11-Day Japan Adventure: Osaka to Tokyo Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Utsubo Park. This serene park is perfect for a morning walk or simply relaxing amidst nature. Spend about 1.5 hours here.

For lunch, head to 道頓堀 今井 本店 to savor some traditional Japanese cuisine. Afterward, visit Spa World for an afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation in their hot springs and spa facilities. Allocate around 3 hours for this experience.

In the evening, explore America-Mura (American Village), known for its trendy shops and vibrant nightlife. For dinner, try some delicious kushikatsu at 串カツだるま 新世界総本店.

Begin your day with a relaxing visit to Umeda Sky Building. This unique architectural marvel offers stunning views of Osaka from its Floating Garden Observatory. Spend about an hour here taking in the sights.

For lunch, head over to 焼肉 ふじや 本店 to savor some mouthwatering yakiniku (Japanese BBQ). Afterward, explore Shinsaibashi, one of Osaka's premier shopping districts known for its trendy boutiques and department stores. Allocate around two hours for shopping and strolling through this vibrant area.

In the evening, unwind at Spa World, where you can relax in various themed hot spring baths from around the world. Spend about two hours enjoying this rejuvenating experience before having dinner at しゃぶ亭 西梅田本店, where you can indulge in delicious shabu-shabu (Japanese hot pot).

Take a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka (approximately 1 hour by train). Start your Kyoto adventure with a visit to the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Spend about 1 hour admiring this iconic Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf.

For lunch, head to one of Kyoto's local eateries before visiting the serene Ryoan-ji Temple & Garden. Allocate around 1 hour here exploring the famous rock garden.

End your day with a visit to the historic Ninna-ji Temple. Spend about an hour exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site before heading back to Osaka for dinner at 551蓬莱本店, where you can enjoy some delicious steamed buns.

Tenryu-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples. Start your day with a visit here and spend about 1.5 hours exploring its beautiful gardens.

Arashiyama Park is perfect for an afternoon stroll. Enjoy the scenic beauty of this park and perhaps take a boat ride on the Hozu River. Allocate around 2 hours for this activity before heading to a local restaurant for lunch.

Togetsu-kyo Bridge is an iconic landmark in Arashiyama. Spend your evening walking across this picturesque bridge and enjoying the surrounding scenery. For dinner, head back to central Kyoto and dine at one of its traditional eateries.

Travel from Osaka to Nara (approximately 45 minutes by train). Begin your exploration with a visit to Nara Park where you can interact with friendly deer that roam freely in the park. Spend about 2 hours here enjoying nature.

For lunch, try some local specialties at one of Nara's eateries before visiting Todai-ji Temple, home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. Allocate around 2 hours for this cultural experience.

Return to Osaka in the evening and have dinner at 一蘭 道頓堀店, famous for its flavorful ramen.

Ninna-ji Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting in Nara. Start your day here and spend about an hour exploring its historic buildings and gardens.

Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu) offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and garden design. Allocate around 1 hour for this visit before heading to a local restaurant for lunch.

Daitoku-ji Temple is known for its beautiful Zen gardens and historic significance. Spend your evening here before returning to Osaka for dinner at お好み焼き きじ 本店, where you can enjoy some delicious okonomiyaki.

Start your day with a visit to Meriken Park. This waterfront park offers stunning views of the harbor and is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Kobe Port Tower. Spend about 1.5 hours here exploring the area.

For lunch, head to one of Kobe's renowned beef restaurants for a taste of the city's famous Kobe beef. Afterward, visit Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum to learn about the traditional sake brewing process and enjoy some tastings. Allocate around 2 hours for this experience.

In the evening, take a stroll through the charming Kitano-cho district, known for its well-preserved Western-style houses. For dinner, try some local seafood at one of Kobe's highly-rated restaurants.

Start your Tokyo adventure with a visit to the historic Senso-ji Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple is Tokyo's oldest and one of its most significant. Spend about 1.5 hours exploring the temple grounds and the bustling Nakamise shopping street leading up to it.

For lunch, head to Sushi Dai at Tsukiji Outer Market for some of the freshest sushi in Tokyo. Afterward, explore the market further and enjoy some shopping. Allocate around 2 hours for this experience.

In the evening, take a stroll through Asakusa, known for its traditional atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. For dinner, try some delicious tempura at Tenzo. Spend about 2 hours enjoying the food and ambiance.

Begin your day with a visit to Meiji Shrine, an important Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forested area. Spend about 1.5 hours here enjoying the peaceful environment.

For lunch, head to Ippudo Ramen in Harajuku for some mouthwatering ramen. Afterward, explore Harajuku, known for its quirky fashion boutiques and trendy cafes. Allocate around 2 hours for shopping and people-watching.

In the evening, visit Shibuya Crossing, one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks. Experience the bustling energy of this famous intersection before heading to dinner at Gonpachi, known for its delicious yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Spend about 2 hours enjoying dinner and exploring Shibuya.

Start your day with a visit to Tokyo National Museum. This museum houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from Japan's history. Spend about 2 hours exploring its exhibits.

For lunch, head to Kyubey in Ginza for an exquisite sushi experience. Afterward, explore Ginza's upscale shopping district and enjoy some window shopping or indulge in luxury purchases. Allocate around 2 hours for this activity.

In the evening, visit Roppongi Hills, a modern complex offering shopping, dining, and entertainment options along with stunning views of Tokyo from its observation deck. For dinner, try some contemporary Japanese cuisine at Narisawa, known for its innovative dishes using seasonal ingredients.