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.
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Japan Highlights Family Holiday
KellieAnn · Traveled July 2024
Touring Japan was our first time using a travel service. We absolutely LOVED Yuko, our tour guide, and got to partake in so much more culinary and cultural experiences than we would had we been on our own. 🥰 Traveling with Intrepid is definitely the way to go! 👍
Review submitted 09 Aug 2024Japan Highlights Family Holiday
Jacob · Traveled July 2024
This trip was amazing! My family and I had a blast being in Japan for a week. Would recommend. The food there is amazing, and you might get to dress up in actual samurai armor!
Review submitted 11 Aug 2024Japan Highlights
Carol · Traveled July 2024
Great introduction to Japan with added experience of life in changing rural Japan. Tour leader patient, knowledgeable and adaptable. Hot in Japan this time of year so early starts best.
Review submitted 28 Jul 2024Japan Highlights
Rebecca · Traveled July 2024
Review submitted 28 Jul 2024Japan Highlights
Inge · Traveled July 2024
The Japan trip was our third with Intrepid. Great itinerary. Super well organized. Guide was friendly and approachable and very knowledgeable about each locale. He sheparded a dozen of us through Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, all on public transportation without anyone getting lost!
Review submitted 06 Aug 2024