12 days in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka Itinerary

Tokyo holds the status of most populous metropolitan area in the world--a fact you'll find tangible as you walk the bustling streets and explore its diverse neighborhoods and cultures.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Ghibli Museum Mitaka and Asakusa Shrine. Museum-lovers will appreciate teamLab☆Planets and Tokyo National Museum The Heiseikan. And it doesn't end there: admire the masterpieces at Mori Art Museum, take in nature's colorful creations at Kyu Iwasakitei Teien, explore the galleries of Kanda Myojin, and enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo City View Observation Deck (Roppongihills).

To see more things to do, photos, and tourist information, use the Tokyo online vacation planner.

London, UK to Tokyo is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 9 hours traveling from London to Tokyo. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from London in July, with highs in Tokyo at 36°C and lows at 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Kyoto.

The national capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto retains much of the charm of old Japan, boasting numerous temples and shrines that seem completely untouched by the modern world.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Tenryuji Temple and Kennin-ji Temple. Get some historical perspective at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Shimogamo Jinja. There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, steep yourself in history at Tofuku-ji Temple, see the interesting displays at Kyoto Railway Museum, and take in nature's colorful creations at Nanzen-ji Temple.

To see other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Kyoto visit website.

You can take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto in 3.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. In July, daytime highs in Kyoto are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Osaka.

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Koyasan Okunoin and Kongobu-ji Temple. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Toshodai-ji Temple and Mt. Koya. Venture out of the city with trips to Koya-cho (Tokugawa's Mausoleum, Koyasan Danjo Garan, &more) and Nara (Kasuga Grand Shrine, Nigatsu-do Temple, &more). There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle, steep yourself in history at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, appreciate the extensive heritage of Hozenji Yokocho, and take a stroll through Dotombori District.

For maps, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Osaka planner.

Getting from Kyoto to Osaka by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Mon) early enough to travel to Tokyo.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Tue): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Zojo-ji Temple, get engrossed in the history at Tokyo National Museum, and then contemplate the long history of Nezu Shrine.

To see other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Tokyo sightseeing planning tool.

You can take a train from Osaka to Tokyo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) so you can travel back home.