13 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Ueno District and Nezu Shrine. Do some cultural sightseeing at Yanaka District and Nezu Museum. Venture out of the city with trips to Kichijoji (in Musashino), Tokyo Horse Racetrack (in Fuchu) and Yokohama (Sankeien Gardens & Yamashita Park). There's still lots to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at Waho-An NATURE Tokyo, take in the spiritual surroundings of Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center, make a trip to Odaiba Kaihin Koen (Odaiba Seaside Park), and steep yourself in history at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens.

For more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Tokyo trip builder website.

New Delhi, India to Tokyo is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone changes from India Standard Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 3.5 hour difference. When traveling from New Delhi in May, plan for much colder days and a bit cooler nights in Tokyo: temperatures range from 28°C by day to 19°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) early enough to fly 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 Tofuku-ji Temple and Food Tours. Do some cultural sightseeing at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki). Step out of Kyoto with an excursion to Byodoin in Uji--about 38 minutes away. There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Eikando Zenrinji Temple, make a trip to Kurama-dera, and explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle.

To find reviews, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Kyoto travel route site.

Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. In May, daytime highs in Kyoto are 29°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) to allow time to take a train 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Koyasan Okunoin and Kasuga Grand Shrine. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Dotombori District and Horyu-ji Temple. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Osaka: Muroji Temple (in Uda), Nara (Isuien Garden, Nara National Museum, &more) and Hase-dera Temple (in Sakurai). Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Nakanoshima Park and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Namba Yasaka Shrine.

For ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Osaka trip planner.

Getting from Kyoto to Osaka by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or take a bus. May in Osaka sees daily highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Mon) early enough to fly back home.