, shibuya crossing & around tokyo Kyoto – kinkakuji, fushimi inari shrine, gion district, kiyomizu-dera temple Nara – todaiji temple

I will be staying in the Funabori area as the pricing to stay away from the major cities is less expensive. I know as well that the subway systems are quite convenient as well so I’m wondering if that would be better suited for what I have planned? I’ll be travelling by myself so I’m a little nervous and want to make sure I have all the correct information before buying the ticket here 🙂

Any information will be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! CM

The most economical pass will always depend on your itinerary and that is why we always recommend you to check which is the cost of the individual trips at Hyperdia and compare it to the price of the nation-wide pass. Please keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass would cover:

– Airport transfers to central Tokyo, either if you are landing at Narita Airport (through Narita Express ) or at Haneda Airport (through Tokyo Monorail). – Transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto by taking the Shinkansen Hikari train from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, and arrive at Kyoto Station. – Transportation to Nara from either Tokyo or Kyoto. – Some lines within Tokyo .

We are planning to travel to Japan in January 2018 for 4 days. If we will buy the 7 day JR pass for $251/person, will that cover our day trip to Kyoto and Osaka? and also to go around Tokyo? Please advise.

As you can read in this article you are commenting, the Japan Rail Pass fully covers the trips Tokyo-Kyoto, Tokyo-Osaka and Kyoto-Osaka.

Regarding transportation within Tokyo , the Japan Rail Pass affords access to five different city railway lines and also the Tokaido Shinkansen makes stops at Shinagawa, Ueno, and Tokyo Stations. City lines included in the pass are:

– The Yamanote Line, Tokyo’s most prominent rail line. – The Keihin-Tohoku Line. – The Rapid Chuo Line. – The local Chuo-Sobu line. – Other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.

Hi, For my holiday next month, I plan to having trip Tokyo – Osaka, Osaka – Kyoto, Kyoto – Tokyo (within 3 days). What kind of JR Pass is suitable for me? Please advise which one is affordable price. I will go with my wife and 5 year old child.

The Japan Rail Pass would for sure cover all trips you are looking forward to do. However we recommend you to check the individual cost of the trips at Hyperdia to assess if it is the most cost saving option for you. Remember the Japan Rail Pass allows you to travel through the whole country so should you want to make any day trip from there check the cost of it too!

Hi Lovely Staff from Jrail Pass,

I am planning a 10 days trip for a one-way (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka) trip. JR will be my main transport .

Tokyo: Reaching Narita Airport in morning of 30th March 2018 Kyoto: Reaching Kyoto in afternoon of 3rd April 2018 (by shinkansen) Osaka: Reaching Osaka in the afternoon of 6th April 2018 (by shinkansen) Kansai Airport: Reaching Kansai Airport in the morning of 8th April 2018

What is the best JR pass for me?

Appreciate your advise.

Thanks in advance

Hi SOH JIA SHENG!

The Japan Rail Pass will cover the full itinerary you mention, as well as many day trips from all these cities. We really encourage you to surf our blog to get the best recommendations on what to see while in Japan!

– To get from Narita Airport to central Tokyo you can take the Narita Express , included in the Japan Rail Pass. – From this article you have already learned how to move between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in the bullet trains using your Japan Rail Pass. – While in Tokyo, the JR Pass affords access to five different railway lines: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – Something similar happens in Osaka, where you are entitled access to the Osaka Loop Line . – From Osaka you can easily reach Kansai Airport through the Haruka Express .

I am arriving at Haneda Airport this January. Do Jrailpass covers any train lines from this airport?

Yes, from Haneda you can take the Tokyo Monorail that will get you to central Tokyo.

Hi I need your kindly advise : I am planning to visit Osaka – Hiroshima – Kyoto – Tokyo with that specific route order, does JR Pass cover this routes?

Yes sure – the Japan Rail Pass covers your specific route! Find details below:

– Should your flight arrive to Kansai Airport, you would be entitled to travel in the Haruka Express , which will take you straight to Osaka. – To get to Hiroshima , from Osaka city center take the JR Haruka Express to Shin-Osaka Station and then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen line (westbound, Hikari trains). – To arrive to Kyoto from Hirshima you will need to take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station and, from there, you can take the Hikari bullet train to Kyoto Station. – Trip from Kyoto to Tokyo is already described in this article 🙂

Besides these trips, you will also be entitled to travel in the Osaka Loop Line and in some Tokyo metropolitan lines (such as Yamanote Line ), as well as getting back from Tokyo to the airport (either Haneda and Narita airports have direct connections included in the Japan Rail Pass).

Hi I planned to visit Tokyo – Liyama – Kyoto – Osaka Does JR Pass cover this route? And what would be the train line and station? How long is every travel? Please advise. Thanks.

You can travel all straight from Tokyo to Iiyama in the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The Kagayaki and Hakutaka are the bullet trains that run from Tokyo to Kanazawa: you will just have to take the train at Tokyo Station and to drop off at Iiyama. It should take you around 108 min. When you want to travel from Iiyama to Kyoto you will have to transfer trains. One of the fastest ways of making this trip would be taking the same Hakutaka train from Iiyama to Kanazawa and once there take the Limited Express Thunderbird train to Kyoto. From this article you do already know how to get from Kyoto to Osaka 🙂 All os these trips are fully included in your Japan Rail Pass .

We always recommend you to check the best itineraries at Hyperdia to make sure you are taking the most our of your trip. Hyperdia is the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool (website and mobile app), which enables you to precisely plan your trip in Japan from station to station with punctuality to the second.

Planning to go to Tokyo in Nov. Going to be in Tokyo for 6.5 days and then going to Osaka for 5 days (w/ 1 of those 5 days going to Kyoto). Since it’s not the whole 14 days, I was wondering what would be the most efficient way to purchase the JR pass. If anyone has any helpful hints, thank you!!!

The Japan Rail Pass will fully cober your airport transfers, trips between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto as you have already read in this article, and most of your trips through the country. The most adequate ticket for you will depend on your itinerary, please keep in mind the Japan Rail Pass will be more cost effective the more you travel. If you are planning to make many trips it might be cheaper to travel on the Japan Rail Pass even if you are not in the country during the whole validity of the pass. We recommend you to check the individual ticket cost of all your trips in Hyperdia and to compare it to the full Japan Rail Pass cost.

Hi, great article!

I am going to Kyoto for one week (16th of october to 23rd), and have some questions for that matter:

1. Can I use the same JR pass from – and to the airport (from Kansai KIX the 16th october – from Kyoto station to KIX Kansai the 23rd)?

2. I would like to take a one-day trip to Tokyo – if I have a JR pass, can I also visit the other cities nearby with the same pass?

3. If I only plan a one-day trip to Tokyo, and stay in Kyoto the rest of the time – is it necessary with a JR pass?

Answering your questions:

1. Yes – you can use the pass unlimitedly in the transportation that is included in the pass. To get to and from Kansai Airport to Kyoto Station you can take the Haruka Express . 2. Sure! You can travel as much as you can in the transportation included in the Japan Rail Pass, which covers trips practically over the whole country. 3. To assess which option is more cost effective for your trip we recommend you to check which would be the individual cost of the trip using Hyperdia and to compare it to the Japan Rail Pass cost. As easy as pie!

Which JR pass should i use since my route is Kyoto – Nagoya – Shiragawa – Takayama – Osaka? Plan to buy the 7 day pass, kindly advise me…

Hello Ching,

Hope you are well 🙂

How long will you be there? It seems like you have planned a 10 day trip. For that time, the 7 day Japan Rail Pass may be the best deal for you. Including a single ticket at the beginning or at the end or your journey.

If you have any other question, please let us know 🙂

I am debating if I should get the 7 day JR pass, I used the hyperdia and it showed that it’s better to buy the tickets individually. But I heard that we can use the JR pass inside the cities. I am just debating if it is worth it to use the 7 day JR pass and just pay 4700 yen more.

The route is Day 1-5: Tokyo Day 6: activate the 7 daysJR pass to go to day trip Hakone Day 7: Tokyo to Kyoto Day 8: Kyoto to Nara for day trip Day 9 & 10: Kyoto Day 11: Kyoto to Osaka Day 12: Osaka to Kobe for day trip/ JR pass expires Day 13 &14: Osaka Day 15: Osaka to Tokyo

Hello Joanne,

The Japan Rail Pass covers all JR Group limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local ones. Shinkansen bullet trains are also covered, except of NOZOMI and MIZUHO. Furthermore, the JR Pass can be used on the Tokyo Monorail, the Yamanote line (Tokyo Metro); the Aoimori Railway between Aomori and Hachinohe; the JR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata; the Ainokaze Toyama Railway beween Toyama and Takaoka; Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo. Before making any decision you can check all the advantages of using Japan Rail Pass and later you can go for whichever is the best option for you.

Hope this helps.

Have a nice trip 🙂

My partner and I are travelling from Australia to Japan.

We land in Narita, spend 5 nights in Tokyo, then three in kyoto (the first being in kurama), then three in Osaka before departing to fly to Seoul.

We are also hoping to do a day trip to Hiroshima on one of the days while we are staying in Kyoto.

A j-rail pass seems like the best value (especially given the hiroshima trip) but not necessarily a full 14 day one to cover the whole amount given we are staying in the cities for a significant time.

Is it better value to get the 14 day pass due to the travel inside the cities, or would it be better having a 7 day rail pass that covers the major shinkansen trips (tokyo to kyoto, hiroshima, kyoto to osaka) and just use smaller cards either side of this?

Hello Morgan,

Both options can be suitable for your itinerary. So you can check on Hyperdia , compare prices and decide wich Japan Rail Pass is a better deal for you. But remember that the validity period of the Japan Rail Pass is either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. The exact expiration time is either the 7th, 14th or the 21st night at midnight. Therefore, you won’t have the option of splitting the validity period of their passes.

Hope you have a wonderful stay in Japan!

Hello JR rail,

We are taking a trip to Japan in November and trying to decide whether to purchase the 7 day rail pass.

Our route is: Tokyo- Hakone- Kyoto – Tokyo

Would it be cheaper to do this route with the rail pass? I can’t see anywhere whether we can get from Hakone to Kyoto with the pass.

Thanks so much

Hello Charlotte,

According with your plan, you will need to take at least, two shinkansen bullet trains, so the Japan rail Pass would be a very good deal Anyways, you can compare prices on Hyperdia , and then decide what is the best option for you.

Hope it helps 🙂

Hello JRailPass,

I am planning a Trip to Japan in April 1- 9. We will be flying into Haneda Airport and arriving to Disney Sea Resort. Day 3 we are leaving the Disney sea resort to travel to Osaka or Nara Park. We have a 7 DAY JR Pass. What is the best way to travel to Osaka or Nara Deer Park from Tokyo Disney Sea?

From Disney Sea Resort to Osaka: At Maihama, the Disneyland station , take the JR Keiyo Line to Tokyo Station. There, change to JR Tokaido Shinakansen to Shin-Osaka. From Shin-Osaka, it depends on where you stay in the large area of Osaka City. From Disney Sea Resort to Nara Park: At Maihama, the Disneyland station, take the JR Keiyo Line to Tokyo Station. There, you need to walk for 10 minutes to change to the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen line. After 4 stops, you will be at kyoto station. Walk for two minutes to take the Kintetsu-Limited Express until Kintetsu-Nara Station. From there to Nara Park you have 18 minutes walking.

For more information about traveling from Tokyo to Osaka , check our trains and transportation guide. Also, have a look at Nara with the JR Pass to get the best experience of your Japan trip.

Hope it helps.

Kind regards

Hello, Thank you for the great read- I am going to Japan for 14 days Osaka- Kyoto-Tokyo and some stops in-between … I am wondering what is best bang for my buck. The 14 day is quite pricey, so should I look into region passes? If so how do those work if I want to get from Kyoto to Tokyo. Thank you 🙂 – Darah

There’s no dispute that the Shinkansen (bullet train €77.74– €106.49 one-way) is still the fastest and smoothest way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto, and if you’re going to get the JR Rail Pass then it’s a no-brainer. Otherwise, the Seishun 18 ticket ( local train €17.89 one-way) is the cheapest way, but will take a toll on your time. If you want to go for the middle ground—not wasting too much time but not paying too much, you’re better off taking an overnight bus to Kyoto (at least €22.64 one-way). Taking a plane (at least €50.57 one-way, including airport fees and transfer costs) can still be expensive and time-consuming due to airport transfers, but if you snag a good deal during promo season, go for it!

You can compare prices on Hyperdia , and then decide what is the best option for you.

Hope it helps

Hi I’m looking to travel to:

– Karuizawa – Kawaguchiko – Kyoto

Does the JR Pass cover these 3 areas?

We are glad to confirm you that the Japan Rail Pass cover these three places you would like to visit. Also, if you are looking for some other destinations in Japan, please have a look at our travel guide blog , where you can find the best dstinations for your trip.

Have a great journey!

Hi, 4 of us will be landed in Tokyo HND on 10/12/2017 ~ 9pm and go around Tokyo for few days, then will travel to Osaka/Kyoto on 14/12/2017 and then return to Tokyo NRT on 17/12/2017 for a 3pm flight to TPE, just wonder the 7 days pass cover all these ? or I should start use the JR pass on 11/12/2017 instead, also , what is the different between the ordinary and green pass? is ordinary pass will cover all these travel?

Thanks Ricky

The Japan Rail Pass validity period is calculated in days, not in hours. Therefore, if you have purchased a 7-day pass and your activation date (when you first use the pass) is the 10th of December, the exact expiration time will be midnight on December 16. In that case a 7-day pass would not cover your whole stay in the country.

The Green Pass stands for a First class ticket, which allows you to access the most comfortable and spacious seating areas on all Shinkansen bullet trains and certain fast lines. Buying the Green Pass is ideal for the busy months in Japan. In particular, if you are travelling in the summertime between June and September. This is because these compartments tend to be less crowded and it is easier to reserve your seat.

Have an amazing vacation!

Will be landed in Kansai airport on 10th Oct (morning) and leaving on 17th(night), will spent 1st 3 days in Kyoto and the rest of the days will be staying in Osaka area, plan to go day trip Nara, Kobe and Miyajima. 1. what JR card would you suggest? Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (5days) or Sanyo-San’in Area Pass (7days) 2. Can either one of this card use within the kyoto region? 3. Will it be cheaper if i buy bus pass in kyoto and Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (5days) ? 4. Can either one of this card use to/ from airport? Thank you.

The Japan Rail Pass will cover all the mentioned trips.

– Haruka Express train, which will take you from Kansai Airport straight to Kyoto. The one-way trip takes around one hour and fifteen minutes and is free with the Japan Rail Pass. Yo can used to get from and to the airport at the beggining and at the end of your trip. – From this article you have already learned how easy it is to travel from Kyoto to Osaka 😉 – To go from Osaka to Nara begin your trip at the JR Osaka Station. Take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station. – To travel from Kyoto to Kobe you may take the direct Hikari Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Kobe Station. One Hikari train departs each hour, and the trip lasts approximately 30 minutes. – To get to Miyajima you will first need to reach Hiroshima. To do it from Osaka, take the Sanyo Shinkansen line in Shin-Osaka Station. From central Hiroshima, take a tram to the Miyajimaguchi ferry port. The good news is thatou can use your Japan Rail Pass to access the JR ferry for free. The ferry ride takes only about ten minutes.

Since unlimited trips are included, you might take those trains as many times as you want, as well as being entitled to take JR lines within the city (for example, the Osaka Loop line ).

My family will be arriving at Osaka (KIX) on 13 November, going to Kyoto on 16 November and finally arriving in Tokyo on 20 November. We will fly out from Tokyo (HND) on 25th. What pass would you recommend?

All the trips you mention are covered by the Japan Rail Pass:

– Transportation from Kansai airport to Osaka in the Haruka Express . – Trips between Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, as you have already discovered in this article. – Airport transfer from Tokyo city to Haneda Airport in the Tokyo Monorail.

Have a nice vacation!

I’m also planning a trip to Japan and I’m really questioning if I should buy the Japan Rail Pass.

Here’s what I have in mind: – I’ll arrive at Narita airport and travel to Tokyo afterwards, where I’ll be spending a day and a half (2 nights). I plan on visiting the most relevant sightseeing places during that time (shibuya, asakusa, ginza, shinjuku, etc). – Afterwards, I plan on travelling to Kyoto probably using the bullet train. – I’ll be spending 4 days in Kyoto and I also wnat to visit the main turistic places there, probably using the local train lines. I’m also thinking about the possibility of doing a day trip to Nara during one of those 4 days. – Finally, I’ll travel to Osaka by train since my return flight will leave from Osaka’s International airport.

I’m questioning about wether or not I should buy the JR pass because I worry that some local train lines (mainly in kyoto) will only work with private lines. Also, I’m only planning on using the bullet train once.

I can’t make up my mind about wether or not I should buy a JR pass and, if so, which one would benefit me the most.

Can you please help me?

Thank you very much, Miguel

The Japan Rail Pass will help you in most of the trips you have planned; however as you state within cities you might need to use IC cards . However we recommend you to check at Hyperdia what will be the cost resulting from making individually the trips that the Japan Rail Pass covers: some trips are expensive and it might pay off even when not being entitled to use city lines.

– When you land at Narita Airport you will be able to easily reach Tokyo center with the Narita Express at no additional cost. – While in Tokyo you can use the following lines at no additional cost when travelling with the Japan Rail Pass: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu Line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – In this article you have already discovered how easy (and fast!) is getting to Kyoto and Osaka with the Japan Rail Pass. – To get from Kyoto to Nara , begin at Kyoto Station. Take the Miyakoji Rapid Train, on the JR Nara line to JR Nara Station. The rapid trains run twice per hour, and the 45-minute trip is covered by your JR Pass. – When you need to head back to Kansai Airport your transportation will also be included: the Haruka Express , a limited express, airport rail link train service.

Hello. Traveling to Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo Oct 26 to Nov 4

What JR pass to purchase and which stations?

In this article you should have already found all the details regarding the itinerary you mention, together with its stations.

The Japan Rail Pass covers all these trips, however if you are not travelling any more it might not be the most convenient ticket for you. We recommend you to check Hyperdia for the exact price of the train rides: it will greatly help in assessing which the most convenient ticket will be.

Hi, we will be making a similar trip to Narita/Kyoto/Haneda in 3 weeks’ time. Our flight lands in Narita at 3:20pm on Sunday, do we have enough time to get to a hotel in the Gion area in Kyoto by end of the day?

That’s not a problem according to Hyperdia, but will there be any Hikari tickets when we are there?

To be sure to get to Kyoto, should I consider flying to KIX instead since I cannot reserve the Shinkansen Hikari tickets until I convert my JR voucher to JP pass at Narita?

We will have large luggages , should we make the N’EX/Sinkansen transfer at Tokyo or Shinagawa station? I understand that Shinagawa station is easier to get around but trains at Tokyo station have more spaces for luggages since that is the starting terminal.

Thank you KY

We recommend you to check Hyperdia for the exact timing of the trains. It will enable you to precisely plan your trip in Japan from station to station with punctuality to the second.

If you travel to Kansai Airport instead of Narita Airport you will have a shorter trip to Kyoto since you can take the Haruka Express . The one-way trip takes around one hour and fifteen minutes and is free with the Japan Rail Pass. These train contain luggage racks.

Please note that on regular Shinkansen trains travellers are allowed luggage on board for no additional cost. However, there is a limitation of two pieces of luggage, both of which should have a maximum weight of 60kg and a total of 250 cm in height, length and width. There is also a delivery service option.

Hi there, Our family will be travelling to Japan as per schedule: 19 October arrive Haneda international airport 5 in the morning. Take bullet train to Kyoto. Stay in Kyoto for 5 days to all see Osaka, Nara, Kobe and Nagoya. 24 October travel to Tolyo and stay for 7 nights. Please give me suggestions how to use JR Pass so we don’t waste more money on transport. Which Jr pass should i get? Thank you.

The Japan Rail Pass will fully cover your trip. However we would recommend to purchase a 7-day pass covering the biggest trips which seem to happen during the first days and while you are at Tokyo you might prefer to purchase an IC Card that fully covers transportation inside the city.

– When you land in Haneda you would be entitled to take the Haruka Express at no additional cost to Kyoto. – Osaka and Kyoto are very well connected as you have already read in this article. – From Kyoto you will be able to easily reach Nara by taking the Miyakoji Rapid Train, on the JR Nara line to JR Nara Station. – To travel from Kyoto to Kobe you may take the direct Hikari Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Kobe Station. – To go from Kyoto to Nagoya begin your journey from Kyoto at Kyoto Station. Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen lines – using your JR Pass for passage on the Hikari or Kodama trains – to Nagoya Station.

The option of getting a longer validity Japan Rail Pass is also available and would give you the extra comfort of not have to stand on a queue to get tickets and reserve places each time you want to take a train. If you decided to do so, you would have also included in you pass the Narita Express (Tokyo center to Narita Airport) and five different Tokyo railway lines (the Yamanote line , the Keihin-Tohoku line, the Rapid Chuo line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines).

Hi , This is my first time in Japan. I will be there for 7days. Intend to travel fm Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. does the 7 days rail pass cover the airport to city transfer and rides within the 3 cities ?

Yes, the Japan Rail Pass will cover your airport transfers from Narita Airport (through the Narita Express ), from Haneda (through Tokyo Monorail) and from Kansai (through Haruka Express ). Also as you have already read in this article it fully covers the rides between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

Thank you for the reply above!

Can i just check on my 2nd questions regarding the operating hours of the train during the New Years’ eve and New Years’ Day?

Thanks for the great help!

Hi Cherylyn!

For the exact operation hours of trains please check Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. It offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance, which will help you greatly in organizing your trips in Japan.

Thank you very much for your response. We are planning to go from Kansai Airport to 1)Kyoto, 2)Osaka, 3) Atami, 4) Tokyo and fly home from Narita Airport. Total is 7 days. Which 7-day JR pass should we purchase? Thanks.

Hi Violetta!

Actually there is only one choice that can be made when purchasing a 7-day Japan Rail Pass: if you wnat the standard or the first class. Buying the Green Pass is ideal for the busy months in Japan. In particular, if you are travelling in the summertime between June and September. This is due to the endless colorful festivals and national celebrations, which attract many Japanese as well as tourists from all over the world.

Have an amazing time!

I will be going to Tokyo this December and below is my route:

Narita Airport- Tokyo Toyko – Osaka Osaka- Kyoto Kyoto – Nara Nara – Osaka Osaka – Kansai Airport Is it worth the 7-day JR Pass or should I just buy individual tickets?

Hi Bernice!

If you want the exact calculation we recommend you to check Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. If you introduce all trips of your route you will get the exact cost they would have and you will be able to easily compare it to Japan Rail Pass’ cost.

