Welcome to Osaka, one of Japan's busiest cities known for its unique food, bustling streets, and vibrant nightlife. Spend your first day exploring the famous Osaka Castle, one of Japan's must-visit historical landmarks. You can also take a stroll through the nearby Osaka Castle Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery, especially during cherry blossom season. Don't forget to try some delicious street food in Dotonbori, a lively street full of neon lights, shopping, and entertainment.
Take a day trip to Nara and get up close with some of Japan's most friendly deer in Nara Park. Within the park, visit some of Japan's historical landmarks like the Todai-ji Temple, which houses the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha. Take a walk along the serene Isuien Garden and enjoy the traditional Japanese landscape.
Explore the bustling port city of Kobe, known for its delicious beef, scenic mountains, and vibrant nightlife. Visit the Nunobiki Herb Garden, a beautiful garden with more than 75,000 flowers, and learn to make chocolate at the Chocolate Factory. Take the cable car to the top of Mount Rokko and enjoy stunning views of the city at night.
Travel to Kyoto and explore its many ancient temples and shrines. Start by visiting Kinkaku-ji, also known as the "Golden Pavilion," a stunning temple covered in gold leaf. Take a walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene forest with walking paths. End the day with a visit to Gion, a historic district known for its geisha culture.
Explore the famous Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of bright orange torii gates. The peaceful hike through the gates of the shrine is one of Kyoto's top tourist experiences. You can also visit Tofuku-ji Temple, known for its stunning autumn leaves in November, or ride a boat down the Kamogawa River.
Travel to Hiroshima, a city known for its tragic history and resilience during the World War II atomic bombing. Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about this moving event in history. Take a walk through Hiroshima Castle or visit the tranquil Shukkei-en Garden.
Take a day trip to Miyajima Island, a sacred island with a breathtaking Torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine. You can also hike Mount Misen and enjoy stunning panoramic views from its peak. Marvel at the island's wild deer that roam freely through the streets while enjoying local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Travel to Nagoya and explore its historic castle and museums. Visit Nagoya Castle, a famous Japanese castle with beautiful artifacts from the Edo period. Stop by the Nagoya City Science Museum and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, offering interactive exhibits for all ages.
Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Takayama, a traditional Japanese town with a beautiful old town center. Enjoy the scenic journey through the Hida Mountains and spend the day exploring the unique architecture of the area. Visit the Hida Takayama Museum of Art or the Kusakabe Heritage House.
Travel to Tokyo, one of the busiest cities in the world known for its modern skyscrapers, delicious food, and luxurious shopping. Start by visiting the iconic Tokyo Tower for panoramic views of the city. Take a stroll through bustling Shinjuku or Shibuya and enjoy a shopping experience at the Cosmo Planetarium.
Visit the historic Asakusa district, home to the famous Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-Dori Street. Here, you can taste delicious traditional Japanese street food like senbei or ningyo-yaki. Take a walk through the nearby Ueno Park, where you can visit Tokyo's oldest zoo or walk through the beautiful Toshogu Shrine.
Explore the fashionable district of Harajuku, known for its vibrant youth culture and kawaii fashion. Take a walk down the famous Takeshita Street and don't forget to try the colorful crepes. Visit Shibuya and take a photo with the famous Hachiko Statue before exploring the largest shopping district in Tokyo.
Take a day trip to Kamakura, a coastal town known for its historical temples and beaches. Visit Kotoku-in Temple and its famous Great Buddha or take a walk through the peaceful Hasedera Temple garden. Don't forget to relax and enjoy the beachy atmosphere of Yuigahama Beach.
Enjoy a day of fun and adventure at either Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea
Say Sayonara to Japan as you leave with unforgettable memories of your 15-day trip exploring the best of Osaka and Kyoto in Japan.
Japan's transportation system is known for its efficiency and punctuality. To travel between these destinations, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass, which offers unlimited travel on most train lines for 7, 14, or 21 days. The cost varies depending on the number of days and class of service. You can also consider local buses, taxis, or ride-sharing services.
If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions like Mount Fuji, Himeji Castle, or Nikko National Park. You can also consider adding more days in Tokyo to explore its many unique neighborhoods, museums, and parks. If you have less time, consider shortening some of the day trips or cutting some destinations from the itinerary.
The main airport in Osaka is the Kansai International Airport (KIX), located approximately 50 kilometers southwest of downtown Osaka. Hiroshima has its Hiroshima Airport with code HIJ while the main airport in Tokyo is the Narita International Airport (NRT), located approximately 60 kilometers east of downtown Tokyo.