15 Days Exploring Tokyo and Kyoto Itinerary

Begin your day at Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple), Tokyo's oldest temple. Wander through Nakamise Shopping Street leading up to the temple, where you can buy traditional snacks and souvenirs.

Visit Tokyo National Museum located in Ueno Park. The museum houses an extensive collection of art and antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries, offering a deep dive into Japanese culture and history.

Spend your evening exploring Shinjuku Golden Gai. This area is famous for its narrow alleys lined with tiny bars, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere. It's a great place to experience Tokyo's nightlife.

Start your morning with a peaceful stroll through Hama Rikyu Gardens. These beautifully landscaped gardens offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city and feature traditional Japanese tea houses.

Head to Odaiba Seaside Park (Oaidaba Kaihin Koen) for some relaxation by the water. You can enjoy various activities such as beach volleyball or simply take in the views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay.

Conclude your day at Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho). This historic alleyway is filled with small eateries serving delicious yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and other Japanese dishes. It's perfect for an authentic dining experience.

Kick off your day with a visit to Ghibli Museum. Dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli, this museum offers a magical experience for fans of animated films like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away.

Make your way to Fujiko F Fujio Museum (Doraemon Museum). This museum celebrates the beloved manga character Doraemon, featuring exhibits on his creator Fujiko F Fujio as well as interactive displays.

Wrap up your day at Yanaka, one of Tokyo's most charming neighborhoods. Stroll through its old-fashioned streets lined with traditional shops, cafes, and temples, offering a glimpse into Tokyo's past.

Start your day with a visit to Tokyo Tower. This iconic landmark offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to get your bearings.

Head over to Tokyo Imperial Palace. Explore the beautiful gardens and learn about the history of Japan's imperial family. The palace grounds are a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

End your day at Shibuya. Experience the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Begin your day at Roppongi, known for its contemporary art museums and upscale shopping. Visit Roppongi Hills for panoramic views and modern art installations.

Make your way to Odaiba Seaside Park (Oaidaba Kaihin Koen) for some relaxation by the water. You can enjoy various activities such as beach volleyball or simply take in the views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay.

Conclude your day with a visit to Tokyo Disneyland®. Experience magical parades, thrilling rides, and enchanting shows that make this theme park a favorite among visitors of all ages.

Start your morning with a visit to Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines. Surrounded by lush forest, it's a serene spot for reflection.

Head over to Harajuku, known for its quirky fashion boutiques and trendy cafes. Don't miss Takeshita Street, where you can find unique clothing and accessories.

Spend your evening exploring Ginza, Tokyo's upscale shopping district. Enjoy dinner at one of Ginza's high-end restaurants and take a stroll through its glittering streets.

Kick off your day with a visit to Inokashira Park. This beautiful park is perfect for a morning walk or boat ride on its picturesque pond.

Make your way to Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. This open-air museum showcases historic buildings from different periods of Tokyo's history, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Wrap up your day at Shinjuku Park (Shinjuku Gyoen). This expansive park features beautifully landscaped gardens and is an ideal spot for an evening stroll or picnic.

Start your day with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The surrounding gardens are equally beautiful and offer a peaceful setting for a morning stroll.

Head over to Ryoan-ji Temple & Garden. Known for its famous rock garden, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides a serene atmosphere for contemplation.

End your day at Pontocho Alley. This narrow alleyway along the Kamogawa River is lined with traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants and tea houses. Enjoy dinner at one of the many establishments offering delicious Kyoto cuisine.

Begin your day at Nijo-jo Castle. This historic castle was once the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Explore its beautiful gardens and intricate interiors.

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho). The palace grounds are open to the public and offer a glimpse into Japan's imperial history. The surrounding park is perfect for a leisurely walk.

Spend your evening exploring Gion Corner. This cultural center offers traditional Japanese performances, including tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and dance. It's a great way to experience Kyoto's rich cultural heritage.

Start your morning with a visit to Arashiyama Park. This scenic area is famous for its bamboo groves and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Take a walk through the bamboo forest for an unforgettable experience.

Head over to Tenryu-ji Temple, located in Arashiyama. This Zen temple is another UNESCO World Heritage site and features beautiful gardens designed by Muso Soseki.

Conclude your day at Sagano, known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional charm. Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants offering regional specialties.

Kick off your day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha). Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine offers scenic hiking trails that lead up Mount Inari.

Make your way to Sanjusangen-do Temple, home to 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple's long hall filled with these statues is truly awe-inspiring.

Wrap up your day at Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine). Located in the Gion district, this shrine is beautifully illuminated in the evening and offers a tranquil setting for reflection.

Start your day with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This iconic temple is known for its wooden stage that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding hills. The temple grounds are expansive and include various shrines and pagodas.

Head over to Nishiki Market, also known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen.' This bustling market is filled with stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. It's a great place to sample Kyoto's culinary delights.

End your day at Pontocho Alley. This narrow alleyway along the Kamogawa River is lined with traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants and tea houses. Enjoy dinner at one of the many establishments offering delicious Kyoto cuisine.

Kyoto Kinkaku-ji & Ryoanji Zen Garden 2.5-Hour Guided Tour: Start your morning with a guided tour of two of Kyoto's most famous gardens. The Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is a stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, while the Ryoan-ji Temple is known for its iconic rock garden.

Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 3-Hour Guided Tour: Head to Arashiyama for a guided tour of the famous bamboo grove. Walking through the towering bamboo stalks is a surreal experience, and you'll also have the chance to explore nearby temples and gardens.

Gion Corner: Spend your evening at Gion Corner, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese performances such as tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and dance. It's a great way to immerse yourself in Kyoto's rich cultural heritage.

Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha): Begin your final day with a visit to this famous shrine known for its thousands of red torii gates. The hiking trails leading up Mount Inari offer beautiful views and a serene atmosphere.

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum: Learn about the history and production of sake at this museum located in Fushimi, Kyoto's sake brewing district. You'll have the opportunity to sample different types of sake as well.

Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine): Conclude your trip with an evening visit to Yasaka Shrine in the Gion district. The shrine is beautifully illuminated at night, providing a peaceful setting for reflection before you depart.