My family and I are heading to Japan in December to cross the new year.

Our 10 day trip is looking like this: Tokyo >> Osaka >> Kyoto.

May I know if there is a 10 day pass? Will the JR Rail pass cover all transport between locations and to/fro the airports?

Additionally, will there be trains through the night of 31 Dec, and will this pass cover those trains?

A Japan Rail Pass can only be valid for either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days, there is no possibility of having a 10-day Japan Rail Pass. JR Pass cannot be extended by 1,2, or more days. It is available for 7,14, and 21-days, non-extendable and non-transferable.

As you have read in this article, the Japan Rail Pass fully covers trips between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. It also covers transfers from Narita Airport (through Narita Express ), Haneda Airport (through Tokyo Monorail) and from Kansai Airport (through Haruka Express ).

Hello, In December 2017, we are going to Japan for 7 days. We will arrive at Osaka Airport, then either Kyoto first then Osaka or vice versa. Then either Hakone or Atami for 1 day, finally Tokyo and leave from NARITA Airport. 1) Which JR pass should we get? 2) Is it easier to go Osaka first or Kyoto? The hotel we are planning to stay in Osaka is in Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-Ku, and the one we are planning to stay in Kyoto is in Central Kyoto. 3) Can we take JR to Tokyo from either Hakone or Atami? Thank you in advance for your reply!

You can either start your itinerary from either Kyoto or Osaka, both are well connected between them and also to Kansai Airport. Once you land in Osaka Airport you can travel to either Osaka or Kyoto in the Haruka Express . The trip to Osaka will take around 1 hour and to Kyoto 1 hour and 15 minutes approximately. Travel between both cities is very easy, as well as going from any of them to Tokyo as you have already read in this article. To go from Tokyo to Narita Airport you can take the Narita Express in central Tokyo, included in your Japan Rail Pass too.

You can also travel between Tokyo and Hakone at almost no additional cost if you hold a Japan Rail Pass: take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass) and get off at Odawara station. Then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto (not covered by JR) and get off at Hakone-Itabashi.

Hello – we are arriving in Osaka on 9/4 and plan on going to Kyoto right away to spend a couple days there. From Kyoto, we will be taking the train to Tokyo where we will stay 4 days and then fly out of Tokyo. I see that we can use the Japan Rail Pass from Osaka to Kyoto on the Haruka express train, but can it be used for – a) Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo on the bullet train b) travel locally in Tokyo

Appreciate your help.

As you can read in this article, the Japan Rail Pass can be used to travel from Kyoto to Tokyo on the bullet train. You should take the Shinkansen Hikari train from Kyoto Station and arrive at either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo.

As for the local transport in Tokyo , you will be entitled to use all JR lines, among which the Yamanote Line might be the most useful. Please note that city’s metro is not included in the pass.

hi, i have morning flight at 9am at narita, is that possible to take JR line from tokyo? or other station? what time JR train to Narita operate? where i can see the schedule for the train?

thank you for the reply. Regards, Siska

First Narita Express leaves Tokyo at 7 am and gets to Narita Airport at 7:56 am. If you want to check the most updated timetables you might want to check Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool (website and mobile app).

I will be travelling to Japan with my husband in the month of November, 2017. We are planning to get a 7day JR pass. Will this pass cover the travel to the sight seeing places in Kyoto and Osaka?

Please suggest.

Hi Vyshnavee!

The Japan Rail Pass is generally more useful when you travel through the whole country. When in Osaka you will be able to travel on the Osaka Loop Line at no additional cost. You can find more information on how to move within Kyoto in this article .

Hi, I am heading to Narita airport. From Narita airport to Osaka-Kyoto and back to tokyo, Can JR ordinary or green pass bring me to the city? Which means bullet train and normal train? Thanks

Hi, I need advice for what kind of pass to buy. Also if possible please let me know the best routes & Line to take for each travelling. For which routes we need to make advance booking & also the frequency of each train & est traveling time.

Arrival @ Narita Airport Day 1-3 – @ Tokyo (Staying @ Shibuya) Day 4 From Tokyo to Hakone For Mount Fuji. Stay over at Hakone area Day 5 From Hakone going to GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS. After that going over to Osaka to stay over Day 6 & 7 Osaka Day 8 Kyoto Day 9 Osaka –> Airport

Thank you..

Anyone can help.. JR pass which to buy?

We plan to visit Japan 14 days Land at Tokyo Haneda take JR pass to Osaka Spend 2-3 night there then to Kyoto 2 -3night – Mt Fuji 2 night and back to Tokyo – Disneyland etc..

Not sure if this will work well.. can someone help and suggest .. I read the JR pass and got confused. How to use and when can use to… thanks

The Japan Rail Pass can be used unlimitedly in the included transportation during its scope of validity, which can either be 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. To assess which type of Japan Rail Pass is the most adequate for your trip we recommend you to draw all the itinerary and check which would individual costs be at Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. Please note all the mentioned trips can be made with the Japan Rail Pass at no additional cost:

– From Haneda Airport you can easily reach Osaka through the Haruka Express . – While in Osaka you can make extensive use of the Osaka Loop Line to move within the city. – While in Kyoto you will be able to use some JR lines too. – You will also be able to reach Mount Fuji from Tokyo through the Gotemba route. – To get to Tokyo Disneyland from Tokyo, use your JR Pass to travel from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station, on the JR Keiyo line. Travel time is 20 minutes and the park is a mere five-minute walk from the station.

And last but not least, from this article you already know how easy it is to move between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass.

I need help calculating my japan trips please, if we don’t have the JR pass how much we need to pay for them:

Tokyo to Osaka Osaka to Kyoto Kyoto to Mishima then bus to Kawaguchiko kawaguchiko to Mishma by bus then Tokyo

Which station to use? and how to get the exact time table for trains in English

You can find all information regarding stations, times and costs at Hyperdia – he number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. It will enable you to precisely plan your trip in Japan from station to station with punctuality to the second.

Have a nice trip

hi I will be travelling to Osaka , Kyoto and Tokyo 4 nights each can I use the bullet train and underground metro for all cities.

Yes, you can use the japanese bullet trains as well as JR lines in Tokyo , Kyoto and Osaka . Please check the links for further information on getting around.

I am going to be arriving by plane in Osaka on the 30th of Sept, then on the 4th going to Kyoto and then travelling to Tokyo on the 7th and flying home from Tokyo on the 14th. A lot of my trip will be spent at theme parks (Universal and DisneySea and DisneyLand) but I will be exploring the cities for the remaining time. Would a JR Pass be economical or not and would a 7 day be better or a 14?

All your mentioned trips are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass:

– From Kansai Airport you can easily move to Osaka in the Haruka Express . – It is very easy to move between Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo using your Japan Rail Pass as you have already read in this article. – Also you can reach Japan’s most important amusement parks with your pass; Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland among them.

I am planning to visit Tokyo first, which I will be landing at Haneda Airport. Then, I plan to travel to Osaka ( 3 days) – Kyoto ( 3 days) – Tokyo ( 4 days). The return airport will be Narita Aiport. The trip is around 10 days.

Could you advise whether a 7 day JR pass is sufficient for above mentioned ?

Yes! The 7-day Japan Rail Pass is the perfect fit considering your travel plan. It covers the transfer from Haneda airport with the Tokyo monorail . However, your Japan Rail Pass will not cover the last three days of your trip (it will only cover one of your airport transfers but not the return one). We suggest you buy a 3-day JR ticket at any JR station and then a single Narita Express ticket. This way your entire trip will be covered! Enjoy Japan and don’t forget to share your photos with us.

Hi there, hoping you can help us with this question, 1- would a JP RAIL PASS COVER THESE LOCATIONS?- if so which one we should buy? August 27 – TOKYO August 28 – HAKONE August 29 – MATSUMOTO Matsumoto Castle August 30 – KYOTO September 1 – OSAKA

2- what kind of transportation needed to reach to MOUNT FUJI?

3- IF JP rail pass doesnt reach these destinations(if any- what can we do to make this itineary happen? which trains/lines?) THANK YOU SO MUCH CHEERS FROM CANADA- JESS

Yes – the Japan Rail Pass will greatly cover the described trip!

– Please check at which airport you are landing since the Japan Rail Pass grants access to the transportation from the main airports to the most important cities in Japan. – While in Tokyo, you will be entitled to take some local lines such as the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – To get from Tokyo to Hakone take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass) and get off at Odawara station. From there take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto (not covered by JR) and get off at Hakone-Itabashi. – Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are easily connected as you have read in this article. – To get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo, take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station, using your JR Pass. Once at Kozu (Kanagawa), take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu and get off at Gotemba Station. Once at Gotemba station, take a bus to Subashiri 5th station, the gateway to climbing Mount Fuji. The bus operated by Fujikyu to reach the Gotemba climbing route. Please note that Fujikyu is not part of the Japan Rail Group, which means the Japan Rail Pass does not cover buses ran by this company.

i am planning to get 7day pass for JR

would these spots be covered? • start Tokyo – • Hakone – Mount Fuji Hiroshima • Miyajima – • Okayama or Naoshima (Aka Art Island) • Kyoto – • Osaka – end

Sure – the Japan Rail Pass will cover all your trips!

– Depending on the airport you land, you will be entitled to take a transfer to Japan’s main cities ( Narita Express if you land at Narita Airport, Tokyo Monorail if you land at Haneda Airport and Haruka Express if you land at Kansai Airport). – To get from Tokyo to Hakone take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass), get off at Odawara station, then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto (not covered by JR) and get off at Hakone-Itabashi. This is your final destination. – Hiroshima can be easily reached from Japan’s main cities using your Japan Rail Pass. – To get to Miyajima island from central Hiroshima, take a tram to the Miyajimaguchi ferry port using your Japan Rail Pass to access the JR ferry for free. The ferry ride takes only about ten minutes. – From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to get to Okayama. If you want to go to Naoshima island , then take the JR Uno Line to Uno Station. Walk across the street to the ferry terminal, and you will reach the island by ferry. – Kyoto and Osaka are easily reachable as you have read in this article.

Hi Planning to travel to Tokyo on 1st of September, then travel to Osaka for few days with day trips from Osaka to Kyoto. I’m after a pass that we can use for travelling between cities ( Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) and inner suburbs in each city( traveling in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto). which pass works for us the best without any extra charge. i mean i’m not sure if there is a pass that can be used everywhere or not. I’ll wait for reply. Thanks

The Japan Rail Pass will allow you to travel between these cities at no additional charge, however it doesn’t include all thw inner lines in each city. However the pass will allow you to take advantage of some inner lines:

– The JR Pass affords access to five different Tokyo railway lines: the Yamanote line , the most prominent rail line in Tokyo; the Keihin-Tohoku line, which runs parallel to the eastern side of the Yamanote; the Rapid Chuo line, which intersects the Yamanote line; the local Chuo-Sobu line that also crosses the Yamanote; and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – The Osaka Loop line , which “loops,” or circles, through downtown Osaka . – Local Kyoto JR lines include the Sagano Line and the Nara Line.

I will be in Japan for two weeks. I plan to stay in Tokyo for the first, and then travel to Kyoto and Osaka. How can I get from Tokyo to Kyoto, to Osaka, and then back to Tokyo?

Thank you for replying to everyone very thoroughly!

Hi Catherine,

This article you are reading has all the details you enquire, please make sure to go through it. Basically Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are connected with by the Tokaido Shinkansen line, included with the Japan Rail Pass.

I’m looking to plan my trip to Japan (Tokyo-Osaka-back to Tokyo) for about 12 days. It’s for 2 people, and we’re looking to spend roughly 4 days in Osaka and the rest of it back in Tokyo. We also intend to leave for Osaka almost right away after arriving at Narita airport, and if that’s the case, we will be able to take the train straight from the airport to Osaka right?

Can you advise which is the best and most cost-efficient rail pass for our plans?

Thank you!!

Hi Desiree Leong!

If you wish to travel from Narita Airport straight to Osaka you will first need to take the Narita Express to central Tokyo and once there take either the Hikari bullet train or Kodama from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations to Shin-Osaka. To get to central Osaka station, change to any of the local JR Tokaido-Sanyo trains also included in the Japan Rail Pass.

I’m planning go to japan and plan to visit tokyo, mount fuji, kyoto, osaka total trip maybe 8 to 10 days, and will go around some places in each area mention, is it best to buy JR Pass for 14 days or do u have option for 10 days?? and also is the JR Pass can cover all my trip (mean that JR Pass can be use all around japan) ???

A Japan Rail Pass can be valid for either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days, unfortunately at the time being there are no other validity period options. It can be used all around Japan and it covers:

1. All JR Group limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local ones. Shinkansen bullet trains are also covered, except of NOZOMI and MIZUHO. 2. All local JR bus lines . 3. JR-West Miyajima ferry services.

I’m heading to Japan from 28 Oct till 11 November. It will be one way trip from Osaka to Kyoto to Tokyo. I will be landing at Osaka Airport and depart at Haneda airport. My question is that is it worth to get a 7 days or 14 days JR pass since i’m not doing any round trip. My itinerary of consists few places such as Nara, Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studio in Osaka. Also, will travel some major places such as Shinjuku and Ginza. However, i wont travel to other prefacture.

Thankss for you advise!

The Japan Rail Pass covers all the mentioned trips including airport transfers but remember the validity period of the Japan Rail Pass is either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. The exact expiration time is either the 7th, 14th or the 21st night at midnight. Therefore, you won’t have the option of splitting the validity period of their passes. For that reason, if you want to travel with a Japan Rail Pass you will need to count how many consecutive days you will be using it or plan your trip accordingly.

Please note that once activated, the date on the passes can no longer be changed.

Hi, We are planning a trip to Japan in Nov. 2017. Our schedule is as follows : Reach Osaka on 26/11 at night . 27/11 – Osaka castle, umeda sky tower, nipponbashi den den, Dotonburi. 28/11 – universal studio 29/11 – toyama mall 30/11 – toyama glass making 1/12 – shirakawa go 2/12 – Tokyo,Akihabara, who buys 3/12 – Tokyo tower, diver city, Tokyo plaza, Tokyo dome 4/12 – Mt.Fuji, tokyo sky tree 5/12 – Kyoto, shopping 6/12 – Kyoto romantic train, gion, kinkakuji 7/12 – Osaka, nara park, Osaka shopping 8/12 – make music box, Shinsekai market, tsutenkaku tower 9/12 rinku premium outlet 10/12 airplane back to singapore

Which rail pass should we Buy? We are a family of 4, with 2 teenagers aged 14 and 16.

Thank you and regards. Jy

The type of Japan Rail Pass that better fits your needs will depend on the amount of days you need it for. Transportation you could use for all your trips included in the pass would be:

– When you land at Kansai airport, you can reach Osaka city through the Haruka Express . – While in Osaka, you can make use of your Japan Rail Pass to travel in the Osaka Loop line : Osaka Castle and gardens are just 5 minutes away by foot from the JR Morinomiya Station, the Osaka Station (reachable with the pass) is in the same general location as the Umeda Station, the JR Namba station will be your best stop if you can to visit the famous Dotonbori area… – The pass will also take you to the Universal Studios (Osaka): From Osaka Station, take the Osaka loop line to Universal City Station. From Nishikujo Station, you can also take the JR Sakurajima line. – To go to Toyama, you may take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama. – You will be able to move to Tokyo from Osaka very easily and at no additional cost. – Once in Tokyo, you can use many local lines, among which you have the JR Yamanote one. – To reach Mount Fuji, take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station. Once at Kozu (Kanagawa), take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu and then get off at Gotemba station. – Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass is easy. You should take the Shinkansen Hikari train from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, and arrive at Kyoto Station. – While in Kyoto , you will also be able to move with your pass using certain lines. – To go to Nara , begin your travels from Osaka at the JR Osaka Station. Take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station.

And, last but not least, in the comfort of not having to queue each time you need to buy a ticket – specially nice when you travel with teenagers.

We wish you very happy travels!

I am planning 2 weeks trip to Japan. A week in Tokyo and visiting nearby places then travelling to Kansai region and travelling for a week there. Please suggest shall I buy 14 days JR to travel in and around Tokyo and Kansai region or separate for both (JR and Kanai thru pass) . Also is JR enough or shall I also buy suica card to move in and around Tokyo.

Also does 7 or 14 day card include multiple trips in and around Tokyo and Kansai region or limited?

Please suggest. Thank you.

The assess if the Japan Rail Pass would be the best option for your vacation you need to know all the trips you would like to make. The pass is usually more cost effective when you travel around the country and hence while you stay at Tokyo it will be more adequate if you are planning multiple day trips than if you stay in the city for the whole week. Please keep in mind that while in Tokyo you can also use some JR lines such as Yamanote one, however depending on what you are planning to visit you might need to purchase an additional SUICA card.

The Japan Rail Pass includes limitless trips in the transportation it includes and during its scope of validity, which makes your trip easier by not needing to purchase individual tickets for each trip.

I will be travelling to Tokyo in July for 9 days. Landed at Haneda Airport, back from Kansai Airport. I have purchased a 7days Japan Rail Pass. Will be staying at Tokyo for 4 nights. Where would you suggest to go using the JR pass for the rest of the days.

If you are staying in Tokyo there are many daytrips you can make from there using your Japan Rail Pass, see below our recommendations among which you can visit:

– You can visit Mount Fuji and the Hakone area , specially given that you are travelling during the climbing season. – Kamakura , just an hour away from Tokyo, is one of the most preferred options when it comes to visiting historical monuments, temples, and shrines. – Another great option would be a day trip to Nikko , the home of the powerful Tokugawa Ieyasu, the leader to whom James Clavell’s great novel Shogun is dedicated and the one person who united all of Japan in times of war, conflict, and constant invasion. – Last but not least, you can consider visiting Yokohama, one of the most emblematic cities in the recent history of Japan. Getting to Yokohama will take you less than half an hour – take the JR Tokaido Line Rapid Acty for Odawara from Tokyo Station and get off at Yokohama Station.

The Japan Rail Pass will cover all of the mentioned trips (transportation between Tokyo and Kyoto and from Tokyo to Yokohama through the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station) as well as many others you might want to take too such as airport transfers and transportation inside the main cities. For example when in Tokyo you are entitled to take the Yamanote line .

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Japan Itinerary: 12 Days in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hakone

Last updated on March 8th, 2024 at 09:58 pm

Japan offers an incredible juxtaposition of modern technology alongside ancient temples and traditions. It is also one of the world’s safest countries, making it an ideal travel destination. The frenetic energy of bustling Tokyo, with more Michelin star restaurants than anywhere else on Earth, dazzles both the eyes and palate. For over 1,000 years Kyoto was the capital of Japan (from 794-1868) and still reigns as the traditional heart of the country. Kyoto features a staggering 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

If you take a two-week vacation, you will have around 12 days to explore Japan. This 12 day Japan itinerary covers a variety of significant highlights in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and the resort town of Hakone near Mt Fuji. This is an ideal itinerary for experiencing the cultural highlights of Japan, including a wellness escape!

Tokyo – 4 Days

Tokyo airports – arriving in tokyo.

Metropolitan Tokyo is the world’s largest city, with a staggering 37 million people! This is an exciting entry point for most visitors to Japan. Two airports serve Tokyo – Narita and Haneda. I flew into Narita Airport and out of Haneda Airport to the USA. Narita Airport is further from Tokyo but is served by a high-speed train.

I was curious to fly in and out of both airports and the times worked well to do that. The only downside to that is having to figure out one more thing during your journey. If you’re more the routine type, pick one of the airports to fly in and out of if you have the choice. That way, you have one less thing to worry about for your Japan itinerary.

Japan for Couples or Solo Travel

I traveled to Japan solo, en route to Australia last year. Bell had limited time to only visit her home country of Australia. Also, she previously traveled around Japan solo, in 2003, before we were together. So traveling around Japan was not as much of a priority for her compared to places she has not visited yet. But for me, traveling to Japan was really high on my travel list, and I had more time. So a solo trip worked out well for both of us. Anyways, the tips below are suitable for both couples and solo travel!

Tokyo Highlights: 12 Day Japan Itinerary

Asakusa is a traditional neighborhood famous for the Senso-Ji Temple. The Buddhist temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon and is considered the most important temple in Tokyo. The neighborhood is also wonderful for its variety of small stalls selling street food ranging from fried fish to sweet treats. It is generally considered impolite to eat while walking in Japan (partly because of how crowded it can be), but is socially acceptable in areas like Asukusa, where street food is sold. A visit to Asakusa is a must on a Japan itinerary. This is the favorite district of many that visit Tokyo.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Built in 1457, Tokyo Imperial Palace is home to Japan’s royal family. It is located in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. The large park is surrounded by massive stone walls and moats. 75 minute tours in English and Japanese are conducted on the palace grounds. You can book a tour on the Imperial Household Agency  website. Plan to book tours in advance, though same day tours are possible.

The inner grounds of the Imperial Palace are closed to the public except for January 2nd (New Year’s Greeting) and February 23rd (Emperor’s Birthday).

The Imperial Palace East Gardens are open to the public throughout the year. I did not book a tour time and enjoyed the gardens, bridges and centuries old architecture along with throngs of other visitors.

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in Japan. At 634 meters (2080 feet), it is also the world’s tallest tower and second tallest structure after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. There are two observation decks on Tokyo Skytree – at 350 meters and 450 meters. The tower is open from 9am-9pm 365 days a year. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan so it’s often busy. Book tickets in advance to save time!

In the above photo you can also see the golden flame atop the Asahi Group Head Office Building. Some jokingly call it the “Golden Turd.” What do you think?

Ueno Park is home to many museums and temples. It features beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in autumn. It is one of Japan’s five oldest public parks and was probably my favorite park in Tokyo for strolling and admiring the scenery. I was captivated by the vibrant foliage and people watching in Ueno Park. You can also plan a visit to Ueno Zoo  and admission is just 600 yen ($6 USD).

Along with Asakusa, Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya, Akihabara is one of the most interesting districts of Tokyo to visit. It is famous for its electronics retailers, ranging from large department stores to tiny stalls. This is also the cultural epicenter of manga, anime and video games. For the uninitiated like myself, stepping into a manga retailer is like exploring another universe.

The maid cafes in Akihabara are a unique spectacle. Maid cafes are where adorably dressed girls serve food and perform on stage in maid outfits. You can’t miss them as the girls stand out front handing out fliers. Do not expect an amazing culinary experience at a maid cafe. But it is a quintessentially kitsch Japanese tourist experience.

Plan to spend a few hours in Akihabara as it is one of the most unique districts in the world. It is likely you will stumble upon things you have never seen before.

