Japan by Rail: The Ultimate 14-Day Spring Itinerary (Tokyo & Osaka Base)

Enjoy a scenic 2km walk along the Meguro River, famous for its overhanging cherry blossoms (sakura). One of Tokyo's most popular hanami spots.

Explore the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku. See the Godzilla head at Hotel Gracery, walk through the red-light district of Kabukicho, and visit the atmospheric Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) alleyways.

A quiet morning walk to Atago Shrine (climb the 'steps of success') followed by Zojo-ji Temple, which offers a stunning contrast with Tokyo Tower in the background.

Visit the world-class Mori Art Museum and the Tokyo City View observation deck for panoramic skyline views from the 52nd floor.

Tasty ramen break.

Head to Odaiba's DiverCity Tokyo Plaza to see the massive Unicorn Gundam statue transform. Great shopping and seaside views nearby.

Walk through water in this immersive digital art museum. A sensory experience unlike any other. Pre-booking tickets is mandatory.

Take the direct highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Lake Kawaguchi for the best views of Mt. Fuji.

Rent an electric bicycle near the station and cycle around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko. The northern shore of Kawaguchiko offers the classic Fuji reflection shot.

After bus return. Yakitori places open late.

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji. Enter through the Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) and browse the traditional crafts and snacks along Nakamise Street.

Ascend to the observation decks (350m & 450m) of the world's tallest broadcasting tower for a sprawling 360-degree view of the Kanto region.

Wander through Yanaka Ginza, a charming shopping street that retains the nostalgic atmosphere of old Tokyo (Shitamachi). Famous for its street cats and sunset stairs.

Dinner in a small restaurant under the rails.

Dive into Otome Road and Sunshine City. Visit the Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo and the world's largest Gashapon Hall.

A haven for retro collectors. Mandarake stores here are full of vintage anime cels, toys, and manga. Great spot for a casual lunch.

The spiritual home of anime culture. Visit Radio Kaikan, Super Potato for retro games, and experience a Maid Cafe.

Feel the real salaryman after-work vibe.

Take the Den-en-toshi line to Sangenjaya. Try the famous Taiyaki and explore the hipster alleyways and the 'Carrot Tower' free observation deck.

Visit the Meguro Sky Garden (built on top of a highway!) then head back to Harajuku/Shibuya to walk through the peaceful Meiji Jingu forest.

Take the Toyoko Line to Yokohama. Walk around the futuristic Minato Mirai harbor, see the Red Brick Warehouses, and maybe ride the Air Cabin.

Authentic retro izakaya district. Return to Tokyo after.

Travel to Osaka on the Shinkansen Nozomi (2.5h). Enjoy a bento box (Ekiben) while watching the countryside fly by.

After checking in, head to Shinsekai ('New World'). See the retro Tsutenkaku Tower and soak in the Shitamachi vibe of Osaka.

Dinner in Dotonbori. Take photos with the Glico Man sign and try Takoyaki from a street stall.

Purchase your 'Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass' at the JR Ticket Office. This pass is essential for your trips to Hiroshima and Himeji.

Visit the magnificent Osaka Castle. The interior is a museum, but the real highlight is the exterior architecture and the surrounding park.

Choose your adventure: The massive Kaiyukan Aquarium (famous for whale sharks) OR Universal Studios Japan (famous for Nintendo World and Harry Potter).

Indulge in Osaka's soul food. Try Okonomiyaki (savory pancake) or Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in a lively local restaurant.

Early start! Take the Shinkansen Sakura/Mizuho to Hiroshima, then local train and ferry to Miyajima Island. Use your JR Pass.

See the iconic 'floating' Torii gate at high tide. Explore the Daishoin temple and enjoy grilled oysters or Momiji Manju for lunch.

Return to Hiroshima city to visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. A profound historical experience.

Try Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (layered with noodles) at Okonomimura before taking the Shinkansen back to Osaka.

Visit Japan's most spectacular castle, the 'White Heron Castle'. It is an original surviving castle and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Stop in Kobe on the way back. Walk through the Kitano-cho district (European houses) down to the harborfront.

Treat yourself to a world-famous Kobe Beef dinner. Choose a Teppanyaki restaurant for the full chef performance.

Hike part of the famous Senbon Torii (thousand gates) path. Go early (around 8am) to beat the crowds and get the best photos.

Visit the wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera for city views, then walk down the preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Stop for matcha or coffee in a traditional house.

Explore the Gion district, famous for Geisha culture. Walk through Yasaka Shrine and end the day with dinner in the atmospheric Pontocho alley by the river.

Enjoy the serenity of Daikaku-ji Temple's large pond, then walk to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. A beautiful contrast of nature and history.

See the stunning Golden Pavilion reflected in the mirror pond. It's one of Kyoto's most iconic images.

Tour the Shogun's residence in Kyoto. Admire the 'nightingale floors' that chirp when walked upon to warn of intruders.

Walk among hundreds of free-roaming deer in Nara Park. Visit Todai-ji Temple to see the Daibutsu (Giant Buddha), one of the largest bronze statues in the world.

Stroll through the lantern-lined paths of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Afterwards, watch the famous rapid mochi pounding at Nakatanidou nearby.

Celebrate the end of an amazing trip with a final kaiseki meal or a hearty Sukiyaki dinner in Osaka. Cheers to Japan!

Take the Hello Kitty Haruka Express or standard airport express from Shin-Osaka/Tennoji to Kansai International Airport (KIX). Arrive 2.5 hours before flight.