Should I Skip Osaka? Skip Kyoto?? Skip Tokyo???

“Should I skip Osaka?”

That’s the kind of question we’re asked by some folks. Well, sometimes it’s Kyoto or Tokyo in Osaka’s stead, but you get the point.

When planning a trip to Japan, travelers often grapple with the question of which cities to include in their itinerary. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka form the Golden Route of Japan travel, each offering its own unique brand of Japanese culture and experiences. These cities can be great destinations for honeymooners, solo travelers in Japan, family trips and more.

But with limited time and so much to see and experience here in Japan, is it worth visiting all three? Should you think about skipping Osaka, Kyoto or Tokyo on your Japan trip? 

That’s the question we’re answering in this edition of the Japan Travel Pros blog. Let's break it down and help you decide which cities deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Tokyo: The Urban Giant That (Seemingly) Everyone Wants to See

As Japan's capital and largest metropolis in the world, Tokyo is a city that ends up on most everyone’s itinerary. 

It’s true that Tokyo offers an unparalleled range of sights, sounds, flavors and experiences. Despite its size and energy, Tokyo also offers pockets of calm, like the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden or the Meiji Shrine, nestled in a forested area in the heart of the city.

From the popular areas of Shibuya, Shinjuku and Asakusa, to the lesser known hidden gems such as Tokyo’s smaller neighborhoods and shotengai shopping streets, one can easily spend a week (or more) in Tokyo and not get bored. And if you do want a change of pace, the choice of day trips from Tokyo means you could spend your entire Japan trip based in one hotel in Tokyo (or two, if you want to split it up by location or style).

Tokyo's food scene is pretty much legendary, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants (Tokyo has the most in the world) to humble mom-and-pop eateries. Though it’s not all sushi and ramen in Japan’s capital, you can get more than your share of those here. Then branch out to explore different styles and regional varieties of Japanese cuisine, all available without leaving Tokyo.

But if you were to leave Tokyo, where would you go?

Kyoto: The Historical Heart of Japan

If Tokyo represents modern Japan, Kyoto is its historical and cultural soul. 

As the former imperial capital, Kyoto is home to an astounding number of Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples and Japanese gardens. It's the place to experience Japan's cultural heritage up close.

In Kyoto, every corner seems to speak volumes about Japan’s history. 

The iconic golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji is covered in gold leaf, and seeing this temple shimmering above its reflecting pond is unforgettable on a sunny day. It’s a highlight of Kyoto, to be sure, but just one of so many.

The historic Gion district offers a glimpse into the world of geisha (known as geiko in Kyoto). While spotting a geiko or maiko (apprentice geiko) can be rare, the preserved traditional architecture and atmosphere of the area are attractions in themselves. 

Still, these three areas (plus the Arashiyama bamboo grove and cluster of temples, shrines and other sites) are extremely popular nowadays, so much so that some travelers are eschewing it entirely in favor of lesser known sites in and around Kyoto. While Kyoto can get crowded with tourists, especially during cherry blossom season and fall foliage, it is still possible to find quieter spots. We often recommend visiting some of the less famous temples early in the morning, or getting outside the city during midday hours to hit the hills or do a day trip; then return to Kyoto for the evening.

Kyoto offers a more relaxed pace compared to Tokyo, with opportunities to participate in traditional activities like tea ceremonies or staying in a ryokan (Japanese inn). Kyoto is also known for its refined kaiseki cuisine, which showcases the best of seasonal ingredients in a multi-course meal. And a guided tour of Kyoto (be it group or private, half-day or all day) can help you learn about the history and customs of this fascinating former capital of Japan.

With all that said, it would be hard to imagine skipping Kyoto on a Japan itinerary, especially for first time visitors to Japan. One exception would be if your time in Japan is extremely limited, say a week or less: then we might suggest staying in Tokyo the entire time, and leave Kyoto (and surrounding Kansai area highlights such as Osaka, Nara, Uji, Himeji, Kobe and more) for your next trip to Japan.

Osaka: The Food Capital That You “Must” See (?)

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor in Kyoto, Osaka has a distinct character all its own. Known for its friendly locals and hearty cuisine, Osaka offers a different perspective on urban Japan. However, it's important to note that some of its most famous attractions have become increasingly touristy in recent years.