Tokyo Tower

At 330 meters, Tokyo Tower is the second largest building in Japan. The Eiffel Tower inspired lattice tower serves as an observation deck and communications tower. Tokyo Tower offers sweeping vistas across the world’s largest city. I appreciated that there was no line to take the elevator to the 150 meter observation deck on the mid-December weekday morning I visited. There is always a line to go up the Eiffel Tower in Paris! There is a second observation deck at 250 meters, offering an even higher birds eye view.

Zojoji Temple

Across the street from Tokyo Tower is the impressive Zojoji Temple. It is the main temple of the Jōdo-shū Chinzei sect of Buddhism in the Kantō region. The temple complex houses the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns. It is just a 5 minute walk from Tokyo Tower and a 10 minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station. The gardens are impressive to stroll, and I was surprised to see such vibrant autumn foliage the second week of December. Plan to visit Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple the same day. Keep backtracking to a minimum during your Japan itinerary, as Tokyo especially is a massive city.

Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous high end shopping, dining and entertainment district. The area is packed with luxury retailers, along with swanky cocktail and sushi bars. Traditional Japanese dance and drama can be watched at the famed Kabuki-za theater. Most shops in Ginza are open everyday. A particularly pleasant time to visit is weekend afternoons when central Chuo Dori closes off to cars and becomes a large pedestrian zone. 

Fun fact: 2 million passengers pass through Shinjuku Railway Station each day, making it the world’s busiest train station. Visit one of the observation decks atop the Tokyo Metropolitan Building. The 243 meter tall building has two towers, each houses a free observation deck at 202 meters. On a clear day you can see Mt Fuji, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Dome.

Shinjuku bustles with night clubs, karaoke rooms and endless shopping options. Enjoy dishes like tempura at a lively izakaya, where locals dine and catch up over beers, cocktails and sake.

Shinjuku is also home to Tokyo’s Red Light District. Unfortunately, many of the strip clubs that cater to foreigners are run by the Yakuza (Japanese mafia) and are not reputable establishments. Check google reviews before going into any of the girly clubs in Shinjuku. Do not go into any of the clubs where people try to pull you in off the street. You will get ripped off. This makes Shinjuku the most unsafe district of Tokyo – but if you stay out of the shady sex clubs and use common sense regarding personal belongings, it’s fine to walk around the district.

Want to witness the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world? Head to the Shibuya Crossing. Every time the street lights change around 2,000 people cross the street simultaneously. You will also find a wide variety of shops and good restaurants in Shibuya. If you’re short on time, pop into a ramen restaurant for a fast and delicious bowl of piping hot noodle soup. You can even hang out in a cat cafe, playing with adorable kittens while sipping a latte. Plan to spend a few hours of your Japan itinerary in this interesting district of Tokyo.

Delicious Sushi Throughout Tokyo

There are so many culinary delights in Tokyo, but be sure to enjoy the excellent sushi. There are so many great options so just check reviews to be sure. Conveyor belt sushi establishments have become popular around Tokyo. They typically don’t serve the highest quality sushi, but they’re good and very handy if you just want a quick and inexpensive bite. Check the colors of the plates carefully if you don’t want to spend too much. For example, you may think a plate is white, but it is actually a more expensive pale blue or pink plate. Very sneaky!

Even Japanese 7-Eleven’s sell tasty packaged sushi rolls and salads. The options are healthier and tastier than American 7-Eleven’s. Several days I just wanted a quick lunch to continue exploring an infinitely fascinating city, and 7-Eleven sushi rolls fit the bill.

Tokyo Hotels

Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo is an excellent choice for a luxury stay. Elegant and spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with city or bay views overlooking the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Sky Tree and Mount Fuji on clear days. Along with a 50 foot heated pool, their onsite spa, CHI, offers a range of treatments and relaxing massages. Onsite restaurants include Nadaman, serving fine Japanese cuisine and sushi and the elegant Piacere, serving gourmet Italian food. It is conveniently located right next to the JR Tokyo Station.

The Strings by Intercontinental is another great choice for a luxury stay in Tokyo. Rooms at The Strings showcase tasteful Japanese design, with large windows that offer panoramic skyline views. China Shadow Restaurant serves authentic Chinese dishes with 26th-floor views. Their elegant Dining Room serves international fusion fare. The adjacent  JR Shinagawa Train Station offers easy access to Shinkansen bullet trains to Osaka. Local trains on the Yamanote Line run directly to the Shibuya and Shinjuku areas in around 20 minutes. The Airport Limousine Bus runs directly from Narita International Airport, taking around 90-minutes.

Park Hotel Tokyo is a comfortable choice that won’t break your budget. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the world’s largest city over a drink from the mini-bar. Shinbashi Train Station is just 1,000 feet away, conveniently connecting you to the rest of the city. The hotel offers 6 food and beverage options, including French and Japanese cuisines. A lounge, cafe and bar are also located on-site. Park Hotel Tokyo is close to Hamarikyu Gardens, Tsukiji Fish Market and the Ginza shopping area.

Japan is famous for its luxury cabin and capsule hotels, that sometimes include traditional onsens. They make for especially great value for solo travelers. Read my article on what to expect at cabin and capsule hotels in Japan , ranging from budget to mid-range.

First Cabin Shinbashi Atagoyama

First Cabin Shinbashi Atagoyama  is excellent value for a cabin stay in Tokyo. Upon arriving in Tokyo, I spent my first three nights there and found it ultra modern, comfortable and welcoming. Many amenities, like toothpaste and toothbrush packets, hair brushes, cotton swabs, soap and shampoo are provided in small bins in the bathrooms.

There are separate cabin floors for males and females, so mixed couples will not sleep on the same floor. But they have a cozy lounge, open to everyone, to enjoy a meal or a drink together. It is excellent value starting at around ¥ 3,600 ($35 USD) per night. It is perfect for those that want to save money, while sleeping comfortably during their Japan itinerary.

Global Hotel Tokyo

The Global Hotel Tokyo has 74 capsule rooms that are fitted with all the necessities for a comfortable budget stay. While the capsule rooms are small in comparison to first class cabins or premium capsules, they’re cozy. Capsules feature free WiFi, and amenities like toothbrushes and toothpaste and soaps. Rooms are around ¥ 3,500 ($34 USD) a night.

Global Hotel Tokyo offers an ideal location for exploring Tokyo. It’s a 5 minute walk from the Shin-Okubo Railway Station on the Yamanote Line in Shinjuku. The Yamanote line is Tokyo’s circular line so you can easily visit places in the world’s biggest city with a stay there. It’s also a close walk to Kabukicho entertainment district and 20 minutes to Shinjuku train station, the world’s busiest train station.

Kyoto – 4 Days

Kyoto is smaller than Tokyo and Osaka, but the greater area is still home to 2.6 million people. It is the traditional heart of Japan, with a staggering 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! You need time to experience Kyoto, also because the worthwhile temples and palaces are quite spread out. If you only visit two cities in Japan, fly into Tokyo and then catch the bullet train to Kyoto. It is an absolute must on a Japan itinerary.

Kyoto Highlights

Fushimi inari-taisha shrine and the torii gates.

One of the most iconic images of Japan are the Torii gates at the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto. The important Shinto shrine is located just outside Kyoto, and can be easily reached on a short train ride. Thousands of vermilion Torii gates line a network of trails that zig zag up the mountain. Traditional teahouses and small shrines dot the trails. And the hike offers a refreshing reprieve from the congested crowds of densely packed Japanese cities. This is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.

Gion, Kyoto’s traditional neighborhood

Dotted with wooden buildings, Gion is Kyoto’s most famous neighborhood. There is a great range of traditional Japanese restaurants, teahouses and bars along alleyways and side streets. This is also the best place in Japan to spot a geisha making her way to an appointment. Gion exemplifies a traditional Japanese urban neighborhood splintered from towering modern high rise buildings. I visited this district on a quiet mid-January day. During peak tourism season, it can be crowded. Gion is a significant highlight of a Japan itinerary!

Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavilion)

The Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-Ji is a unique Zen Buddhist Temple. Tucked away in the northwest quadrant of Kyoto, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see in Kyoto. The top two floors of Kinkaku-Ji are completely covered in golf leaf. Its picturesque lakeside setting conjures images of a Japanese Shangri-La. I visited Kinkaku-Ji on a misty mid-January day and there were still quite a few other tourists. Try and avoid going during busy summer weekends!

Nijō Castle

Nijō Castle was built in 1679 and is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. The Ninomaru Palace, ruins of the Honmaru Palace, along with supporting buildings and gardens span 275,000 square meters (68 acres). The castle consists of two concentric rings of fortifications, each made up with a wall and wide moat. While the area is vast, many of the buildings are closed to the public. Plan to a couple hours at Nijō Castle, as that will give you enough time to walk the grounds and take photos.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a Buddhist temple in Eastern Kyoto. Built to the honor the Kannon, the goddess of mercy, this is one of the most visited temples in Kyoto. It dates to 780 and its mountaintop location offers great views of Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.

Kyoto Hotels

The 5-star Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is located along the Kamogawa River, showcasing iconic Kyoto views. Featuring traditional Kyoto decor, elegant guest rooms are fitted with a large flat-screen TV, Blu-ray player and a Nespresso coffee maker. Mizuki restaurant offers Japanese kaiseki multi-course meals and sushi. Other on-site dining options include Italian and French. Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 3-minute subway ride from Ritz-Carlton Kyoto.

The Hyatt Regency Kyoto offers a luxury stay at a more affordable price than the Ritz-Carlton. Elegant rooms are decorated in light natural tones, and furnished with a 32-inch plasma TV, DVD player and safe. A mini-bar, nightwear and slippers are provided. Guests can pamper themselves with shiatsu massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy and other treatments at Riraku Spa. There are three onsite restaurants; The Grill, offers French grill dishes, Touzan serves Japanese cuisine and Trattoria Sette has Italian food. The Hyatt also has a bar, pastry shop and room service.

Tune Stay Kyoto is a great choice for a comfortable and well priced stay. The newly built modern hotel features an expansive library, common area and bar serving boutique Japanese spirits. Rooms have modern private bathrooms, TV, air conditioning and comfortable mattresses for a restful night’s sleep. I enjoyed my stay there!

WeBase Kyoto offers a clean budget stay in Kyoto. You can book dorm and private rooms. Continental and à la carte breakfast options are available each morning at the hostel.

Osaka – 2 Days

Greater Osaka is home to around 8.8 million people and is Japan’s 3rd largest city. For most travelers with limited time, do not attempt to see all the sites. It is best to focus on the Dontonburi district. This area runs along the Dotonbori canal from Nipponbashi Bridge to Dotonboribashi Bridge in the Namba district of Osaka’s Chuo ward.

Osaka is worth visiting, but many travelers, including myself, commonly say “I liked Osaka, but I preferred Tokyo and Kyoto.” I spent 3 days in Osaka, but wish I had spent 2 days there, and an extra day in Kyoto. So I factored that into this 12 day Japan itinerary for you!

Highlights of Osaka

Osaka castle.

Osaka Castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. This makes it one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and culturally, the most significant highlight in Osaka. Osaka Castle was built in 1583 and spans 2 square kilometers of beautiful architecture and green park space. The museum in the Main Tower documents the history and features great artifacts. If you visit one place outside the Dotonburi district of Osaka, you have to go there.

Dōtonbori (or Dōtombori), located in the Namba district of the city’s Chuo ward, is one of the highlights of a visit to Osaka, Japan. The district runs along the Dōtonbori canal from Dōtonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge. This area offers a huge selection of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and markets.

You can enjoy everything from swanky Kobe beef steak to Takoyaki (octopus balls) fried fresh in a variety of street stalls along Dōtonbori canal. Check reviews carefully if you sit down for Kobe beef, as it is extremely expensive and there are some tourist traps in Dōtonbori. Takoyaki is a local specialty that originated in Osaka. It is inexpensive Japanese fast food and well worth trying.

The selection of restaurants, street stalls and market food options in Dōtonbori is overwhelming. It would take well over a year of meals to try every establishment just in this district of Osaka.

Another Osaka born favorite you have to try is Okonomiyaki. It is a savory Japanese pancake made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and your choice of a wide variety of protein and condiments. The name derives from the words okonomi, meaning “how you like,” and yaki meaning “cooked.”

Osaka Hotels

Conrad Osaka offers stunning views of Osaka in their modern and luxurious rooms. Spacious guest rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and mini-bar. Featuring various spa and wellness facilities on site, the hotel also has a heated indoor pool. Four on-site dining options include European, Asian fusion and Japanese. Enjoy a tasty cocktail atop their stylish 40 Sky Bar and Lounge.

Tokyo Stay Osaka Hommachi makes for a comfortable stay, with city views, that won’t break the bank. Buffet and Asian breakfast options are available each morning. The hotel is located a short distance from attractions such as Namba Shrine, Asahi Seimei Hall, Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and Hongan-ji Temple Tsumura Betsuin.

Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi is an excellent premium capsule hotel in Osaka, Japan. If you want a comfortable stay that doesn’t break the bank, stay there. It’s only around a 20 minute walk to the Dotonbori district, the most interesting area of Osaka  for tourists.

Luxury capsule rooms start at are around   ¥ 3,500 ($34 USD) per night. Capsule rooms include 24 inch TV’s with free on-demand channels. A public bath and open-air bath are available in addition to shared private showers on each floor. And of course, there are the famous multi-function high-tech toilets with warm seats!

Hakone (Near Mt Fuji) – 2 Days

Hakone is a vacation destination located just 55 miles (88km) southwest of Tokyo in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is known for its many ryokans, traditional Japanese inns, renowned for the ultimate zen experience. They typically offer comfortable rooms, traditional kaiseki dining, mineral baths (onsen) and world class customer service. Visitors should definitely plan to stay in a ryokan for a portion of their 12 day Japan itinerary. Read my article on What to Expect at a Ryokan in Hakone .

Hakone Highlights

On a clear day, you can see Mt Fuji from Tokyo, from certain vantage points. But you are much closer to the famous volcanic mountain in Hakone!

Catch the Hakone Ropeway cable car for epic views of Mount Fuji. The Owakudani stop offers the most dramatic views of Mount Fuji. You also get a great glimpse of volcanic activity in the area.

On a clear day you can see Mt Fuji from the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise across Lake Ashi. You also get wonderful views of the torii gates and shinto shrines that dot the lake. You can take the 25-minute sightseeing cruise one way, or roundtrip.

Onsen (Mineral Spa)

Hakone sits atop 40 hot mineral springs. So the town’s resorts feature onsen, with indoor and outdoor mineral pools. They are a great reprieve after a long international flight and navigating the huge crowds of large Japanese cities. It is also a great part of the cultural experience.

Kaseiki Dining

Kaiseki dining is high-end multi-course Japanese cuisine, similar to western haute cuisine. There is an emphasis on seasonality, freshness and excellent presentation. It typically consists of around 9 courses of small dishes, with various meats, seafood and vegetables. It is very detail-oriented and the food dazzles the eyes and palate.

You can enjoy traditional Kaiseki dining elsewhere in Japan, but it is nice to do in a resort town. Slip on the yukata (casual komono) and slippers provided in your room and head down to the dining room for a culinary feast.  The kaseiki dinner I enjoyed in Hakone was probably the best $34 USD I have ever spent on a meal.

Hakone Hotels

Hotel Musashiya  is one of the best ryokans to stay in Hakone. Their hot spring baths look right out at picturesque Lake Ashi. Every room is fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon beds. Rooms are also equipped with refrigerators, TV and an electric kettle.

Hakone Airu  is another of the best ryokans to stay in Hakone. Rooms have balconies with lovely mountain views. They also have air conditioning and satellite TV’s. Guests can choose between a western or Asian breakfast. Traditional kaiseki multi-course meals are served at dinner.

Mount View Hakone is a charming moderately priced traditional Japanese inn with onsen. Unlimited use of the onsen is included in the price. Dining is a la carte. I liked that concept because during my two-night stay, I enjoyed a lavish kaiseki dinner and breakfast the first day. Then I dined at some of the local izakayas (casual Japanese bar-restaurants) for ramen and katsu for other meals. From around ¥10 ,300 ($100 USD) a night per person in off-season, Mount View Hakone is the best value ryokan near Mount Fuji. During busy times like summer and holidays, expect to pay higher prices. I really enjoyed my two-night stay there! It was the most relaxing part of my 12 day Japan itinerary.

Emblem Flow  is a stylish hostel in Hakone. This is a great choice for backpackers looking for a ryokan experience on a budget. The hostel offers 4 and 6 bed bunk rooms, along with private rooms. The property features a hot mineral bath. Continental breakfasts are served in the mornings.

12 Day Japan Itinerary Recap

Tokyo is the world’s largest city and an exciting gateway to the nation. You need at least four days in Tokyo just to see a fraction of the highlights. Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are spread out, so you should also allow yourself four days to explore the traditional heart of the country. Some consider Osaka the culinary heart of Japan (but you will find equally fantastic food in Tokyo and Kyoto). Plan for just a couple days in Osaka to get a taste.

Enjoy a couple days in Hakone, at the foot of volcanic Mt. Fuji for a relaxing reprieve from the crowds. Hakone is dotted with traditional Japanese inns (ryokans) with spas (onsen) and Japanese haute cusine (kaseiki). Hakone also offers spectacular views of Mt Fuji!

And voila, there is a great 12 day itinerary for Japan that won’t leave you running around too frantically. If you have questions about planning a trip to Japan, leave a comment below or email me at alex(at)wanderlustmarriage.com. I can even help you save money on your trip!

Disclosure: This 12 day Japan itinerary article contains some affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you book travel directly through them. Thank you for supporting independent travel journalism! 

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Alex Kallimanis is an award winning travel journalist and travel planner who has visited 67+ different countries, including all 27 European Union countries across all continents except Antarctica. He has resided around the world, living in countries like Australia, the Netherlands and Ireland for over 7 years combined. Currently residing in the Tampa, Florida, area with his wife Bell, he still spends much of his time in Europe as a dual Greek citizen. Alex is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor of arts degree in history, and was the president of Phi Alpha Theta (Honors History Society) during his senior year there. Alex is an avid enthusiast of sports, spas, delicious food, the outdoors, craft beverages, history and culture.

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5 thoughts on “ Japan Itinerary: 12 Days in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hakone ”

Such an amazing post please visit our blog it’s very informative Gay travel guides

Thanks, glad you found my article on planning a trip to Japan useful!

It’s very helpful thanks for sharing a great post Lgbtq

Thanks for sharing sample itineraries for Japan. My 3 adult sons are planning a 12 night visit from March 25-April 8, 2024 and as a retired teacher I am the planner. However, I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed upon watch You Tube videos and reading blogs so I appreciated your article/ advice.

Hi Connie. Thank for your comment! So happy to hear you found this post helpful! I hope your 3 sons have an amazing trip to Japan and I’m sure they will. Wonderful that you’ve been planning their trip. Let me know if any questions arise. Happy travels!

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The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide

See Japan’s best in two weeks: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka including Nara and Hiroshima! From free attractions to bustling streets , and breathtaking landscapes, here’s a detailed itinerary to make planning your next trip to Japan easy peasy.

Getting ready to head to Japan for your year-end vacation? Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time traveller, the Golden Route is a fail-safe choice! It loosely follows the Tokaido road, encompassing Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and various other stops, promising fun surprises along the way. This route was extensively travelled by merchants, craftsmen, and people from all walks of life during the Edo Period (1603 to 1867), guaranteeing an abundance of rich cultural encounters.

Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming, but fear not! This itinerary will take you on a journey through some of the most iconic destinations in Japan and even includes day trips to Hiroshima, Nara, and Miyajima.

Ready to embark on an adventure like no other? Let’s dive into this perfect 14-day Japan itinerary for first-time and returning visitors who want a taste of everything the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer, including Tokyo’s bustling city life, Kyoto’s traditional shrines, and Osaka’s delicious street food scene. 

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❗ Pro-tip: Purchase a SIM card via YouTrip Perks on Klook & get up to 5% cashback with YouTrip!

Image credits: AFAR

With Google Translate and bilingual signage, getting around the country is a breeze. Before embarking on your journey, be sure to pack a 4G SIM Card (from S$5.39) with unlimited data, so you can stay connected with loved ones back home effortlessly. Transportation in Japan is as efficient as it gets, thanks to its advanced railway system. Consider opting for the JR Pass or Kansai Pass depending on which cities you plan to explore, as it gives you unlimited access to trains and other modes of transportation, saving you both time and money.

The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide — Check out our guide on all JR Pass related information.

🇯🇵 The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary:

Day 1: arrival in tokyo.

Image Credits: Pexels

After arriving in Japan via Haneda or Narita International Airport, take your time to settle into your hotel before heading out to explore the vibrant streets of Tokyo. Beginning with a visit to iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree , where you can scale dizzying heights for panoramic views that stretch across the metropolis. However, if you’re afraid of heights, you can head to the Imperial Palace and immerse yourself in the historical allure of this tourist spot, surrounded by lush gardens and serenity within this bustling city.

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As the day transitions to night, Tokyo shows off a vibrant nightlife scene. Venture into the bustling streets of Shinjuku, where neon lights adorn entertainment hubs, or experience the cosmopolitan flair of Roppongi, known for its upscale dining and nightlife. For those enamoured with technology and pop culture, Akihabara beckons with its electronic wonders and anime culture.

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Tokyo SkyTree 📍 Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 10 AM – 9 PM. Sun, 9 AM – 9 PM 🎟 Price: From S$16.15

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Day 2 & 3: Hakone

Image credits: Cheapo Guides

Your next day takes you to the tranquil town of Hakone, on the outskirts of Tokyo nestled against the backdrop of the iconic Mount Fuji and overlooking the serene Lake Ashi . Utilise your JR Pass and catch the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station. From Odawara, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line, a scenic mountain train that takes you to Hakone-Yumoto Station. 

The easiest way to get around would be to do the Hakone Round Course, which means you will need to get the Hakone Free Pass , your ticket to exploration, it ensures convenient access to an array of transportation modes – train, cable car, boat and buses included. 

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Check into one of the many ryokans before heading to the therapeutic hot springs within the establishment. These hot springs have been offering rejuvenation and tranquillity to users for centuries. You’ll definitely feel the stress of urban life leaving your body after a good soak! Some hot springs are open-air and offer a good view of nature, perfect for a getaway. After your bath, pop into one of the many restaurants found in the area for a piping hot bowl of ramen!

The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide — Check out our guide on the best Ryokans & Onsens to stay at in Japan

Image credits: Pexels

Rest up and explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum the next day, home to a stunning collection of contemporary sculptures set against the backdrop of lush greenery. The museum’s outdoor exhibits create a unique fusion of art and nature. Or, visit the picturesque Hakone Shrine , nestled at the edge of Lake Ashi. The iconic red torii gate rising from the water provides a serene and photogenic setting.

