Basic itinerary of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in 7 days

skytree7 to 9 days
2015.11.19
Chidorigafuchi near Imperial Palace in Tokyo is one of the best spots to see cherry blossom. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO
Chidorigafuchi near Imperial Palace in Tokyo is one of the best spots to see cherry blossom. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO

I made the sample itinerary of Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo in 7 days a month ago. Now I would like to show you the reverse itinerary that start from Tokyo and end at Osaka in 7 days. There is no deal to cover whole part of trip unfortunately. But you can combine some local deals and single ticket.

In this post, I show you the basic 7 days itinerary and the deals that suit this itinerary. But you can extend the duration as many as you want. I also show you how to change or add days in this itinerary too.

Day 1 – Narita airport or Haneda airport to Tokyo

Ordinary class interior of Narita Express
Ordinary class interior of Narita Express. It takes you to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Yokohama and many more stations.

Tokyo has two airports, Haneda and Narita.

Haneda airport is much closer to downtown Tokyo. You can take Keihin Kyuko railway to Shinagawa or Monorail to Hamamatsucho. Both stations are connected by JR Yamanote line with Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno and many other stations in Tokyo. And also many of Keihin Kyuko railway’s trains go through Toei Subway Asakusa line. You can get Shinbashi, Higashi-Ginza, Asakusa and Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree) directly without changing the trains. You may find more information about the access from Haneda to downtown Tokyo at the following link:

Haneda airport access guide. Haneda Airport to Tokyo discount ticket and deal guide.
Haneda airport is one of major airports in Tokyo. You can get the information about the access and the deal for Haneda arrival and departure in this post.
jprail.com
2010.12.25

Narita airport is one hour away from Tokyo station. There are many ways to from Narita to downtown Tokyo, like Narita Express, Skyliner, Limousine bus and budget access bus. Please find more information about access from Narita at the link below:

Narita airport access guide. Narita airport to Tokyo deal guide
This post explains you how to choose the way to Tokyo and surrounding places from Tokyo. And also you can find the available deal for the route which you take.
jprail.com
2014.06.25

Day 2 – Sightseeing in Tokyo

The view of Tokyo Skytree from near Asakusa. It is new icon of Tokyo. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO
The view of Tokyo Skytree from near Asakusa. It is new icon of Tokyo. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO

Tokyo Metro/Subway deal is most popular. JR Tokunai Pass is also available. Subway covers most of spots in Tokyo but subway lines are so many and very hard to find the fastest route. JR train network is very simple. But you cannot get many places in Tokyo by JR trains, such as Asakusa, Tsukiji. Please see the links below to find more information of these deals.

Tokyo Subway Ticket is most useful deal for sightseeing in downtown Tokyo.
Tokyo Subway Ticket gives you unlimited ride of all subway lines in downtown Tokyo. This post gives you the detailed information of this pass.
jprail.com
2012.01.16
Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokyo Tokunai Pass), good choice for sightseeing in Tokyo.
Tokyo Tokunai Pass is JR deal which covers JR local line in downtown Tokyo. This post shows you how to use this deal.
jprail.com
2014.06.02

How to access to the places surrounding Tokyo

Many popular attractions are located outside downtown Tokyo. For example, Tokyo Disney Resort, Ghibli Museum, Sanrio Puroland and many more places are located outside coverage area of both subway pass and Tokunai pass. There is no deals available to access these areas. The regular fare ticket is okay to access to these places. You may use IC card, such as Suica, Pasmo instead of using a single fare ticket.

