Japan 14-day route: Osaka to Tokyo, 21 stops

This 14-day autumn route spans 1,650 km across Japan, connecting seven cities from Osaka to Tokyo. The itinerary includes iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle and Namba Yasaka Shrine, a temple stay at Saizen-in in Koyasan, exploration of Nara Park and Wakakusa Hill, Kyoto's Senko-ji Temple, and Kanazawa's cultural sites, concluding with Tokyo attractions including teamLab Borderless and Mipig Cafe.

Distance
1650.9 km
Mode
route
Start
Osaka
End
Kenrokuen Garden
Stops
21
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Osaka — Major city in western Japan, home to Osaka Castle and vibrant urban culture, a key stop on the journey through Japan.
  2. Osaka Castle — Historic feudal castle in central Osaka, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks and a popular tourist attraction.
  3. Don Quixote Osaka — Large discount retail store in Osaka offering electronics, souvenirs, and miscellaneous goods across multiple floors.
  4. Namba Yasaka Shrine — Historic Shinto shrine featuring a massive wooden lion head protruding from its roof, symbolizing protection and prosperity in Osaka's vibrant Namba district.
  5. Umeda Sky Building — Iconic 40-story twin-tower complex in Osaka with a dramatic open-air observation deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape.
  6. Koyasan — Sacred mountain monastery town in Wakayama, renowned for temple stays and Buddhist temples, accessible by cable car.
  7. Saizen-in Temple lodging — Buddhist temple offering traditional temple stay accommodations where visitors participate in morning prayers and experience monastic daily life.
  8. Nara — Historic city south of Kyoto known for Nara Park, ancient temples, and friendly deer roaming freely throughout the city.
  9. Nara Park — Large public park in Nara featuring sacred deer, historic temples, and scenic walking paths through natural woodland.
  10. Parco Okonomiyaki — Casual dining establishment specializing in okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake layered with ingredients cooked on an iron griddle.
  11. Kyoto
  12. Senko-ji Temple — Ancient Buddhist temple on Itsukushima Island known for its striking red pagoda and serene hillside location overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
  13. Kanazawa — Hidden gem city north of Kyoto, responsible for over 95% of Japan's gold leaf production and home to exceptional gardens.
  14. Sushi Ippei — Intimate sushi restaurant serving meticulously crafted omakase courses prepared by skilled chefs using premium fresh seafood.
  15. Yukimurasaki Ryokan — Traditional Japanese inn offering kaiseki dinners, natural hot spring baths, and authentic tatami mat rooms for immersive cultural experience.
  16. Hotel Zen Tokyo — Contemporary luxury hotel blending minimalist Japanese design with modern amenities in central Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku area.
  17. Mipig Cafe — Unique animal interaction cafe where visitors can relax with miniature pigs in a cozy, Instagram-worthy setting.
  18. teamLab Borderless — Immersive digital art museum featuring interactive light installations and projection-mapped environments that respond to visitor movement and presence.
  19. Gokurakubashi Station — Mountain railway station in Wakayama Prefecture, starting point for the cable car to Koyasan.
  20. Wakakusa Hill — Mountain in Nara offering panoramic views of Nara Park and the surrounding city from its summit.
  21. Kenrokuen Garden

Useful for your trip

Where to stay
Consider staying at a temple lodging (shukubo) like Saizen-in in Koyasan for a unique experience with vegetarian meals included.
Where to stay
Book a ryokan with an open-air hot spring bath (onsen) for authentic Japanese accommodation; Yukimurasaki offers mountain views.
Transport
Use a cable car to reach Koyasan from Gokurakubashi Station; it provides scenic access to the temple area.
Timing
Visit during autumn season to see fall leaves (momiji) at their best, especially in mountainous areas like Koyasan and Takayama.
Food
Try ramen at Parco Okonomiyaki in Kyoto when you need warming, filling food; the restaurant is known for good ramen and milk aza.
Food
Visit Sushi Ippei in Kanazawa, a small sushi restaurant run by an elderly couple; they accommodate foreign guests despite limited English.
Tip
Climb Wakakusa Hill in Nara Park for excellent views of the park and city; it's a short but rewarding hike.
Tip
Visit Kanazawa for unique experiences; the city produces over 95% of Japan's gold leaf and offers museums, temples, and gardens.
Tip
Plan to visit Umeda Sky Building in Osaka for observation deck views; it's mentioned as a notable attraction.
Timing
If covering 7 cities in 2 weeks, expect the pace to be hectic and exhausting; plan rest days or slower-paced segments.

Video on this route

My Autumn Trip to Japan - 14 Days in Japan

More routes nearby

Map