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For adventurous travellers hoping to catch a better glimpse of Mount Fuji, head to the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking aerial views of the Owakudani Valley , known for its volcanic activity. Explore the hiking trail and area & try the local specialty, black eggs boiled in the hot springs.

The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide — Find out more here

Image credits: Japan Travel

Shoppers will definitely want to check out the shopping haven at Gotemba Premium Outlets , a quick trip from Hakone. There, you can indulge in shopping for premium brands amid stunning Mount Fuji views. To get there, take a direct highway bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station or Hakone-Machi to Gotemba Station. From Gotemba Station, a free shuttle transports shoppers to the outlet. 

1. Hakone Open-Air Museum 📍 Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0407, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 9 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: From S$13.45 at the time of writing

2. Hakone Shrine 📍 Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 8:30 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: Free

3. Owakudani, Hakone 📍 Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan 🎟 Price: Free

4. Gotemba Premium Outlets 📍 Address: 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0023, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 10 AM – 8 PM 🎟 Price: Free

The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide — Check out our guide on how to capitalise on the Japanese yen now!

Day 4: Back to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo from Hakone via the Shinkansen. Then visit the serene Meiji Shrine , surrounded by lush forests in the heart of bustling Shibuya. Take a walk to the busy Shibuya crossing just a stone’s throw away and experience the sheer controlled chaos of pedestrians using the crossing once the green man appears. Visit the famous Hachiko statue , do some shopping and eat to your heart’s content at one of the many food places in the district.

The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide — Find the best things to do in Tokyo here

Image Credits: Money We Have

If you’re a family with kids or a Disney fan, you’ll definitely want to visit Tokyo Disneyland , promising a day of enchantment and laughter where fairy tales come to life, and beloved Disney characters greet you at every turn. From thrilling rides like Space Mountain to whimsical attractions in Fantasyland, the park caters to all ages. Your kids will definitely leave with magical memories of time spent there.

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1. Meiji Jingu 📍 Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 5:20 AM – 5:20 PM 🎟 Price: Free

2. Shibuya Scramble Crossing 📍 Address: Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: 24hrs 🎟 Price: Free

3. Hachiko Memorial Statue 📍 Address: 2 Chome-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan 🎟 Price: Free

4. Disneyland Tokyo 📍 Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 8 AM – 10 PM 🎟 Price: From S$79.95 at the time of writing

The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide — Check out our guide on theme parks to visit in Japan

Day 5: Kyoto

Hop on a journey from Tokyo to Kyoto on the iconic Shinkansen that takes you through the Japanese countryside. The train ride takes about 2.5 hours and offers a seamless transition from the bustling energy of Tokyo to the cultural richness of Kyoto, the former imperial capital. Kyoto boasts over 2,000 temples and shrines that punctuate the cityscape, alongside meticulously maintained gardens, palaces, and traditional neighbourhoods.

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Upon arriving in Kyoto, delve into the city’s cultural tapestry by exploring some of its most renowned sites. You’ll have to visit the resplendent Kinkakuji Temple , adorned in gold leaf that reflects its majesty in the tranquil waters of a surrounding pond. After that, head on over to the Kiyomizudera Temple , perched atop the eastern hills, providing sweeping panoramic views of Kyoto — definitely creating a mesmerising spectacle during winter or the cherry blossom season.

Thereafter, you can explore the historical Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace , where the “nightingale floors” serenade your steps through its regal corridors. Cap off the day in the enchanting Gion district , Kyoto’s iconic geisha quarter, where traditional machiya houses and the elusive presence of geisha or maiko create an ambiance of timeless elegance.

1. Kinkaku-ji 📍 Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 9 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: S$4.48 at the time of writing

2. Kiyomizu-dera 📍 Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 6 AM – 6 PM 🎟 Price: S$3.59 at the time of writing

3. Nijo Castle & Ninomaru Palace 📍 Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan 🎟 Price: S$11.65

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Day 6: Kyoto

After a much needed rest, continue your exploration of Kyoto by venturing beyond the well-trodden path, discovering less crowded yet equally captivating attractions. Begin your day at the Fushimi Inari Shrine , renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, creating a mesmerising tunnel that leads to the sacred Mount Inari. Wander through the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Forest , where towering bamboo shoots create a serene atmosphere, and check out the Ryoanji Temple , with its Zen rock garden, invites quiet contemplation.

Visit the bustling Nishiki Market , a food lover’s paradise where vendors offer a diverse array of Kyoto’s culinary delights. From traditional Japanese sweets to fresh seafood and matcha-flavoured treats, the market provides a sensory journey through Kyoto’s gastronomic landscape.

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For a deeper immersion into Kyoto’s culture, consider participating in a traditional tea ceremony, renting a kimono for a stroll through historic districts, or witnessing the artistry of a geisha performance. Kyoto’s cultural activities add a layer of authenticity to your experience, allowing you to connect intimately with the city’s rich heritage with its blend of historic charm and modern allure, guaranteeing an exploration filled with awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable experiences.

1. Fushimi Inari Taisha 📍 Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: 24hrs 🎟 Price: Free

2. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 📍 Address: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: 24hrs Price: Free

3. Ryoanji Temple 📍 Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 8 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: S$5.38 at the time of writing

4. Nishiki Market 📍 Address: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 9 AM – 6 PM

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Day 7: Nara

Take a day trip to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get to Nara from Kyoto, take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara Station. This journey should take about 45 minutes. The JR Nara Station is a 15-20 minute walk west of Nara Park, the star attraction in Nara where you can see and feed the friendly free-roaming deers. Make sure to grab some deer crackers to feed them so you can snap a pic with them!

The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide — Find out how to top up your virtual Suica card with YouTrip via Apple Pay here

Nara is also home to some of the oldest and largest temples and statues in Japan, such as the Todaiji Temple , the Kasuga Taisha Shrine , or the Kofukuji Temple . Most of which are easily reachable by taking a stroll around the park. The famous Todai-ji Temple , which houses a giant bronze Buddha statue, is approximately a 10-minute walk away from Nara Station. Alternatively, there are also bus services that travel along Kintetsu Nara Station, JR Nara Station and the various places of interest. Once you’re done exploring Nara, head back to rest in Kyoto.

1. Nara Park 📍 Address: 469 Zoshicho, Nara 🕜 Opening Hours: 24 hours daily 🎟 Price: Free 

2. Todai-ji Temple 📍 Address: 406-1 Zōshichō, Nara, 630-8587, Japan 🕜 Opening Hours: April to October: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, November to March: 8 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: ¥600 (S$5.36 at the time of writing)

3. Kasuga Taisha Shrine 📍 Address:  160 Kasuganochō, Nara, 630-8212, Japan 🕜 Opening Hours: April to September: 6 AM – 6 PM, October to March: 6:30 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: ¥500 for each attraction (S$4.46 at the time of writing) — Special Worship of Main Sanctuary, Kasugataisha Museum and Manyou Botanical Garden

4. Kofukuji Temple 📍 Address: 48 Noboriōjichō, Nara, 630-8213, Japan 🕜 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: ¥900 (S$8.03 at the time of writing) combined ticket, includes Kohfukuji National Treasure Hall & Eastern Golden Hall, for Adults 

The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide — Here are 10 ways to save money while visiting Japan

Day 8: Himeji

Image Credits: Japan Rail Pass

Take another day trip from Kyoto and visit Himeji, which boasts one of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in Japan, the Himeji Castle . Day 8 will be a slow, sightseeing day. To get to Himeji from Kyoto, take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Himeji Station. The train ride takes about 55 minutes. From Himeji station, walk (20 minutes) or take a taxi (5 minutes)  to Himeji Castle, which is the main attraction in the city. 

The Himeji Castle (姫路城) is generally recognised to be Japan’s best and most beautiful surviving feudal castle. It is known as the “White Heron Castle” because of its iconic white plaster walls. The castle is not only a national treasure but also holds the esteemed title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a tour of the castle and explore the different levels, including the keep, which offers views of the city. Guided tours are available from 10 AM – 1 PM but at an extra cost of 1000 yen per adult .

Image Credits: Japan Guide

Afterwards, stroll through the pretty Kokoen Garden (好古園) , just next to the castle. The garden is a prime example of beautiful Japanese landscaping which features ponds, waterfalls, and pavilions. It comprises nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period. It also has a Tea Ceremony House “Souju-an” built in a tea room style of a samurai residence of the Edo era where you can settle down for green tea and Japanese sweets at 500 Yen.

If you’re up for more walking, check out Otemae Street for some shopping and food. Otherwise, take the Shinkansen back to Kyoto. Take in all of Kyoto’s night scenery as today’s your last night in Kyoto.

1. Himeji Castle 📍 Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji City 🕜 Opening Hours : 9 AM – 5 PM. Closed 29 – 30 December 🎟 Price: ¥1,000 (S$8.93 at the time of writing) Combined Tickets for the Castle and Garden: ¥1,050

2. Kokoen Garden 📍 Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Pref, Japan 670-0012 🕜 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM. Closed 29 – 30 December 🎟 Price: ¥310 (S$2.77 at the time of writing)

Day 9: Kyoto to Osaka

Say Adieu to Kyoto, it’s time for Osaka! To get to Osaka from Kyoto, take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station which takes around 15 minutes, for 1,420 Yen . Upon reaching the station, check into your hotel, deposit your bags and get ready to explore the vibrant metropolis that is Osaka.

Being Japan’s second largest metropolitan area, with Tokyo being the first, Osaka has lots to do and lots to see — from glowing neon nightscapes to temples and theme parks. As such, you’d be spending two days in Osaka to squeeze in as much experience as possible.

On the first day, visit some of Osaka’s unmissable attractions, such as the Osaka Castle , the Dotonbori area , Umeda Sky Building and savour the delectable street food!

Image Credits: Osaka

We recommend starting your journey off at Osaka Castle (大阪城), a 16th-century fortress with a stunningly beautiful garden. The castle’s history is intertwined with Japan’s development, as it was the site of many important events involving Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, two legendary figures who changed the course of the nation. The grandeur of the castle is also awe-inspiring. As the area is rather large, it might take at least 3 hours to cover both the inside and outside of the castle.

Thereafter, you can check out the impressive skyscraper that is the Umeda Sky Building which consists of two towers that are connected by the Floating Garden Observatory on the 39th floor, which offers superb views of the city. Then, walk around and explore the Dotonbori district for some food and shopping as well as the famous sights of the giant crab and Glico man sign board. 

1. Osaka Castle 📍 Address: 1-1 Ōsakajō, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan 540-0002 🕜 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM. Closed 28 December – 1 January 🎟 Price: ¥600 (S$5.36 at the time of writing)

2. Umeda Sky Building 📍 Address: 1-1-88 Oyodonaka Kitaku, Osaka, 531-6023 🕜 Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM 🎟 Price: ¥1,000 per ticket (S$8.93 at the time of writing) for Kuchu Teien Floating Garden Observatory

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Day 10: Osaka

Image Credits: WikiVoyage

On the second day of Osaka, treat yourself to a day of fun at Osaka’s Universal Studios . You can take the JR Yumesaki Line from Osaka Station to Universal City Station, which takes about 15 minutes and costs 180 yen one way. 

Pretty much your entire day would be dedicated to this theme park that spans 130 acres with over 60 rides. Enjoy the various attractions and shows at Universal Studios Japan, such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, Jurassic Park, and Hollywood Dream and the newly opened Super Nintendo World. If you don’t mind spending more money to maximise your time there, consider the Universal Express Pass which allows you priority queue for certain attractions.

Image Credits: Osaka.info

By the time you’re done with Universal Studios, it’s probably late in the evening. You can check out Shinsekai to grab dinner in one of their eateries and relax with a beer in hand.

From Universal City Station, board the JR Osaka Loop line to Shin-Imamiya Station.

Shinsekai was originally built in the early 20th century as a red-light district. Over the years, Shinsekai has become a popular tourist destination in Osaka for its blend of traditional structures and modernity, connected by narrow alleyways lined with pubs, bars, and restaurants. So enjoy the good food, drinks, and people watching. 

1. Universal Studios Osaka 📍 Address: 2-chōme-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka 554-0031 🕜 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM (depends on season) 🎟 Price: ¥8,600 per 1-day adult pass (S$76.77 at the time of writing)

Day 11: Hiroshima

Image Credits: Hiroshima for Global Peace

On this day, you will visit Hiroshima, a city that was the target of the first atomic bomb attack in history on 6 August 1945, during World War II. Despite the devastation and tragedy, Hiroshima has rebuilt itself as a modern and vibrant city.

To get to Hiroshima from Osaka, you will take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station and arrive at Hiroshima Station, which is the fastest and most convenient route. The journey takes about 90 minutes and costs around 10,000 yen one way . A Japan Rail Pass works if you have one. Upon reaching, check into your accommodations and start exploring. 

Begin with an educational journey at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park , which is the main attraction of the city. The park is a large green space that contains several monuments and memorials related to the atomic bombing, such as the Atomic Bomb Dome , the Children’s Peace Monument , the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims , and the Peace Flame . The park is also home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum , which displays the history and effects of the bombing, as well as the stories and belongings of the victims and survivors. While the museum offers a wealth of knowledge and understanding, it also presents graphic and disturbing imagery, so be prepared for an emotional experience.

After that, you can have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants or cafes, where you can try some of the local specialities, such as okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake with various toppings, or oysters, which are fresh and delicious in Hiroshima.

Other attractions you can explore are the Hiroshima Castle , which is a reconstruction of the original castle that was destroyed by the bomb, and the Shukkeien Garden , which is a beautiful Japanese-style garden that was also damaged by the blast but restored later. 

1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park 📍 Address: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0811 🕜 Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6 PM. Closed 30 – 31 December 🎟 Price: ¥200/adult for the museum tickets (S$1.79 at the time of writing)

2. Hiroshima Castle 📍 Address: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0011 🕜 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: ¥500 (S$4.46 at the time of writing)

3. Shukkeien Garden 📍 Address: 2-11 Kaminoborichō, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0014 🕜 Opening Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM 🎟 Price: ¥250 (S$2.23 at the time of writing)

The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide — Find out how to get ready for your Japan trip here

Day 12: Miyajima

Image Credits: Trip Savvy

Take a scenic ferry ride from Hiroshima to the enchanting island of Miyajima, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures. As the ferry approaches Miyajima, you will be captivated by the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine , which seems to hover above the water during high tide, creating a memorable experience. The shrine and its torii gate are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasising the spiritual essence of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Image Credits: Miyajima Matsudai

Once ashore, explore the island’s natural wonders, consider taking the scenic ropeway or hiking trail to Mount Misen’s summit, a sacred peak offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and beyond. For a cultural immersion, visit Daishoin Temple , a sacred site adorned with countless stone lanterns and vibrant pagodas, creating a serene atmosphere. The Miyajima Aquarium provides a delightful escape for families, playing host to the marine life of the surrounding waters.

The Ultimate 14-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Guide — Check out some leisurely hiking trails in Mt. Misen here

Image Credits: TripAdvisor

Foodie rejoice! Get your fill with Miyajima’s culinary offerings, notably Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake layered with ingredients like cabbage, noodles, and seafood, cooked right before your eyes. Sample momiji manju, a local treat shaped like maple leaves and filled with sweet red bean paste. Stroll through the bustling Omotesando shopping street to discover local crafts and souvenirs, providing a charming snapshot of daily life on the island.

1. Mount Misen 📍 Address: Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan 🎟 Price: Free / S$17.94 for cable car ride

2. Daishoin Temple 📍 Address: Takimachi-210 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0592, Japan 🕜 Opening Hours: Mon to Sun, 8 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: Free

3. Miyajima Public Aquarium 📍 Address: Japan, 〒739-0588 Hiroshima, Hatsukaichi, Miyajimacho, １０−3 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 9 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: From S$3.59 at the time of writing

4. Daruma No Hasshou (Okonomiyaki) 📍 Address: 277 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan 🕜 Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 9 AM – 5 PM 🎟 Price: From S$10.76 at the time of writing

Day 13: Back to Tokyo

Image Credits: Live Japan

It’s your final full day in Tokyo, try to achieve all that you want to visit in Tokyo today. Some must-see places are the grand Imperial Palace , the busy Tsukiji Fish Market , the lovely Ueno Park , or the organised chaos of Shibuya Crossing. Note the wholesale market “inner market” of Tsukiji Market known for its tuna auctions closed in October 2018 and moved to a new site in Toyosu where it reopened as Toyosu Market. However, Tsukiji’s outer market with its many shops and restaurants still remains in business.

Image Credits: Tokyo Weekender

Also, don’t forget to carve out some time to do some thrift shopping. Japan’s secondhand markets are highly raved for their great selection and quality of the item’s condition. Some great places for vintage shopping are Shimokitazawa and Koenji . 

1. Imperial Palace 📍 Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111 🕜 Guided Tour Hours: 10 AM – 1:30 PM daily, 75 minutes duration 🎟 Prices: Free

2. Tsukiji Outer Market  📍 Address: 4-chōme-13-13 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045 🎟 Opening Hours: 5 AM to 2 PM but varies by shop 3. Ueno Park 📍 Address: 4 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007 🕜 Opening Hours: 24 hours daily 🎟 Admission: Free

Day 14: Depart

Image Credits: The Japan Times

It’s the end of your journey; time to pack up your bags and say “Sayonara” to Japan. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of memories to take home with you, from all the delicious food and stunning sights you experienced along the way. Make sure to grab any last-minute souvenirs or snacks before heading to the airport! 

Venture Into The Land Of The Rising Sun!

Congratulations! You have just completed the ultimate 14-day Japan travel agenda that covers the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. You had the opportunity to explore the vibrant cities with their unique cultures, historic attractions, and thrilling food scenes. From the thrilling theme parks in Osaka, the tranquil city of Nara to the sobering Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, this Japan itinerary was an all-in-one experience. 

Remember to prepare in advance and pack the essentials such as a 4G SIM card and a JR pass to make your travel seamless. Japan is a truly fascinating country that offers the experience of a lifetime. We hope that this itinerary has helped you plan your trip to Japan and given you an understanding of the country’s allure. Don’t forget to bring your trusty YouTrip card along for the best yen rates all day!

As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with < YTBLOG5 > and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad ? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜

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8-Day Tokyo to Osaka Japan Itinerary For First Timers Under S$690

This Japan itinerary was first written in Sep 2017. Since then, the cost of the JR Pass has gone from ¥29,650 to ¥50,000 so here’s an updated itinerary without the JR Pass! Let’s see if we can still keep it within a smart budget!

On top of exploring Japan’s three most iconic cities — Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, there were a few things I wanted to check off on this 8-day trip, the top three being:

1) Taking the Sunrise Izumo train between Osaka and Tokyo — an overnight sleeper train that would pass Mt Fuji at sunrise (previously covered by the JR Pass) 2) Visiting Tokyo Disneysea — since it was the only DisneySea in the world and the rides were known to be more exciting 3) Keeping the budget under S$100/day incl. transport for Shinkansen tickets

Previously we travelled with the Whole Japan JR Pass which gave us the flexibility to take almost any train without extra costs. With the price increase in Oct 2023 , here’s the new game plan!

Spoiler: this was totally possible, especially with the favourable JPY rates!

If you’re returning to Japan, check out our other guides and itineraries exploring other lesser-known areas in Japan.

Read also: JR Pass Budget Alternatives — How to Explore Japan Without Paying ¥50,000 for a 7-day Pass

Budget Breakdown for 8D trip

Flights: Book an open-jaw flight arriving in Tokyo, exiting from Osaka.

Transport: You’ll need two essentials to get around Japan. One is the IC Card — a reloadable card you can use for the buses and subways. Second, is the Klook App where you can view the schedule, compare prices and purchase Shinkansen tickets. To retrieve the tickets, just scan the QR code from the app at any ticket machine at the station.

Accommodation : This can take up a huge chunk of the budget but you can generally get under S$35/night at hostels — there are many nice and affordable options in the cities. More details on Japan accommodation at the end!

Food in Japan : Surprisingly affordable, easily under ¥1,000 from Konbinis , and Salaryman places like Matsuya and Sukiya. But also allowing the occasional splurge on famous eateries.

Here’s how our budget looked at the end of the trip!

Transport:  S$260.74 ( excl. flights ) Accommodation: S$208.73 Activities: $82.29 Food:  $137.85

TOTAL:  $ 689.55

(prices are based on the Dec 2023 exchange rate) Click here for the detailed breakdown of trip expenses.

Day 1: The First 24-Hours in Tokyo

Tokyo is bustling with things to do from as early as 5AM till midnight. If we had the chance, we could easily spend an entire week in Tokyo itself (which we did on a separate trip). If time isn’t on your side, here are our top picks for 24 hours in the city.

From Narita Airport to Tokyo City: Tokyo Skyliner tickets * (~S$23) Getting around in Tokyo:  Tokyo Subway Ticket * (24hr, 48hr, 72hr) *included in the Klook Pass

Since 2019, the Tuna Auctions in the inner Tsukiji market have shifted to  Toyosu Market . If you’re looking for fresh seafood and restaurants to enjoy them, Tsukiji’s outer market is what you’re looking for.

5AM Tuna Auctioning — Extremely popular amongst travellers, get here as early as 3AM to reserve a spot. But since you’ll be visiting Osaka on this trip, save your early mornings for the Osaka Fish Market instead — no reservations required there!

*Tuna viewing at Toyosu Market’s lower observation deck requires advance reservations .

Tuna auctioning aside, another great reason to get up early is for Sushi Dai — a famous Omakase place with queues starting as early as 3AM. We haven’t tried so if you do, let us know if it’s worth the hype!

For us late risers, Tsukiji still has a lot to feast on. One of our favourite stores was  Nakaya 仲家 — which serves Kaisen Dons but the key takeaway here is how affordable the uni (sea urchin) is!

If there’s a queue at Nakaya, get a friend to save your spot in the queue (or vice versa) while the other ventures out to buy skewers around the outer market. Must-tries are the tamago (egg) on a stick (¥300) from Tsukiji Yamacho 築地山長  — served with a dash of radish on top.

Sensoji Temple — this 7th century Buddhist temple is one of the oldest in Japan. Something fun to go here is getting your fortune reading (Omikuji おみくじ)  for ¥100. Just drop your coin in and grab one of the metal containers containing wooden sticks with numbers on it. Shake until one of the sticks escapes.

Your fortune can be found in the drawer with the corresponding number on your stick. English versions are available although some may be poorly translated. If you receive a bad reading, tie it up on the metal stands nearby to signify “leaving the bad luck behind”.

Asakusa Suzukien  — serves matcha gelatos that come with seven levels of matcha intensity. Unless you’re a major matcha fan, level 7 might be a tad too intense. The recommended levels are 5 and 6. My personal favourites were the Genmaicha and Hojicha ice cream (¥470 for a double scoop).

