Japan Itinerary for 11 Days: Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Hiroshima & Fuji Highlights

From the first glimpse of Osaka’s bustling neon streets to the serene deer of Miyajima and the majestic view of Mt. Fuji before heading to Tokyo, this 11-day Japan itinerary captures Japan’s best mix of city life, history, nature, and unforgettable food.

This is my second time visiting Japan for 11 days, and it is also my first time experiencing the Spring season in Japan! What’s interesting is that I just came back from my 13-day Japan trip last winter, and I was already visiting Japan in the spring season! Yes, that’s how much I love Japan!

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, this carefully curated itinerary helps you experience a little bit of everything: cities, culture, nature, and culinary delights.

Table of Contents

Essential Travel Guides & Tips

Filipino travelers need a Japan tourist visa. Make sure your passport is valid, prepare proof of funds, confirmed flights, hotel bookings, and a day-to-day itinerary.
Flights & Entry Points: Landing in Nagoya, Osaka, or Tokyo is ideal. For this itinerary, Nagoya works best to jump-start your Osaka leg.
Pocket WiFi or eSIM is essential for navigation, translation, and travel apps.
Japan’s public transport system is efficient and punctual. The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is an excellent investment for tourists planning to travel extensively across the country. It offers unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet trains).
Make sure you have IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient travel on buses, subways, and local trains in cities.
Google Maps is your best friend! The Google Map can show you the accurate time of departure and arrival of public transportation in Japan!

Where to Stay in Japan?

Osaka: Shinsaibashi or Namba: It’s lively, central, and foodie-friendly. Since I’ve been to Osaka twice already, here are some of the hotels where I stayed: Sanriott Hotel, Hotel Citio, and
Hiroshima / Miyajima: Near Hiroshima Station: Very convenient for the Peace Park and ferry to Miyajima.
Shizuoka: Central city hotels or near Shimizu Port: It is easy access to Nihondaira and Mount Fuji viewpoints.
Tokyo: Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, or Asakusa: Best access to shopping, temples, and city sights.

Things to Do in Each City

Osaka

Osaka is one of my favorite places in all entire Japan. During my first visit to Japan, I explored Osaka for 6 days. Here, you can explore Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi, Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku Tower, and indulge in takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and other must-try Japanese foods. There are actually a lot of things that you can do in Osaka; you can do a day trip to Shirakawa-go, Kyoto & Nara, Kobe, and many more, depending on your preferences.

Kyoto

Kyoto is one of the most historic places in Japan, and a place that you shouldn’t miss out on visiting. You can explore the Gion District, the Kamo River, and Fushimi Inari, visit matcha cafes, and traditional tea houses. You can go on a day trip from Osaka to Kyoto, or if you have a longer time, you can stay longer in this beautiful city.

Kobe

Kobe is famous for its Kobe beef, and this is something that you must try when in Japan. You can also go on a day tour from Osaka to Kobe via JR trains and explore some of the most popular tourist attractions, such as the Kitano streets, Nunobiki Herb Gardens, Kobe Harborland, Chinatown, and Kobe beef restaurants.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is famous for its poignant history and comforting local food, especially Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a layered savory pancake that’s unique to the city. We stayed in Hiroshima for 3 days and 2 nights and explored the city’s top attractions, such as Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Castle. Each site tells a story, and visiting them is a moving experience that gives context to Japan’s resilience and culture.

Miyajima Island

comprehensive japan itinerary for 11 days

Miyajima Island is known for its peaceful beauty and friendly deer that roam freely around the streets. A visit here is a must when you’re in Hiroshima. You can take a day trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, and you can stroll along Omotesando Street to shop for souvenirs and local snacks, admire the Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic Grand Torii Gate, and, for the adventurous, hike up Mt. Misen for stunning panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. This island is perfect for a full-day escape into nature and culture.

