The classic week

First-timers who want the big three. Best late March–early April or mid-October–November.

1. From Haneda about 30 min, from Narita about 1 hour
2. Days 1–3Tokyo

   Senso-ji early, Ueno’s National Museum, Meiji Jingu, teamLab Planets, an evening in Omoide Yokocho.

   One huge city made of many small neighborhoods.

3. Shinkansen from Tokyo, about 2h10
4. Days 4–6Kyoto

   Fushimi Inari early in the morning, Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, Gion at dusk — plus a half day with Nara’s deer and Todai-ji.

   Japan's old capital of temples and gardens.

5. Short train ride from Kyoto
6. Day 7Osaka

   Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori at night. Fly home from Kansai.

   Japan's kitchen: loud, friendly and always eating.

Travel times are approximate (official rail and tourism pages, checked October 2026). Prices are set when booking opens in November 2026.