Japan route: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in 23 stops

This 1,125.5 km route covers Japan's major highlights across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Travel from Narita International Airport through Tokyo's Shinjuku Station, Akihabara, and teamLab Planets, then via shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto's Gion District, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, concluding in Osaka's Namba Region and Dotonbori Entertainment District.

Mode
Places
Start
Four Main Islands & Major Cities
End
Yasukuni Shrine
Stops
23
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Four Main Islands & Major Cities
  2. Arrival at Narita International Airport — Tokyo's primary international gateway located 60 kilometers east, offering rail and bus connections to the city center.
  3. Shinjuku Station & Accommodation
  4. Yoyogi Park & Shrines — Expansive urban forest and recreation area featuring the historic Meiji Shrine, popular for walking and seasonal celebrations.
  5. Akihabara Electric Town — Known as the electric town; features Don Quixote shop
  6. Tokyo Tower & Roppongi Hills — Iconic red steel tower offering panoramic city views, located near Roppongi's modern art museums and nightlife venues.
  7. Shibuya Crossing & Mori Art Museum — The world's busiest pedestrian crossing adjacent to contemporary art galleries in a high-rise complex overlooking Tokyo.
  8. teamLab Planets Digital Art Museum — Immersive digital art experience
  9. Tsukiji Outer Market — Historic market still worth visiting for outer market exploration
  10. Tokyo Temples & Shrines — Ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines scattered throughout Tokyo preserve spiritual traditions amid modern urban development.
  11. Kyoto Gion District — Historic geisha quarter with traditional wooden machiya houses, lantern-lit streets, and authentic tea houses representing classical Japan.
  12. Hanami Koji Ancient Streets — Narrow preserved lane lined with traditional shops, restaurants, and teahouses showcasing Kyoto's Edo-period merchant heritage.
  13. Yasaka Shrine — Ancient Shinto shrine overlooking Kyoto's Gion district, famous for summer festival celebrations and scenic garden views.
  14. Fushimi Inari Shrine — Famous shrine known for thousands of torii gates
  15. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — Iconic bamboo forest in the Arashiyama area
  16. Tenru-ji Temple — Famous temple with beautiful gardens in Arashiyama
  17. Sagano Scenic Railway — Scenic train ride through Kyoto countryside
  18. Osaka Namba Region
  19. Dotonbori Entertainment District
  20. Osaka Attractions & Castle — Osaka Castle, a reconstructed feudal landmark, anchors the region as a symbol of power and popular destination for visitors.
  21. Shinjuku District — Recommended accommodation area with major transportation hub at Shinjuku Station
  22. Shibuya Crossing — Famous pedestrian crossing; viewable from Starbucks or Magnet by Miredo
  23. Yasukuni Shrine — Historic shrine in Tokyo

Useful for your trip

Transport
Get an IC card for public transportation—works with all major cities in Japan, no need for specific cards per region.
Avoid
Avoid taxis from airport to city center as trips can be very expensive. Use the Skyliner train instead.
Transport
Use Google Maps to plan routes, metro lines, and connections throughout your trip.
Where to stay
In Tokyo, stay in Shinjuku for nightlife and as main transportation hub, or Harajuku for relaxed vibe near landmarks.
Transport
Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto costs about 13,000 yen (~$114). Consider Japan Rail Pass if using multiple times.
Where to stay
In Kyoto, stay near or around Gion district where most tourist activities are located.
Where to stay
In Osaka, stay in Minami (Namba) region to be close to main attractions like Dotonbori.
Where to stay
In Nara, stay near Nara Park on the eastern side where most activities are found.
Timing
Visit in Autumn or Spring seasons. July has hot weather. Fall is best for Sagano Scenic Railway to see autumn leaves.
Tip
Budget roughly 2,000 USD for daily expenses excluding hotels and flights for a 2-3 week trip.
Food
Japan offers plenty of vegan-friendly meals; most restaurants have vegan options available.
Save money
Convenience store food is surprisingly good and affordable—don't skip it if on a tight budget.

Video on this route

Japan Travel Guide - How to travel Japan

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