Quick summary: This 10-day itinerary covers Japan’s top cities—Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—offering family-friendly, budget-conscious activities with mixed transport options. Experience culture, history, and modern attractions suited for first-time visitors.
Route map + stops
- Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple (浅草・浅草寺)
Nearest station: Asakusa Station — Line: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line — Exit: Exit 1 - Ueno Park (上野公園)
Nearest station: Ueno Station — Line: JR Yamanote Line — Exit: Park Exit - Akihabara (秋葉原)
Nearest station: Akihabara Station — Line: JR Yamanote Line — Exit: Electric Town Exit - Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社)
Nearest station: Fushimi Inari Station — Line: Keihan Main Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (金閣寺)
Nearest station: Kinkaku-ji Michi Bus Stop — Line: Bus from Kyoto Station — Exit: N/A - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (嵐山竹林)
Nearest station: Arashiyama Station — Line: Hankyu Arashiyama Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Osaka Castle (大阪城)
Nearest station: Osakajokoen Station — Line: JR Osaka Loop Line — Exit: Exit 1 - Dotonbori (道頓堀)
Nearest station: Namba Station — Line: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line — Exit: Exit 14 - Universal Studios Japan (ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン)
Nearest station: Universal-City Station — Line: JR Yumesaki Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower (新世界・通天閣)
Nearest station: Dobutsuen-mae Station — Line: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line — Exit: Exit 3 - Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade (心斎橋商店街)
Nearest station: Shinsaibashi Station — Line: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line — Exit: Exit 7
Timeline (hour-by-hour)
Day 1
Arrive in Tokyo and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring Asakusa and the historic Senso-ji Temple. Enjoy street food and shopping on Nakamise Street.
14:00 — Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
Why go: Experience Tokyo’s historic district with traditional temples and lively shopping streets.
Do:
- Visit Senso-ji Temple
- Shop on Nakamise Street
- Try local street snacks
How to get there: Take Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station Exit 1
Cost / tickets: Free temple visit; snacks approx 300-800 yen
Time needed: 3 hours
Day 2
Visit Ueno Park and its museums, then explore Akihabara for electronics and anime culture. Evening stroll in Shibuya to see the famous crossing.
10:00 — Visit Ueno Park and Museums
Why go: Enjoy cultural museums and a relaxing park atmosphere.
Do:
- Walk Ueno Park
- Visit Tokyo National Museum or National Museum of Nature and Science
- Feed the park’s koi fish
How to get there: JR Yamanote Line to Ueno Station Park Exit
Cost / tickets: Museum entry 500-1000 yen
Time needed: 4 hours
15:00 — Explore Akihabara
Why go: Discover Japan’s electronics and anime culture hub.
Do:
- Browse electronics shops
- Visit anime and manga stores
- Enjoy themed cafes
How to get there: JR Yamanote Line to Akihabara Station Electric Town Exit
Cost / tickets: Free to browse; cafe prices vary
Time needed: 3 hours
Day 3
Day trip to Hakone for hot springs and views of Mount Fuji. Return to Tokyo in the evening.
08:00 — Day Trip to Hakone
Why go: Relax in hot springs and view Mount Fuji.
Do:
- Ride Hakone Ropeway
- Visit Owakudani Valley
- Enjoy onsen baths
How to get there: Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station
Cost / tickets: Transport approx 2000-4000 yen; onsen entry 1000-1500 yen
Time needed: Full day
Day 4
Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk through its iconic torii gates. Evening in Gion district.
12:00 — Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
Why go: Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates.
Do:
- Hike the torii gate path
- Visit shrine buildings
- Take photos
How to get there: Keihan Main Line to Fushimi Inari Station
Cost / tickets: Free
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Day 5
Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Relax by the river and visit local shops.
09:00 — Explore Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama
Why go: See the Golden Pavilion and serene bamboo forest.
Do:
- Tour Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Walk Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Visit local shops
How to get there: Bus from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji; Hankyu Line to Arashiyama
Cost / tickets: Kinkaku-ji entry approx 400 yen
Time needed: 5 hours
Day 6
Visit Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Afternoon tea experience in a traditional teahouse.
Day 7
Travel to Osaka. Explore Osaka Castle and nearby park. Evening in Dotonbori for street food and neon lights.
10:00 — Visit Osaka Castle
Why go: Explore historic castle and surrounding park.
Do:
- Tour castle museum
- Walk castle grounds
- Picnic in park
How to get there: JR Osaka Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station Exit 1
Cost / tickets: Castle entry approx 600 yen
Time needed: 3 hours
Day 8
Visit Universal Studios Japan for a fun family day. Return to hotel in the evening.
09:00 — Universal Studios Japan
Why go: Enjoy theme park attractions for all ages.
Do:
- Ride popular attractions
- Watch shows
- Explore themed areas
How to get there: JR Yumesaki Line to Universal-City Station
Cost / tickets: Entry approx 7000-8000 yen
Time needed: Full day
Day 9
Explore Shinsekai district and Tsutenkaku Tower. Try local specialties like kushikatsu.
11:00 — Explore Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower
Why go: Experience retro Osaka and try local street food.
Do:
- Visit Tsutenkaku Tower
- Try kushikatsu
- Walk Shinsekai streets
How to get there: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Dobutsuen-mae Station Exit 3
Cost / tickets: Tower entry approx 700 yen; food varies
Time needed: 3 hours
Day 10
Last-minute shopping in Shinsaibashi before departure. Head to Kansai International Airport.
10:00 — Shopping in Shinsaibashi
Why go: Last-minute shopping in Osaka’s popular arcade.
Do:
- Browse shops
- Buy souvenirs
- Enjoy cafes
How to get there: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Shinsaibashi Station Exit 7
Cost / tickets: Free to browse; shopping varies
Time needed: 3 hours
Logistics (read this first)
- Purchase a Japan Rail Pass for Shinkansen and JR lines to save on intercity travel.
- Use prepaid IC cards like Suica or ICOCA for convenient local transit.
- Book accommodations near major stations for easy access.
- Carry cash as some small shops do not accept cards.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes due to moderate daily walking.
- Plan meals at local eateries for budget-friendly dining.
Local tips and guide
Japan’s main islands of Honshu host Tokyo in the east, Kyoto centrally, and Osaka to the west. Tokyo offers a bustling urban experience with historic temples and modern districts. Kyoto is famed for traditional shrines, gardens, and cultural heritage. Osaka is known for its lively food scene and entertainment. Efficient rail connections link these cities, making travel straightforward for visitors.
If it rains (2 alternatives)
If something is closed (2 alternatives)
FAQ
Is this itinerary suitable for families with children?
Yes, it includes family-friendly attractions and moderate walking suitable for children.
What is the best way to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?
Using the Japan Rail Pass on Shinkansen trains is the fastest and most cost-effective method.
Are the attractions wheelchair accessible?
Most major sites have accessibility options, but some historic areas may have limited access.
Can I use a single transport card for all cities?
Prepaid IC cards like Suica and ICOCA can be used in multiple cities for convenience.
Is English widely spoken at these destinations?
English is commonly understood at major tourist sites, but learning basic Japanese phrases is helpful.
How we planned this route
Byline: Expert travel planner with extensive experience in Japan itineraries.
Based on cultural highlights, family-friendly activities, budget considerations, and efficient transport routes.
Last updated: 2024-06-01