Photo credit: Manish Prabhune

Tokyo Metropolitan Government building   (free) — catch a birds-eye view of the city for free. On clearer days, you might even spot a silhouette of Mt. Fuji.

Unatoto — For lunch, grab a bowl of quality unagi on rice (from ¥590!!). This small unassuming store tucked in the ground floor of the Shinjuku Centre Building is a true gem for quality unagi at an affordable price!

teamLab Planets TOKYO

teamLab Planets   (~S$30) — step into this interactive and immersive art gallery that engages all your five senses. There are nine different rooms to explore, each with a different theme.

The exhibition has been extended till 2027! Yay

*Pro-tip:  Entry is free with the Klook Pass Tokyo . Book your slots early as they run out quickly!

Detour: While you’re in Toyosu, check out this charming 24-hour onsen just a 12-minute walk from teamLab Planets.

Meiji Jingu Shrine  — one of the most famous shinto shrines in Tokyo. Take a quick pit stop to appreciate its grandeur.

Kurand Sake Market

Kurand Sake market — end the day at this “drink all you can” sake buffet bar . For ~S$40, you’ll have unlimited access to three levels of shochu, sake and fruit liqueurs. Whether you love interesting flavours like milk, mango or the clean crisp taste of draft sake, they probably have it. *Since 2017, many of the outlets have closed except for the one in Shinjuku

*Pro-tip:  Bring takeaway dinner and arrive at 5PM to maximise your time at the sake bar! (Outside food is allowed)

If you have more days to spare, check out other quirky things to do in Tokyo ! From go-karting on the streets to shopping in hipster neighbourhoods, our Tokyo guide will keep you busy for at least three days.

For foodies, tick off these famous foods and restaurants in Tokyo as well, although, we can’t promise you’ll keep to the budget in this itinerary 😉

Day 2: Tokyo Disneyland or Disneysea

Transport: Welcome Suica with JR Lines 1-Day Pass (~S$14)

For Disney fans, Tokyo’s DisneySea is a must!

The park is incredibly crowded on most days so arriving an hour before the park opens will give you a good head start to your favourite attractions. Find out more about Fast Passes, days to avoid, and other helpful tips from our Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea guide .

Chances are, you’ll be staying there past the night parade (usually around 8:30PM). If you find yourself hungry after returning back to the city, have a nice, warm and savoury bowl of ramen at   Ichiran 一蘭  (most outlets are open 24 hours or past midnight).

We also love the cheese gyu-don from  Sukiya  すき家  — most outlets either open 24 hours or past midnight.

For adrenaline lovers, consider adding an extra day, or going to Fuji Q Highland instead! Check out our Fuji Q Highland guide for more info.

Day 3: Hakone via Odawara

From Tokyo to Hakone:  Your final stop is Hakone Yumoto Station — at Shinjuku station, activate your Hakone Freepass (~S$57 for two days) at the manned gantries. Take the train to Odawara before changing to another line (also covered by the pass) to your final destination Getting Around in Hakone: Hakone Freepass 2D/3D gets you unlimited rides on all the main transports in Hakone incl. the ride from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto

Hakone Torii Gate — There are lots of Torii gates around Hakone but the most famous is on the edge of Lake Ashinoko. You can view it from two vantage points, on land and from a boat on the lake itself.

Hakone Old Checkpoint — In the olden days, people would walk from Kyoto to Tokyo and Hakone was the last checkpoint before they could reach their destination. This section has been entirely remodelled but still does a pretty good job of setting the scene from the Edo period.

Cedar Avenue — One of the best-preserved sections of the Old Tokaido route is this scenic path, neatly lined with Cedar trees.

Lake Ashinoko — This iconic lake is the heart of Hakone. There are a few ways to explore: on a rented kayak, a swan paddle boat or a ride on the double-deck pirate-themed ship (free for Hakone Free Pass holders). Look out for the famous red torii gate on the edge of the lake. You might even spot Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Owakudani — A picturesque volcanic valley famous for its tasty black eggs boiled in sulphurous water.

Try their tamago (egg)-flavoured ice cream (¥350) which is absolutely delicious and oden (one-pot soup dish) which is perfect on chilly days.

Odawara Kashiden 小田原鱼河岸でん — Before returning to Tokyo, have dinner at this Michelin Guide restaurant which serves very value for money bowls of chirashi (~¥1200 – 1900). Turned out to be one of our favourite chirashi bowls on the trip!

*Pro-tip:  Ask for a bowl of miso soup for ¥100 — comes in a medium-sized bowl with a piece of fish in each and with a strong dashi taste. Great value for just ¥100!

Read more:   Hakone Travel Guide — The Most Scenic Day Trip From Tokyo

Day 4: Day Trip to Kamakura and Yokohama

Tokyo (Shibuya) to Kamakura: 77mins — no reservations needed, you can use the WELCOME SUICA Card as long as there’s enough value in the reloadable card

Filled with lots of temples, shrines, and scenic trekking paths ranging from two to six hours, Kamakura is a nice relaxing contrast from Tokyo. You’ll find many locals from Tokyo taking a day trip here during the weekends so pick a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Photo credit: Ponte Ryuurui

Kencho-ji   (¥300) — Japan’s oldest monastery that’s still active today. In fact, if you’re around on a Friday or Saturday, you can even join the beginner-friendly zazen (meditation) sessions  held from 5:30PM – 6:30PM

Great Buddha Statue (¥200 entrance fee) — The other icon of Kamakura is this 13.35m tall Buddha Statue. From Kamakura station, either take a 20-minute walk or take the Enoden train (¥190 one way).

Photo credit: Jessica A Page

Hokokuji Temple (¥200) — Escape the summer heat at this temple, famous for its own bamboo groove with over 2000 stalks lining a narrow pathway to a tea house.

Kamakura to Yokohama:  25mins (use the WELCOME SUICA card)

Cup Noodle Museum (¥500) — Pick your own ingredients and design your own cup for ¥300. It’s quite similar to the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka but a lot bigger and has a slightly different video shown in their mini cinema explaining the history behind the creator, Momofuku Ando.

Yokohama World Porter’s mall — If you skipped lunch at Kamakura, this is a great place for more budget-friendly options. There’s a food court, a Gindaco Takoyaki store, and even melon pan (although I suspect the best is still found in Osaka’s Dotonbori).

Yokohama Chinatown  — One of the largest Chinatowns in the world with over 200 Chinese-themed restaurants and shops. If you understand Mandarin, you could also get a palm reading done here as most of them speak Chinese.

Yokohama to Tokyo (Shibuya): 37mins

Day 5: Kyoto

Tokyo to Kyoto: 131mins via Shinkansen ( reserve your tickets in advance ) Getting around in Kyoto: Hire a bicycle from J-Cycle (¥800 from 10AM – 6PM)

Fushimi Inari Shrine  — Probably one of the most photographed places in Kyoto. Come early to enjoy the cool air and even take on one of the hikes to the top.

Temple hopping on a bicycle

J-Cycle  — Rent a bicycle and explore the nearby shrines and temples around the Higayashi District. The law here for parking bicycles is quite strict so make sure you park at the designated areas or risk having it taken away by the authorities. Some will require a bicycle day pass which allows you to park the bicycle at a couple of the other parking areas. Ask the shop for a cheat sheet.

Recommended Cycling Route:  J-Cycle – Imperial Palace – Philosopher’s Path – Nanzenji (Free Parking) – Gion Area – Kiyomizudera (Park at Kodaiji) – J Cycle (Approx. 1.5hrs cycling time)

Philosopher’s Path —  A pleasant stone path lined with sakura trees and roaming cats.

Photo credit: Kosu

Nanzenji —  One of the most important zen temples in Japan containing multiple sub-temples in its large complex.

Kiyomizu-Dera — Famous for its 13m high wooden stage perched on the hillside, it is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Nishiki Market — Nishiki market closes at 6PM so return your bicycles and have an early dinner here. Have your fill of matcha snacks, grilled skewers and large oysters.

Read also: 16 Foods You Must Not Miss in Osaka and Kyoto

Day 6: Kyoto

7AM at Arashiyama

We got here at first light and there were only a few other humans around. Take a walk through the thick forest of bamboo stalks and make a stop at the various gardens around the Arashiyama area. Each garden costs around ¥300 to enter.

* Pro-tip: Come early as the park starts to get drastically crowded around 9AM when the tour buses arrive.

Moss Garden at Gio-ji Temple

Day 7: Kyoto — Nara — Osaka

Kyoto to Nara:  45 minutes — no reservations needed, use your SUICA card with sufficient value

Getting around in Nara:  Nara is pretty small and its attractions aren’t too far away — so it’s easy to cover by foot. It’s also very bicycle friendly; rent bicycles for ¥700 until sunset. You can leave your luggage at the JR Station lockers for ¥300 – ¥500 depending on the size of the locker.

Deer Park  — To be honest, there’s no need to stop by the deer park as deer are everywhere, even on the temple grounds. Buy a stack of biscuits for ¥150 and the deers will bow to you just to be fed, which is absolutely adorable. Just watch out for your JR Pass as they will happily gobble that up too.

Todai-ji (¥500) — Houses a large Buddha statue and is possibly one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Though be warned, this is a famous sight for school excursions so Nara could in fact be better visited over the weekends.

Kasuga Taisha (free) — Leading up to the shrine is a pathway lined with hundreds of lanterns where deers like to hide. They’ll happily trot out for a biscuit if you have one for them.

Nara to Osaka: ~1hr — no reservations needed

Day 8: Osaka

Getting around Osaka: If it’s your first time in Osaka, purchase an Osaka Amazing Pass which gives you free access to over 30 paid attractions and covers all your subway rides for the day. Check out our previous Osaka itinerary which utilised the Osaka Amazing Pass over two days.

Minoo Park  — If you’re looking to escape city life for a bit, take a quick train ride out to Minoo Park. It’s an easy 2.4km walk with a gorgeous waterfall to chill by.

Dotonbori  — No matter how many times we’ve visited Osaka, I still find myself amazed at this street. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way — the neon lights, giant pufferfish and moving crabs that kind of feels like an acid trip.

Our favourite food picks here are the creo-ru takoyaki , the kin-ryu ramen (Chinese-style ramen with free-flow kimchi and leek), and to finish off with one of the best melon pans in Japan (toasted sugar bun with a generous serving of vanilla ice-cream).

From Osaka catch the Nankai Rapid Express from Osaka station to Kansai International Airport in 34 minutes (~S$12.20)

Read also: 3-Day Osaka Budget Guide — for more things to do in Osaka

Bonus : Take a train back to Tokyo via the Sunrise Izumo

2023 Update: The Sunrise Izumo is a sleeper train that travels between Osaka and Tokyo. It’s a 6.5-hour train ride but the highlight is that it passes by Mount Fuji around 5AM as the sun rises! It’s quite pricey so we’ve decided to leave it out and suggest an open jaw route for this itinerary. If you’re travelling with the JR Pass (covers nobi-nobi seats) and perhaps flying back from Tokyo, this might be worth considering!

From Osaka to Tokyo: The Sunrise Izumo overnight train leaves Osaka Station at 00:34 and arrives in Tokyo at 07:08 — you can only reserve tickets in Japan so reserve them as soon as you arrive!

Sunrise Izumo: The train has private bedrooms that require a top-up fee but the Nobi Nobi seats (pictured below) are free for JR pass holders. These are a little more comfortable than coach seats as you get to lie down fully and there are partitions that give you enough privacy.

We’re huge fans of taking overnight transport as it saves time travelling (while you sleep). What’s more, you save a night of accommodation covered by the JR pass! Double-win.

Though, another highlight of this train is that it rides past Mount Fuji at sunrise around 5AM so set your alarms if you want to see it!

Accommodation under ¥3,500/night

One of the key ways to keep our budget low was to choose affordable accommodation options. The good thing about hostels in Japan are their private spaces. Most bunks have curtains or even a whole container (i.e. Capsule hotels) and have most of the facilities that a business hotel would provide. Besides, we hardly spent any time in the accommodations! Here are some that we stayed at:

Tokyo: Wise Owl Hostel

In Tokyo, Wise Owl Hostel was our favourite for its ultra-comfortable beds and is situated in Shibuya, an excellent location for exploring Tokyo. Read our full review of Wise Owl Hostel here !

Wise Owl’s very own cafe at the Shibuya Outlet

Address:  4 Chome-9-10 Aobadai, Meguro, Tokyo 153-0042, Japan Cost for dorm bed: ~S$25/night (Seasonal rates. Check the Wise Owl Hostel Website for the best rates)

Odawara (Hakone): Plum Hostel

Hakone was supposed to be a day trip but due to some circumstances, we missed the last train out and ended staying here which turned out to be a nice cosy impromptu stay! Besides, the Hakone Freepass covers two days so we got a little more time to explore.

Address:  Japan, 〒2500011 神奈川県小田原市 栄町3-4-17 相湘11栄町ビル 2F-B Cost: From ¥2,125/night

Nagoya: Nagoya Hostel Nishiasahi

First started as a restaurant and bar, Nishiasashi extended its 2nd floor into a cosy living space for its guests. The capsule-style beds were super spacious (enough to fit your backpack), perfect for a stopover on the way from Tokyo to Osaka.

Address:  1 Chome-6-13 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 451-0042, Japan Cost: From ¥3,000/night (Capsule style dorm beds)

Kyoto: HARUYA Umekoji

HARUYA Umekoji  is located close to attractions such as Nijō Castle and Nishiki Market — also, it is close to Umekōji-Kyōtonishi Station!

Address:  1番地12 Wakicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8834, Japan Cost: ~S$30/night

Osaka: Ark Hostel

Address:  1 Chome-15-11 Edobori, Nishi Ward, 大阪市西区 Osaka Prefecture 550-0002, Japan Cost:   From ¥2,900/night for a dorm bed

For more budget accommodation options in Osaka check out 9 Budget Accommodations in Osaka Under $50

Travelling to Japan for the first time

This trip in 2017 was an epic one. While trying to maximise the cost of the JR Pass, we ended up visiting so many places and ticking off many experiences — planned and unplanned. That said, it was an exhausting one.

Now that we’re no longer limited by big ticket transport passes like the JR Pass, we’ve since chosen to explore Japan a lot slower. Even exploring lesser known locations like Nagano , Kyushu , and Karuizawa .

But no regrets! We all start off as broke students who want to experience it all and if I could turn back time, I’d do it all over again.

Alright, on to the more practical tips for those visiting Japan for the first time:

1) Save at least S$110 without the Whole Japan JR Pass — since the price hike in Oct 2023, we figured the best way to save on transport in Japan is to get individual transport passes. Even after maximising the Subway Pass and Kansai Thru Pass to three days each, and, taking a round trip Nozomi Shinkansen train, you’ll still save S$110 (compared to getting the 7-day Whole Japan JR Pass). Thankfully, you can still get the individual passes online at one place !

2) Book Shinkansen tickets beforehand — while most transport in Japan (subway, local JR lines, and buses) can be paid on the spot with a reloadable card like the SUICA or ICOCA, longer distanced Shinkansen rides usually require reservations. You can check the schedules and book your Shinkansen tickets via Klook. Just scan the QR code to collect them on the day of travel.

3) Plan to visit theme parks on Tuesdays or Wednesdays — Both Universal Studios Japan in Osaka or Disneyland/Disneysea in Tokyo are incredibly popular amongst the locals so visit midweek for a better chance at shorter ride queues. For more theme park tips and hacks, check out our USJ Guide or Tokyo Disney Guide . Not sure which to visit this trip? Take our USJ, Tokyo Disneyland, or Tokyo DisneySea Quiz !

4) Book your flights six weeks in advance for the best prices — secure your flights while they’re still cheap!

5) Look out for more travel discounts —  US$10 promo code here!

If you found our Budget Japan Guide useful, let us know in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Tiktok , and  YouTube  for more travel updates!

  A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Aug 25, 2017 at 8:03pm PDT

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101 comments.

Hi there! How much is the Kaisen Don that you had in Tsukiji?

¥1800 for the Uni and fish roe mix!

Great article. But the $1.1k does’t include flight (as per your breakdown) – still a good article! I spent under S$2k (ALL IN, including SHOPPING and food even) for 15D14N, from Tokyo to Osaka as well. If properly planned it will not break the bank. My budget also included michelin Bib place, kobe beef tasting, and oamakase.

There is a ¥1560 kaisen don in a nice small Japanese speaking only shop around the corner (with the HUGE tuna statue) with overflowing amount of seafood (more than 8 types). Sushi Dai is about ¥4000 for 9+1 course and wait is 3-5 hours depending when you start queueing. I’d say skip the queue and go for other places. I went to Tokyo station for ManTen Oamakase lunch for 16 courses for only ¥3000 per person, and Manten is one of the most affordable omakase in the many articles that recommended places for omakase. The 16 courses included fatty tuna, abalone, uni, etc. The prices are accurate as of 1 Nov as I just returned from Tokyo. I also shared about it in my instagram @celineliew on some of the best finds with great affordability and with limited time there, on how to avoid the crazy queues!

Hi Celine! Thanks for your suggestions! Really quite good!

P.S. the article was meant not to include flight prices. We included them previously, but people also complained that prices fluctuate. I guess it’s not possible to please everybody.

hi, do i have to purchase tokyo skyliner when i alr purchased whole JR pass? i am staying in tokyo for about 3-4 days and return to sg from kansai airport. thanks

If you’ve already purchased the 7 day JR pass and only planning to use it within 7 days then you can just book the Narita Express (NEX) at no extra cost. Just remember to make reservations at the JR office.

I need your advise on the pass I use, is it worth?

Day 1 to 4 Reach tokyo and travel to Osaka –> activate the JR Pass Purchase the 2 days Osaka Amazing Pass If I would like to go to Kyoto for day trip on the 3rd day, can i still use my JR full pass to go there?

Day 4 to 6 Go to Hakone in the afternoon via Odawara, use my JR full pass. Purchase hakone free pass (this can only travel around hakone right?) If I would like to travel to lake kawaguchiko, i have to purchase the Fiji Hakone Pass? http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/

Day 6 to 9 Go to Tokyo in the afternoon from Hakone, use JR full pass Travelling around Tokyo using the regular pass

Day 9 Go to Haneda Airport from Tokyo – I have to purchase normal pass?

Hi Elvin, if you’re getting the Hakone Free Pass/Fuji Hakone Pass, I would recommend doing those before activating the JR Pass. Reason being, these passes cover the journey from Shinjuku to Odawara (Hakone)/Kawaguchiko and it’s a day wasted on the JR Pass.

Here’s what I would do: – Explore Tokyo to your hearts content (this was useful for travelling within Tokyo: http://bit.ly/2opRHR5 ) – Use the Hakone Free Pass ( http://bit.ly/2ETkGak ) or Hakone Fuji Pass to explore Hakone and Kawaguchiko – When you’re done with Hakone, take the Hikari Shinkansen from Odawara (no need to return to Shinjuku) to Kyoto (it’s nearer than Osaka) – Use the JR pass to get to Osaka/Nara/Kobe (both are only ~30 minutes away) – Use the JR pass to travel from Osaka back to Tokyo (Since you’re pushing the last 7 days to the end, you’ll even be able to take the Narita Express to the airport with the JR Pass too)

Hope this helps!

Hi there, I will be taking the Sunrise Izumo overnight train from Osaka to Tokyo same as your itinerary but just wondering what did you guys do after you check out from the hotel/hostel/dorm? because checking out is usually at 11am, so what can you do for roughly 12 hours with you carrying your luggage around?

Hi Yan, you can usually leave your bags at the accommodation even after check out. Alternatively, you could bring your bags to the station and keep them in the lockers for ¥400 – ¥700 (depending on size of locker). We actually took the Sunrise Izumo on the night of day 9 so day 9 is what we did that day 🙂

Hi, From your itinerary, you are staying in different places every night. So do you just travel with a backpack? If so what happen to the luggage then?

Any other recommendation to stay other than hostel?

Hi Stephanie! It’s possible to travel with a luggage as well and we alternate depending on the activities we do. Unfortunately we travel budget so mainly look at hostels. They can be quite comfortable really!

hi, we are staying on Yokohama and heading to Nagoya the next day instead of returning to Tokyo. What is the best way to get to Nagoya from Yokohama using the JR pass? Thank you!!

HI Tiff, we’re not too sure but i reckon you can check out http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ !

Hi! Can we only reserve the Sunrise Izumo train when we reach japan and exchange for our actual actual JR pass?

Unfortunately yes as you will need a valid JR Pass before making reservations. The Japanese system is a little strict.

Hello i will visit japan for 8 nights and 9 days is it practical to buy JR Pass if i will stay 3 night in Tokyo ang 3 nights in Osaka and arriving in Narita departure in Osaka and plan to visit Mt. Fuji Hakone, Kyoto, Nara , Osaka and etc. I need Advice Thanks

Nope! In that case, you’ll probably save more by getting a single Shinkansen ticket for Tokyo to Osaka.

Once in Osaka, you can get an ICOCA Card ( http://bit.ly/2Do5YDV ) to get around the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara).

In Tokyo, you might want to pick up a 48 or 72 hour subway pass ( http://bit.ly/2opRHR5 ) which gives you unlimited rides for the duration. We found this super useful while we were in Tokyo!

For Hakone, we got there with the Hakone Free Pass. You can read more about that here: https://thetravelintern.com/hakone-day-trip-from-tokyo-hakone-free-pass/

Hello. Can I have your full itinerary of ur japan trip?

hi Cherie, i want too. can i have the full itinerary? i mean the list every day with the time? im planing visit japan on december. and this is my 1st trip to japan. still confusing to maximize the budget. and not spent too much.

Hi Aries, this blog post is as detailed as we have!

Hi! I’m planning to take the overnight train from Osaka to Tokyo! how do you make reservations for the Sunrise Izumo once you arrive in Japan? Do I need to activate my JR pass before I can book? Thanks

You can get it reserved at any JR Travel service centre at the stations. That’s also where you can get your JR passes validated. You can get the pass validated once you arrive and ask for it to begin at a later date if you wish so I suppose you should be able to make reservations when you’re at the counter!

Hi Cherrie! This is my first time planning to Japan (on budget) and would need your advise! My plan is 11D10N to Tokyo (3 days) -Kyoto (4 days include 1 day in nara)-Osaka (3 days)-Tokyo.

1. Which transport pass can i buy for all to go all these places? (There’s JR, Japan Rail pass etc) 2. Can i use the suica pass for all these places? Or is it more advisable to buy some 3-day pass etc?

Appreciate if you can drop me an email 🙂 Thank you!

