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Tokyo and Kyoto Cultural Highlights · 5 days

Experience the perfect balance of Japan's neon-lit modernity and timeless tradition. This curated journey takes you from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples and historic districts of Kyoto via the high-speed Shinkansen.

5days
15stops
506km

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in Shinjuku · Chiyoda — start in Shibuya, end in Kyoto.

DAY01

Meiji Jingu → Shinjuku

5.9 km · 20m driving · Overnight in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Meiji Jingu· start
  2. 2.3 km · 10m
  3. 12:00
    Shibuya Crossing
  4. 3.6 km · 10m
  5. 15:00
    Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden· overnight
DAY02

Senso-ji → Imperial Palace East Garden

18 km · 30m driving · Overnight in Imperial Palace East Garden
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Senso-ji· start
  2. 1.6 km · 10m
  3. 12:00
    Tokyo Skytree
  4. 6.8 km · 10m
  5. 15:00
    Imperial Palace East Garden· overnight
DAY03

Tokyo Station → Gion District

448 km · 5h 1m driving · long drive · Overnight in Gion District
  1. 09:00
    Tokyo Station· start
  2. 445 km · 4h 41m
  3. 12:00
    Nishiki Market
  4. 1.3 km · 10m
  5. 15:00
    ⭐ Gion District· overnight
DAY04

Kinkaku-ji → Tenryu-ji Temple

14 km · 30m driving · Overnight in Tenryu-ji Temple
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Kinkaku-ji· start
  2. 7 km · 10m
  3. 12:00
    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  4. 0.3 km · 10m
  5. 15:00
    Tenryu-ji Temple· overnight
DAY05

Fushimi Inari Taisha → Kyoto

20 km · 30m driving
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Fushimi Inari Taisha· start
  2. 3.9 km · 10m
  3. 12:00
    Kiyomizu-dera
  4. 3.1 km · 10m
  5. 15:00
    Kyoto Station
Heads Up
  • Day 3: 5h 1m driving — plan rest stops
  • Purchase a JR Pass or individual Shinkansen tickets in advance for the Tokyo-Kyoto leg.
  • June is the rainy season (Tsuyu) in Japan; carry a portable umbrella and check daily forecasts.
  • Use a Suica or Pasmo IC card for seamless travel on local subways and buses in both cities.
  • Many temples in Kyoto require removing shoes; wear socks and easily removable footwear.