The classic golden route from Osaka to Tokyo is very famous for those who visit Japan for the first time. In fact, about 70% of the first-time visitors have rated the Osaka – Tokyo route as highly satisfied route!
Here is the recommended transportation method and tour packages.
The Best Transportation Method for Osaka – Tokyo
Flight? train? Car? Bus? ……
Our recommendation is by FLIGHT! It is fast and cheap! Please consider it if you have limited travel time.
- Flight: 1hour 5min (2~2.5hours including check in/out)- JPY 7,560
- Car or bus: 8~9hours and more (include rest time)- JPY7,000 and more
- Train: 2.5hours and more- JPY14,000
If you want to travel to both Tokyo and Osaka, then the “Japan Explorer Pass" by JAL is highly recommended! This pass is specially for foreign tourists (only those who reside overseas) and is offered at a special price of JPY 7,560 with tax for a single domestic trip (airport surcharges are not included).
You can purchase the ticket 72 hours prior to the domestic trip, and it doesn't matter which airlines you take for your international flight to Japan!
Make your reservation for Japan Explorer Pass here！
Osaka – Tokyo Best Tour Plan
We are going to introduce a tour plan that includes the 5 selections of Tokyo and Osaka that are Must-Go for first timers to Japan for you to fully enjoy the places!
As it can be very crowded at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, we suggest you come to Osaka first, then flying in to Hanade from Osaka’s Itami Airport to save time!
(DAY1)
Arrive at Osaka Kansai International Airport
Kuromon Ichiba Market黒門市場
Speaking of Osaka, the Kuromon Ichiba Market is one of the famous gourmet streets in Japan! Kuromon Ichiba is called as “Kitchen of Osaka” and is a famous market for local merchants too. Not only the fresh seafood, there are many delicious food here such as the famous Osaka specialty – Takoyaki, croquette, fresh fruits and more!!
↓Tsutenkaku通天閣(literally “Tower Reaching Heaven”)
Tsutenkaku, the symbol of Osaka, is a must-go tourist spot! It was built in 1912, patterned after the Paris’s Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, and was once the tallest tower in the orient with its height of 64m. It is at the southern part of Shinsekai district. Kushikatsu (Japanese deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) is very popular here and it is said all shops here sell delicious Kushikatsu. Let’s enjoy the deep-fried crunchy Kushikatsu!
↓Dotonbori 道頓堀
Here at Dotonbori, the most popular Osaka’s shopping street, is the famous photo spot, Glico Running Man billboard. Nanba Station and Shinsaibashi Station are nearby, and the area is very crowded with shoppers even during weekdays. Here, you can enjoy Osaka gourmet and shopping. It is very lively here. If you come to Osaka, you must come here!
↓Osaka Castle大阪城
Built in 1583, Osaka Castle is now a historical museum and many valuable documents and dioramas are on exhibition. There are many things to see in the castle! For example, the magnificent stonewalls built from huge rocks, Ote-mon Gate and a few Yagura (fortress). Photos of Osaka Castle are always so photogenic! Upload your photos to social media and brag about your vacation!
If you have time…
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan海遊館
Opened in 1990 and located in Tempozan of Minato ward in Osaka, Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world. There are 14 big tanks surrounding “The Pacific Ocean” tank, and you can meet the whale shark - the largest fish species in the world, California sea lions, sea otters, Pacific white-sided dolphin and about 620 species and 30,000 sea creatures here! This is a famous spot for local and foreign visitors regardless of age.
(DAY2)
To Kyoto (30 minutes away from Osaka)
Heian Jingu Shrine平安神宮
Heian Jingu is about 10-minute walk from Subway Tozai Line Higashiyama Station. It was built in 1895 for the 1100th anniversary of the relocation of Heian capital. There is a 24m tall huge Torii gate here and it is listed as a Japan Tangible Cultural Property! The shrine, painted in bright vermillion and green colour, is very beautiful and photogenic. This area is very cultural as there are many art museums around Heian Jingu, for example, Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art, Hosomi Art Gallery, Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, and others.
