Japan 2 Week Itinerary Spring Cherry Blossom Season: The Ultimate 14-Day Guide (2025)
Spring in Japan is not just a season—it’s a collective exhale. After months of cold gray skies, the entire country turns its face toward the pale pink blossoms that sweep northward like a slow-motion wave. If you’re planning a Japan 2 week itinerary spring cherry blossom season, you’re chasing one of the most beautiful natural phenomena on Earth, and two weeks gives you the rare luxury of seeing it unfold across multiple cities.
I’ve lived in Japan for 15 years, and I still rearrange my schedule every spring to sit under the cherry trees with a beer and a box of hanami dango. This itinerary is built from years of watching the bloom forecasts, eating my way through every region, and learning the rhythms that most guidebooks miss. It’s designed for first-time visitors who want a rich, balanced trip, but it includes enough off-the-beaten-path moments to satisfy anyone who has already ticked off the Golden Pavilion.
This guide assumes a trip window of late March to mid-April, the prime cherry blossom window for central Honshu. I’ll give exact timing notes so you can adjust based on the year’s forecast.
Quick Overview: Day-by-Day Summary
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Tokyo | Shinjuku Gyoen, evening Shibuya |
| 2 | Tokyo | Ueno Park, Asakusa, Sumida River |
| 3 | Tokyo | Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Meguro River |
| 4 | Day trip: Kamakura | Great Buddha, coastal temples, shirasu |
| 5 | Travel to Hakone | Open-Air Museum, onsen, lake cruise |
| 6 | Travel to Takayama | Old town, morning markets, Hida beef |
| 7 | Day trip: Shirakawa-go | UNESCO thatched villages |
| 8 | Travel to Kanazawa | Kenroku-en Garden, tea districts |
| 9 | Travel to Kyoto | Philosopher’s Path, Gion evening |
| 10 | Kyoto | Arashiyama, bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji |
| 11 | Kyoto | Fushimi Inari, Nishiki Market, Higashiyama |
| 12 | Day trip: Nara | Deer park, Todai-ji, sakura mochi |
| 13 | Travel to Osaka | Dotonbori, street food, Osaka Castle |
| 14 | Osaka / Day trip Hiroshima | Peace Park (or Osaka deep dive), depart |
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo — Shinjuku Gyoen and First Night Magic
What to See: Most international flights arrive at Narita or Haneda by mid-afternoon. Resist the urge to collapse at your hotel. Instead, head straight to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (¥500 entry, open until 5:30 PM in spring). This is my single favorite cherry blossom spot in Tokyo—it has over 1,000 trees across 70 varieties, meaning something is always blooming between mid-March and late April. The garden bans alcohol, which means it’s significantly more peaceful than the rowdy hanami spots. Arrive by 3 PM and you’ll have the golden-hour light filtering through a canopy of pale pink somei-yoshino.
In the evening, walk through Shinjuku’s neon-drenched streets to shake off the jet lag. Wander through Omoide Yokocho (“Memory Lane”), a narrow alley of tiny yakitori stalls where smoke billows between standing-room-only counters.
What to Eat:
- Yakitori at Omoide Yokocho — Order negima (chicken and leek), tsukune (chicken meatball), and kawa (crispy skin). A few skewers and a beer will cost under ¥1,500.
- If you want a sit-down meal, try Fuunji near Shinjuku station for tsukemen (dipping ramen) — rich, thick fish-and-pork broth with firm noodles. There’s always a line, but it moves fast.
Where to Stay: Shinjuku area. Hotels like Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku offer a rooftop onsen with a Shinjuku skyline view—an unforgettable first night.
Day 2: Tokyo — Ueno, Asakusa, and the Sumida River
What to See: Start early at Ueno Park, Tokyo’s most famous hanami spot. By late March, the main avenue lined with 800+ cherry trees becomes a tunnel of pink. On weekends, blue tarps appear at dawn as groups claim spots for evening hanami parties. Walk through the park to the Tokyo National Museum if you want world-class Japanese art history in a quiet morning.
After lunch, take the subway to Asakusa. Approach Senso-ji through Nakamise-dori shopping street, then cross the Sumida River on foot to reach Tokyo Skytree. The view from the top on a clear spring day extends to Mount Fuji. In the evening, consider a Sumida River evening cruise—the riverbanks are lined with illuminated cherry trees, and the reflection on the water is otherworldly.
