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 travelers 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 neighborhoods as cool as Ginza with its shopping complexes and department stores, Roppongi with its pulsating nightlife scene, and Shibuya with its entertainment venues and theaters. 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 colorful 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 steeped 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
4.8
out of 5 based on 189 reviews submitted.
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Michelle · Traveled April 2024
A great introduction to Japan! A mixture of city and country experiences. Catching public transport was a breeze and accommodation options were close to amenities and of good quality.
Review submitted 03 May 2024
Daphne · Traveled April 2024
This is a great trip for an introduction to Japan. There is not a lot of time in each place, so I recommend arriving earlier or leaving later to see everything you want. Food is excellent and the guides are great. It’s a super fun experience. Hostels were all clean and tidy but the Japanese mattresses are very hard and often the showers are in the basement.
Review submitted 27 Apr 2024
Anne · Traveled April 2024
This eight day tour was packed with so much variety and smooth local travel, from bullet train, local train and bus. It was a whirlwind of exceptional experiences, with a lovely guide keen to show us Japan at its best. Kelly succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. The highlights of Japanese culture, dining and scenery were revealed as well as fascinating positive interactions with locals. Totally went beyond expectations. ! Thank you so very much Kelly!
Review submitted 29 Apr 2024
Kelsey · Traveled April 2024
Good trip, but not accurately described. This should not be rated a 2/5 physical rating trip. The "soft hike" is 2.5 hours uphill, 50 minutes of it is stairs. You pack in a lot in 8 days. Be prepared to walk over 20,000 steps each day. It's very fast paced. The homestay was the highlight of the trip. Our guide had a great house in a peaceful area, he cooked us a great meal, and was friendly. Not my favourite Intrepid trip I've done personally, but I'm happy I got to see the places I did, and have the experiences I did. Our guide was friendly and even gave us a little gift at the end which was very sweet of her.
Review submitted 26 Apr 2024
Debra · Traveled April 2024
I think you need to review activity level on this trip. I did an Intrepid trip to Iceland in July which was rated the same level as the Japan trip. In Japan there was significantly more walking and although I didn’t have a problem, some were not prepared to the amount or pace of walking.
Review submitted 27 Apr 2024