What is IC card, Suica, ICOCA, Pasmo? How to use these cards?
IC card is very common ways to take a train and a bus in these days in Japan. There are so many cards available in Japan. This post will explain you the type of IC card, the way of using it and the coverage area.
jprail.com
2018.07.30

And also Yokohama and Kamakura are not in Tokyo and not covered by these Tokyo deals either. Please find the link below to get more information:

Yokohama and Kamakura access guide. Find the right deal and route from your place to stay.
Yokohama and Kamakura are very popular places to visit from Tokyo as day trip. Of course you can visit these places from other places, like Osaka and Kyoto. I will show you how to get these places and choose the deals.
jprail.com
2016.04.03

How to extend to stay in Tokyo

If you stay in Tokyo more, you may simply add subway fare, Tokunai Pass or single fare as you need. But if you want to travel to other places in Kanto area, like Nikko, Fuji, Hakone, there are some deals available. Please find more information at the links below:

Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji access guide and the sample itineraries
This post explains you the access to Lake Kawaguchi / Mt. Fuji rea and various sample itineraries. You can find the best way by the rail pass which you will use in your travel.
jprail.com
2018.02.19
Hakone access guide and the sample itineraries
This post explains you the access to Hakone and various sample itineraries. You can find the best way by the rail pass which you will use in your travel.
jprail.com
2018.01.24
Nikko access guide. Three routes from Tokyo, Shinjuku and Asakusa.
This posts explains you about the access route to Nikko from Tokyo. There are several ways from some places in Tokyo. You can find the best route for you in this post.
jprail.com
2014.07.21

If you travel both Fuji/Hakone and Nikko, Tokyo Wide Pass is a good choice.

Tokyo Wide Pass user guide. Perfect choice for trip to Nikko, Fuji, Gala Yuzawa and Odaiba
Tokyo Wide Pass is valid for 3 days and it covers Tokyo and surrounding area, such as Nikko, Lake Kawaguchi, Izu, Gala Yuzawa. This post shows you how to use this pass.
jprail.com
2015.11.08

Tokyo Wide Pass covers Izu, Yuzawa (Gala Yuzawa), Kusatsu Onsen and many more places too.

Day 3 – Transfer from Tokyo to Kyoto

Shinkansen is the high speed train service in Japan. Shinkansen stops at Maibara, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe, Nishiakashi and Himeji in Kansai area.
Shinkansen is the high speed train service in Japan. It connects Tokyo and Kyoto in 2.5 hours.

There is no deals to cover this segment. Single ticket is your choice. If you take the Shinkansen (bullet train), base fare ticket and Shinkansen surcharge ticket are required. You can purchase these tickets in advance. You can purchase the Shinkansen seat ticket and a base fare ticket at any JR stations that have reservation window, a.k.a. “Midori no Madoguchi”.

You may use Platt Kodama for Tokyo to Kyoto instead. You can add single fare ticket for Kyoto to Osaka and other deal for Osaka to Kansai. This way is better if single fare ticket is too complicated for you. Please see the link below to find the detailed information about Platt Kodama:

Platt Kodama, one way deal among Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka by the Shinkansen
This post explains you about Platt Kodama which is a sort of the Shinkansen deal. It offers one way trip between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka by the Shinkansen Kodama.
jprail.com
2016.11.05

Please find the timetable of the Shinkansen in the link below:

JR Central official site – The Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen timetable

If you leave Tokyo in early morning, you can spend half day for sightseeing in Kyoto. I recommend you to visit southern Kyoto, like Fushimi Inari. It’s just 5 minutes away from Kyoto station by Nara line local train and single fare is only 140 yen one way. If you want, you can visit even Nara:

Nara access guide from Osaka, Kyoto, Kansai airport and Kobe by JR, Kintetsu Railway and Airport bus
Nara is one of popular places in Kansai area. This post explains you how to get Nara from several places in Kansai area.
jprail.com
2012.10.03

If you need some more information about Kyoto station, please refer the link below:

Kyoto station guide. How to transfer between the Shinkansen, Kintetsu Railway, Subway and JR local trains.
Kyoto station may be your first place when you visit Kyoto. Because Kyoto station is the biggest station in Kyoto. The Tokaido Shinkansen, many limited express trains, a local train and subway depart and arrive in this station. This post shows you the details about this station.
jprail.com
2014.08.13

Day 4 – Sightseeing in Kyoto

Fall foliage in Kiyomizu-dera temple. It is one of Must-See spots in Kyoto.
Fall foliage in Kiyomizu-dera temple. It is one of Must-See spots in Kyoto.

