22-Day Japan Trip: Kinosaki Onsen, Osaka Catch-&-Cook, Kyoto Rural & Uji Matcha, Nagoya Ghibli Park, Tokyo Ghibli Museum, Sapporo Crab + Quiet Rural Days (Oct 20–Nov 10, 2025)
Arrive KIX or Osaka station, drop bags at hotel or coin lockers; gives flexibility to grab breakfast locally. Plan airport train (Nankai or JR) for 45–60 min from KIX. Check your hotel check-in time.
Try grilled fish skewers, tamago-yaki and fresh fruit at Kuromon Ichiba; lively and great intro to Osaka food culture. Market open typically 9:00am–5:00pm.
See neon signs, try street takoyaki and kushikatsu; easy walking area and great for photos. Open daily; shops vary but entertainment areas active evenings.
Join a guided sea-fishing charter or shore fishing experience (Awaji Island recommended for calmer waters). Tours typically start early (7:00–8:00am) and include gear and instruction; reserve in advance.
Have your fresh catch prepared sashimi or grilled style by the crew or at a nearby restaurant — a true farm/sea-to-table meal. Many operators include lunch prep; confirm menu and cooking method when booking.
Early breakfast in Osaka then take JR train to Toyooka/Kinosaki (about 2.5–3 hours via limited express). Reserve shinkansen/limited express seats if possible.
Check in to a ryokan, drop luggage, then begin your onsen-hopping (the 7 public onsen are walkable and open generally daytime–evening; some open around 6:00am–10:00pm but times vary by bath).
Ride Kinosaki Ropeway to the observation deck and visit any small local museums; ropeway typically open 9:00am–5:00pm. Great views of the Sea of Japan.
Finish any remaining public bathhouses and visit small craft shops for local souvenirs. Public onsen typically accept visitors across afternoon and evening.
Enjoy traditional Kyoto small plates in atmospheric Pontocho alley; many restaurants open 5:00pm–11:00pm but reservation recommended for popular spots.
Take a morning bus or train to Ohara for peaceful temple gardens (Sanjusangendo area is different but Ohara's rural feel is quiet). Many temples open 9:00am.
Head north to Kurama and Kibune for mountain shrines and riverside dining (Kibune offers kawadoko summer platforms—seasonal). Shrines open 6:00am–5:00pm usually.
Explore Expo Park area (Ghibli Park located inside Expo Memorial Park). Park grounds are open daily (hours vary) and are pleasant for a relaxed afternoon before museum day.
Spend the day at Ghibli Park (exhibits, replicas and themed areas). Park hours often 10:00am–6:00pm but check the official site for seasonal hours and timed entry.
Drop bags in Tokyo hotel and plan your Ghibli Museum day. Consider picking up Ghibli Museum tickets if arranged at convenience stores or travel agency (tickets are date/time specific).
Simple breakfast then take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka; arrive early to line up for the short walk to the museum. Ghibli Museum is closed Tuesdays — ensure your booked date is not a Tuesday and bring printed/e-ticket.
Explore the Ghibli Museum (pre-purchased timed tickets only). Expect about 2–3 hours to view exhibits, short film, and rooftop Cat Bus (museum hours often 10:00am–6:00pm).
Talk with vendors to learn about seasonal crab (hairy, king, snow), then pick a restaurant for a specialist crab lunch or have vendors prepare on the spot if available.
If you prefer countryside spirits, take a short train to Yoichi and visit Nikka Whisky Distillery for a tour and tasting (book ahead; tours 10:00–16:00).
Early breakfast, then take a limited express train or rental car to Furano/Biei (2–3 hours by public transport). Renting a car gives rural flexibility.
Stay in a small pension or guesthouse for a quiet rural evening and local dinner; rural accommodations vary so confirm dinner availability when booking.
Depending on season, visit lavender farms (summer) or autumn fields and local cheese/fruit farms for tastings; farm opening times vary seasonally so check ahead.
Have a last Japanese breakfast, finish packing, and confirm airport transfer time. Allow generous time for domestic/international security and transit.