🇯🇵 Japan’s Golden Route Itinerary… with a twist
Stays from
Stays from
Osaka
Itinerary
Recommended Hotels
Osaka is home to some great hotels with amazing spas, so it's an ideal city to unwind.
Osaka is home to some great hotels with amazing spas, so it's an ideal city to unwind.
Osaka
Day 1
12h 44m🏙️ Experience the Best of Osaka
As soon as you arrive in Japan, one of the first things you should do is get a Suica card. It's the easiest way to pay for public transport on trains, subways, and buses, making it much more convenient than buying individual tickets for every journey. If you're planning to take day trips outside the city, consider purchasing the appropriate rail pass, as it can save you both time and money depending on your itinerary.
1. Osaka Castle
1-1 Ōsakajō, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Begin your day at one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and impressive stone walls, Osaka Castle offers fascinating insight into Japan's samurai history. Highlights : Osaka Castle Museum,Castle Park, Nishinomaru Garden,Panoramic views from the top floor
2. Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
三丁目, 2-chōme-3 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041, Japan
Come hungry—it's one of Japan's longest shopping streets, with hundreds of eateries and snack stalls, making it perfect for a food crawl! 🍜😋
3. Shitennō-ji
1-chōme-11-18 Shitennōji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan
4. Shinsekai
2 Chome-5 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
don't forget to pick up a Japan stamp book (Goshuin or travel stamp book). Many train stations, tourist attractions, temples, and castles have unique commemorative stamps that you can collect throughout your trip. It's a fun, free keepsake and one of the best ways to remember your journey across Japan.
5. Umeda Sky Building
1-chōme-1-88 Ōyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan
Time your visit to the Umeda Sky Building for sunset, when the city transforms from daylight into a sea of sparkling lights. From the Floating Garden Observatory, you'll enjoy one of Osaka's most spectacular panoramic views, making it the perfect place to watch the sun dip below the skyline before the city comes alive at night.
6. Ebisu Bridge
1 Chome-6 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
End your day in Osaka's most famous entertainment district.
Osaka
Day 2
8h 15m🦌 Nara's Timeless Treasures
Step back in time with a day trip to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital. Meet the famous free-roaming deer in Nara Park, discover centuries-old temples and shrines, stroll through peaceful Japanese gardens, and explore charming shopping streets filled with local delicacies, traditional crafts, and unique souvenirs.
Osaka to Nara
Rail
Start your morning with an early train from Osaka to Nara (approximately 45–60 minutes). Arrive at Nara Station and make your way towards Nara Park, where the city's most famous attractions are all within walking distance.
7. Nara Park
Nara, Japan
Nara's famous deer bow to you! 🦌🥹 They're absolutely adorable—but be careful, they might also give you a playful nibble if they think you have food. 😂
8. Kasugataisha Shrine
160 Kasuganochō, Nara, 630-8212, Japan
9. Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
74 Suimonchō, Nara, 630-8208, Japan
10. Five Storied Pagoda - Kofukuji Temple
48 Noboriōjichō, Nara, 630-8213, Japan
11. Higashimuki Shopping Street
Japan, 〒630-8215 Nara, Higashimuki Nakamachi, １５−１６
🍣 Lunch at Maguro Koya : Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Nara's most popular local restaurants, famous for its fresh tuna dishes. Arriving shortly after opening is recommended, as queues can form quickly.
Nara to Osaka
Rail
Osaka
Day 3
5h 45m🕊️ A Day in Hiroshima
Spend a meaningful day exploring Hiroshima, a city that has transformed from tragedy into a global symbol of peace, resilience, and hope. Visit the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, then unwind by the coast, enjoying the natural beauty and calm atmosphere that surrounds this remarkable city.
Train from Osaka to Hiroshima
Rail
Take an early Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). Arrive at Hiroshima Station and take the tram or walk towards the Peace Memorial Park.
12. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
1-2 Nakajimachō, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
13. Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima
1 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
14. Atomic Bomb Dome
1-chōme-1-10 Ōtemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051, Japan
15. Private Miyajima Rickshaw Tour
Miyajima
A Private Miyajima Rickshaw Tour is one of the best ways to experience the island beyond the main tourist paths. Your knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating stories about Miyajima's history, culture, and traditions while taking you through hidden streets, peaceful temples, and scenic viewpoints that many visitors miss. It's a relaxing and unique way to explore the island, offering plenty of opportunities for memorable photos and a deeper appreciation of one of Japan's most beautiful destinations.
Train back to Osaka
Rail
Make your way back to Hiroshima Station. Before boarding your train, don't forget to collect the Hiroshima station stamp for your travel journal. Pick up a few local souvenirs or an ekiben for the journey before heading back to Osaka.