Osaka is famous for its food scene. While areas like Dotonbori have become jam packed with nothing but tourists, there are still plenty of authentic food experiences to be had. Look for local favorites like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) in less touristy neighborhoods. Osaka’s passion for food is evident in the motto "kuidaore," which roughly translates to "eat until you drop." But it’s major food center of Kuromon Ichiba “market” has become a glorified and sometimes lied about tourist trap, hawking overpriced, inauthentic (and often imported) food to hordes of tourists, so much so that locals avoid this place now.

And while Osaka Castle is an impressive sight from the outside, especially during cherry blossom season or when the fall colors are at their peak, the interior is a modern concrete reconstruction and may not be worth the time for many travelers. For those truly interested in Japanese castles, a day trip to Himeji Castle, about an hour away by train, offers a much more authentic and impressive experience. Himeji Castle is one of Japan's few remaining original castles and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Osaka's Shinsekai district, with its Tsutenkaku Tower, was once a major attraction but has become something of a tourist trap. However, the city has much more to offer beyond these well-trodden paths. We instead recommend Tenjinbashi-suji, Japan's longest shopping street, stretching over 2.6 kilometers. This covered arcade offers a more local experience, with shops selling everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts. Plus you can visit the Osaka Tenmangu shrine in the same area.

So you can probably see where this is going. I think Osaka is a great city. And living right next to Osaka, I’m willing to shed that bias to say the next sentence. I won’t hesitate to recommend skipping Osaka for some clients. Not everyone, but some. Let’s talk about why.

Making the Choice: To Skip or Not to Skip?

The decision to include or skip any of Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka depends on various factors: your interests, the length of your trip and your travel style. The following are some factors to help you decide.

Skip Osaka If:

• … You're short on time and want to focus on the historical sites of Kyoto and the modern attractions of Tokyo. Osaka's main draws are its food culture and big city atmosphere, which you can get a taste of in other cities if time is limited.

• … You're not particularly interested in urban environments or food culture. While Osaka has its charms, it's primarily a modern city known for its culinary scene and industrial & mercantile roots. If these aren't high on your priority list, your time might be better spent elsewhere.

• … You've already experienced big Japanese cities and want to explore more rural areas. Japan has beautiful countryside and smaller towns that offer a completely different experience from its major cities. Consider places like Takayama in the Japanese Alps or the art islands in the Seto Inland Sea for a change of pace.

Visit Osaka If:

• … You're a food enthusiast eager to explore a culinary capital. Despite the touristy reputation of some areas, Osaka still offers incredible food travel experiences for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

• … You want to experience the friendly, down-to-earth culture in this part of Japan. Osakans are known for their warmth and humor, which can be a refreshing change from the more reserved atmosphere of Tokyo.

• … You're planning to visit Universal Studios Japan or attend a specific event (such as a concert, a local festival, a Hanshin Tigers baseball game or the annual March sumo tournament). If you have a particular attraction or event in mind, it makes sense to include Osaka in your itinerary.

• … You want to use it as a base for day trips to nearby attractions. Osaka's central location in the Kansai region makes it convenient for visiting places like Nara, Kobe or even taking a trip to Himeji Castle.

Alternatives to the Standard Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka Golden Route Itinerary

When it comes to skipping Osaka or seeing it in a different way, here are some options.

Base yourself in Kyoto and take a day trip to Osaka 

Staying in Kyoto and doing an Osaka day trip allows you to experience the highlights of Osaka without the need to change accommodations. You can easily spend time exploring Osaka's food scene and return to Kyoto at night.

Spend less time in Tokyo to make room for Osaka

If you're interested in experiencing different aspects of urban Japan, consider reducing your time in Tokyo to fit in Osaka. This can give you a more varied perspective on Japanese city life.

Skip Osaka in favor of other destinations

If you're interested in seeing more of Japan beyond the big cities, you can use the time to visit places like Hiroshima, Kanazawa and/or the Japanese Alps. These destinations offer unique experiences that you can't get in the major urban centers.

Bottom Line: Should You Skip Osaka on Your Japan Trip?

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all itinerary for Japan. 

The best trip is one that aligns with your personal interests and travel goals. While it's tempting to try and see everything, sometimes a more focused itinerary can lead to a more rewarding experience.

For some folks, that ultimately means skipping Osaka in favor of one of the options mentioned above.

Want to know more about whether skipping Osaka is right for you? Why not book your free Japan travel consultation?

We’ll be happy to help narrow down your options and make the most of your Japan trip.

Until next time, happy travels!