6-Day Tokyo, Kyoto Itinerary
6-Day Tokyo & Kyoto Itinerary
6 daysIn DecemberFriendsBudget
Planned for you and your friends in December: six days at a packed pace, built around food, nightlife and culture on a budget.
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
Planned by this traveller
This plan adds up to
$439
Likely $360 to $515
- Stay $234
- Food $127
- Doing things $47
- Getting around $32
The plan’s own total. It was made before we recorded who it’s for, so it may be for one person or for all 4 of you: we haven’t multiplied it. Flights not included (a trip through several cities).
Day by day
Written by Claude from what you told us. Places, times and prices are suggestions, not bookings: confirm hours and book ahead where a stop says so. Check visas and entry rules yourself (terms).
Tokyo
Day 1 in Tokyo
Shinjuku Sensory Overload
Usually 8°C, dry and clear, layers essential
order: Curry bread, Melon pan
No reservation needed, open from 8 AM
Begin among towering torii gates and forested calm before Tokyo's chaos kicks in.
Insider tip: Arrive before 9:30 AM to catch the morning ritual drum ceremony that most tourists miss completely.
Free entry
Graze on crepes, cotton candy and mochi while soaking up Harajuku's wild December street fashion.
Insider tip: Skip the main crepe chains — the tiny unmarked stall at the alley halfway down has matcha-anko crepes at half the price.
Street snacks
order: Tonkotsu ramen, Firm noodle add-on
No reservation, ticket machine at entry
Ride to the 45th-floor free observatory for a sweeping December view of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Insider tip: The north tower observatory is less crowded than the south tower and offers a better Fuji angle in winter.
Free entry
Squeeze into a smoky yakitori stall in this WWII-era alley and bond over charcoal-grilled skewers.
Insider tip: Stalls open around 3 PM — arriving before 5 PM means you get a seat before the after-work salaryman rush.
Skewers + beer
Bar-hop through Kabukicho's neon labyrinth — Golden Gai's tiny 6-seat bars are perfect for groups splitting costs.
Insider tip: In Golden Gai, bars with a listed cover charge in the window are friendlier to foreign groups than unmarked ones.
Bar hopping budget
order: Tsukune meatball, Negima chicken-leek
Walk-in, arrive before 7 PM
December twilight turns this park into a serene contrast to Kabukicho's chaos — free to view from the fence after closing.
Social party hostel with futon dorms, great group vibe, and direct metro access to Shinjuku.
Day 2 → Tsukiji market breakfast + Akihabara + Shibuya crossing night→
Day 2 in Tokyo
Flavors, Shrines & Neon Crossings
Usually 7°C, mostly sunny, wind picks up PM
order: Tamagoyaki roll, Grilled scallop
No reservation, cash only, arrive early
Graze through tamagoyaki stalls, fresh uni, and grilled scallops at this legendary fish market's outer section.
Insider tip: Tamagoyaki-ya Marutake opens at 6:30 AM and sells sweet egg rolls to early birds before the tourist wave hits at 9 AM.
Market bites
Dive into multi-floor arcades and retro game shops — budget travellers thrive on free arcade demos and 100-yen game machines.
Insider tip: Super Potato on the 5th floor of its building has working Famicom and PC-98 units you can demo for free — show up weekday AM.
Free to browse
order: Zaru soba, Kakiage tempura
Walk-in only, closed Thursdays
Walk Ueno Park's leafless December trees then plunge into Ameyoko's chaotic street market for cheap snacks and bargain goods.
Insider tip: Dried fruit and nut vendors at Ameyoko haggle on bulk purchases — buy with your group and split 300g bags for half price.
Free entry
Tokyo's oldest temple glows beautifully under December winter light — Nakamise stalls sell snacks and gifts at fair prices.
Insider tip: Fortune draws (omikuji) cost only 100 yen — if you get a bad fortune, tie it to the rack and the temple absorbs it.
