How to Combine Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka into One Journey

It's hard to resist the magic of Japan, and even harder to choose where to go. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are three completely different worlds that together tell the full story of the country. The good news is that you can combine them into one exciting, balanced journey.

Why these three cities?

• Tokyo – the pulse of modern Japan, where neon lights and traditional temples coexist in harmony.

• Kyoto – the heart of ancient culture, where time flows with the rhythm of tea ceremonies and flourishing gardens.

• Osaka – the city of entertainment and street food, where everything is a little louder, tastier, and more relaxed.

How to plan the perfect itinerary?

1. Start in Tokyo (4–5 days)

Immerse yourself in the chaos and beauty of the metropolis. Stroll through Shibuya, take an elevator up a skyscraper in Shinjuku, visit the traditional Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, and feel the silence of the gardens at Meiji Shrine. Set aside a day for modern art at TeamLab Planets or a trip to Mount Fuji.

2. Travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto (2–3 hours)

The bullet train journey itself is an experience – fast, smooth, almost magical. Trains depart frequently, so you can easily set a convenient time.

3. Kyoto – the heart of tradition (3–4 days)

Here, you'll discover a millennia-old Japan. Walk through Arashiyama and the bamboo grove, visit the Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji temples, and lose yourself in the alleys of Gion amidst the shadows of geisha. If you love early mornings, don't miss seeing Fushimi Inari before dawn when the thousands of red gates are all yours.

4. Leap to Osaka (2–3 days)

Just a 15-minute train ride from Kyoto, Osaka is the perfect climax to your journey. Here, you'll discover Japan's contrasts even stronger – from the magnificent Osaka Castle to the electric madness of Dotonbori.

And of course – the street food! Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakiniku... Osaka lives through its tastes.

How much time do you need in total?

The ideal program includes about 10–12 days – enough to feel the spirit of each city without rushing, but also without lingering too long.

Practical tips

• JR Pass – consider purchasing it for convenient and cheaper train journeys between cities.

• Light backpack – you'll be moving around a lot, so comfort is key.

• Be flexible – leave room for improvisations: a street festival, tea ceremony, or unexpected stroll.

• Choose neighbourhoods with good transport links – to save time and energy.

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka – three faces of one dream

When you connect them in one trip, you'll see not just Japan. You will see its soul – both fast and quiet, modern and ancient, joyful and thoughtful.

Join Panic Frame & Travel and let us journey together from the neon lights of Tokyo through the temples of Kyoto to the street scents of Osaka – a journey that will stay with you forever.