Trip Planning
Activities
Things to do, see, eat, and experience across Tokyo and Osaka — suggestions welcome!
Two Weeks, Two Cities
We have a week in Tokyo (Sept 19–26) and a week in Osaka (Sept 26–Oct 2). Late September is a magical time to visit — the summer heat breaks, early autumn colors begin to appear, and the crowds are thinner than peak foliage season. Below are ideas and suggestions for both cities. Nothing is set in stone — add your ideas in the Forum!
Tokyo
September 19–26Culture & Sightseeing
- Senso-ji Temple, AsakusaTokyo's oldest temple — stunning at dawn before crowds arrive
- Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi ParkPeaceful forested shrine in the heart of the city
- teamLab Borderless or PlanetsImmersive digital art — book tickets well in advance
- Shibuya Crossing & SkyThe world's busiest pedestrian crossing, best from above
- Shinjuku Gyoen National GardenBeautiful park — early autumn foliage begins here
- Harajuku & Takeshita StreetWild fashion, crepes, and people-watching
- Tokyo DisneylandClassic Disney magic with a uniquely Japanese twist — book tickets in advance
Food & Drink
- Tsukiji Outer Market breakfastFresh sushi and tamagoyaki at 7am — unforgettable
- Ramen in Shinjuku or ShibuyaIchiran for solo booths, Fuunji for tsukemen
- Izakaya dinner in Shinjuku Golden GaiTiny bars, big atmosphere — go early for seats
- Depachika (department store basement food halls)Isetan in Shinjuku is the gold standard
- Conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi)Sushiro and Kura Sushi are excellent chains
- Convenience store konbini crawl7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart — genuinely great food
Shopping
- Vintage shopping in ShimokitazawaTokyo's best neighbourhood for secondhand fashion and vinyl records
- Anime & gaming in AkihabaraElectric Town — figures, manga, retro games, arcades, and more
- Luxury shopping in GinzaTokyo's answer to Fifth Avenue — flagship stores and high-end Japanese brands
- Omotesando & Harajuku boutiquesDesigner flagships alongside indie Japanese streetwear labels
- Nakano BroadwayMulti-floor otaku mall — great for anime collectibles and vintage gaming
Day Trips from Tokyo
- NikkoOrnate shrines and waterfalls — 2 hrs by train
- KamakuraGiant Buddha and coastal temples — 1 hr by train
- HakoneMt. Fuji views, hot springs, open-air museum — 1.5 hrs
- Yokohama ChinatownLargest Chinatown in Japan — 30 mins from Tokyo
Osaka
September 26–October 2Culture & Sightseeing
- Osaka Castle & ParkIconic castle with early autumn foliage in the grounds
- Dotonbori at nightNeon signs, canal, street food — the heart of Osaka
- Shinsekai neighborhoodRetro 1950s atmosphere, kushikatsu restaurants everywhere
- Sumiyoshi Taisha ShrineOne of Japan's oldest shrines — beautiful and uncrowded
- Kuromon Ichiba Market"Osaka's Kitchen" — fresh seafood, produce, street snacks
- Universal Studios JapanSuper Nintendo World, Harry Potter, and more — book tickets and express passes early
Food & Drink
- Takoyaki (octopus balls)Osaka's signature street food — try Wanaka or Aizuya
- OkonomiyakiSavory pancake — Mizuno in Dotonbori is legendary
- Kushikatsu in ShinsekaiDeep-fried skewers — never double-dip the sauce!
- Ramen at Kinryu RamenOpen 24 hours, right on Dotonbori
- Sake tastingOsaka is surrounded by major sake-producing regions
Day Trips from Osaka
- KyotoTemples, geisha districts, bamboo groves — 15 mins by Shinkansen
- NaraFree-roaming deer and Todai-ji temple — 45 mins by train
- KobeBeef, harbor views, and Chinatown — 30 mins by train
- Himeji CastleJapan's most spectacular castle — 1 hr by Shinkansen
Good to Know
Book Ahead
teamLab, Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, popular restaurants, and some shrines require advance reservations. Don't leave these to chance.
Early Mornings Win
Major sites like Senso-ji and Fushimi Inari are magical at dawn and nearly empty. Worth the early alarm.
Cash for Street Food
Most street food stalls and small restaurants are cash only. Keep ¥5,000–¥10,000 on you at all times.
Kyoto is a Day Trip
We're based in Osaka, and Kyoto is only 15 minutes away by Shinkansen. Easy to visit multiple times.
Have a Suggestion?
This list is just a starting point. If you have a restaurant, experience, or hidden gem you'd love to add to the itinerary, head over to the Forum and share it with the group. The more ideas the better!
Go to the Forum