What to Eat:
- Sakura-flavored treats in Asakusa — Spring brings limited-edition sakura manju, sakura flavored soft-serve, and cherry blossom rice crackers to Nakamise-dori.
- Monjayaki in Tsukishima (one stop from Asakusa on the Oedo Line) — Tokyo’s answer to okonomiyaki, runnier and crustier, cooked on a flat griddle at your table. Order the mentaiko-mochi (cod roe and rice cake) version.
Where to Stay: Shinjuku or Asakusa area.
Day 3: Tokyo — Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and the Meguro River
What to See: Begin at Meiji Shrine, the forested sanctuary in the heart of the city. The gravel path through towering camphor trees is a meditation. In spring, the iris garden (inner garden, ¥500) begins to green up, though the irises themselves won’t bloom until June.
Afterward, dive into Harajuku and Omotesando for fashion, people-watching, and architecture. Have lunch, then head south to the Meguro River, arguably Tokyo’s most photogenic cherry blossom spot. The narrow river is lined on both sides with 800 trees whose branches form a pink canopy over the water. Peak bloom typically hits around March 28–April 5 in Tokyo (though this varies by year; check the Japan Meteorological Corporation forecast, released in early March).
In the evening, the Meguro River lanterns switch on. Grab a craft beer from one of the temporary stalls and walk the riverbank as petals drift onto the water surface.
What to Eat:
- Bills Omotesando for a luxurious ricotta pancake brunch (the line is long on weekends—go on a weekday)
- Afuri Ramen in Harajuku — Their yuzu shio (citrus salt) ramen is light and aromatic, perfect for spring
- Street food along the Meguro River during hanami season: grilled squid, chocolate-dipped strawberries, karaage (fried chicken)
Where to Stay: Shinjuku or Shibuya area.
Day 4: Day Trip to Kamakura — Coastal Temples and Shirasu
What to See: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (about 55 minutes). Kamakura is a laid-back coastal town filled with temples set against forested hillsides. Start at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the main shrine, where the approach path is lined with cherry trees. Walk to the Great Buddha (Kotoku-in), a 13-meter bronze statue sitting serenely in open air since a tsunami washed away its temple hall in the 15th century.
In the afternoon, take the charming Enoden tram to Hase-dera temple for panoramic views over Sagami Bay, then continue to Enoshima Island if time allows.
What to Eat:
- Shirasu (baby whitebait) — Kamakura’s signature dish, available raw or lightly boiled, served over rice in a shirasu-don. The season opens in mid-March, making this a perfect spring treat. Try it at Shirasu-ya near Kamakura Station.
- Kamakura beer and local craft cider at small cafes along Komachi-dori, the main shopping street.
Where to Stay: Return to Tokyo.
Day 5: Hakone — Hot Springs, Art, and Mountain Air
What to See: Check out of your Tokyo hotel and take the Romancecar limited express from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (85 minutes, not covered by standard JR Pass—purchase separately or use the Hakone Free Pass). Spend the day on the classic Hakone loop: switchback mountain railway → cable car → ropeway over volcanic Owakudani → pirate ship across Lake Ashi.
Don’t miss the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where large-scale sculptures sit in meadows with mountain views and early cherry blossoms as a backdrop.
In the evening, check into a ryokan (traditional inn) with a private onsen. This is your first deep immersion into Japanese hospitality.
What to Eat:
- Kuro-tamago (black eggs) boiled in the sulfuric hot springs of Owakudani — legend says each one adds seven years to your life
- Kaiseki dinner at your ryokan — A multi-course seasonal feast. Spring kaiseki often features bamboo shoots (takenoko), nanohana (rapeseed blossoms), and sakura-shaped decorative garnishes. This is one of the most memorable meals of the trip.
Where to Stay: Ryokan in Hakone (Gora or Sengokuhara area). Book at least 2 months ahead for spring — popular ryokans sell out fast. Budget ¥25,000–50,000 per person including dinner and breakfast.
