How many days do you need in tokyo, kyoto?

This itinerary covers 11 days in tokyo, kyoto, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for tokyo, kyoto?

Plan your perfect 11 days trip to tokyo, kyoto. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

11-Day Family-Friendly Adventure through Tokyo and Kyoto

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrive in Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo, where a world of adventure awaits your family!

CURRENCY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and sashimi at one of the many stalls to kick off your culinary journey.

CURRENCY3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Tokyo Tower

Visit this iconic landmark for panoramic views of the city.

CURRENCY1200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Roppongi Hills

Walk around this upscale district featuring shops, cafes, and art galleries.

CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi

Experience traditional izakaya dining in a lively atmosphere.

CURRENCY5000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a Japanese-Western fusion breakfast at your hotel.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple and explore the nearby Nakamise shopping street.

CURRENCY0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Sumida River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat ride with views of Tokyo's skyline.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Asakusa Kitchen

Try out some delicious tempura in a casual setting.

CURRENCY3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ueno Park & Museums

Explore this expansive park home to museums, a zoo, and gardens.

CURRENCY0, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Unatoto

End your day with a comforting meal of grilled eel over rice.

CURRENCY4000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Coffee Shop

Indulge in a Japanese-style breakfast sandwich and coffee.

CURRENCY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Akihabara Electric Town

Dive into Japan’s pop culture at anime shops and electronics stores.

CURRENCY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Maid Café

Experience a unique café where the waitresses serve in cute costumes.

CURRENCY3500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

TeamLab Borderless

Marvel at the interactive digital art exhibition that will mesmerize both kids and adults.

CURRENCY3200, 2 hours

3:30PM

Odaiba Seaside Park

Stroll along this waterfront park and enjoy the beach and view of Rainbow Bridge.

CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Finish with a family meal in this shopping district featuring a giant Gundam statue.

CURRENCY4500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Kyoto.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Experience Japan's famous bullet train while heading to the cultural capital.

CURRENCY13000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Savor local street food including yuba and matcha sweets in this lively market.

CURRENCY3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore this stunning Zen temple surrounded by beautiful gardens.

CURRENCY400, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the ethereal bamboo forest for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy traditional soba noodles with a picturesque river view.

CURRENCY6000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a traditional Japanese breakfast of grilled fish and rice.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famed shrine with thousands of vermillion torii gates.

CURRENCY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stroll through Gion District

Walk through the traditional streets and try to spot a Geisha.

CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gion Karyo

Savor a kaiseki lunch in this beautiful, traditional setting.

CURRENCY8000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this historic temple with stunning views of the city.

CURRENCY400, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Try the unique burnt ramen for something different!

CURRENCY4500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Nature and Relaxation

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy another memorable breakfast at your hotel before a day of relaxation.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Day Trip to Lake Biwa

Take a trip to the serene Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake.

CURRENCY2000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Lakeside Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seasonal lake fish dishes.

CURRENCY4000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Biking around Lake Biwa

Rent bikes and explore the scenic trails along the shore.

CURRENCY3000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto enjoying the scenic views.

CURRENCY2000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nakakata

Savor an unforgettable meal of seasonal kaiseki cuisine specializing in local ingredients.

CURRENCY6500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for your return to Tokyo with a fulfilling breakfast.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shinkansen back to Tokyo

Travel with ease on the Shinkansen back to the vibrant capital city.

CURRENCY13000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsukemen Tetsu

Taste the unique dipping noodles specialty of Tokyo.

CURRENCY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the bustling vibe of one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Hachiko Statue

Snap a family photo at this iconic tribute to loyalty and friendship.

CURRENCY0, 30 mins

4:30PM

Dinner at Ikebukuro Sunshine City

Dine in this popular shopping and entertainment hub with a variety of restaurants.

CURRENCY4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 8: Tokyo Leisure Day

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for the day.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Imperial Palace Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding Japan’s Imperial Palace.

CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Marunouchi Urbo

Choose from a selection of eateries offering varied cuisine.

CURRENCY3500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Miraikan Museum

Explore Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation—a hit with kids and adults alike.

CURRENCY600, 2 hours

3:00PM

TeamLab Planets

Immerse yourself in this incredible digital art exhibit that's all about interaction.

CURRENCY3200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tokyo Skytree Town

Wrap up your day with a spectacular view of the city while dining at the tallest structure in Japan.

CURRENCY7000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 9: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for an adventurous day with breakfast.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Nikko National Park

Enjoy the scenic beauty of temples and waterfalls.

CURRENCY5000, 8 hours including travel

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Indulge in Yuba (tofu skin) dishes that Nikko is known for.

CURRENCY3000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Toshogu Shrine

Marvel at the ornate details and rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

CURRENCY1300, 2 hours

3:30PM

See Kegon Falls

Don't miss the breathtaking waterfall views, especially from the observation elevator.

CURRENCY500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Tokyo

End your day with a scenic ride back to Tokyo.

CURRENCY1600, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 10: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Nara Park

Visit this expansive park where friendly deer roam freely.

CURRENCY2000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Maguro Katsu

Enjoy fresh tuna dishes in a family-friendly eatery.

CURRENCY3500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha statue housed in this historic temple.

CURRENCY600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Explore the sacred shrine adorned with thousands of lanterns.

CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto and relax for the evening.

CURRENCY2000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Nara

Day 11: Departure

Tokyo, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Japan.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Pick up souvenirs from the nearby shops.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Airport

Make your way to the terminal for your departure flight.

CURRENCY4000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Step 1 Outline Preview:

11-Day Family-Friendly Adventure through Tokyo and Kyoto

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

Day 3: Modern Tokyo

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:30PM

5:00PM

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 6: Nature and Relaxation

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Return to Tokyo

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

3:30PM

4:30PM

Day 8: Tokyo Leisure Day

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 9: Day Trip to Nikko

7:00AM

8:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 10: Nara Day Trip

7:30AM

8:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 11: Departure

7:00AM

8:00AM

10:00AM

More About tokyo, kyoto

Plan Your tokyo, kyoto Trip