Hello! If you’re going from Tokyo to Osaka and back to Tokyo again, it definitely makes sense to purchase the 7 day Whole Japan Pass . You can activate it on the day you leave Tokyo and make sure you take the Osaka – Tokyo train on Day 7 of the pass. This will cover all your JR trains including the local ones when you’re in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Previously, I wrote a guide on the JR Pass you can check out here: https://thetravelintern.com/singapore-jr-pass-guide/

For IC cards like Suica, you can use this for everything — on for the bus, subways and JR trains throughout Japan. It’s super convenient. While on the JR pass, you probably won’t need it unless you’re taking the non-JR trains like the subway. In Tokyo before your pass gets activated, I’d recommend the Tokyo 24, 48 or 72 hour subway ticket . If you preorder them, you can collect it from the airport when you arrive in Tokyo.

Thanks for the prompt reply. What about if i go from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka (not going back to Tokyo), do i still purchase the 7 day whole jap pass?

What’s the diff between subway tix and JR pass? Thank you!

If it’s just one way and you’re not covering any other cities other than these 4, you can just get an IC card and top up accordingly. Are you planning for a winter trip? If so, you might want to consider exploring more cities which would make sense to get a JR pass. We have a Japan winter itinerary too: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-winter-itinerary/

The JR trains and subway run under different companies so the subway ticket only allows you unlimited access on the subway trains. Each city has a different subway company so they run on different passes. The JR pass will only be valid at JR stations.

Nope, not winter trip (going on 8-17nov) 🙂 So the better transportation way is just get the IC card to go from tokyo-kyoto-nara-osaka? Not to get any Rail passes/JR passes.

Your site is amazing. I frequent to Tokyo every year. But yours is amazing. I may be going to Sapporo this Oct.

Hey Eclipze,

Thanks! Have you seen our Sapporo and Hokkaido content? – Sapporo City Guide: https://thetravelintern.com/sapporo-city-guide/ – Hokkaido Budget Itinerary: https://thetravelintern.com/budget-hokkaido-itinerary-road-trip/ – Hokkaido Budget Tips: https://thetravelintern.com/hokkaido-budget-guide/

I am going to Japan in Oct. I decided to purchase the 7 days JR pass to travel to Osaka and Kyoto..

Day 1 to 3 Will use JR pass to take train from Narita airport to Osaka. Travelling around Osaka with the JR pass. Do I still need to purchase anymore pass to travel around Osaka?

Day 3 to 5 Going down to Kyoto from Osaka. Same as what I’m doing in Osaka. Will travel around Kyoto with the JR pass.

Day 5 to 9 From Kyoto, travel down to Tokyo. Last 2 days will use normal card from Tokyo back to Narita airport.

Day 1 to 3 You can use the JR Pass on JR Lines in Osaka, but you will be unable to use them for the metros and busses. I suggest you consider the Osaka Unlimited Travel Pass or Osaka Amazing Pass which includes discounts at many attractions as well? Osaka Unlimited Travel Pass – https://www.klook.com/activity/11515-osaka-metro-1-2-day-pass-osaka/?aid=312 Osaka Amazing Pass – https://www.klook.com/activity/7402-amazing-pass-osaka/?aid=312

Day 3 to 5 Same thing. You can only make use of the JR lines. If you want to combine transport in Osaka and Kyoto, I would suggest you not get the two passes stated above and get the Kansai Through Pass which allows you to travel in Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, and Koyasan. Quite useful for you based on what we understand! Kansai Through Pass: https://www.klook.com/activity/1329-kansai-thru-pass-osaka/?aid=312

Day 5 to 9 Just use the Tokyo Subway Pass! https://www.klook.com/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo/?aid=312

Hi! Thanks for the amazing itinerary! My friend and I will be following closely to this! 🙂

i noticed your day 10 is actually day 8 of the JR pass. Can we still use the JR pass if we were to activate it on Day 3 like this itinerary?

Hi, Me and my wife like your website so much ! After reading your Tokyo to Osaka’s experience, we decided to go there in mid November to End November. We plan 11 day trip from Hiroshima. And this is our first time going to Japan. Here is our plan : Day 1 -2 Singapore to Hiroshima and walk around Hiroshima Day 3 Hiroshima to Osaka (Start to use JR Pass – Day 1) Day 4. Osaka to Kyoto (JR Pass – Day 2) Day 5. Osaka to Nagoya (JR Pass – Day 3) Day 6. Nagoya (JR Pass – Day 4) Day 7. Nagoya – Tokyo (JR Pass – Day 5) Day 8 – Day 10. Tokyo (JR Pass – Day 6) Day 11. Tokyo back to Hiroshima and back to Singapore (JR Pass – Day 7)

Question – questions : – Can you suggest if we can make good use of the time there ? We will go there with our boy 11 year old. Please kindly advise if you can suggest any other idea as this is our first time there. Is the agenda there too rush ? – Do you think we use the JR Pass correctly ? with 7 Day JR Pass – How to know which train / bus we can use with JR Pass ? – Can suggest what is the good place to visit on the cities I plan to visit there 🙂 – Please kindly advise if you have any thoughts 🙂 …

Thank you so much.

Hi Madrex! Happy that the articles have been useful 🙂

Note on the 7-day Whole Japan JR Pass is that Day 1 begins on the first day you use it. The means on Day 11, your JR Pass will no longer be valid. Have you confirmed your flights? You might save more if you fly in from Hiroshima and fly out from Tokyo.

For your itinerary, you might want to consider the 5-Day Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass ( http://bit.ly/2NCPJeY ) instead. I previously wrote an 8-day Kansai itinerary you can check out: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/ I think your son will love the Bunny island 🙂

If you’d still like to cover Tokyo, I’d highly recommend booking your flight out from Tokyo and getting a one-way ticket from Osaka – Tokyo or Osaka – Nagoya – Tokyo. But if your flights have been confirmed, the round trip from Osaka – Nagoya – Tokyo – Hiroshima will be cheaper, although I would highly recommend more days for the trip. For more info about the JR Pass, I think you’ll find our JR Pass Guide useful!

Thanks for the reply and advise. If I use 5-Day Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass ( http://bit.ly/2NCPJeY ) , can advise how I can travel from Kyoto / Osaka to Nagoya and Nagoya to Tokyo ?

Thank you Cherie ! 🙂

If you need a return ticket, getting another 7 day Whole Japan JR Pass is cheaper, even if you’re only using it for 2 days.

If it’s only one way, you can purchase single tickets from the JR Pass station — ideally the night before your train ride.

Thanks for the advise Cherie. If we use the tokyo metro ticket (24, 48 or 72 hr) , does it cover the JR line?

nope! The subway belongs to a separate company from JR

Hi, I read many sites online that it is hard to book the Sunrise Izumo especially during the New Year holiday season ( 28Dec – 3rd Jan), they are available for reservation one month advance for local but as foreigner we can only buy it when arrived Japan. I really want to experience the overnight train experience, please advise is it high chance that I will not get a ticket for that ?

Unfortunately yes, I’d think there’s a high chance you might not get a seat during that period. When we travelled in August, we couldn’t get our original date either despite booking a whole week in advance. We ended up having to change a fair bit of plans to fit the ride in.

Our stay in Japan would only be for 7 days but technically 5 as we will be arriving in Tokyo dinner time and leaving Japan around the same time.

Based on your itinerary above, I wanted to skip Nagoya and head straight to Osaka for USJ. Would it still be worth it if we skip a few above?

In general, if you travel to Osaka from Tokyo and back to Tokyo, the JR Pass is worth it already!

Ic….thank you

Hi! This site is amazing webssite.. I have read your 3 japan itinerary https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/ https://thetravelintern.com/japan-winter-itinerary/ https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-tokyo-to-osaka/

I will travelling 14 days on February 2019 (winter) and will combine your 3 japan itinerary. This is Plan A: DAY 1-3 Tokyo DAY 4 Hakone . Hakone Free Pass .. (back to Tokyo) DAY 5 Kawaguchi (7 day JR pass) DAY 6 Nagano (snow monkey) DAY 7 Takayama DAY 8 Shirakawa-go DAY 9-10 Kyoto DAY 11-13 Osaka DAY 14 Tokyo

question is: from Kawaguchi to Nagano have to back to Shinjuku according to hyperdia. There is also no bus according to willer bus.. The only way is back to shinjuku..

or Plan B is : DAY 1-3 Tokyo DAY 4 Hakone . Hakone Free Pass .. (back to Tokyo) DAY 5 Kawaguchi DAY 6-8 Kyoto DAY 8-10 Osaka DAY 10 Nagoya DAY 11 Takayama DAY 12 Shirakawa-go and Nagano (snow monkey) DAY 13 Tokyo DAY 14 Tokyo

It is ok? Please kindly advise if you have any thoughts Thank you very much..

or use https://www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/fujihakone/

Yup, the only way from the Fuji area to Nagano is via Tokyo. Both itineraries work well but since you need to return to Tokyo, how about starting the trip right away in Kawaguchi? There is an express bus you can take straight from Haneda airport: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/4/

Around the fuji area, you can purchase the Fuji Pass , it works as an e-ticket you don’t need to collect the physical ticket. If you’re only visiting Kawaguchiko, you can just purchase single tickets for the day, I can’t rmb exactly but it wasn’t a lot.

From there, you can continue on to Hakone before exploring Tokyo from day 3-5 (don’t forget to purchase the Tokyo subway pass !)

Activate your 7-day JR Pass on Day 6 so that it covers the 2 most expensive train rides from Tokyo – Kyoto & Nagano – Tokyo.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the useful article. I will be travelling to Japan on this November and have planned my itinerary.. however I have yet to purchase the train tickets to travel from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto. Hope you are able to advise which train passes to get.

Here’s my plan:

Day 1 – Tokyo (explore Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku) Day 2 – Tokyo (explore Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara) Day 3- Tokyo – Osaka Day 4- Day trip to Kyoto Day 5- Osaka Day 6- Osaka – Tokyo (Hakone / Kawaguchiko) Day 7- Tokyo (Ginza) Day 8- Tokyo (Leaving Tokyo in the morning)

Would appreciate if you could advise on the rail passes to purchase. Do you think I should go for the 7 days JR pass?

Thanks in advance!

yep! As long as you’re doing a round trip between Tokyo – Osaka/Kyoto, it’s worth it 🙂

Thanks for the prompt reply! Noted. Do I still need to purchase any regional passes as I will be going to Kyoto for a day trip from Osaka and a day trip to Hakone.

Also, how should I get around Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto? Can I use the JR pass? Do I need to purchase the Tokyo Subway Ticket?

Hi is the Sunrise Izumo still available now in 2018?

Based on your itinerary above, I wanted add on Mt fuji trip and head straight to Osaka for USJ. Would it possible to add on since me and partner is first time travel to japan. I will travelling to japan on 7 March 2019 (morning reach narita airport) to 18 March 2019(morning flight).

What is your advise on the itinery?

How about the JR Pass? Would appreciate if you could advise on the rail passes to purchase. Do you think I should go for the 7 days JR pass?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Doris, generally the 7 Day JR Pass is worth it as long as you are doing the return leg back to Narita, Tokyo. If youre not doing the leg between Tokyo and Osaka, there’s still plenty of time!

We also have a couple of articles on Fuji that might be useful on you too. Hope you have a good trip!

Tokyo-Fuji Budget Itinerary – https://thetravelintern.com/budget-tokyo-mount-fuji-itinerary-including-accommodation/ Climbing Mt Fuji – https://thetravelintern.com/climbing-mount-fuji/

HI Cherie, I would like to enquire is it better to fly out from KIx airport than Narita i had trouble planning for that kind of stuck . Well i am kind of worried that kix airport close again due to typhoon just like this yerar Regards Christopher

Hi Christopher, no one can predict the weather and the typhoon can always hit any other airport or city too. Typhoon season is generally from May to October, with the peak in August and September. Perhaps you can avoid travelling there during that period!

Thank you for your reply if there is the case please ignore my previous post is it better to fly out from Kix or narita . I will most likely be traveling during August for my anime event in Tokyo then i will travel down to Osaka but which choices will be my best choice fly out from kix or take shinkansen back to narita airport from there fly out .

Regards Christopher

Hi Cherie, I would like to enquire about the promo codes of the JR Pass. May I know what are the T&Cs for both codes? I can’t seem to find them. Thanks in advance!

Neither can we! But we were told you simply need to: – Book via the mobile app – Spend $500 for $55 off – Be a first time user

If you are a repeat Klook user you can use for $50 off.

The promo is valid till 31st of December 2018.

Hi! How do I go to collect my Amazing Osaka Pass at Kuromon Ichiban Market once I reach Osaka? I’m only activate it the next day. Since I only has JR Pass, and looks like need to go there by subway. That’s mean I have to pay additional by going there, right?

It seems that you can also collect it at the airport! But yes if you are only activating it the next day, you will still have to pay separately for the subway.

Osaka Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 Location: HIS counter 1F (next to the Northern Exit in the Arrival Hall) Opening hours: 8:30am-10:00pm

Osaka City Air Terminal (JR Namba Station) Location: Japan Holiday Travel OCAT Tourist Information Center 1F Opening hours: 8:30am-8:30pm Please note: From 20 Dec 2018, opening hours will change to 8:30am-6:30pm, daily

Hi. The train system is very overwhelming! If I am flying into Tokyo and fly out from Osaka and plans to visit only Kyoto in between, it is best to just take a one way Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto and then from Kyoto to get the ICOCA which will also get me to Osaka? The JR pass would not be worth the money in this case right?

Hi Yan, your assessment is right! It will be more worth to get the one way. 🙂

How to buy the one way ticket and is it recommended to get it when there or ahead of time? Same for the ICOCA, better to purchase in advance?

Hi! Firstly, this guide is really well done and helpful. Secondly, I am planning a trip to Japan as a first time traveler. There will be 2 of us and we are trying to travel economically for about 14 days.

We would like to visit Osaka and Tokyo, with Kyoto and Nara in between. With the JR Pass and Osaka Amazing Pass, we are clueless as to what is the best place to hit first. We will be flying to Narita. Should we:

1. Activate JRP on the first day and go to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and make it back to Tokyo via the overnight train on the last day of JRP and spend the last 7 days in Tokyo, and need to purchase ticket to Narita from Tokyo.

2. Spend about 3 days in Tokyo with the 72 Hour Subway Pass, activate JRP on day 4 and proceed to Kyoto/Osaka/Nara, Day 11 travel back to Tokyo via overnight train and spend last 3 days in Tokyo with another 72 Hour Subway Pass.

3. Spend 6 days in Tokyo, activate JRP, go to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Day 13 travel back to tokyo via overnight train and back to Narita Airport.

Motive of Plans: 1. No need to stay in Tokyo twice as in plan 2, but required to spend on tickets to Narita 2. Least sian, because overnight to tokyo just to proceed back to airport and fly back doesn’t sound appealing. Required to purchase tickets to Narita 3. Best use of JRP??? Save on ticket to Narita but as mentioned above, its the most sian and might be rushed.

I would really appreciate your advice on which plan would be the best, and also am I missing out on passes to book? (2 Day Osaka Amazing pass, 7 Day Ordinary JRP, Tokyo Subway Pass)

14 days in Japan sounds amazing! If you don’t already have concrete plans for Tokyo, how about checking out Zao Fox Village, Nagano or the Fuji area on a day trip? We covered some of these in this itinerary: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-winter-itinerary

To answer your questions: – Regardless of the option, you’d still need to buy a 1 way ticket between Narita and Tokyo (from or towards the Airport). With the JR pass, you can take the NEX for free but if you’re not using the JR Pass, buy tickets for the Tokyo Skyliner ( http://bit.ly/2nUYotB ) instead. This runs from Ueno and is cheaper than the NEX. – If you’re planning to take the overnight train, prepare to shift your itinerary around because seats on this train usually run out quick. Even if you’re not activating your JR pass right away, you can bring your pass down to the JR East Office at Narita station (on the day you land) to book seats. – as for passes, you might want to get a Suica (tokyo) or Icoca (osaka) to complement your JR pass. The JR pass only covers trains run by JR so subways and buses are not covered. It’s a rechargeable card and can be used throughout Japan on all modes of public transport. – Lastly, if you’re visitng Hakone from Tokyo, you might want to get a Hakone Free Pass too. More in this post: https://thetravelintern.com/hakone-day-trip-from-tokyo-hakone-free-pass/

Hi Cherie, Can i check with you why did you all choose to fly out from Tokyo again instead of KIX

I suppose you all went during the summer and how much was the scoot ticket you all paid during that time ? Regards Christopher

This was quite some time back so I really can’t recall how much the tickets were back then. The prices would have changed quite a bit too depending on season. But in general, open jaw tickets are usually more expensive so we booked a round trip to Tokyo. That aside, taking the overnight train and seeing Mount Fuji at sunrise was also a key experience for us so no regrets!

Hi. I read that u buy hakone free pass 2/3days, but u only used it for 1 day. If i just want to spend 1 day at hakone, is it cheaper using that free pass or no?

yes it is! Have you seen this post? https://thetravelintern.com/hakone-day-trip-from-tokyo-hakone-free-pass/ At the bottom, there’s a breakdown of activities covered in a day with the HFP.

Hi Cherie It was my 1st time to Tokyo, I was just visit Tokyo and Mt. Fuji at Yamanakako, and what of JR Pass That you recommend to buy? I was in Tokyo 8days

Hi Queeny, If you are only visiting Yamanakako, you don’t need a JR Pass! Just get an individual ticket. 🙂

In Tokyo, I will recommend using the Tokyo Subway Pass. However do note that this is only for the Metro. https://www.klook.com/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo?utm_campaign=SG-THETRAVELINTERN-JAPAN-Q4-2017&utm_source=website_thetravelintern&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=1552&aid=312

I am in the midst of planning for an upcoming April 9D8N trip to Tokyo-Osaka. Really headache until thank goodness I landed on your site. It’s really a great relief as I found you guys are helpful and on spot informative.

I have bought a round trip ticket to Tokyo (NRT). Everything else not fixed or booked yet. Appreciate if you could take a look on my rough itinerary and comment.

12/4 – Shinjuku-Shibuya-Harajuku 13/4 – Rent a car self drive to Hakone 14/4 – Chureito Pagoda > Lake Kawaguchiko>back to Tokyo 15/4 – Tokyo disneyland 16/4 – Tokyo disneysea 17/4 – Osaka 18/4 – kyoto 19/4 – Tokyo – Asakusa, Tokyo tower/skytree 20/4 – Tokyo >2045hr flight at NRT

Here are few things that I hope to do but confused. – overnight in Hakone or Kawaguchiko? Hope to get a ryokan with onsen – Hakone Fuji pass or rent a car? I opt for car rental as able to explore the area more freely. Also can carry our luggage. Besides, I hope to see the amazing Mt fuji view with Pagoda and I think it’s easier to do by car. Problem is I heard picking up and returning car at Tokyo can be a problem. -the reason I arrange this way is that I heard cherry will full blossom around this date at kawaguchiko (Chureito Pagoda) and I wanna avoid disneyland/disneysea on a weekend – should I get JR 7 day pass and when should I use it?

I really looking forward to your advise as it’s almost a month away and April means everything can be sold out fast. I wish to book whatever I can book in advance. Thanks again Cherie.

Wow, that’s a really rushed itinerary! Here are some quick replies to your questions.

(1) Hakone has a number of great Ryokans if they are still available. Definitely that if you can (2) It’s probably more fuss-free to use the Hakone Fuji Pass due to the lack of time. It can be quite troublesome to rent and drive in the cities. However you are also right in saying that the car gives you more flexibility. At the end of the day I think it depends on whether you want convenience or the potential of seeing more things. (3) Definitely avoid Disney during the weekends! We have a guide that might be useful too. 🙂 https://thetravelintern.com/ultimate-tokyo-disneyland-and-disneysea-guide/ (4) Because you are doing the return journey to Osaka and back, getting the JR Pass is definitely worth it. I would use it from Tokyo Disneyland day onwards to subsidise the JR train to Disneyland.

To infinity and beyond, Buzz Lightyear

Hi, I am following your itinerary. But, I would like to travel to Nikko too. My favourite place in Nikko are Edo wonderland, toshogu shrine, kegon fall and tobu world square. How would you suggest to squeezed the trip in if I am having an 11days trip in Japan? I have the Jr pass. Do I need to buy Nikko pass? When do you think i should use the Jr pass?

Ah I wanted to visit Nikko too but didn’t have a chance on this trip!! The Nikko area has limited JR lines so you’d need to get a separate Nikko Pass to get around on the local line (run by a different train company). Enjoy Nikko and let me know if it’s worth visiting!

Hi buzz lightyear,

Thanks for your reply! You have been great help!

Just few more questions:

1) since I’m traveling from tokyo to Mt fuji area and back on the next day, which route do you recommend more, assuming if I rent a car and using Hakone Free Pass for Hakone and only more interested in visiting Chureito Pagoda in Kawaguchiko area. a) Tokyo – Kawaguchiko (overnight) – Hakone day trip – Tokyo b) Tokyo – Hakone day trip (overnight) – Kawaguchiko – Tokyo

2) if I were to rearrange my itinerary, will going to osaka/kyoto after Mt fuji area then only back to Tokyo be better and easier in terms of transportation?

I really hope you can give me more of your opinion as which way is the better one to fulfil my itinerary. Thanks in advance!

Hello! I am planning to go Japan this year. My plan is as follows:

Day 1-4: Osaka Day 4-9: Kyoto Day 9-10: Hakone (Get the 2D1N Hakone Pass?) Day 10: Tokyo

Is is advisable to get the JR Pass? Or are there other passes which can score a good deal?

Also can I use the JR pass on normal subways/buses/ public transport at those cities? Or I can only use their ezlink equivalent (suica/pasmo/icoca)? As far as I know, these 3 can be used throughout Japan, which will you recommend?

Hey JH, if you are not doing the round trip from Tokyo to Osaka, there isn’t a point getting the JR Pass. Would suggest single journeys instead. You should consider these though. Hakone Pass – https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/821-hakone-transport-day-pass-tokyo/?aid=312 Osaka Amazing Pass – https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/1323-amazing-pass-osaka/?aid=312 Tokyo Subway Pass – https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo/?aid=312

You can only use the JR Pass on JR trains. It’s pretty complicated though and it varies a lot from pass to pass. We have a JR Pass Guide here if you are interested but based off your route it’s cheaper to just buy single tickets. https://thetravelintern.com/singapore-jr-pass-guide/

Hello! Thank you so much for the reply.

Just to clarify, I will be landing in Tokyo before making my way to Osaka > Kyoto > Hakone> Tokyo. Is it still advisable to get the single trip tickets? Can I buy the tickets online from klook or elsewhere? Can I reserve the seats if I want to take shinkansen?

