Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto First? A Guide to Planning Your First Trip to Japan - JPN Guide (2024)

Japan is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage, modern cities, and stunning natural landscapes. Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to decide which cities to visit and in what order. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of visiting Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto first, and help you plan your dream trip to Japan.

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Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto: Which Should You Visit First?

Choosing which city to visit first in Japan can be a difficult decision, as each city offers its own unique attractions and experiences. Here are some things to consider:

Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities. It’s a great destination for travelers interested in modern Japanese culture and technology, with many futuristic attractions and a lively entertainment scene.

Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and is known for its vibrant food and entertainment scenes. It’s a great destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the modern Japanese culture, with many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs offering delicious local cuisine and lively entertainment.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a city steeped in history and tradition, known for its stunning temples and shrines, traditional gardens, and historical landmarks. It’s a great destination for travelers interested in Japanese culture and history, with many opportunities to experience traditional Japanese customs and practices.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Tokyo First

Pros

• Tokyo is a great place to start your trip if you’re interested in modern Japanese culture and technology.
• The city offers a wide range of attractions, from futuristic architecture to world-class museums and galleries.
• Tokyo has excellent transportation links, making it easy to get around the city and explore its many neighborhoods.

Cons

• Tokyo can be quite overwhelming for some travelers, with its bustling crowds and neon-lit streets.
• Tokyo can be expensive, especially when it comes to accommodations and dining.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Osaka First

Pros

• Osaka is a great place to start your trip if you’re looking to dive into Japan’s modern culture.
• The city offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options, making it a fun and lively destination.
• Osaka is easily accessible from Kansai International Airport, making it a convenient starting point for your trip.

Cons

• If you’re interested in traditional Japanese culture and history, you may be disappointed by Osaka’s lack of historical landmarks and traditional sites.
• Osaka can be quite crowded and busy, which can be overwhelming for some travelers.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Kyoto First

Pros

• Kyoto is a great destination for travelers interested in Japanese culture and history.
• The city is home to many stunning temples and shrines, traditional gardens, and historical landmarks.
• Kyoto is less crowded than Tokyo and Osaka, making it a more peaceful and relaxing destination.

Cons

• If you’re not interested in traditional Japanese culture and history, you may find Kyoto to be less engaging than Tokyo or Osaka.
• Kyoto can be more expensive than Tokyo or Osaka, especially when it comes to accommodations and dining.

How to go Japan from USA?

Tokyo

Direct Flight

To travel from the US to Tokyo, Japan, you can take a direct or connecting flight. Direct flights to Tokyo are available from several major cities in the US, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. The flight time from the US to Tokyo can take anywhere from 10 to 16 hours, depending on the departure city and flight route.

Shinkansen

For travelers who want to visit Tokyo from the US, taking a direct flight is the most convenient and quickest option. For those who took a direct flight to Osaka and want to continue their journey to Tokyo, it is recommended to purchase a Japan Rail (JR) Pass to save money on transportation costs while traveling on the Shinkansen or JR trains. The JR Pass offers unlimited travel, making it a cost-effective option for exploring Japan.

Osaka

Direct Flight

To travel from the US to Osaka, Japan, you can take a direct or connecting flight. Direct flights to Osaka are available from several major cities in the US, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. The flight time from the US to Osaka can take anywhere from 12 to 17 hours, depending on the departure city and flight route.

Shinkansen

When traveling from the US to Japan, you can fly into Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda Airport and then transfer to the Shinkansen for the journey to Osaka. The Shinkansen takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel between Tokyo and Osaka, with trains departing frequently throughout the day. This provides a convenient and efficient way to travel between the two cities, while also giving you the opportunity to see more of Japan.

For travelers taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, it is recommended to purchase a Japan Rail (JR) Pass online in advance to save money on transportation costs. The JR Pass offers unlimited travel on the Shinkansen and other JR trains, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for exploring Japan.

Kyoto

Direct Flight

To travel from the US to Kyoto, Japan, you can take a direct or connecting flight. Direct flights to Kyoto are available from several major cities in the US, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, but they may be limited. The flight time from the US to Kyoto can take anywhere from 11 to 16 hours, depending on the departure city and flight route.

Shinkansen

Alternatively, you can fly into Tokyo and then transfer to Kyoto by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train). The Shinkansen is a fast, efficient, and convenient mode of transportation that connects major cities in Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto. The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with trains departing frequently throughout the day.

To save on transportation costs while exploring Japan, it is recommended to purchase a Japan Rail (JR) Pass online prior to your trip. The JR Pass offers unlimited travel on the high-speed Shinkansen trains and other JR trains, making it an economical and convenient option for your travels.

Bottom Line

Deciding which city to visit first in Japan is a personal decision that depends on your interests and travel goals.

If you’re interested in modern Japanese culture and technology, Tokyo is a great place to start your trip.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the modern Japanese culture, Osaka may be the better choice.

If you’re interested in traditional Japanese culture and history, Kyoto is a must-visit destination.

Regardless of which city you choose to visit first, Japan is sure to offer you an unforgettable experience.