Japan’s classic triangle—Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—traces centuries of history in a single arc. Tokyo rose from Edo-period roots to become a megacity of neon and nuance, where Shinto shrines tuck into side streets and ramen counters hum till dawn. Kyoto preserves imperial elegance, its 17 UNESCO sites framed by moss gardens and vermilion gates, while Osaka turns dining into a contact sport—louder, funnier, and utterly delicious.

Expect contrasts: robot cafés beside serene Meiji Shrine; the lantern-lit alleys of Gion where you might glimpse a maiko; and Osaka’s Dotonbori, where giant mechanical crabs wave you toward your next plate of takoyaki. The Shinkansen ties it all together in hours, so you can savor mornings in bamboo groves and nights under street signs as bright as constellations.

Practical notes: Trains run like clockwork; tap-and-go IC cards (Suica/ICOCA) simplify urban transport. Spring and fall bring ideal weather; summer is hot and festival-filled; winter is crisp with clear Fuji views. Cash is still handy for markets and small eateries. Slurp your noodles; it’s good manners here—and often impossible not to.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a city of superlatives and secrets: skyscrapers, sumo stables, kaiseki temples, and corner kissaten pouring perfect hand-drip coffee. From Asakusa’s Senso-ji to the stately Meiji Shrine, it balances modern design with timeless ritual.

• Top sights: Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills), Tokyo Skytree, Imperial Palace gardens.
• What to eat: Edomae sushi, tempura, yakitori, wagyu, ramen (try yuzu-shio at Afuri) and taiyaki pastries.
• Local coffee: Onibus Coffee (Nakameguro), Blue Bottle (Aoyama), Turret Coffee (Tsukiji) for potent “port” shots.

Featured tour: Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show & Experience—learn rituals, watch bouts, and snap photos with wrestlers.

Book: Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show & Experience with Photo

Where to stay (Hotels.com & VRBO picks):

• The Peninsula Tokyo – Imperial Palace views, refined service.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo – Skyscraper eyrie in Roppongi with stellar city panoramas.
• Aman Tokyo – Minimalist serenity and a destination spa.
• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Godzilla-head terrace and a prime nightlife base.
• Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku – Value near Shinjuku Station.
• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo – Family-friendly rooms and easy transport links.
• Browse Tokyo vacation rentals on VRBO or see more Tokyo hotels.

Getting there & around: Fly into HND/NRT via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. In-city, use JR/Metro with an IC card; taxis are plentiful. Narita Express or airport buses run 60–90 minutes; private transfer is available below.

Kyoto

Kyoto is Japan’s memory palace—1,000+ temples, tea houses, and artisan workshops. Lanterns flicker along Gion’s alleys, and mornings in Arashiyama begin with bamboo whisper and temple bells.

• Top sights: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nijo Castle, Philosopher’s Path.
• What to eat: Shojin-ryori (temple vegan cuisine), yudofu (tofu hot pot), obanzai (Kyoto home cooking), matcha sweets.
• Local coffee: % Arabica (Higashiyama), Inoda Coffee Main Shop (retro breakfast time capsule).

Featured tour: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour—decode geiko/maiko culture and the stories behind lantern-lit lanes.

Book: Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour

Where to stay (Hotels.com & VRBO picks):

• The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto – Riverfront ryokan-inspired luxury with a sublime spa.
• Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – Calm, contemporary, great value.
• Kyoto Brighton Hotel – Spacious rooms near imperial sights.
• Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya – Well-located and wallet-friendly.
• Piece Hostel Sanjo – Design-forward hostel with social vibe.
• Hotel M's Est Shijo Karasuma – Clean, compact, central.
• Browse Kyoto vacation rentals on VRBO or see more Kyoto hotels.

Getting there: From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto (Nozomi ~2h15, ~¥14,500 reserved). Book via Trip.com Trains.

Osaka

Osaka is the nation’s “kuidaore” capital—where you eat till you drop and then eat some more. It’s bold, friendly, and endlessly snackable, with neon-lit canals and the moated silhouette of Osaka Castle anchoring its story.

• Top sights: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Shinsekai, Umeda Sky Building, Kuromon Market, Sumiyoshi Taisha.
• What to eat: Okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu, udon served in gleaming bowls the size of helmets.
• Cafés & bars: LiLo Coffee Roasters (Americamura), Takamura Wine & Coffee, skyline sips at Umeda Sky Building.

Featured tour: Deep-dive into 13 dishes at 5 local eateries with a beloved Osaka food tour.