Day 6: Travel to Takayama — Into the Japanese Alps
What to See: This is a travel day with stunning scenery as reward. Take the Romancecar back to Odawara, then the shinkansen to Nagoya (about 70 minutes), then the JR Hida Limited Express through the mountains to Takayama (about 2.5 hours). The train ride through the Hida River valley is spectacular—watch for gorges, waterfalls, and mountain villages.
Arrive in Takayama by early afternoon. This small, immaculately preserved Edo-period town in the Japanese Alps is one of Japan’s most underrated destinations. Walk the Sanmachi Suji old town, a grid of dark-wood merchant houses now housing sake breweries, miso shops, and cafes. In spring, look for the distinctive cedar balls (sugidama) hanging outside sake breweries—a fresh green ball means new sake has just been brewed.
What to Eat:
- Hida beef — The region’s prized wagyu. Try it as sushi (seared on a torch and placed on vinegared rice) from street stalls in Sanmachi Suji for about ¥800 per pair.
- Mitarashi dango — Grilled rice dumplings with a savory soy glaze, a Takayama specialty. Different from the sweet hanami dango you’ll see elsewhere.
- Hida soba — Buckwheat noodles served cold with dipping sauce.
Where to Stay: Takayama has excellent small ryokans. Oyado Koto no Yume is wonderful. Or try a minshuku (family-run guesthouse) for a homier experience.
Day 7: Day Trip to Shirakawa-go — UNESCO Thatched Villages
What to See: Take the bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go (50 minutes, ¥2,600 one-way—reserve your seat in advance as buses sell out in spring). This UNESCO World Heritage village is a collection of steep-roofed gassho-zukuri farmhouses designed to shed heavy snow. In late March and early April, the last of the snow often remains on the ground while cherry blossoms begin to appear—a striking combination.
Walk up to the Shiroyama viewpoint for the iconic postcard view of the entire village. Enter Wada House or Kanda House to see how families lived (and still live) in these 250-year-old structures. The upper floors, originally used for silkworm cultivation, reveal the ingenious engineering of the steep thatched roofs.
Return to Takayama by late afternoon and enjoy one last evening strolling the old town.
What to Eat:
- Gohei mochi in Shirakawa-go — Grilled rice cakes smeared with a sweet walnut-miso paste, cooked over charcoal
- Takayama ramen for dinner — A local style featuring thin curly noodles in a simple soy-based broth with sliced chashu, green onion, and menma (bamboo shoots). Try Masagosoba or Tsuzumi Soba.
Where to Stay: Takayama (same hotel/ryokan as Day 6).
Day 8: Kanazawa — The Elegant Gold City
What to See: Take the Nohi Bus from Takayama to Kanazawa (about 2 hours 15 minutes). Kanazawa was one of the few major Japanese cities not bombed during WWII, so its historical districts are remarkably intact.
Head straight to Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three great gardens. In spring, the garden’s 420 cherry trees bloom magnificently, and the famous kotoji-toro lantern makes for the perfect photo. Nearby, explore Kanazawa Castle Park, which has its own impressive cherry blossom display.
In the afternoon, wander the Higashi Chaya district, a preserved geisha quarter where wooden teahouses line atmospheric narrow streets. Visit Shima teahouse (¥500) to see the interior of a 200-year-old geisha house, then have matcha at a traditional tea room.
End the day at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (free zones available), a sleek circular building with playful installations including Leandro Erlich’s famous “swimming pool.”
What to Eat:
- Omicho Market for lunch — Kanazawa’s “Kitchen” for over 300 years. Get a kaisendon (sashimi rice bowl) piled with Japanese sweet shrimp (amaebi), buri (yellowtail), and nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), the city’s most prized fish.
- Kanazawa gold-leaf ice cream — The city produces 99% of Japan’s gold leaf. The soft-serve topped with an entire sheet of gold leaf is tourist-kitsch, but it’s also genuinely beautiful and only ¥900.
- Jibuni for dinner — Kanazawa’s signature stew of duck, wheat-flour-coated slices, and seasonal vegetables in a thick dashi broth. Try it at a local izakaya.
Where to Stay: Near Kanazawa Station or in the Kazue-machi district. Hotel Nikko Kanazawa has great station access. For atmosphere, try a machiya (townhouse) rental.
