12-Day Honeymoon Itinerary Exploring Tokyo and Osaka

  • Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
    From Narita International Airport - 1 hour (50.2 km)

    Once you arrive in Tokyo, check into your hotel and unwind for the day. Spend some time exploring the local neighborhood and get a feel for the Japanese culture. Stop by a local restaurant and try some authentic Japanese cuisine.

  • Day 2: Tokyo Imperial Palace and Asakusa Shrine
    From hotel in Shibuya - 30 minutes (12 km)

    Start the day at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, a former residence of the emperor, and enjoy a walk around the beautiful gardens. Next, head to Asakusa Shrine, one of Tokyo's oldest and most significant temples. Explore the shops and restaurants in Nakamise-dori, a street lined with traditional vendors and souvenir shops.

  • Day 3: Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Crossing
    From Asakusa Shrine - 40 minutes (16.8 km)

    Visit Tokyo Skytree, one of Tokyo's most popular landmarks. Take a trip up to the observation deck and enjoy stunning views of the city. In the evening, head to Shibuya Crossing, one of the most famous intersections in the world. Experience the hustle and bustle of Tokyo's busiest area.

  • Day 4: Travel to Osaka
    Take a bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station - 2 hours 30 minutes (551 km)

    Travel to Osaka via the bullet train and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring the local neighborhood and relax before a busy day tomorrow.

  • Day 5: Osaka Castle and Dotonbori
    From hotel in Shinsaibashi - 15 minutes (4.8 km)

    Start the day at Osaka Castle, a beautiful and historic landmark in the city. Explore the castle and its surrounding gardens. Next, head to Dotonbori, a popular shopping and food district. Try some of Osaka's famous street food and take a walk along the canal.

  • Day 6: Universal Studios Japan
    From hotel in Shinsaibashi - 20 minutes (8.9 km)

    Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan, an amusement park featuring famous movie-themed attractions. Enjoy the rides, food, and performances throughout the day.

  • Day 7: Kyoto Day Trip
    Take a train from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station - 15 minutes (42 km)

    Take a day trip to Kyoto and explore the city's many temples and shrines. Be sure to visit Kinkaku-ji, a beautiful temple with a golden pavilion, and Fushimi Inari-taisha, a shrine famous for its thousands of torii gates.

  • Day 8: Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple
    Take a train from Shin-Osaka Station to Nara Station - 60 minutes (45 km)

    Visit Nara Park and see the famous shika deer. Walk through the park and visit Todai-ji Temple, housing one of the largest bronze Buddhas in the world. Enjoy the local food and souvenirs at the nearby shops and restaurants.

  • Day 9: Osaka Aquarium and Umeda Sky Building
    From hotel in Shinsaibashi - 25 minutes (10.6 km)

    Spend the day at Osaka Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Explore the many exhibits and see the spectacular whale shark. In the evening, visit Umeda Sky Building and take in the beautiful views from the observation deck.

  • Day 10: Kobe Day Trip
    Take a train from Shin-Osaka Station to Kobe Station - 20 minutes (30 km)

    Take a day trip to Kobe and enjoy the beautiful views of the harbor. Visit the Kobe City Museum and learn about the history of the city. Try the famous Kobe beef at a local restaurant.

  • Day 11: Shinsekai and Tennoji Park
    From hotel in Shinsaibashi - 25 minutes (6.5 km)

    Explore Shinsekai, a popular tourist area known for its iconic Tsutenkaku Tower. Experience the local food and culture in this vibrant neighborhood. Next, visit Tennoji Park, a beautiful park in the heart of the city. Relax and unwind under the cherry blossoms.

  • Day 12: Departure
    From hotel in Shinsaibashi to Kansai International Airport - 60 minutes (49 km)

    After enjoying your 12-day honeymoon in Tokyo and Osaka, it's time to depart. Check out of your hotel and head to Kansai International Airport for your flight home.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Imperial Palace (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Asakusa Shrine (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Tokyo Skytree (2-3 hours, ¥3000)
  • Shibuya Crossing (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Osaka Castle (2-3 hours, ¥600)
  • Dotonbori (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Universal Studios Japan (1 day, ¥7900)
  • Kinkaku-ji (1-2 hours, ¥400)
  • Fushimi Inari-taisha (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Nara Park (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Todai-ji Temple (1-2 hours, ¥500)
  • Osaka Aquarium (2-3 hours, ¥2400)
  • Umeda Sky Building (1-2 hours, ¥1000)
  • Kobe City Museum (2-3 hours, ¥500)
  • Shinsekai (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Tennoji Park (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ¥16,600 ($152)

Transportation

Throughout your trip, you will need to take a combination of trains, subways, and bullet trains to get around. We recommend purchasing a Japan Rail Pass before your trip to save money on transportation costs. The total cost of transportation for your trip will vary depending on the number of destinations you visit, but expect to spend around ¥30,000 ($275) per person.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Hiroshima to visit the famous Peace Memorial Park and Museum. If you have less time, we recommend prioritizing the attractions you most want to see and adjusting the itinerary accordingly. Remember to book tickets in advance for any popular attractions to avoid long lines.

Airports

There are two main airports in the Tokyo area: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda International Airport (HND). Narita International Airport is located approximately 60 km from the city center and is the main hub for international flights. Haneda International Airport is located closer to the city center and primarily services domestic flights.

The main airport in the Osaka area is Kansai International Airport (KIX), located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. It is approximately 50 km from the city center and is a major hub for international flights.

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