When you visit temples and shrines in Kyoto, you have to take city bus and/or subway. Kyoto city sightseeing card or all day bus pass is your choice. You may find more information at the link below:

How to choose the best train and bus pass for sightseeing in Kyoto
There are lots of deals available in Kyoto. This post will show you most of deals in Kyoto and you can find which deals you should choose.
jprail.com
2016.11.13

Day 5 – Transfer from Kyoto to Osaka

The best and the fastest way to get Osaka JR line Special Rapid train.

JR Special Rapid Service, most useful train among Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Himeji.
JR Special Rapid runs between Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Himeji. Some trips runs to Banshu Ako, Kamigori and Tsuruga. This is most convenient and very fast train. This post shows you the information with some images of Special Rapid train.
jprail.com
2011.04.24

If you stay near JR station in both Kyoto and Osaka, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Shin-Osaka, this is the perfect choice. However there are two more ways between Kyoto and Osaka. Those are Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway. Hankyu Railway connects Kawaramachi (Gion area), Shijo-Karasuma, Shijo-Omiya, Arashiyama in Kyoto and Umeda in Osaka. Keihan Railway connects Sanjo, Gion-Shijo, Kiyomizu-Gojo in Kyoto and Kyobashi, Kitahama and Yodoyabashi in Osaka. Please find the train network in Osaka and Kyoto area in the link below:

Kansai train networks guide. How to move between Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama. Make sure JR lines and non JR lines
There are many train running in Kansai region, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and surrounding places. This post shows you the train network in Kansai region. You can find the difference of JR and non JR lines and which train you should take in your trip.
jprail.com
2011.11.20

Squeeze Nara or/and Kobe on the way to Osaka from Kyoto

If you just make a trip from JR Osaka to JR Kyoto, it takes 30 minutes by Special Rapid train. You can spend some more in Kyoto or get Osaka early and enjoy there. But you may visit other places, such as Nara or Kobe. Nara is easier to squeeze because both Kyoto and Osaka are very accessible to Nara.

You may visit Kobe too. But Kobe is located at other side if you move from Kyoto to Osaka. Please find more information about trip to Kobe at the following link:

Guide to take trains in Kobe. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
Kobe is one of popular places in Kansai region. This post explains you about the transportation in Kobe and access to Kobe.
jprail.com
2015.07.10

Day 6 – Sightseeing in Osaka

Dotonbori is located near the biggest downtown core of Osaka, Namba.
Dotonbori is located near the biggest downtown core of Osaka, Namba.

There are several deals available in Osaka. Please find more information in the link below:

How to choose the best train pass for sightseeing in Osaka
There are lots of deals available in Osaka. This post will show you most of deals in Osaka and you can find which deals you should choose.
jprail.com
2016.11.13

If you want to extend to stay in Osaka

You may add other deal or a regular ticket as you need. But you may visit other places, such as Kobe, Nara. In case of this, you may add another Kansai area deal, such as Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass.

How to choose discount railway ticket and pass for the trip in Kansai area
This post shows you the list of the pass which cover Kansai area. If you are looking for the deal in Kansai area, you can get some idea in this post.
jprail.com
2011.11.27

The following link shows you the itinerary of stay in Osaka only. But you may get some idea about choosing deal for trip to inside/outside Osaka.

How to build the itinerary and choose the deals for Osaka stay 5 to 7 days.
If you stay in Osaka only and make some day trips to outside Osaka, this sample itinerary helps you to build your trip plan.
jprail.com
2014.10.23

Day 7 – Osaka to Kansai Airport

Limited Express Haruka at Kansai Airport station
Limited Express Haruka at Kansai Airport station

There are several deals available to get Kansai airport. Please find the information in the link below:

How to choose the deals for access to/from Kansai Airport
If you arrive in Kansai airport, most of you go to Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe or maybe Nara, Wakayama. There are many deals ...
jprail.com
2015.03.23

That is all to explain about this sample itinerary.