Free entry
Watch the world's busiest pedestrian scramble from above at Mag's Park then bounce between Nonbei Yokocho's cozy izakayas.
Insider tip: Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkard's Alley) runs parallel to Center-gai — far cheaper and more local than the main strip bars.
Drinks budget
order: Mochi kushikatsu, Beef skewer
Walk-in friendly before 7 PM
Japan's oldest amusement park runs December illuminations visible from the street for free after your temple visit.
Day 3 → Hamarikyu garden + Ginza free culture + Roppongi nightlife farewell→
Day 3 in Tokyo
Farewell to the Neon Capital
Usually 6°C, chance of morning frost, warm socks essential
order: Salmon roe onigiri, Kombu onigiri
Open from 7 AM, cash only, no reservation
A feudal shogun garden surrounded by modern skyscrapers — stroll tidal ponds and sip tea in the traditional teahouse.
Insider tip: The 300-yen matcha and wagashi set inside the garden's teahouse is one of Tokyo's greatest budget-luxury experiences.
Entry fee
Cook your own Tokyo-style runny monjayaki pancakes on tabletop griddles — a deeply local December comfort food ritual.
Insider tip: Order the spicy mentaiko monja and ask the staff to cook the first one — locals always let the shop do round one.
Full monja meal
order: Mentaiko monjayaki, Mochi-cheese monja
Walk-in, weekday lunch rarely waits
Ginza's numerous small art galleries — Shiseido Gallery, Pola Museum Annex — offer free world-class exhibitions in December.
Insider tip: Pola Museum Annex on the 3rd floor of Pola Ginza building always has a free contemporary show with no ticket required.
Many galleries free
Tokyo's premier contemporary art space runs strong December exhibitions — the city-view from level 52 is free with the ticket.
Insider tip: Entry to Mori Art Museum also grants access to Tokyo City View observation deck — far better value than standalone tickets.
Mori entry fee
Go out on a high at Roppongi's international bar scene — Bar Agave and The Aldgate offer strong pours at group-friendly prices.
Insider tip: Bar Agave on Roppongi-dori serves a mezcal happy hour until 9 PM with free snacks — get there early as a group to claim the long table.
Group drinks budget
order: Gyukatsu set, Barley rice upgrade
Expect 15-min queue after 6 PM
Every December Keyakizaka street runs one of Tokyo's best free Christmas light tunnels — walk it before or after dinner.
Day 4 → Shinkansen to Kyoto — buy tickets at Tokyo Station or pre-book online→
Kyoto
Day 4 in Kyoto
Arrival & Nishiki Nights
Usually 8°C, crisp and clear, layer up
order: Morning toast set, Drip coffee
No reservation needed; opens 11:30 AM — grab food at Nishiki on arrival instead if earlier
Board the Nozomi Shinkansen at Tokyo Station for a smooth 2h15m ride straight into Kyoto Station.
Insider tip: Sit on the right side (D/E seats) heading west for a clear view of Mount Fuji about 40 minutes after departure.
Book tickets~¥13,000 Nozomi, ~€80 but covered by JR Pass if held; budget estimate assumes partial subsidy
Dive into Kyoto's famous covered market for street tofu, pickled vegetables, and fresh tamagoyaki skewers with your group.
Insider tip: Vendors at the far western end (near Takakura-dori) are less crowded and often more generous with samples.
Snacks and tastings
order: Mackerel sushi, Pickled daikon roll
No reservation; arrive before 1 PM
Stroll Hanamikoji-dori's preserved machiya townhouses in winter afternoon light and spot maiko heading to evening appointments.
Insider tip: Weekday afternoons in December see far fewer tourists; linger near Tatsumi Bridge around 3:30 PM for maiko sightings.
Free to walk
As dusk falls the stone lanterns along the approach to Yasaka Shrine glow dramatically — a stunning December scene.
