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Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka
A 7-day first-timer Japan route using the Shinkansen between cities, with slow days so you’re not sprinting through temples and train stations.
7days
28stops
Day 1: Land in Tokyo, ease into the city
4 stops
Depart
09:00
Asakusa
10:30
Ueno Park
14:30
Akihabara
17:00
Day 2: Classic Tokyo neighborhoods
3 stops
Meiji Jingu
10:00
Harajuku and Omotesando
13:30
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
17:00
Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
5 stops
Depart
09:00
Tokyo Station
09:45
Kyoto Station
12:30
Nishiki Market
15:30
Gion
17:30
Day 4: Kyoto temples and old lanes
4 stops
Depart
08:30
Kiyomizu-dera
09:00
Nanzen-ji
13:00
Fushimi Inari Taisha
16:30
Day 5: Arashiyama, then Osaka by Shinkansen/local rail
5 stops
Depart
08:30
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
09:15
Kyoto Station
13:30
Osaka Castle Park
15:00
Dotonbori
17:30
Day 6: Osaka food, towers, and neighborhoods
4 stops
Depart
09:30
Kuromon Ichiba Market
10:15
Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku
13:30
Umeda Sky Building
17:00
Day 7: Osaka finale and departure
3 stops
Shitenno-ji
10:00
Namba Yasaka Shrine
13:30
Kansai International Airport
16:30
Heads Up
- 1. Tokyo–Kyoto is the big Shinkansen leg; Kyoto–Osaka is short, so compare ticket options before buying a rail pass.
- 2. Use luggage forwarding if you pack big, because Kyoto buses and busy stations are not fun with oversized bags.
- 3. Day 3: 5h 59m driving — plan rest stops