Gion 祇園
Gion is the famous entertainment district that represents Kyoto even now and then. It is very easy access from Kyoto Station and many tourists visit here! There are many sightseeing spots such as Yasaka Shrine, Kodaiji Temple, Maruyama Park and others. The Hanami-koji is especially always lively, and if you are lucky, you may run into a Maiko or Geisha wearing the traditional costumes!?
Arashiyama嵐山
Arashiyama has many famous tourist spots such as the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River, Tenryuji Temple and Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. Among all, a boat ride down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama is highly recommended. Cherry blossoms in spring, cool summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and special boats with heated seats in winter. You get to enjoy the different views and vibes in the four seasons ~
Sagano嵯峨野
Speaking of Kyoto Sagano, the 400m long “Bamboo Grove” connecting Nonomiya Shrine to Okochi Sanso Villa Garden is very popular. This is a view that represents Kyoto and is always shown in TV dramas. In day time, it is very beautiful with the sunlight shone through the bamboo forest, and at night, the path is lighted-up and creates a very fantastic view.
(DAY3)
Osaka Itami Airport → Tokyo Haneda Airport
(Point: Use JAL’s Japan Explorer Pass to shorten travel time!)
↓Asakusa浅草
Asakusa is one of the main tourist spots that represents Japan. Here, you can feel the vibe and culture from Edo period and enjoy the local gourmet. If you visit Tokyo, this is a must-go! There are many souvenirs shops at the Nakamise shopping street in Senso-ji Temple. Let’s shop for souvenirs! The neighbouring Asakusa Shrine is a hidden spot that only known to Japan lovers.
↓Edo Tokyo Museum江戸東京博物館
At Edo Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku, you can learn about the Japanese cultures during the Edo period ~ Meiji and Taisho. In addition, they also provide guides in different languages like English, Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Italian for free (there may be days when certain languages are not available).
↓Ueno上野
The “Ameyoko” shopping street in Ueno is full of drug stores, shops that sell famous Anello bags, shoes, etc. On top of that, there are Yodobashi Camera electronics shop, Ueno Zoo and the large shopping mall-Takeya. It is suitable for the shopaholics! For those who think these are not enough, there are also department stores such as Marui, Matsuzakya, and Parco here.
(DAY4)
Skytreeスカイツリー
Skytree is the new symbol of Tokyo. It is 634m tall and is the tallest tower in Japan (2nd tallest in the world). It is very famous among the tourists! You can see the whole view of Tokyo from the observatory and if the weather is good, you can even see Mt. Fuji! We also recommend visiting the Solamachi commercial facility at Skytree! You can buy products unique to Japan from the many souvenir shops here.
↓Tsukiji Market築地場外市場
To enjoy the fresh seafood from all over Japan is also one pleasure of sightseeings in Japan! Tsukiji Market is also called the “Kitchen of Tokyo”. Let’s enjoy fresh sushi and sashimi (raw fish) from early morning! Even if you don't like seafood, you can still enjoy other Tsukiji gourmet! The sweet-flavoured tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette) is one the them, please have a try!
↓Imperial Palace皇居
A garden in the middle of a metropolitan and a symbol of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is a famous recreation area for local and foreign visitors. If you want to visit the palace, we recommend making reservation in advance for the “Imperial Palace General Tour”. You can download the specialised App and listen to the voice guide in English, Chinese, Korean, French and Spanish. Here you can also find souvenirs that are only available in Imperial Palace!
Departure from Tokyo Haneda Airport or Narita International Airport
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If you use the special domestic flight ticket “Japan Explorer Pass” by JAL for the travel between Osaka and Tokyo, you can travel in ease and get to visit so many places in 4 days!
The reservation is easy via online, let’s make one now!
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