8 Days best Itinerary from Tokyo to Osaka: Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Central Japan
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Central Japan, starting in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo and traveling through some of Japan’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. This itinerary combines the excitement of Tokyo with the serene beauty of the Japanese Alps, historic towns, and cultural treasures. Experience vibrant cities, tranquil temples, traditional villages, and stunning natural landscapes that make Japan a must-visit destination. Each day offers a new adventure, guided by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, ensuring a rich and immersive experience.
Highlights
— Experience Tokyo’s iconic culture, including Sumo training, sushi, tea ceremonies, and panoramic views from Tokyo Tower.
— Visit the world-famous Snow Monkey Park in Nagano and explore the historic Zenko-ji Temple.
— Discover the beauty of Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi.
— Explore the traditional townscapes of Takayama and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go.
— Enjoy Kanazawa’s samurai district, gardens, and Geisha culture.
— Visit the serene Eiheiji Temple and explore the historic Fukui Castle town.
— Traverse Kyoto’s scenic west, including Arashiyama, bamboo groves, and the Golden Pavilion.
Itinerary
This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Central Japan’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and historical depth. Whether you’re immersing yourself in the bustling energy of Tokyo or the serene landscapes of the Japanese Alps, each day promises unique and memorable experiences. All tours are thoughtfully designed with transportation in mind, allowing you to seamlessly end each day’s activity at your next day’s location, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey throughout Central Japan. Additionally, this itinerary is meant to be flexible and a suggestion, offering you the advantage of tailoring your travel plans to best suit your preferences and needs while exploring Japan.
Day 1: Tokyo – Sumo, Sushi, Tea, Temples, and Tokyo Tower (Mt Fuji starting in Tokyo ending in Nagano)
Start your adventure in Tokyo, meeting your guide at Hamacho Station at 8:15 AM. Begin with a visit to a traditional Sumo Beya to watch Sumo wrestlers train. Next, explore the Tsukiji Outer Market, famous for its fresh seafood and vibrant street food. Enjoy a guided tour and some free time to sample culinary delights. Then, head to a historic Edo-period garden for a traditional tea ceremony in a serene tea house. After lunch, visit an ancient Buddhist temple and experience sutra copying, a calming practice that provides a unique spiritual connection. Conclude your day with panoramic views from Tokyo Tower before returning to your accommodation.
1 Day Tour
| Tokyo Highlights Tour : Sumo, Sushi, Tea, Temples and Tokyo Tower | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 16:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside of Hamacho Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Day 2: Nagano – Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple, and Sake
Travel to Nagano and start your tour at 9:35 AM at Nagano Station. Begin with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. Enjoy a guided tour and some free time to explore the surrounding precinct. Afterward, experience a sake tasting at a nearby brewery, learning about the intricacies of Japan’s famous beverage. Following a delicious lunch, head to the Snow Monkey Park to observe the unique hot spring-bathing monkeys. Your guide will lead you along the scenic forest trail to the park, providing insights into the behavior and habitat of these fascinating creatures. Return to Nagano in the late afternoon.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Day 3: Matsumoto – Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi
Depart from Nagano Station at 8:15 AM, heading to Matsumoto. Visit Nawate-dori, known as “Frog Street,” before exploring Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles and a registered National Treasure. After a guided tour of the castle, enjoy some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Kamikochi, a stunning alpine valley in the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Enjoy a guided walk along the Azusa River to Kappa-bashi, where you’ll have free time to relax, shop, or continue exploring. Return to Matsumoto in the evening.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle | |
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| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
Day 4: Takayama and Shirakawa-go
Travel to Takayama, starting your tour at 9:00 AM at Takayama Station. Visit the historic Takayama Jinya and stroll through the Sanmachi district, known for its traditional wooden buildings and sake breweries. Explore the Miyagawa Morning Market and enjoy some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, journey to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Your guide will provide insights into the village’s history and architecture. Enjoy some free time to explore the village at your own pace before returning to Takayama.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥20,800 / 22,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,000 / 14,000 |
Day 5: Kanazawa – Samurai, Matcha, Gardens, and Geisha
Start your day at 9:00 AM at Kanazawa Station. Visit the Nagamachi Samurai District, exploring preserved samurai houses and learning about their way of life. Continue to the Oyama Shrine and the expansive Kanazawa Castle grounds, where you’ll enjoy a matcha tea experience overlooking a beautiful garden. After lunch, explore the renowned Kenroku-en Garden, known for its seasonal beauty and intricate design. The tour concludes with a visit to the Higashi-chaya Tea District, where you’ll visit a preserved Geisha house. Return to Kanazawa Station in the late afternoon.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Day 6: Fukui – Eiheiji Temple and Fukui Castle Town
Depart from Kanazawa Station at 8:30 AM, traveling to Fukui. Begin your tour at Fukui Station, exploring the castle ruins and the unique “rainbow” shrine. Visit Zuigenji Temple, where you’ll see rooms used by daimyos over 150 years ago. Climb the Atagozaka Slope for stunning views of Fukui City’s skyline. After lunch, travel to Eiheiji Temple, one of the head temples of Zen Buddhism. Explore the temple grounds, learning about its history and significance, before returning to Kanazawa in the evening.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Eiheiji Temple and Fukui City Castle Town | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:30 – 18:00 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station Fukui Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥25,300 / 17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥14,500 / 11,000 |
Day 7: Kyoto – Traversing Kyoto’s Scenic West
Meet your guide at JR Kyoto Station at 9:00 AM. Start your day at Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage site, and explore its beautiful gardens. Walk through the iconic bamboo grove to Togetsukyo Bridge, enjoying the scenic views. After lunch, participate in a traditional Japanese art experience by making koboshi dolls. Visit Ryoanji Temple, famous for its rock garden, and conclude your tour at Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. Return to JR Kyoto Station to end your journey, with the option to continue exploring Kyoto on your own.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Walking Tour : Traversing Kyoto’s Scenic West – Arashiyama to Kinkakuji | |
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| Period | All year round |
| Time | 09:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Kyoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Day 8: Osaka – Castle, Temples, and Ukiyoe
Begin your day in Osaka at either Shin-Osaka Station or JR Osaka Station. Start with a visit to Osaka Castle, where you’ll explore the castle museum and learn about the city’s history. Continue to Shitennoji Temple, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, where you’ll delve into the history of Buddhism in Japan. Afterward, head to Kuromon Market for lunch, enjoying Osaka’s famous street food. The afternoon includes a visit to the vibrant Dotonbori area, where you’ll experience traditional Ukiyoe art. Conclude your day with a stroll through Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s main shopping street, before returning to Shin-Osaka or JR Osaka Station.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day walking tour in Osaka：Castle, temples and Ukiyoe | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Shin-Osaka Station / Osaka Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥18,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,500 |