Day 9: Travel to Kyoto — The Philosopher’s Path and Gion
What to See: Take the JR Thunderbird limited express from Kanazawa to Kyoto (about 2 hours 30 minutes via the Hokuriku route). Cherry blossoms in Kyoto typically peak around April 1–10, roughly 3–5 days after Tokyo.
After checking in, head to the Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi), a 2km canal-side walk lined with hundreds of cherry trees. This is breathtaking at full bloom—a tunnel of pink petals reflected in the water. Along the way, visit Nanzen-ji temple (the massive brick aqueduct is extraordinary) and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion).
As evening approaches, walk through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. The weeping cherry tree at the corner of Shirakawa and Shinbashi is one of the most photographed spots in all of Japan—arrive before sunset for the best light. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a maiko (apprentice geisha) hurrying to an appointment in full kimono.
What to Eat:
- Yudofu (simmered tofu) near Nanzen-ji — Tofu is a Kyoto specialty thanks to the city’s pristine water. Omen Nanzenji serves udon and tofu in a beautiful garden setting.
- Kaiseki in Gion — Spring kaiseki in Kyoto is edible art. Expect cherry blossom-shaped garnishes, fresh bamboo shoots, and delicate cherry blossom-infused sweets. Gion Nanba offers excellent kaiseki at a more approachable price point than the multi-Michelin-starred options.
Where to Stay: Southern Higashiyama (walking distance to Gion and temples) or near Kyoto Station for convenience. Hotel Granvia Kyoto is directly connected to the station. For traditional atmosphere, try a machiya guesthouse.
Day 10: Kyoto — Arashiyama, Bamboo, and River Views
What to See: Take the JR Sagano Line to Arashiyama early (arrive by 8 AM to beat the crowds—this is essential). Walk through the Bamboo Grove while it’s still relatively empty. The towering green stalks creaking in the wind are genuinely otherworldly. Visit Tenryu-ji temple (UNESCO World Heritage) and its stunning garden, which often has late-blooming cherry trees.
Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge, an iconic arched bridge with mountains as backdrop. Rent a rowboat on the Hozu River (¥1,500 for 30 minutes) for a unique perspective of the cherry blossoms from the water.
In the afternoon, take the Sagano Scenic Railway (also called the “Romantic Train”) through the Hozu River gorge—25 minutes of mountain and river scenery. Book tickets in advance or queue at Saga-Arashiyama Station by 10 AM; they sell out quickly in spring.
Return to central Kyoto and spend the evening in Pontocho, a narrow atmospheric alley running parallel to the Kamogawa River, lined with restaurants offering riverside terrace seating (kawadoko terraces open from May, but the alley itself is magical year-round).
What to Eat:
- Yuba (tofu skin) in Arashiyama — Fresh yuba is creamy, delicate, and uniquely Kyoto. Try it at Sagano restaurant near the bamboo grove.
- Warabi mochi — A springtime wagashi (Japanese sweet) made from bracken starch, dusted with kinako (roasted soybean powder). You’ll find it at sweet shops throughout Arashiyama.
- Obanzai (Kyoto home-style cooking) in Pontocho — Small dishes of seasonal vegetables, pickles, and tofu. Look for restaurants displaying daily specials on handwritten boards.
Where to Stay: Same Kyoto accommodation.
Day 11: Kyoto — Fushimi Inari, Nishiki Market, Higashiyama
What to See: Start at Fushimi Inari Shrine at sunrise (it’s open 24 hours, free). The famous thousands of vermilion torii gates are near-empty at 6:30 AM and magical in the soft morning light. Most tourists only walk 10 minutes up—continue to the summit (about 2 hours round trip) and you’ll have the upper mountain paths nearly to yourself.
After descending, head to Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s 400-year-old food market. Browse dozens of stalls selling pickles, matcha, dried fish, and seasonal specialties. This is where Kyoto chefs shop.
In the afternoon, walk the Higashiyama district: Kiyomizu-dera (currently fully accessible after years of renovation), Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka lanes (stone-paved streets with wooden shops), and Kodai-ji temple. If cherry blossoms are at peak, Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s most famous hanami spot—the enormous weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura) in the center is illuminated at night and draws enormous crowds. It’s chaotic, joyful, and utterly Japanese.