Book: Osaka Food Tour (13 Dishes at 5 Local Eateries)

Where to stay (Hotels.com & VRBO picks):

• The St. Regis Osaka – Butler service on Midosuji Boulevard.
• Swissotel Nankai Osaka – On top of Namba Station, unbeatable for transport.
• Hotel Sunroute Osaka Namba – Steps from Dotonbori.
• Hotel Universal Port – Best for USJ-bound families.
• Universal Bay Condominium – Apartment-style comfort.
• Hotel Taiyo – Budget base in Shin-Imamiya.
• Browse Osaka vacation rentals on VRBO or see more Osaka hotels.

Getting there: Kyoto–Osaka is a breeze: 15 min by Shinkansen (~¥1,500) or ~30 min by JR Special Rapid (~¥570). Book via Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo (Asakusa roots and a sky-high welcome)

Afternoon: Land in Tokyo (HND or NRT). For easy arrival, consider a private transfer—ideal with luggage or kids: Narita Airport Private Transfer. Check in, then stroll Asakusa’s Nakamise-dori to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Snack on ningyo-yaki (sweet cakes) from stall bakers and sip matcha near the five-story pagoda.

Evening: Welcome dinner at Daikokuya Tempura (light, sesame-fragrant batter) or Sometaro (DIY okonomiyaki in a 1930s wooden house). Cap the night with city views at Tokyo Skytree or Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center’s free terrace. Sleep early to sync with local time.

Day 2: Classic Tokyo—Tsukiji to Ginza to Shibuya

Morning: Breakfast crawl at Tsukiji Outer Market—grilled scallops, tamagoyaki on sticks, and a counter-sushi set at Sushi Zanmai. Coffee at Turret Coffee (espresso with character). Walk to Hamarikyu Gardens for seawater ponds and a teahouse pause.

Afternoon: Explore Ginza’s polished boutiques and the stationery wonderland of Itoya (craft your own notebook). Wander the Imperial Palace East Garden’s moats and stone ramparts. If you want a guided overview, consider a bespoke city day with a licensed guide:

Book: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide

Evening: Shibuya Crossing at twilight—the “scramble” has amazed since the 1930s. Dinner in Shibuya: Afuri (yuzu-shio ramen, citrus-bright) or Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (stand-up sushi—fast, fresh). Finish with craft brews at Goodbeer Faucets or a dessert parfait at Shiseido Parlour (Ginza, short hop away).

Day 3: Meiji, Harajuku, Omotesando, and playful Tokyo nights

Morning: Enter Meiji Shrine through towering torii and cedar-scented paths. Browse Harajuku’s Takeshita-dori (crepes; vintage shops) and Omotesando’s modernist architecture. Coffee at Blue Bottle Aoyama or KOFFEE MAMEYA Kakeru for a guided tasting.

Afternoon: Art immersion at teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) for interactive lightscapes. Shop in Daikanyama or Nakameguro (T-Site, indie boutiques). Late snack: yakitori skewers at Toriyoshi or a wagyu katsu sando at Gyukatsu Motomura (go early for shorter waits).

Evening: Add adrenaline with a street go-kart ride through Shibuya’s neon (international permit required for some options). It’s as Tokyo as it gets:

Book: Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya

Prefer food over speed? Dive into a local-led tasting gauntlet in Shinjuku:

Book: Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes)

Day 4: Mt. Fuji & Hakone day trip

Escape to Fuji’s foothills—lake reflections, shrine vistas, and a Hakone cruise/ropeway combo if weather cooperates. This full-day favorite climbs to Fuji’s 5th Station (conditions permitting) and returns by bullet train for speed and comfort.

Book: Mt Fuji & Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour (Return by Shinkansen)

Alternative: a private, customizable Fuji itinerary with an English-speaking driver for photo stops and flexibility:

Book: Mt Fuji Private Day Trip

Day 5: Tokyo → Kyoto by Shinkansen, Gion at dusk

Morning: Depart on the Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi to Kyoto (~2h15; ~¥14,500 reserved). Book seats via Trip.com Trains. Drop bags, then lunch on Kyoto-style obanzai at Mumokuteki Café or crisp tonkatsu at Katsukura (Sanjo).

Afternoon: Walk the slopes to Kiyomizu-dera for stage views over the old town. Meander Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka’s preserved streets—ceramic shops, fan ateliers, and sesame ice cream.

Evening: Gion comes alive at dusk. Join a guided walk to understand geiko/maiko etiquette and the district’s hidden shrines:

Book: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour. Dinner nearby in Pontocho alley: yakitori at Torito or seasonal kaiseki at Gion Yuki (advance reservations recommended).

Day 6: Arashiyama—bamboo, temples, and river views

Morning: Early start in Arashiyama to beat the crowds. Drift through the Bamboo Grove, then visit Tenryu-ji’s gardens (Zen stillness, borrowed scenery). Coffee and a sweet break at Arabica by the river.