Shizuoka Prefecture

japan multiple entry tourist visa guide for filipinos

Shizuoka Prefecture is the gateway to Mt. Fuji, offering some of the best viewpoints and local experiences. Explore the scenic Nihondaira viewpoints and Yume Terrace, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at Shimizu Port, and visit the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center in Fujinomiya City to learn about the mountain’s cultural significance. Don’t forget the iconic photo opportunity at Fujikawa Station, where the Shinkansen crosses with Mt. Fuji in the background, a truly unforgettable sight.

Shizuoka Prefecture is one of my personal favorites in Japan. I think this is one of the most underrated places in the country.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a city that blends modern energy with timeless culture. You can wander the tech-filled streets of Akihabara, shop along bustling streets in Ginza or Shibuya, explore the historic Senso-ji Temple, and admire city views from Tokyo Skytree. This is also where you can visit Tokyo Disneyland!

Whether you’re here for the food, the shopping, or the skyline, Tokyo has something for every traveler and is the perfect final stop for your Japan adventure.

Must-try Food in Japan

Osaka: Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu.
Kyoto: Matcha desserts, traditional kaiseki meals.
Kobe: Kobe beef (must-try at Steakland or local restaurants).
Hiroshima: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Shizuoka: Fresh seafood at Shimizu Port, local green tea desserts.
Tokyo: Sushi, ramen, street snacks in Akihabara or Shibuya.

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for 11 Days

If you’re visiting Japan anytime soon, here’s a comprehensive 11-day Japan itinerary! Make sure to save this for your next Japan trip!

Day 1 – Osaka

Arrival in Nagoya
Shinkansen from Nagoya to Osaka
Check in at Sanriott Hotel
Dine at Onigiri Gorichan
Stroll at Shinsaibashi
Dinner at Ichiran
Rest

Day 2 – Osaka to Kyoto

JR train from Osaka to Kyoto
Garden of Fine Art Kyoto
Kamo River
Lunch at a local restaurant
Gion District
Cafe & Restaurant Hopping (Maccha House, Imo Pippi, Gyukatsu Kyoto)
JR train from Kyoto to Osaka
Stroll at Shinsaibashi
Rest

Day 3 – Osaka to Kobe

JR train from Osaka to Kobe
Kitano area
Kitanochi District
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Kobe Port
Kobe Harborland
Kobe Chinatown
Eat Kobe Beef at Steakland
Rest

Day 4 – Osaka

Osaka Day Tour
Osaka Castle
Tsutenkaku Tower
Tsutenkaku Tower Hondori Shopping Street
Umeda Sky Building
Shinsaibashi

Day 5 – Osaka to Hiroshima

Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima
Check in at the hotel
Eat Hiroshima’s Okonomiyaki
Atomic Bomb Dome
Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Castle
Children’s Peace Monument
Rest

Day 6 – Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island Day Tour
Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street
Greet and Feed Miyajima’s Deer
Itsukushima Shrine
Grand Torii Gate
Mt. Misen
Rest

Day 7 – Hiroshima to Osaka

Back to Osaka
Stroll at Shinsaibashi
Rest

Day 8 – Osaka to Shizuoka

Shinkansen from Osaka to Shizuoka
Check in at the hotel
Sunpu Castle
Stroll around
Rest

Day 9 – Shizuoka

Nihondaira
Nihondaira Yume Terrace
Shimizu Port
Sumiyaki Restaurant
Rest

Day 10 – Shizuoka

Fujinomiya City
Mount Fuji World Heritage Center
Fuji City
Fujikawa Station (Mt. Fuji Viewpoint with Shinkansen across Railway Bridge)
Shinkansen from Fuji to Tokyo
Check in at the hotel
Rest

Day 11 – Shizuoka to Tokyo

Stroll around Akihabara
Shopping Street
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo Skytree
Back to Manila

If you’re visiting Japan soon, make sure to save this 11-day Japan itinerary, especially if you are interested in visiting such amazing places I explored for this trip!