What to Eat:
- Nishiki Market grazing — Try dashimaki tamago (rolled omelette), soy milk donuts, mochi on a stick, and tsukemono (pickled vegetables)
- Matcha everything on Ninenzaka — Matcha parfaits, matcha lattes, matcha tiramisu. Saryo Suisen near Kiyomizu-dera serves matcha with traditional wagashi in a tatami room.
- Hanami bento under the cherry trees — Buy a beautiful bento box from the basement food hall (depachika) of Takashimaya or Daimaru department stores and eat it in Maruyama Park.
Where to Stay: Same Kyoto accommodation.
Day 12: Day Trip to Nara — Deer, Giant Buddhas, and Ancient Paths
What to See: Take the JR Nara Line or Kintetsu Railway from Kyoto (35–45 minutes). Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital (710 AD) and has a timeless, gentle quality that sets it apart from Kyoto’s grandeur.
Walk through Nara Park, where 1,200 semi-wild deer bow for crackers (shika senbei, ¥200). In spring, the park is carpeted with cherry blossoms and the deer wander beneath them—it’s absurdly photogenic. Visit Todai-ji, housing the largest bronze Buddha in the world inside the largest wooden building in the world. The scale is genuinely awe-inspiring.
Walk through Isuien Garden, then explore the quieter Naramachi district, a merchant quarter with narrow machiya townhouses converted into cafes, galleries, and shops.
What to Eat:
- Kakinoha-zushi — Sushi pressed in persimmon leaves, a Nara specialty dating back centuries. The leaves impart a subtle fragrance. Try it at Hiraso, a shop that’s been making it since 1861.
- Sakura mochi — Pink rice cake wrapped in a pickled cherry leaf. Spring is the season, and Nara’s versions are excellent.
- Miwa somen — Thin wheat noodles from the Miwa region near Nara, served cold with dipping sauce.
Where to Stay: Return to Kyoto.
Day 13: Travel to Osaka — Dotonbori, Street Food, and Osaka Castle
What to See: Take the shinkansen or JR Special Rapid from Kyoto to Osaka (15–30 minutes). Osaka is Japan’s most unapologetically fun city—louder, more casual, and more food-obsessed than anywhere else.
Start at Osaka Castle, surrounded by over 3,000 cherry trees in Nishinomaru Garden (¥200 entry). The massive stone walls and moat, framed by clouds of pink blossoms, make for spectacular photos. Climb to the top floor of the reconstructed castle for panoramic views.
In the afternoon, head to Shinsekai for retro Osaka atmosphere and kushikatsu (more on that below). As evening falls, walk along the Dotonbori canal—the neon-lit, sensory-overloading heart of Osaka. This is where the famous Glico running man sign lives, and where the city’s street food culture reaches its zenith.
What to Eat: Osaka is called “Japan’s Kitchen” (tenka no daidokoro) for a reason. Today is a food marathon.
- Takoyaki (octopus balls) — Try them at Wanaka or Aizuya in Dotonbori. Crispy outside, molten inside, topped with sauce and bonito flakes. About ¥600 for 8 pieces.
- Okonomiyaki — Osaka-style savory pancake. Mizuno in Dotonbori has had a Michelin Bib Gourmand for years. Get the yamaimo-yaki (with mountain yam for extra fluffiness).
- Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in Shinsekai — Daruma is the most famous chain, but for a local experience, try Yaekatsu. The cardinal rule: never double-dip in the communal sauce.
- 551 Horai pork buns — An Osaka institution. Buy them at any branch (there’s one in every major station). The juicy, steaming buns are so beloved that Osakans bring boxes home as omiyage (gifts).
Where to Stay: Namba or Shinsaibashi area for nightlife and food access. Cross Hotel Osaka has a perfect location overlooking Dotonbori.
Day 14: Osaka Departure or Day Trip to Hiroshima
Option A: Day Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima If you have an early start and a late flight or want one final adventure, take the shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours). Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum (profoundly moving—allow 2 hours). Then take the JR ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Cherry blossoms on Miyajima, with the vermilion torii gate and mountains behind them, are extraordinary.
Return to Osaka/Kansai Airport for an evening departure.
Option B: Deep Osaka Morning Sleep in, then explore Kuromon Market (“Osaka’s Kitchen”) for a sashimi breakfast, browse the otaku paradise of Den Den Town, or take a final stroll through the cherry blossoms at Osaka Mint Bureau (if the special viewing period has opened—usually mid-April, with 350 varieties of late-blooming cherry trees).