Afternoon: Join a guided Arashiyama walk to layer in history and local secrets—Okochi Sanso villa, Togetsukyo Bridge, and maybe the monkey park if you’re up for the climb.

Book: Arashiyama Walking Tour

Evening: Dinner ideas: Omen (hand-cut udon with garden-fresh toppings near Ginkaku-ji), Yudofu Sagano (temple-style tofu), or Musashi Sushi (conveyor-belt fun, central). Night stroll along the Kamo River.

Day 7: Fushimi Inari, craft lanes, and a tea ceremony

Morning: Sunrise at Fushimi Inari Taisha—thousands of vermilion gates glowing in the early light. Coffee and Kyoto toast at Inoda Coffee Main Shop on your return to the center.

Afternoon: Explore Nishiki Market: soy donuts, pickled vegetables, skewered seafood. Then settle into a refined, scenic tea ceremony near Kiyomizu—learn whisking technique and the meaning behind each gesture.

Book: Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony

Evening: Pontocho dining round two: modern izakaya plates at Kichisen Annex-style spots or tofu-focused sets along the alley. Nightcap at a petite whisky bar; ask the bartender for a seasonal highball.

Day 8: Kyoto → Osaka, castle to canals, and an epic food crawl

Morning: Short hop to Osaka (15–30 min; ¥570–¥1,500). Drop bags in Namba or Umeda. Head to Osaka Castle—museum exhibits, panoramic views, and plum or cherry groves depending on season.

Afternoon: Espresso at LiLo Coffee Roasters (Americamura), then Kuromon Ichiba Market for uni spoons, grilled eel skewers, and fresh fruit mochi. If you’ve got theme-park fans, swap in Universal Studios Japan (Express Pass strongly advised):

Book: Universal Studios Japan Pass + Express

Evening: Dotonbori lights and legendary bites—okonomiyaki at Mizuno, takoyaki at Aizuya or Kukuru, and kushikatsu at Daruma (dip once only!). Prefer a guided feast? This award-winning street-food tour nails it:

Book: Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour (15 Tastings)

Day 9: Osaka mornings and onward departure

Morning: Peaceful start at Sumiyoshi Taisha or a photo-friendly ramble through retro Shinsekai. Brunch-sized bowls at Tsurutontan Udon (thick noodles, elegant dashi) or a last coffee at Takamura Wine & Coffee Roasters.

Afternoon: Depart from KIX or ITM. The Nankai Rapi:t train whisks you from Namba to KIX in ~38 min; Limousine Buses serve both airports from major hubs. For flights, compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you’re continuing by rail, book with Trip.com Trains.

Practical Travel Between Cities

• Tokyo → Kyoto: Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi ~2h15, ~¥14,500 reserved. Morning trains depart every few minutes; aim for 8–9am to maximize your day.
• Kyoto → Osaka: JR Special Rapid ~30 min (~¥570) or Shinkansen ~15 min (~¥1,500). Depart around 9–10am to arrive by lunchtime.
• Booking: Reserve seats and compare times via Trip.com Trains.

Tokyo Bonus Experiences (If You Have Extra Time)

• Sushi-making in Asakusa for a hands-on lunch and knife skills primer:

  

  Book: Sushi Making Tokyo Class
• Sumo culture in historic Asakusa (hot pot included):

  

  Book: Sumo Show & Chanko Hot Pot

Osaka/Kyoto Day-Trip Idea

• Nara’s giant Buddha and friendly deer, best in the early hours to beat crowds:

  

  Book: Nara Early Morning Tour

Family tip: If you’re doing Tokyo Disney, stay near the resort at Hilton Tokyo Bay for easy access and kid-friendly rooms.

Booking checklist (affiliates): Flights: Trip.com or Kiwi.com • Trains: Trip.com Trains • Hotels: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka • Rentals: Tokyo VRBO, Kyoto VRBO, Osaka VRBO.

Where to stay quick-picks by city: Tokyo—The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo (splurge); Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (mid); Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (value). Kyoto—The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto (splurge); Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (mid); Piece Hostel Sanjo (value). Osaka—St. Regis Osaka (splurge); Swissotel Nankai (mid, best-located); Sunroute Osaka Namba (value).

Final tips: Carry a small trash bag (bins are rare). Many restaurants are cash-friendly; coin purses are unexpectedly useful. Convenience stores (konbini) sell excellent sandwiches, onigiri, and surprisingly good coffee for early starts.

Wrap-up: In nine days you’ll taste Japan’s spectrum—from the hush of temple moss to the clang of takoyaki grills, from bullet-train grace to lantern-lit alleys. Return home with a camera full of Fuji and bamboo, and a palate newly calibrated to dashi, citrus, and umami.