Welcome to Tokyo! After settling in, head to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a serene walk amongst nature in the heart of the city.
Start the day with a visit to the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful oasis in the middle of bustling Tokyo. Next, take a train to the outskirts of the city to explore the stunning Mt. Takao.
Take a bullet train towards Kyoto to see the world-famous Japanese Macaques of Jigokudani Monkey Park. Afterwards, drive out to Enkoji Temple and enjoy a peaceful walk around the stunning temple grounds.
Explore the Kyoto Botanical Garden to see a variety of exotic plants and enjoy a leisurely walk. In the afternoon, head to Mount Kurama for a peaceful hike through scenic trails and visit the Kurama-dera Temple with a rich history dating back over 1,200 years.
Start the day with a visit to Nanzen-ji Temple, surrounded by lush greenery. Then, take a walk through the stunning Maruyama Park to see the iconic weeping cherry blossom tree.
Take a bus to Kifune Shrine, a scenic shrine nestled in a forested mountain valley. After, head to Gion district to experience traditional Japanese culture and architecture.
Spend the day exploring Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former palace of Japan's imperial family surrounded by beautiful gardens. Next, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and take a stroll through the lush greenery of the torii gates.
Take a day trip to the Hakone National Park to see stunning views of Mount Fuji and experience hot springs.
Take a bullet train back to Tokyo and end the trip by visiting the Ueno Park and Zoo to see a variety of animals and birds from across the world.
Travelers will mainly use local transportation systems such as trains and buses. Bullet trains are recommended for long distance travels between Tokyo and Kyoto. Passes for trains and buses are available for foreign tourists, making it easier to navigate through the country. Local taxis and rental cars are other options, but can be costlier.
If you have more time, consider visiting other natural attractions such as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Nikko National Park. For those who want to see Mt. Fuji, it is recommended to visit during the summer months for better visibility. For those with less time, it is recommended to shorten the trip by spending fewer days in Kyoto and Hakone National Park.
The main airport in Tokyo is the Narita International Airport (NRT), located 60km from central Tokyo. The main airport in Kyoto is the Kansai International Airport (KIX), located 75km from central Kyoto.