Insider tip: The shrine stays lit until late; the western torii gate framed by red lanterns is the best group photo spot.
Free entry
Squeeze into Pontocho's narrow lantern-lit alley with your friends and bounce between standing sake bars and izakayas.
Insider tip: Bars without English menus on the upper floors are half the price of ground-level spots — just point at what neighbours are drinking.
2–3 drinks per person
order: Gion omurice, Draft Asahi
Expect 20-min queue; go at 6 PM to beat the rush
Photogenic willow-lined canal bridge in the heart of Gion — gorgeous at night.
Social dorm vibe perfect for friends, communal lounge ideal for pre-gaming, walking distance to Gion.
Day 2 → Fushimi Inari dawn hike + sake district + karaoke night→
Day 5 in Kyoto
Torii Gates, Sake & Karaoke
Usually 7°C, mostly sunny, cold wind on hilltops
order: Arabia blend coffee, Morning sandwich set
Opens 7 AM; no reservation needed
Climb the 10,000-torii mountain trail at first light for empty orange corridors and misty December ridge views.
Insider tip: Most visitors turn back at Yotsutsuji viewpoint (30 min up); push to the summit ridge for total solitude and city panoramas.
Free entry
Wander Fushimi's canal-lined sake town, home to Gekkeikan and Kizakura breweries offering dirt-cheap tasting sets.
Insider tip: Kizakura Kappa Country charges only ¥400 for a three-sake flight — the best value tasting in Kyoto.
2–3 sake tastings
order: Kyoto-style okonomiyaki, Cold Kirin draft
No reservation; counter seating only
Tour the shogun's opulent palace with famously squeaky "nightingale" floors designed to detect ninja intruders.
Insider tip: The inner Ninomaru Palace is closed some months for conservation — check the Nijo Castle website the day before; gardens are always open.
¥800 entry
Browse Teramachi's eclectic mix of antique shops, cheap izakaya lunchboxes, and local sweets alongside non-touristy locals.
Insider tip: The covered arcade section south of Sanjo-dori has vintage Japanese kitchenware and ceramics for a fraction of souvenir shop prices.
Street snacks and cheap finds
Pile into a private karaoke room at Big Echo Kawaramachi and belt J-pop classics — the quintessential Kyoto friends night.
Insider tip: Book a room for the last slot of the night (10 PM+) and rates drop by nearly 40% compared to prime evening hours.
2-hour room + 2 drinks
order: Rich tonkotsu ramen, Gyoza
Often a short queue after 6:30 PM
Tiny museum with a free sake sample — perfect warm-up before the tasting walk.
Day 3 → Arashiyama bamboo grove + Zen temple food + whisky bar farewell→
Day 6 in Kyoto
Bamboo, Zen & Farewell Whisky
Usually 6°C, partly cloudy, mist possible in bamboo grove
order: Cortado, Croissant
Opens 8 AM; no reservation; short queue expected
Walk the towering bamboo corridor in December morning mist before the tourist crowds arrive for an otherworldly atmosphere.
Insider tip: The small side path west of the main grove (toward Jojakko-ji) is almost always empty and just as beautiful.
Free entry
Stroll the UNESCO-listed dry landscape garden backed by borrowed scenery of Arashiyama mountain in its stark winter beauty.
Insider tip: The ¥500 garden ticket is enough; the ¥800 full ticket adds the interior but the garden is the star in December.
¥500 garden-only ticket
order: Yudofu tofu hotpot, Sesame tofu appetiser
Open from 11 AM; arrive early for window seats
Let the group split up and graze through Kyoto's most packed downtown intersection sampling cheap street snacks and food stalls.
Insider tip: The basement food hall of Takashimaya department store on Shijo sells discounted premium bento boxes after noon — a budget luxury hack.
Takoyaki, crepes, grilled skewers
Explore the grand vermilion shrine and its elegant strolling gardens dusted with December stillness and almost no tourists.
