6-Day Itinerary for Tokyo and Osaka

  • Day 1: Tokyo Skytree
    30 minutes (8.5 km) from Narita International Airport

    The Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo. It is the tallest structure in Japan and the second-tallest in the world. Visitors can take in the panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation decks at 350 and 450 meters above ground level.

  • Day 2: Tokyo DisneySea
    30 minutes (11.8 km) from Tokyo Skytree

    Tokyo DisneySea is a theme park located in Urayasu, Chiba. It is exclusive to Japan and has seven themed ports, each with its attractions, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides, parades, and meet their favorite Disney characters.

  • Day 3: Meiji Shrine
    30 minutes (9.6 km) from Tokyo DisneySea

    The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, the shrine is surrounded by a forest and has a serene atmosphere. Visitors can walk through the forested paths and witness traditional Japanese architecture.

  • Day 4: Universal Studios Japan
    3 hours (475 km) from Meiji Shrine

    Universal Studios Japan is a theme park located in Konohana-ku, Osaka. The park has attractions based on popular movies, TV shows, and anime. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides such as roller coasters, parades, and live shows.

  • Day 5: Osaka Castle
    30 minutes (10 km) from Universal Studios Japan

    Osaka Castle is a Japanese castle located in Chuo-ku, Osaka. It was built in 1583 and has been visited by millions of people each year. Visitors can take a tour of the castle, view historical artifacts and exhibitions, and enjoy the beautiful gardens.

  • Day 6: Dotonbori
    20 minutes (7.5 km) from Osaka Castle

    Dotonbori is a lively and colorful entertainment district located in Namba, Osaka. It is known for its street food, shopping, and nightlife. Visitors can try popular local dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and take pictures with the famous Glico Man billboard.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tokyo Skytree (2 hours, JPY 3,000)
  • Tokyo DisneySea (1 day, JPY 8,200)
  • Meiji Shrine (1 hour, free admission)
  • Universal Studios Japan (1 day, JPY 8,900)
  • Osaka Castle (2 hours, JPY 600)
  • Dotonbori (3 hours, cost varies)
  • Total Estimated Costs: JPY 21,600

Transportation

Travelers can use public transportation such as trains, subways, and buses to get around Tokyo and Osaka. The Japan Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains and is available for purchase outside of Japan. Taxis and rental cars are also available but may be relatively expensive. The estimated cost of transportation for this itinerary is JPY 10,000.

Useful Tips

If travelers have more time, they can add a day trip to Kyoto to visit historic temples and shrines. If they have less time, they can skip Universal Studios Japan and spend more time exploring Tokyo and Osaka. It is recommended to purchase tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long lines.

Airports

There are two major airports in the Tokyo area: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Narita is further from Tokyo but offers more international flights, while Haneda is closer and has more domestic routes. Osaka has one major airport: Kansai International Airport (KIX). It is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, approximately 50 km south of Osaka City.

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