Step into a futuristic, fascinating, and fantastical world.
Japan - a cacophony of modernity and tradition, nature and technology, crowds and calm. This country assaults your senses in the best way possible. You’ll see this for yourself on your journey from Tokyo to Osaka. Once you experience the chaos of Tokyo, walk the majestic temples of Kyoto and eat just about anything from the renowned Japanese cuisine, you’ll already be planning your next trip back.
Tokyo to Osaka trips
Tokyo to Osaka highlights
Take a ride on Japan’s bullet train
If you want to well and truly embrace all aspects of the Japanese lifestyle, there’s only one thing for it; get ready for a ride on a Shinkansen train (you get extra points if it’s during peak hour). Connecting travellers to and from Japan’s busiest cities in record time, this bullet train system is not only incredibly safe (no accidents to date) but will fast-track you straight to local status in no time.
Treat yourself to tasty traditional food
Get rid of all of your preconceived notions about Japanese food because nothing compares to eating the real, traditional thing. Boasting vibrant street food scenes your tastebuds will want to get lost in and heaps of restaurants where you can refuel after a day spent exploring, this country promises a culinary experience like no other – think Japanese pizza, fried octopus balls, and lots of sushi.
Wander through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo
Tokyo may be one of those cities you can easily get lost in, but you’ll hardly mind when walking through neighbourhoods as cool as Ginza with its shopping complexes and department stores, Roppongi with its pulsating nightlife scene, and Shibuya with its entertainment venues and theatres. Either settle on a pre-determined route or simply go where the impulse takes you for an afternoon well spent.
Soak up all of the Japanese culture in Osaka
There are plenty of things to do in Osaka from touring Universal Studios Japan and shopping ‘till you drop at boutique stores to venturing along Dotombori Arcade at nighttime. In fact, you could spend several days here and still not feel as though you’ve seen it all. To avoid that, head to Osaka Castle for some tradition, a local market for some street food, and Shinsekai for some entertainment.
Temple-hop through Kyoto
If you want famous landmarks, you go to Tokyo. If you want delicious food, you go to Osaka. But if you want to see as many colourful shrines and Buddhist temples as you possibly can, you go to Kyoto. Featuring the country’s largest collection of World-Heritage listed sites (special shoutouts to Nijo-jo Castle and Shimogamo-jinja Shrine) and ancient monuments stepped in centuries of history, Kyoto is one for the highlight reel.
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Park
While visiting the Hiroshima Peace Park and museum might be sobering, this eye-opening experience is one that is necessary in order to fully understand how this nation has dealt with tragedy. From looking over the Cenotaph in the Peace Memorial Park to casting your eyes over the eerie form of the Atomic Dome, learn about how this city pays its respects to the events of the past but also how it celebrates a new era of universal peace.
Reviews
4.7
out of 5 based on 233 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to
share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that
include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip
or reveal personal details.
Filter by rating
Essential Japan
Jake · Traveled June 2024
Great itinerary to cover Japan in a short period of time. The trip is mostly free time with few inclusions, so suits the independent traveller and not somebody who wants a set agenda. You easily average 25k steps a day and suits those physically active. The accomodation is satisfactory but the mattresses aren’t the most comfortable.
Review submitted 03 Jul 2024Essential Japan
Nicholas · Traveled June 2024
Great trip for young people. Make sure you understand Japan has a wet/ dry season and what months are peak times. Lots of city walking, so pack good walking shoes and a drink bottle and ready to have a fun time.
Review submitted 04 Jul 2024Japan Real Food Adventure
Hayley · Traveled June 2024
We loved this tour. Our guide Dai was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the areas we visited. He managed our groups preferences well and was able to make the trip enjoyable for everyone and meet all our our expectations. We ate so much good food on our tour, and even more on Dai's recommendations. This trip was a great balance of key attractions on the tourist trail and more specific food related activities. Would recommend this trip for anyone wanting to experience the key sights of Japan with a more food based focus.
Review submitted 02 Jul 2024Essential Japan
Emma · Traveled June 2024
Cannot recommend this tour enough! It was insightful, adventurous and relaxing all in one. Zac our tour leader was exquisite at showing us the wonders of Japan.
Review submitted 24 Jun 2024Essential Japan
Daniel · Traveled June 2024
This trip is a fast paced adventure packed to the brim with culture and history. There is always something on offer at every destination.
Review submitted 24 Jun 2024