Insider tip: The pond-bridge path in the east garden is slippery in December frost — the west garden has the best open views and is safer underfoot.
¥600 inner garden
End the trip at this beloved hidden bar where the knowledgeable bartender pours rare Yamazaki and Nikka pours at budget-friendly prices.
Insider tip: Ask the bartender for the "house recommendation" — regulars get generous pours of single malts not listed on the menu.
2 pours of premium whisky
order: Yakitori chicken thigh, Tsukune meatball
No reservation; lively group atmosphere
A stunning hillside villa and garden hidden above the bamboo grove with panoramic Kyoto views.
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Tokyo → Kyoto · train or short flight · ~3h
Know before you go
Base yourself in Asakusa for budget-friendly hostels, walkable temple culture and dead-simple metro access to Shinjuku, Shibuya and Roppongi.
Base yourselves in Higashiyama for walkable access to Gion, Pontocho, and budget hostels, with great bus connections to Arashiyama and Fushimi.
Tokyo's metro is the undisputed king — buy a Suica card at any JR station on arrival, top it up for all metro, JR and bus rides across the city.
City buses cover most sights for ¥230 flat fare; buy a 1-day bus pass (¥600) on heavy sightseeing days, use JR/Keihan trains for Fushimi and Arashiyama runs.
- Thermal base layers — December Tokyo is colder than most visitors expect, especially after dark
- Portable pocket WiFi or eSIM for splitting group navigation costs
- Compact day bag for long activity days and late-night bar hops
- Cash in JPY — many izakayas, street stalls and small bars are card-free
- Thermal base layers — December nights drop below 5°C
- Comfortable waterproof walking shoes for bamboo grove paths
- Reusable tote for Nishiki Market food hauls
- Portable charger for long days out with the group
Book hostel dorm beds at least 3 weeks ahead for December — holiday-season Tokyo fills up fast, especially social hostels.
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check timaticweb.com for your nationality.
Costs
What this trip adds up to, in USD: hotel, food, things to do and getting around; flights aren’t included. Book has the flight search with the typical fare.
The plan’s own total: it may be for one person or for all 4 of you, so we haven’t multiplied it.
The plan was written in EUR; amounts here are converted to USD at today’s rate.
Checks
Checked, priced, typical: what we verified on this plan, and how its prices compare with our own history.
- Places…Checking
- Opening hoursChecked against each day once the trip has dates.
- No timing clashesEach stop ends before the next one starts
- WeatherEach day has the month's usual weather; dates bring the forecast
- Priced from our own trackingHotel nights from our price index, fares from 40 departure cities: typical prices, not live quotes
We checked your plan
4 of 5 checks look good.
- TimingEach stop ends before the next one startsLooks good
- PaceEach day's stops against the pace you choseLooks good
- Museum fatigueNo run of museum-heavy days back to backLooks good
- BudgetNo day more than 20% over your daily budgetWorth a look
Day 1 is running 50% over daily budget
Day 2 is running 50% over daily budget
- Free thingsAt least one free stop on trips of 3+ daysLooks good
Book
Hotels, flights and tickets, each one tap from a partner search with your dates and party already in.
No dates on this trip yet, so the links open each site’s search for the city. The trip's planner can add dates.
Tokyo · 3 nights
Kyoto · 2 nights
We may earn a commission if you book through these links. It never changes the price you pay or what we recommend.
Track Tokyo hotel prices
We watch what a hotel night in Tokyo usually costs, from hotel prices we check every week. Get one email when prices drop. No spam, no account needed.
More for the trip
- Compare hotel prices on Trivago
- Rent a car
- Airport transfer
- Hire a private local guide
- Travel SIM card
- Buy airline miles
Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Explore Tokyo with a private local guide
Not a group tour — your own local expert, shaping the day around what you actually want to see.
We may earn a commission when you book a private local guide through GoWithGuide using this link.