What to Eat:
- Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (if doing Option A) — Layered rather than mixed, with yakisoba noodles, cabbage, egg, and toppings piled in stacks. Nagata-ya near Peace Park is excellent.
- Momiji manju on Miyajima — Maple-leaf-shaped cakes filled with red bean, custard, or chocolate.
- Kuromon Market breakfast (Option B) — Grilled scallops, wagyu skewers, fresh uni (sea urchin), and melon on a stick.
Where to Stay: Depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX) via the Nankai Rapi:t express from Namba (35 minutes) or JR Haruka from Shin-Osaka.
Food Highlights: What to Eat This Spring in Japan
Spring in Japan transforms the menu. Here’s your seasonal eating checklist:
Cherry Blossom Season Specialties
- Sakura mochi — Pink rice cake wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf (eat the leaf—it’s part of the experience)
- Hanami dango — Tri-colored dumplings on a stick (pink, white, green)
- Sakura-flavored everything — Lattes, Kit-Kats, beer, sake. Some are gimmicky, but sakura sake is genuinely delicious.
Spring Seasonal Ingredients
- Takenoko (bamboo shoots) — At their sweetest in April. Try takenoko gohan (bamboo shoot rice) or grilled with soy
- Nanohana (rapeseed greens) — Slightly bitter, served blanched with mustard dressing in kaiseki and izakaya
- Shinko (young kohada fish) — Prized at sushi counters in spring
- Ichigo (strawberries) — Japanese strawberries peak in March-April. Try them in parfaits, daifuku (strawberry mochi), or just bought fresh from a konbini
Regional Specialties by Destination
| City | Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | Tsukemen (dipping ramen), monjayaki |
| Kamakura | Shirasu-don (baby whitebait rice bowl) |
| Hakone | Kuro-tamago (black eggs), ryokan kaiseki |
| Takayama | Hida beef sushi, mitarashi dango |
| Kanazawa | Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), jibuni stew |
| Kyoto | Yudofu, yuba, matcha sweets, obanzai |
| Nara | Kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi) |
| Osaka | Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu |
| Hiroshima | Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, momiji manju |
Transport Guide: Getting Around Japan
Japan Rail Pass
The 14-day JR Pass (¥50,000 for ordinary class, as of 2024 pricing) is the backbone of this itinerary. It covers:
- All shinkansen (except Nozomi and Mizuho — use Hikari and Sakura instead)
- JR local and express trains (Tokyo to Kamakura, Kyoto to Nara, etc.)
- JR ferry to Miyajima
- Narita Express or Haruka Airport Express
Does this itinerary justify the cost? Yes, definitively. The Kanazawa-Kyoto, Kyoto-Osaka, and Osaka-Hiroshima shinkansen rides alone approach the pass cost. Add in airport transfers and local JR trains, and you’ll save significantly.
Important: The JR Pass does NOT cover:
- Hakone (use the Hakone Free Pass, ¥6,100 from Shinjuku, covers most Hakone transport for 2 days)
- Takayama to Kanazawa (Nohi Bus — pay separately, ¥3,600)
- Tokyo and Osaka metros (use IC cards — Suica or ICOCA)
IC Cards (Suica / ICOCA / PASMO)
Load one of these rechargeable cards at any station. Tap in, tap out. Works on all metros, buses, and convenience stores nationwide. Essential for city travel.
Key Journey Times
| Route | Transport | Time | JR Pass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo → Kamakura | JR Yokosuka Line | 55 min | ✅ |
| Shinjuku → Hakone | Romancecar | 85 min | ❌ |
| Hakone → Nagoya | Shinkansen from Odawara | 70 min | ✅ |
| Nagoya → Takayama | JR Hida Limited Express | 2.5 hrs | ✅ |
| Takayama → Kanazawa | Nohi Bus | 2.25 hrs | ❌ |
| Kanazawa → Kyoto | JR Thunderbird | 2.5 hrs | ✅ |
| Kyoto → Nara | JR Nara Line | 45 min | ✅ |
| Kyoto → Osaka | JR Special Rapid | 30 min | ✅ |
| Osaka → |