In this post, I have explained Tokyo to Osaka in 7 days. If you have a plan to travel the reverse itinerary, Osaka to Tokyo in 7 days, please see the link below:

Basic itinerary of Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo in 7 days
This is the sample itinerary of Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo one way trip. This post shows you how to manage this one way trip.
jprail.com
2015.10.22

I also have many more sample itineraries. Please check the category, Sample Itinerary.

Enjoy your trip!

Comments

  1. Michael says:
    February 13, 2020 at 12:39 am

    Hello Takeshi,
    I am a seasoned traveller following your Tokyo – Osaka 7 day itinerary 24 to 31 March.
    I am confused about what benefit there is in a 7 day JR pass, when every city and airport seems to require another separate pass.
    Can you clarify this?
    Thank you
    Michael

  2. Olga says:
    February 11, 2020 at 10:02 pm

    Hello Takeshi,

    Would you please, tell me, which station I have to go to take a direct shinkansen to Kyoto, from Tokyo ?
    I don´t understand where is the station or stations to take bullet train in Tokyo.
    Tks.
    Olga

  3. Kevin Wiratno says:
    December 1, 2019 at 12:50 am

    Hi Takeshi, first time posting, nice info here,
    I have this Itenary and planning to go at May 2020

    Day 1 Arrive late at KIX
    Day 2 Osaka Sightseeing
    Day 3 Tokushima (Otsuka Museum of Art)
    Day 4 Tottori
    Day 5 Osaka
    Day 6 Kyoto, Nara (1 day trip, still staying at Osaka)
    Day 7 Tokyo (Morning Train, sightseeing)
    Day 8 Tokyo
    Day 9 Depart from Tokyo

    I have a few question
    1. What’s the best way to go to Tokushima from Osaka?
    2. Is it better to stay at Tokushima and continue to Tottori or go back from Tokushima to Osaka, then go to Tottori from Osaka?
    3. Is it possible to sightsee Kyoto and Nara without staying?(1 day trip and go back to Osaka)
    4. Any recommendation for a good Ryokan at Tottori?

    Thanks so much, keep up the good work~

  4. Estee says:
    November 20, 2019 at 2:45 am

    Dear Takeshi,

    I will be travelling alone to Japan in early December and below is my itinerary for the trip:

    Day 1 – Tokyo. Arrive early. Free & easy day. Overnight Tokyo.
    Day 2 – Travel to Mt Fuji (signed up for day tour from Tokyo). Will be travelling to Hakone after the tour ends. Overnight Hakone.
    Day 3 – Hakone (sightseeing). 6pm depart Odawara – Kyoto.
    Day 4 – Kyoto (sightseeing). Overnight Kyoto.
    Day 5 – Kyoto (sightseeing). Overnight Kyoto.
    Day 6 – Kyoto – Osaka. Overnight Osaka.
    Day 7 – Osaka. Overnight Osaka.
    Day 8 – Depart Osaka early morning

    I have a few questions with regards to my trip:
    1) Can I purchase my Free Hakone pass (Odawara) from shinjuku station? And does the free pass include buses from Gotemba – Hakone area?
    2) Is it possible to make a trip to Nara in between Kyoto-Osaka?
    3) What pass should I get (Kansai thru pass/JR west kansai area pass)?
    4) Should I book the Shinkansen tickets in advance (Odawara – Kyoto)?
    5) Any reputable luggage delivery recommendations will be highly appreciated 😉

    Thank you so much.

  5. Sam says:
    July 20, 2019 at 3:34 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    My family of 4 (2 adults and 2 child) will be coming to Tokyo-Osaka this December. Please advise and guide me the transport/ passes should I purchase to cover my trip.

    Day 1 – Arrive late stay nearby Haneda Airport
    Day 2 – Haneda to Tokyo (Disneyland)
    Day 3 – Haneda to Hakone (sightseeing) to Kyoto (night- stay area TBC)
    Day 4 – Kyoto (sightseeing) to Osaka (night- stay nearby Shin-Imamiya for 4 nights)
    Day 5 & 7 – Ōsaka (Kobe, Nara, USJ)
    Day 8 – Depart Osaka

    Is my plan too tight? Should I cancel my Hakone and leave more day at Osaka?

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