For Hakone, I understand I have to pay a Limited Express Surcharge and Regular Ticket/IC Card/Discount Pass to take the Romancecar back to Tokyo. Are you able to explain further?

So sorry cos there’s info overload, I am super confused as it will be my first time in Japan. Appreciate your help! 😀

Hi Cherie , Correct me if i am wrong when you all bought the scoot ticket the baggage add on is a must ? So from what i can see you all didnt manage to explore their local neigbourhood area in osaka like tsutenkaku or Shinsekai ?

Hello Christopher, I don’t think we travelled on Scoot for this trip. But check-in baggage isn’t included in the base fare so yes, you’ll need to add it on if you’re planning to bring a non cabin-sized luggage. We made a very brief stop in Osaka on this trip and didn’t have time to cover much but you might find these helpful: – https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/#osaka-amazing-pass – https://thetravelintern.com/osaka-budget-guide/

Hi Cherie, Can i check with you where do you all get your travel insurance from ?

We have an annual plan from Direct Asia ( https://bit.ly/2ON0rjC )!

hi i check the ticket to Hokaido is around SGD 1000/ PAX, transit in Tokyo and multi city ticket are 200+ extra with ANA. So i’m thinking go to Tokyo 5 days and 8 days at Hokaido. do you think this plan better?

It sounds good! Two places in one trip. 😀

Hi cherie, I wanted to book the kyoto accommodation that you all chosen but unfortunately the price is no longer ¥2,125 did you all book from their direct website but it always bring me to the booking.com instead

Sorry is my first time travelling on my own completely new to booking accommodation on my own . Regards Christopher

Similar to your guide, I will only be activating the JR pass on the 3rd day of my trip (7-day pass ). However, on Day 2, if I were to go to DisneySea/Land, won’t it require the JR pass to get to the DisneySea/Land Station (Maihama Station)?

Otherwise, do you have any suggestion on how I should get to DisneySea from Shibuya, Ebisu stations? Thanks!

Hi Isabelle,

You can pay for a single ticket as well! At the end of the day, you’d need to see if it’s more worth it to activate the pass on the 2nd or 3rd day. You can use Google Maps as a simple tool to get estimated costs. Alternatively, use hyperdia!

Hello! I will be travelling to Japan in July / Aug for the first time for 10 days 9 night. Arriving and departing at Osaka Kansei Airport. Would like to travel to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo but not sure how should be my breakdown be. Would it be feasible to go Tokyo (2 nights), Kyoto (4 nights) then Osaka (3 nights) and depart from there? Should I get the 7 days JR pass for this and start on Day 1 and take normal transportation within Osaka for the last 3 days? Many thanks!

Yeah, sounds like a good plan! As long as you complete your Kyoto to Tokyo and a Tokyo to Osaka journey within the 7 days it’ll be worth it.

Hi Cherie, Can I check is there other option for this accommodation Kyoto: Centurion Cabin & Spa ? Do you recommend travellors to stay in Internet café if there are not many hotels available located in gion area ? Or do you know of any internet café in Kyoto ? So I guess you all actually explored Teramachi,and Shinkyogoku as they are near to Nishiki market ?

Dear Cherie,

This is Clare and happen to find your exciting Travel Intern website. We will be going to Osaka this early Oct and hope you can help us on the JR trains and our queries below. It will be great and might be helpful to others too if they have similar queries like us.

Many thanks & warm regards, Clare

1 If there is website or any materials that can list down the details of various JR trains, buses, trams, ferries across different region and different train service provider will be great. Example like 2 nights in Osaka we list down the various transport we will be taking but we are not sure whether they belong to JR or other train provider etc? We have seen the JR website but still in shock and confuse.

2 We will be moving around Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama, Miyajima Island – would you suggest we get the JR pass looking at the list below?

3 We also notice there are Amazing Osaka 2 days pass etc, even Mount Rokko Tourist discount pass etc. Should we get them all if we are going to purchase the JR Pass?

4 During our research, we understand that we should get the JR pass in SG thru local agent – we did try, on the phone an agent said they can sell us JR Pass but when we went down to Chinatown to find out more the agent told us they do not sell JR Pass. Are you able to direct us to a reliable local agent that can sell us JR Pass, IC card etc only and no air ticket or local guided tour etc?

5 We have done our homework for our coming trip to Osaka but very confuse about their transport system. Is there an organization/people in SG that we can meet them and guide us on the transport system?

2 Nights in Osaka

Transport Nankai Airport Exp\Nankai Ltd Exp Rapid OsakaMetro Nagahori Tsumiryokuchi OsakaMetro Tanimachi\Osaka Metro Hankyu Takarazuka Local OsakaMetro Chuo

6 Nights in Kyoto

OsakaMetro Midosuji\Umeda (Subway)\Hankyu Railways Raku Bus\Kyoto Subway Karasuma JR Nara Local\Kyoto Subway Karasuma Kyoto Subway Tozal Kyoto Subway Karsuma\Rabu Bus Randen Arashiyama Hankyu Arashiyama Hankyu Kyoto Ltd Exp Kyoto Subway Karasuma JR Sagano\JR Sagano Rapid Service JR Saga Arashiyama Station (free with JR West Pass for Romantic Train?) JR Nara Local\JR Nara Rapid Service\Nara Kotsu Nara Gurutoo Bus Kintetsu Ltd Exp\Kintetsu Kyoto Exp or JR Nara Local\JR Nara Rapid Service

2 Nights Hiroshima

Shinkansen Nozomi/Shinkansen Hikari Hirsohima Electric Railway No 6 Ferry\JR Sanyo\Tsukin-Liner

2 Nights Kobe

Shinkansen Nozomi\Shinkansen Sakura\Kobe City Subway JR Special Rapid Service Hanshin Main Local West JR Bus\Rokko-Arima Ropeway Rokko Bus Rokko-Arima Ropeway West JR Bus

3 Nights Osaka

JR Gakkentoshi Local\Osaka Metro Ltd Exp Southern\Nanakai Main Sub Exp Ltd Exp Kuroshio\Wakayama Bus JR Hanwa Rapid Services\JR Wakayama Wakayama Bus OsakaMetro Sakaisuji\JR Railways from Osakatemmangu to Hoshida JR Gakentoshi Rapid Service\Hankai Tramway Hankai Uemachi Line Nankai Airport Exp\Nankai Ltd Exp Rapid

I’ll try my best to answer them all!

1 – Have you read this JR Pass guide? https://thetravelintern.com/singapore-jr-pass-guide/ Wrote it sometime back but I’m sure a lot of it is still relevant! For planning, I used hyperdia.com for longer routes (like Kyoto to Hiroshima) and Google Maps when moving around within the city. Just note that Nozomi trains are not covered by JR pass so look out for Hikari trains — they’re faster than the local train but make a few more stops than the Nozomi trains. On Google Maps, if the train is by JR, there’s a blue JR logo indicated so that means it’s covered by your JR pass. If it’s any other logo, you’ll need to use an IC card (like the ICOCA card ) or a city pass (like the Osaka Amazing Pass ).

2 – Short answer is yes! But not the whole Japan pass. You can purchase the Kansai-Hiroshima Pass — it’s much cheaper than the Japan JR pass and covers the places you’re intending to go. Just note that this pass does not cover your trip to Tokyo (just in case)! I’ve also done a similar trip previously and wrote a post about it here: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/

3 – It looks like you’ll be spending quite a bit of time in Osaka so if you’re planning to explore extensively, yes it’s quite worth it! I covered some of the highlights in this post: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-itinerary-kansai/ — Osaka was covered on our last 2 days.

4 – We got our passes through Klook There was no need to collect anything in Singapore. We arrived at KIX and collected our Kansai-Hiroshima pass with the QR code from the app.

I hope this answers most of your queries! It might seem complicated while planning this out in Singapore you’ll realise it’s actually very orderly and easy to get around once you arrive! At major stations like Osaka, Kyoto and even Hiroshima, there will always be a dedicated station staff that speaks fluent english so you can always approach them and ask for help if needed.

Enjoy your trip!!

Thanks for your great info. Now, we are more confident and have a understanding of their transport systems. Noted on your previous writeup which we will use as a guide in our planning too. With google map and other wonderful apps etc we will enjoy free n easy holiday. And definitely, with you and your wonderful team here providing assistance to holiday planners really have been a great help. We look forward to share our exciting 16 days in Japan soon.

Thanks for great Info…Planning to travel this winter as part of my own company working trip 🙂 Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima. I will follow your itinerary but I am not sure whether I will Hiroshima straight from Tokyo and cover Kyoto -Osaka -Tokyo while return or the other way round. My flight is booked to and fro from Tokyo but inside Japan all free and easy…Any suggestion for Hiroshima ?

Hi Goldy, both ways should work but if I were you, I will travel Hiroshima first and make my way back to tokyo. That way I don’t have to rush ti catch my flight on the way back

Thank you so much for this post, helped a lot in the planning of my upcoming trip. Would like to ask some questions on the transport and accommodation in Japan, hope that you can help.

My current itinerary is for 8/9days, for accommodation wise I will be staying at a fixed location and taking day trips. Tokyo (Shinjuku area), Nagoya and Kyoto (TBC) respectively, is there a place to stay in West Japan with activities to do instead of Kyoto or is that the best place to stay? Day 1: Tokyo Day 2: Tokyo/Fuji Day 3: Tokyo/Hakone Day 4: Tokyo to Nagoya will be staying in Nagoya for a night Day 5: Nagoya to Kyoto Day 6: Kyoto Day 7: Kyoto/Nara Day 8: Kyoto/Osaka Day 9: Kyoto to Airport and back home I have seen your post and comments that since it is not a round trip I would not need a Whole Japan JR Pass, what I planned on buying is the Tokyo Subway Ticket and Hakone Free Pass for the first 3 days in Tokyo, Fuji and Hakone. Do I need any other tickets to go to Fuji? What I changed is instead of heading to Universal Studios Japan I would head to Fuji Q instead as I am an adrenaline junkie. For the trip from Tokyo to Nagoya I might just catch a domestic flight, from Nagoya to Kyoto I would take a train with the one time ticket and for travel in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka I plan on buying the Kansai Pass.

Is there anything that you might improve on in this itinerary? Will appreciate your feedback, thank you in advance.

Yours Sincerely, Sky

dear cherie, i am planning a 14-day trip whereby i am flying into Haneda and flying out from Osaka. i would like to cover Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka, appreciate your advice on additional places to visit to optimize a 14-day trip. would you advise to purchase the JR Pass? if yes, is it the 7-day or 14-day? thanks!

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Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto First? A Guide to Planning Your First Trip to Japan

Japan is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage, modern cities, and stunning natural landscapes. Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to decide which cities to visit and in what order. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of visiting Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto first, and help you plan your dream trip to Japan.

Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto: Which Should You Visit First?

Choosing which city to visit first in Japan can be a difficult decision, as each city offers its own unique attractions and experiences. Here are some things to consider:

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities. It’s a great destination for travelers interested in modern Japanese culture and technology, with many futuristic attractions and a lively entertainment scene.

Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and is known for its vibrant food and entertainment scenes. It’s a great destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the modern Japanese culture, with many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs offering delicious local cuisine and lively entertainment.

Kyoto is a city steeped in history and tradition, known for its stunning temples and shrines, traditional gardens, and historical landmarks. It’s a great destination for travelers interested in Japanese culture and history, with many opportunities to experience traditional Japanese customs and practices.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Tokyo First

• Tokyo is a great place to start your trip if you’re interested in modern Japanese culture and technology.
• The city offers a wide range of attractions, from futuristic architecture to world-class museums and galleries.
• Tokyo has excellent transportation links, making it easy to get around the city and explore its many neighborhoods.
• Tokyo can be quite overwhelming for some travelers, with its bustling crowds and neon-lit streets.
• Tokyo can be expensive, especially when it comes to accommodations and dining.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Osaka First

• Osaka is a great place to start your trip if you’re looking to dive into Japan’s modern culture.
• The city offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options, making it a fun and lively destination.
• Osaka is easily accessible from Kansai International Airport, making it a convenient starting point for your trip.
• If you’re interested in traditional Japanese culture and history, you may be disappointed by Osaka’s lack of historical landmarks and traditional sites.
• Osaka can be quite crowded and busy, which can be overwhelming for some travelers.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Kyoto First

• Kyoto is a great destination for travelers interested in Japanese culture and history.
• The city is home to many stunning temples and shrines, traditional gardens, and historical landmarks.
• Kyoto is less crowded than Tokyo and Osaka, making it a more peaceful and relaxing destination.
• If you’re not interested in traditional Japanese culture and history, you may find Kyoto to be less engaging than Tokyo or Osaka.
• Kyoto can be more expensive than Tokyo or Osaka, especially when it comes to accommodations and dining.

How to go Japan from USA?

Direct flight.

To travel from the US to Tokyo, Japan, you can take a direct or connecting flight. Direct flights to Tokyo are available from several major cities in the US, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. The flight time from the US to Tokyo can take anywhere from 10 to 16 hours, depending on the departure city and flight route.

For travelers who want to visit Tokyo from the US, taking a direct flight is the most convenient and quickest option. For those who took a direct flight to Osaka and want to continue their journey to Tokyo, it is recommended to purchase a Japan Rail (JR) Pass to save money on transportation costs while traveling on the Shinkansen or JR trains. The JR Pass offers unlimited travel, making it a cost-effective option for exploring Japan.

To travel from the US to Osaka, Japan, you can take a direct or connecting flight. Direct flights to Osaka are available from several major cities in the US, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. The flight time from the US to Osaka can take anywhere from 12 to 17 hours, depending on the departure city and flight route.

When traveling from the US to Japan, you can fly into Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda Airport and then transfer to the Shinkansen for the journey to Osaka. The Shinkansen takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel between Tokyo and Osaka, with trains departing frequently throughout the day. This provides a convenient and efficient way to travel between the two cities, while also giving you the opportunity to see more of Japan.

For travelers taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, it is recommended to purchase a Japan Rail (JR) Pass online in advance to save money on transportation costs. The JR Pass offers unlimited travel on the Shinkansen and other JR trains, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for exploring Japan.

To travel from the US to Kyoto, Japan, you can take a direct or connecting flight. Direct flights to Kyoto are available from several major cities in the US, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, but they may be limited. The flight time from the US to Kyoto can take anywhere from 11 to 16 hours, depending on the departure city and flight route.

Alternatively, you can fly into Tokyo and then transfer to Kyoto by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train). The Shinkansen is a fast, efficient, and convenient mode of transportation that connects major cities in Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto. The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with trains departing frequently throughout the day.

To save on transportation costs while exploring Japan, it is recommended to purchase a Japan Rail (JR) Pass online prior to your trip. The JR Pass offers unlimited travel on the high-speed Shinkansen trains and other JR trains, making it an economical and convenient option for your travels.

Bottom Line

Deciding which city to visit first in Japan is a personal decision that depends on your interests and travel goals.

If you’re interested in modern Japanese culture and technology, Tokyo is a great place to start your trip.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the modern Japanese culture, Osaka may be the better choice.

If you’re interested in traditional Japanese culture and history, Kyoto is a must-visit destination.

Regardless of which city you choose to visit first, Japan is sure to offer you an unforgettable experience.

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Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka Tour: Japan’s Big 3

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Places visited, suggested duration.

Bask in world-renowned centers of culture, history, and fine dining during your 9-day Japan tour immersing you in the splendors of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Explore cultural tradition with a customary Geisha ceremony and witness the majesty of pristine nature along Mount Fuji’s slopes. Architectural masterpieces, artisan crafts, and ancient samurai tombs will reveal the contrasts of preserved heritage and modern vibrancy in Japan during your custom-tailored luxury tour.

Customizable Itinerary

Tokyo – your adventure begins.

With your plane touching down at Narita International Airport in the early morning, there is plenty of daylight to get to know Japan’s capital. Your expert guide meets you at baggage claim and transfers you to central Tokyo.

Arriving in the city, you board Tokyo’s famous (and efficient) metro system to Harajuku, the center of the latest fashion trends and Japanese cosplay. Just outside the station, you are bound to see young men and women dressed in unique and exciting ways, or perhaps even a local band performing at the edge of Yoyogi Park. While there, enjoy Yoyogi Park’s natural beauty. Other sites of interest include Yoyogi National Stadium, which hosted many of the events during the 1964 Summer Olympics.

Just a quick metro ride away from Harajuku is Akihabara, regarded as a Mecca for fans of Japanese anime and video games. Wandering through the district’s back alleys, you can find hundreds of stores selling everything from manga comics to electrical components for obsolete computers.

In the late afternoon, you arrive in the Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping district. From high-class bags at Hermes to all manner of stationary supplies at Ito-Ya, just about anything can be found along the Ginza’s main boulevard. For technology lovers, visit the Sony Showroom, where the company displays its latest inventions not yet released in the West.

Every day, over 3,640,000 commuters travel through Shinjuku Station, making it the busiest in the world. Get caught up in the energy as you explore Japan’s urban core. Depending on your budget, your guide can arrange a fine dining experience at a Michelin star restaurant, or a laid back meal at an izakaya , a traditional Japanese restaurant that offers a variety of small comfort food dishes paired with alcohol.

If you’re not feeling too tired after dinner, soak in Shinjuku’s neon glory with a stroll through the district. Or perhaps stop at a pachinko parlor, where the loud sound and flashing lights rival any casino in Las Vegas.

When you decide to turn in, your guide sees you to your hotel.

What's Included:

Tokyo – Ancient Traditions

Today, you experience another one of Tokyo’s many faces. In the early morning, even before millions of commuters pour into Tokyo’s metro system, your guide takes you to Asakusa for a private tour of Senso-ji Temple. Once a modest shrine erected by fishermen over 1,000 years ago, Senso-ji is now one of Tokyo’s most magnificent temples. Arriving early in the day means avoiding the crowds, and the ability to soak in the peace and serenity that Buddhist temples are meant to inspire.

Along with Buddhism, Shinto is Japan’s other primary religion. In Tokyo, no Shinto shrine is greater than Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Japan’s first modern emperor. Situated in the middle of Meiji Park, the shrine is dutifully attended by Shinto priests, whose ceremonies still provide worship to Emperor Meiji. Even if the crowds are a bit heavier here, you notice that the shrine retains its peaceful tranquility. Besides chirping birds, it is likely that the only other thing you hear is the sound of visitors clapping their hands as they give prayers at the main altar.

Around lunchtime, you board an express train at Tokyo Station heading to Nikko, the burial place of the shoguns during the Edo Period (1603-1868). During the train ride, enjoy a bento box lunch as Tokyo’s concrete metropolis melts away into tree covered valleys and hills. There is much to see from your window as the two-hour journey flies by.

From the train station, it is a short walk to the Toshogu , the main shrine which marks the burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun who led a united Japan in the early 17th-century. It is easy to miss the actual burial site, your eyes glued to the ornate carvings and lavish decoration all around you.

In the late afternoon, board your train back to Tokyo for a sushi feast. Your guide arranges a dinner at one of Tokyo’s finest sushi restaurants. While eating, you discover that each piece carries the faintest taste of the sea, a hallmark of fine Japanese sushi.

Tokyo to Mt. Fuji to Tokyo – Natural Beauty

This morning, your guide picks you up from your hotel. Boarding a private minivan, you leave Tokyo behind to travel to Hakone, a 90-minute journey. Before the trip is half over, though, you begin to see Mt. Fuji in the distance, its snow covered peak serving as your beacon throughout the day.

Arriving in Hakone, what to do and where to go is completely up to you. If you are an art lover, the Hakone Open Air Museum has one of Japan’s largest collections of Picassos in the country. If you’re looking for a little rest and relaxation, the city’s various onsen baths are an excellent way to relieve sore muscles.

After lunch in Hakone, your van takes you to Mt. Fuji. Your first stop is Yamamiya Sengen Shrine; a Shinto shrine erected at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Providing excellent views of the mountain, the shrine is still home to Shinto priests who use the shrine as a way to offer prayers to the mountain’s spirit.

From the shrine, your bus winds up the curvy road leading to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station. A little more than halfway up the mountain, the 5th Station is the starting point for the majority of men, women, and even children who make the eight-hour climb to the summit every summer. The 5th Station is an excellent place to learn more about Mt. Fuji, buy a souvenir, or take a nature walk that reveals stunning views of the Fuji Five Lakes region.

In the late afternoon, your van takes you back to Tokyo. Dinner this evening is ramen, Japan’s famous hearty noodle dish that makes for a delicious way to end your day of adventure.

Tokyo to Kyoto – From the Future into the Past

This morning, you are up with the sun to see one of the most famous sights in Tokyo: The Tsukiji Fish Market. The smell of the sea hangs in the air as your guide takes you through many stalls that sell seafood to Tokyo’s finest restaurants. Watch expert fishmongers expertly prepare fish for sale, and witness the morning tuna auction. At the end of your visit, have a sushi breakfast at one of the city’s best sushi restaurants.

Full of sushi, relax on the shinkansen towards Kyoto, Japan’s capital until 1868. The Shinkansen is one of the fastest trains in the world and delivers you to Kyoto’s city center in just over two hours.

You arrive in Kyoto in the late morning. Going to your hotel or ryokan, there is time to relax before visiting a Zen Buddhist garden. There you have lunch with a monk who will teach you about Zen Buddhism and the deeper meaning behind the rock garden’s arrangement.

Your first evening in Kyoto is a treat like no other. For hundreds of years, the women who choose to become geisha commit themselves to an ancient set of cultural practices. A superb craft, you have the opportunity to witness these rituals first hand at a geisha house in the Gion District. Watch geisha perform the tea ceremony and music, traditions that have been handed down for generations. At the end of the performance, the geisha serve you a traditional Japanese dinner.

Kyoto – A Day of Religion and Cuisine

After breakfast at the hotel, your day begins early when your guide takes you by private car to Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. The temple is most beautiful right after dawn when the morning’s soft light reflects off its gold leaf surface. Arriving early also ensures that you miss the crowds that flock daily to this amazing attraction.

Kinkaku-ji may be Kyoto’s most spectacular shrine, but Kyomizu-dera provides Kyoto’s most stunning vista. Atop Otowa Mountain, Kyomizu-dera overlooks Kyoto and the surrounding valley. After soaking in the balcony’s views, your guide takes you on a tour of the temple complex, explaining how the tenants of Buddhism are expressed throughout this stunning structure.

This evening has what is likely the most memorable meal on the trip. Kaiseki ryori is a traditional Japanese cuisine perfected in Kyoto. Once served to the emperors who inhabited Kyoto’s Imperial Palace, kaiseki ryori is defined by a series of small, artistic dishes that highlight the region’s freshest meats and vegetables. This is definitely a meal where you will want to have your camera ready to take pictures.

