Tokyo Kyoto Osaka: The Three-City Week
Three cities, one Shinkansen arc: three Tokyo nights, two Kyoto, one Osaka — with luggage-shipping logistics that make hotel changes painless.
Trip overview
- Luggage shipped ahead — travel light between cities
- Kyoto's dawn torii and bamboo mornings
- Osaka's Dotonbori finale
Best time to visit
March–May and October–November suit all three cities. Sakura peaks early April; foliage peaks late November — book 3–6 months out either way.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Tokyo — Arrive & Asakusa
- 🏮16:00Senso-ji at dusk
- 🍶18:30Izakaya dinner & early night
- 🏮
Day 2 · Tokyo — East & West
- 🖼️08:30Ueno Park & market breakfast
- ⛩️14:00Meiji Shrine & Harajuku
- 🚦18:00Shibuya Crossing
- 🖼️
Day 3 · Tokyo — Ship Luggage & Shinjuku
- 📦09:00Ship the big bag to Kyoto (takkyubin)
- 🍣11:00Tsukiji Outer Market lunch
- 🌆16:00Shinjuku Gyoen & tower views
- 🏮19:00Omoide Yokocho dinner
- 📦
Day 4 · Shinkansen & Higashiyama
- 🚄09:00Bullet train to Kyoto
- 🛕14:00Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizu-dera
- 🏮18:30Gion dusk walk & dinner
- 🚄
Day 5 · Kyoto — Torii & Bamboo
- ⛩️07:00Fushimi Inari at dawn
- 🎋11:00Arashiyama bamboo & Tenryu-ji
- 🍢16:00Nishiki Market snacks
- ⛩️
Day 6 · To Osaka
- 🚃10:00Local train to Osaka
- 🦐12:00Kuromon Market lunch
- 🏯15:00Osaka Castle
- 🦑19:00Dotonbori neon & street food
- 🚃
Day 7 · Departure from KIX
- 🌆10:00Umeda Sky Building or last shopping
- 🍜14:00Kansai airport — via the best airport noodles on earth
- 🌆
Budget
Estimated total cost: 900 USD for 7 days.
Includes accommodation, local transport, food, and activities. International flights not included.
Travel tips
- March–May and October–November suit all three cities. Sakura peaks early April; foliage peaks late November — book 3–6 months out either way.
- Carry local currency for small eateries and street food; cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak season.
- Use public transit where possible — most stops in Tokyo are tourist-friendly.
Recommended restaurants
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