Kyoto to Nara to Kyoto – Harmony Between Man and Nature

Your day begins with a brief car ride to Arashiyama, a natural setting for Kyoto cherry blossoms in the spring and changing foliage in the fall. You arrive before the other visitors and walk the 200-meter bamboo path towards Tenryu-ji, the greatest of Kyoto’s five Zen Buddhist temples. Though rebuilt many times in its 700-year history, the surrounding gardens have been maintained in their original form. Looking out over the still waters and rustling plants, it is easy to take your mind back into the past.

In late morning board an express train to Nara, Japan’s first capital in the 8th-century. You arrive in Nara to see a modern looking town, but just a few steps away from Nara Station, you discover the city’s grandeur. In Nara Park, sacred deer freely roam the grounds. Having lived around people for generations, they are quite tame.

Your guide takes you to Todai-ji, the largest wooden building in the world. Stepping up to the temple complex, you begin to see the dark figure within. Inside the temple sits a 49-foot bronze Buddha, the largest in Japan. When built 1,200 years ago, the Buddha consumed an entire year’s worth of Japan’s bronze production. Even 1,200 years later, this feat is still an architectural marvel able to humble all visitors who stand before it.

Beyond the Buddha, there is still much to see at Todai-ji. Your guide leads you through a series of passageways into the temple museum, where artifacts spanning the temple’s history are on display.

The rest of your time in Nara is up to you. Admire 1,000-year-old scrolls in the Nara National Museum, or pick up a souvenir at Nara’s famed shopping street. During your trip back to Kyoto, your guide presents you a variety of options for dinner.

Kyoto to Osaka – Ancient to Modern

On your last morning in Kyoto, you take a walk up to Fushimi-Inari Shrine. During this walk, you pass under 2,000 bright red torii gates, a Shinto symbol that signifies one is entering a sacred space. During the walk, simply enjoy the peaceful tranquility. Your guide, however, is happy to spend the time teaching you about the shrine’s history and spiritual significance.

Arriving at the shrine, you are greeted by many statues of kitsune , foxes, and more stunning view of Kyoto. There is ample time to walk around the lush gardens. Perfect for taking pictures, the shrine is a peaceful oasis in the middle of modern Kyoto.

In late morning, board a private van for the short ride to Osaka. After arriving, take an hour’s rest in your hotel room before heading out for an amazing afternoon and a night on the town.

Your first stop is the Tempozan Ferris Wheel. Boarding your private compartment, the wheel slowly raises you to nearly 370 feet. With every surface made of glass, nothing stands between you and a perfect view of the city.

Osaka is world famous for its okonomiyaki , a savory pancake dish which incorporates cabbage, seafood, and thinly sliced pork belly. A rich treat, it goes down best with a pint (or two) of ice-cold Japanese beer.

Osaka - Bright Lights Big City

After breakfast, get to know another side of Osaka through a visit to the Osaka Aquarium. Home to many unique species, the star attraction is the Whale Shark, the largest fish currently kept in captivity. Other highlights include multiple tanks featuring tropical fish, along with seal and penguin habitats.

For your last afternoon in Japan, there are multiple things for you to do. At Osaka Castle, you can learn about the city’s samurai history. No trip to Osaka would be complete, though, without a walking tour of Dotonbori, the chaotic shopping street where at night you are bathed in neon light from every angle.

Wander the endless stores before ‘eating oneself to ruin’ at one of the district’s many restaurants. For a unique dining experience, try puffer fish at Zuboraya. With chefs having to pass strict examinations to prepare this possibly poisonous seafood, be rest assured that this dining experience is not your last.

Osaka – So Much More to See

When you awake on your final morning in Japan, you won’t believe that only nine days have passed since you arrived. With souvenirs to take with you, and memories to last a lifetime, your guide sees you aboard a train to Kansai International Airport where your flight home awaits you.

Even on the ride to the airport, you feel compelled to return to Japan. Though you have done so much in just over a week, there is still so much more to see.

Trip Highlights

• Private tour of Tsukiji Fish Market followed by a fresh sushi breakfast
• Experience Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its architectural and decorative masterpieces
• Visit Hakone and Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, the gateway to climbing the mountain
• Ride the famous Shinkansen, the world-famous high-speed bullet train
• Take part in a traditional geisha ceremony in Kyoto, dining upon cuisine once reserved for the Imperial Court

Detailed Description

Japan has so much to offer the modern traveler. A country roughly the size of California, a short trip by the Shinkansen reveals completely new sights and adventures. In this 9-day tour, do as much as possible, but have the time to fully appreciate the experience.

Your time in Japan begins in Tokyo, Japan’s capital and the largest city in the world. For two days, you mix modern and ancient as you tour high-tech Akihabara before visiting Japan’s ancient samurai tombs. Get lost in the whirlwind of Shibuya, just steps away from the most serene parks in the country.

Your time in Tokyo includes side trips to Mt. Fuji and Nikko, two locations that are both deeply beautiful and spiritually important to Japan’s native religion, Shinto. These trips are the perfect opportunity to reflect on your time in the big city, as greater things await you.

In Kyoto, learn all about Japan’s traditions through a geisha ceremony, and dine on cuisine once reserved for the Imperial Court. Your guide helps you avoid the crowds as you visit some of the country’s most renowned cultural treasures. Your time in Kyoto includes a day trip to Nara, Japan’s capital in the 8th-century. Feel humble in the presence of the Daibutsu , the largest bronze Buddha in Japan, before seeing some of the finest examples of Japanese art.

Your tour ends in Osaka, Japan’s center of merchant life. In this lively city, indulge in some of Japan’s finest food and drink, and take in local attractions such as Osaka Aquarium and the city’s shopping district.

A tour perfect for couples or families, it is best taken in spring or fall, when Japan’s weather is nearly perfect. Extending the tour is possible, along with customizing any of the events described in the detailed itinerary.

Starting Price

$4,675  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

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• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka by Train

❮ tokyo - kyoto - osaka by train.

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Price Guidance

This 9 night sample itinerary includes:.

• Flight into Tokyo and out of Osaka
• Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
• Train from Tokyo to Kyoto
• Hotel for 3 nights in Kyoto
• Train from Kyoto to Osaka
• Hotel for 3 nights in Osaka

Japan at its best!. Start your trip in Tokyo , the world`s most populous metropolis and recently awarded as the city with best Helpfulness of locals`, `Nightlife`, `Shopping` and Best Local Transportation. Then take the train to Kyoto , known as the City of the Ten Thousand Shrines for a reason! Since it holds about a quarter of Japan`s National Treasures and popular festivals. Last but not least go to Osaka , famous for its delicious traditional food along with its Castle and renowned Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, definitely a trip not to be missed!. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Please contact us for any special arrangements such as more than three rooms and partial stays.

Change cabin, booking without flight, returning to a different city/airport, Reorder city, or design your own Itinerary

Flexible Itinerary

Japan , the Land of the Rising Sun, is a very busy nation of over 120 million people, who live on a chain of islands roughly the size of California. Japan is a great place to experience modern technological marvels, often alongside or close to historical sights such as castles, temples, and archaeological exhibits. The four major islands of Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu) offer varying experiences for the traveler, from relaxing hot springs to ski getaways to temple pilgrimages to some of the world`s best shopping and boutiques.

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The package rates displayed are your total price per person based on Double Occupancy and your Arrival Date and Number of Nights selected. You can change details after selecting your travel date.

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Trip Summary

Tokyo is Japan's energetic capital, and one of the largest, busiest cities in the world! This bustling city combines historical places, such as the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Sensoji temple, to the ultramodern Skyscrapers and the Tokyo Tower along with the world`s tallest tower, the Skytree. The city consists of 23 different wards, each with its own individuality and unique attractions, Ginza is the most expensive and fashionable shopping district, Shibuya consists of the busiest crosswalk in the world and the busiest train station, while Shinjuku is the largest district in the heart of the city with hundreds of skyscrapers and Shinjuku Gyoen Park featuring hundreds of cherry trees, with their magnificent blooms during March and April. Check out the world`s largest fish market and dine at one of the 160,000 eateries or capture a glimpse of the sacred Mount Fiji, the opportunities for adventure in Tokyo are endless. Explore the amazing Sony building, Imperial Palace, temples of Asakusa, Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Meiji Shrine, Korakuen Garden, Ueno Park, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Sea Life Park, Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and so much more!

Kyoto is nestled among the mountains in Western Honshu. The city is considered to be Japan`s most beautiful, a living museum of Japan`s great artistic heritage. Discover its hidden beauty in its 2000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens, and architecture. Among the most famous temples are Kiyomizu-Dera, a magnificent wooden temple; Kinkaku-Ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion; Ginkaku-Ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion; and Ryoan-Ji, famous for its rock garden. The `Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto` are listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Explore the Arashiyama and Sagano district, Kamo Shrines, Kyo-o-Gokokuji (Tô-ji), Kiyomizu-Dera, Daigo-Ji, Ninna-Ji, Saiho-Ji (Kokedera), Tenryu-Ji, Rokuon-Ji (Kinkaku-Ji), Jisho-Ji (Ginkaku-Ji), Ryoan-Ji, Hongan-Ji, Kozan-Ji and the Nijo Castle and so much more!

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan, situated on the west of Honshu, a port city that flows into Osaka Bay offering visitors a wide variety of sights and attractions definitely worth visiting. A vibrant, extensive nightlife can be found on the streets of Osaka, filled with street food, market shopping, bright lights and the famed Gilco Man neon billboard sign and the giant crab. Traditionally known as the `nation`s kitchen` and the food capital of Japan with some of the best food found in Dotonburi and Minami. Many museums fill the city and modern architecture along with beautiful outdoor spaces and the spectacular Osaka Castle. Come visit Osaka and discover the true beauty of this city. Explore the Osaka Castle, Osaka Park, Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Science Museum, National Museum of Art, Shiteno-jj Temple, Nanba Grand Kagetsu, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and so much more!

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16 Japanese Cities To Visit Besides Tokyo And Kyoto

• Osaka: Experience incredible nightlife and outstanding cuisine in this seaside city known for its energetic atmosphere and delicious food.
• Naoshima: Discover the art island with its galleries, sculptures, and installations, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and sea views.
• Himeji: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji-jo castle and explore the picturesque Mount Shosha and Kokoen garden for a diverse cultural experience.

As Japan finally opens its borders to eager travelers after one of the strictest lockdowns that the world has seen, most itineraries focus on the shopping districts of Tokyo and the Buddhist temples of Kyoto. Occasionally, the street food of Osaka might make it to the list.

Few consider venturing beyond the big cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, but for those who dare try, thrilling adventures await in Japan's best cities. From former homes of samurai warriors and current cities of geishas, hot springs spas, traditional architecture, and ski mountains — these cities deserve a spot on everyone’s Japanese bucket list.

UPDATE: 2023/10/09 19:32 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

Japan's beauty is not limited to Tokyo and Kyoto. The country is a hub of wonderful towns that are worth a trip. Therefore, this list was updated to include two of the best cities to visit in Japan besides Tokyo and Kyoto.

Related: Beautiful Tourist Pics Showcasing The Best Things Japan Is Known For

If tourists want to sample some of the greatest cuisine and beverages Japan has to offer, they should head over to Osaka , a seaside city famed for its incredible nightlife and outstanding cuisine. Tokyo's big-city energy is also present here but on a little lesser scale. This way, tourists can visit cities in Japan other than Tokyo and Kyoto while having the same vibes and escaping the crowds. Tourists are recommended to visit the Osaka Castle and Park in between all of their eating and exploring. It is one of the most well-known sights in Japan and is definitely worth visiting.

• Some attractions: Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Universal Studio Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, etc.

The island of Naoshima, which is reachable via ferry, is a wonderful location. The area is referred to as the art island, and tourists may find galleries, sculptures, and installations everywhere they go, especially if they stay at the upscale Benesse House, which serves as both a hotel and a museum of modern art. On the island, there are two towns, both of which include charming stores and little restaurants. There are also sea views everywhere, which enhances the tranquil atmosphere.

• Some attractions: The Yellow Pumpkin, Chichu Art Museum, Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu, etc.

Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site castle , Himeji is worth a special trip for the Himeji-jo castle alone. Widely considered to be the finest example of 17th-century feudal-era Japanese architecture that still survives, Himeji-jo may be the reason tourists visit this city in Japan, but Himeji gives them several reasons to stay. On the outskirts of the city is the picturesque Mount Shosha, with a Buddhist temple at its peak. And if a hike isn’t someone’s cup of tea, tourists can spend a day at the Kokoen garden, which is made of nine walled gardens connected by a network of streams, waterfalls, and ponds and sits on the former feudal lord’s residence.

• Some attractions: Himeji Castle, Engyoji, Himeji Central Park, etc.

Related: Three Days In Japan: 10 Cities You Can Explore In Only 72 Hours

Matsue’s location on a peninsula by the Sea of Japan with Lake Shinji on its west and Lake Nakaumi on the east has given the city another name: The City of Water. While the water bodies that surround it have given Matsue its second name, there are also water bodies within the city. Canals with boat tours for tourists flow through the city, old samurai houses flank its streets, and Matsue is home to one of only twelve medieval castles that are preserved in their original state in Japan. But that’s not all: the city has long attracted curious travelers with its rich myths and legends related to Matsue being the place where Japanese gods descend.

• Some attractions: Matsue-jō Castle, Yuushien, Yaegaki Shrine, etc.

Yokohama is the second-largest Japanese city and the first to have opened its ports to the world at the end of the Edo Period. The port city quickly transformed from a small fishing village to a major city when foreign trade introduced new cultures to the old Japanese traditions of the village. As a result, Yokohama offers a contrast between old and new, and travelers can explore the streets of Yokohama to see the Western influence on the Japanese way of life everywhere. Tourists can visit traditional Japanese gardens and tea rooms, ramen and instant cup noodle museums, giant ferry wheels reminiscent of the London Eye, and one of the largest Chinatowns in the whole country.

• Some attractions: Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum, Yokohama Chinatown, Yokohama Cosmoworld, etc.

For those who like the crowds of Tokyo but wish for a city just a tad more quite than the Japanese capital, Fukuoka’s contemporary attractions make it the ideal city. Fukuoka is Japan’s eighth most populous city and balances urban life with the natural beauty that is synonymous with Japan. The port city is filled with hot springs, hike trails, tea plantations, and sake breweries. But the best part, perhaps, is the fact that Fukuoka happens to be the city that invented tonkatsu ramen , so for those who’d like to slurp their way through Japan via its ramen, Fukuoka has to be the starting place.

• Some attractions: Ohori Park, Marine World, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, etc.

Hokkaido is an island region of Japan that is known for its hot springs, ski mountains, and volcanoes. Hakodate — located on the island’s southern tip — is one of the largest cities in Hokkaido and was voted Japan’s most attractive city in 2015. Visitors can hike to Mount Hakodate and enjoy spectacular views of the city surrounded by the sea, soak in the hot springs, go down ski slopes, or take in the views of the Mount Komagatake volcano from the lakes of Onuma Park. The best part of the port city, however, is its food. Surrounded by the sea, Hakodate is famous for its freshly-caught seafood, and the Hakodate Morning Market is the best place to enjoy it.

• Some attractions: Goryokaku, Goryokaku Tower, Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, etc.

Related: After Cherry Blossom Season, Here Are 10 Unique Activities To Enjoy In Japan This Fall

Kyoto isn’t the only city in Japan famous for its Buddhist monasteries and temples. Formerly known as Heijo-Kyo , Nara was once Japan’s capital city and is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites . The Horyuji Area of Nara was the first to be on the list and includes 48 Buddhist sites, all of which are of immense importance to the Japanese culture and religion. Also on the list are areas with several temples and historical monuments from ancient times when Nara was still the capital, as well as pilgrimage routes and sites on the Kii Mountain. Tourists can end their tour of the temples and spiritual sites of Nara with a friendly visit to greet the deers at the Nara Park or stroll through Imaicho — a merchant town preserved from the Edo period that will take everyone back in time.

• Some attractions: Today-ji, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, etc.

Nagasaki is most often associated with the atomic bomb and the tragedy that followed. Still, the city has a lot more to offer beyond the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Nagasaki Peace Park, which attract most tourists. Not only is the city home to several stunning islands off its coast, but Nagasaki has consistently ranked on top of the list of places with the best night views in Japan . Travelers can hop onto a ropeway to the peak of Mount Inasa and enjoy spectacular views of Nagasaki as it lights up after sunset. More surprisingly, however, Japan’s first and oldest Chinatown happens to be in Nagasaki, and it has continued to serve Japanese-Chinese fusion foods since the 17th century.

• S ome attractions: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park, Glover Garden, etc.

For those whose idea of a holiday in Japan includes spending hours soaking in hot water springs, Beppu is the place to be. Beppu’s gushes of hot spring water rank second highest in the world and the highest in Japan, gushing more than 100,000 liters of water each minute through thousands of hot springs. Not only does the abundance of hot springs make Beppu the Onsen City of Japan, but Beppu also has several boiling ponds known as Jigoku or hell. Locals use these Jigoku ponds for cooking food as well, giving rise to a culinary custom known as Jigoku-Mushi, or hell-steaming, that is peculiar to Beppu.

• Some attractions: Kannawa Hot Springs, Beppu Ropeway, Shidaka Lake, etc.

Takayama is several things: A city surrounded by the Japanese Alps, Japan’s ski destination, home to bustling morning markets and festivals dating back to the 1600s, and a place where Japanese tradition flourishes through some of the country’s most beautifully preserved villages. Takayama’s Sanmachi area, in particular, houses preserved thatched-roof houses from which antique dealers and artisans sell their wares, and hidden cafes and brewers dish out hot coffees and icy sake to any visitors who manage to spot them.

• Some attractions: Takayama Jinya, Hida Folk Village, Shinhotaka Ropeway, etc.

The city that served as the seat of the second most powerful feudal clan in Japan during the Edo period, Kanazawa has always been a place of great cultural significance in Japan. More importantly, Kanazawa was the second largest city after Kyoto, which managed to remain safe from the bombings of World War II. As a result, most of the city’s old castles, gardens, samurai, and geisha districts have survived the test of time. That being said, Kanazawa also houses the iconic 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and is the city where traditional teahouses and crafts, including Kaga-yuzen (a silk dying technique), ohi ware (tea ceremony bowls), and gold leaf production continue to prosper.

• Some attractions: Kenroku-en, Higashi Chaya District, Myouryouji, etc.

Related: Unwind & Relax In Japan: The Best Onsens To Soothe Your Soul

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is not a city but a traditional Japanese alpine village stuck in time . It is part of a national park and is a great place to visit to see the way things used to be in Japan. Here (and its sister village Gokayama), visitors may feel like they are living in the world of the 2003 movie, The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise (although it was actually filmed in New Zealand).

These traditional villages are UNESCO World Heritage Listed and are a great example of how Japan works to preserve its heritage.

• Some attractions: Wada House, Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, Myozenji, etc.

Hiroshima is one of only two cities to ever be hit with a nuclear bomb . It is also a testament to how cities can bounce back from destruction, being today a thriving city of over one million people. It was founded in 1589 as a castle town but transformed into a major industrial hub (which made it a target for nuclear bombing).

Today visitors can see the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Hiroshima Peace Memorial and commemorate the bombing wishing for such destruction to never again return to this planet.

• Some attractions: Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, etc.

Sapporo is the capital of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. It is the largest city north of Tokyo and is considered the cultural and economic center of Hokkaido. The city hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics and is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy the winter season. Come in early February and attend the Sapporo Snow Festival. The festival draws over 2 million visitors from far and wide. Additionally, Sapporo is home to the only beer museum in Japan - the Sapporo Beer Museum.

• Some attractions: Hokkaido Jingu, Moerenuma Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, etc.

Naha is the capital of the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan ( Okinawa is Japan's fifth major island ). The city has a population of around 300,000 and enjoys a humid subtropical climate (quite the opposite of Hokkaido's Sapporo). It is a stunning city and the gateway to Okinawa Island (which Americans may recall from the costly American invasion of the islands in World War Two). One of the top attractions in the city is the restored and rebuilt Shuri Castle (a former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom).

• Some attractions: Shuri Castle, Naminoue Shrine, Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, etc.

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Kyoto to Osaka Private Car? - Kyoto Forum

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6 replies to this topic

How many are in the family and which hotels? It'll cost around 30,000 yen.

It's better to ship your luggage and take the train.

All licensed service will cost a fortune.　~20,000 yen plus toll ~2500 , any taxi company.

"extended family... with luggage" and you are looking at a minivan or bigger. https://www.mktaxi-japan.com/fares-vehicles

MK-Taxi above do minivan hire min 2 hours (trip is 1 hour and you need to pay for return I guess).

Toyota Hi-Ace 22680 yen plus toll (both ways I would imagine) . Seats 5-6 with luggage. Max capacity 9.

Luggage forwarding from one hotel to the next one is very convenient. Send in the morning and receive morning of the next day. Check the front desk and they will take care of it for you.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html = your hotel is already contracted with a company.

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1 hr 27 min

Tokyo, Japan: Things To Do & See, And How To Navigate in 2024 Travel Squad Podcast

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In this weeks episode we are giving you a Travel Throwback to one of our most popular episodes, Episode 42: Tokyo, Japan: Things to See and Do [Part 1 of 2] This episode is an "oldie but goodie" and features OG Squad member Zeina. Japan is an amazing country and one of The Squad's favorite countries we’ve ever visited on our epic travels. Japan continues to be one of the more popular tourist destinations worldwide and our Travel Squad Itinerary best seller, so we feel it's a great time to re-launch this episode to inspire you to visit this amazing country. The sites to see and tips on navigating Tokyo provided in this episode never become old or outdated, and that is why we know you will love and appreciate this Throwback Episode! The Squad, plus and minus a few others, spent 14 days traveling through Japan, eating ramen and sushi, sightseeing, enjoying the marvelous culture and all the attractions this amazing country has to offer. In episode 42 we cover: Japan travel tips Sensoji Temple Tokyo Tower Hedgehog cafe Shibuya crossing Ginza District Mt. Fuji Lake Ashi Imperial Palace Grounds Harajuku district area Michelin Star ramen Disneyland Tokyo Disneyland Tokyo Sea Stay tuned for Part Two coming in two weeks! We're continuing our Japan adventures visiting Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Trips: ⁠⁠New River Gorge Rafting Weekend June 7-10, 2024⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Napa Valley Wine Weekend November 1-4, 2024⁠⁠. Shop: ⁠⁠Trip Itineraries⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Amazon Storefront ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠TSP Merch⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Liquid IV⁠⁠ - Use promo code TRAVELSQUADPODCAST for 20% off Connect: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠and contact us at [email protected] to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/travel-squad-podcast/support

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