Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Route at a glance
This moderate-paced 9-day itinerary uses 5 bases — Osaka (2 nights), Kyoto (2 nights), Tokushima (1 night), Kochi (2 nights), Takamatsu (2 nights) — to keep hotel changes low while covering Osaka, Kyoto, Tokushima, Kochi, Takamatsu. Daily spend for mid-range travelers is around ¥17,000 per person including accommodation.
Why this route is ranked #53
Ranked #53 with 79/100: a multi-stop route with more transfer time, strong Kansai highlights (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokushima), moderate pacing for second-timers, and good value at ¥17,000/day.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Route Efficiency & Transit Pacing | 23.7 / 30 |
| Iconic & Cultural Depth | 19.8 / 25 |
| First-Timer Accessibility & Logistics | 15.8 / 20 |
| Cost-to-Value Ratio | 11.9 / 15 |
| Seasonal Flexibility | 7.8 / 10 |
| Total | 79 / 100 |
Day-by-day plan
Arrive in Osaka
Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market and Dotonbori street food.
Osaka: Shinsekai kushikatsu
Shinsekai kushikatsu, Umeda Sky Building and Namba nightlife
Travel to Kyoto
Morning transfer to Kyoto (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Fushimi Inari at dawn, then Higashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.
Kyoto: Arashiyama bamboo grove
Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji and Kinkaku-ji
Travel to Tokushima
Morning transfer to Tokushima (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Naruto whirlpools and Awa Odori Kaikan.
Travel to Kochi
Morning transfer to Kochi (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Hirome Market katsuo tataki and Kochi Castle.
Flexible day in Kochi
Free day in Kochi: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Hirome Market katsuo tataki and Kochi Castle.
Travel to Takamatsu
Morning transfer to Takamatsu (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Ritsurin Garden and sanuki udon crawl.
Flexible day in Takamatsu · depart
Free day in Takamatsu: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Ritsurin Garden and sanuki udon crawl. Head to the airport in the afternoon.
Transport & rail pass notes
Use an IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for local trains and buses. Long-distance legs may justify a regional or national JR Pass — check with our JR Pass Calculator.
What to book ahead
- Hotels in peak sakura (late Mar–early Apr) and koyo (Nov) seasons
- Shinkansen seats on weekends & holidays
- Signature experiences in Osaka
Ways to adapt this route
- Short on time? Drop Takamatsu and add a night to Osaka.
- Travelling in winter? Check seasonal closures for mountain roads and ropeways.
- Use our Itinerary Builder tool to customise this plan.
Osaka Kyoto Tokushima Kōchi Takamatsu
Frequently asked questions
Is 9 days enough for Osaka, Kyoto, Tokushima?
Yes — this plan gives Osaka (2 nights), Kyoto (2 nights), Tokushima (1 night), Kochi (2 nights), Takamatsu (2 nights), which is enough for the main highlights at a moderate pace.
How much does this 9-day Japan trip cost?
Roughly ¥153,000 per person for 9 days (≈¥17,000/day) excluding international flights.
Do I need a JR Pass for this itinerary?
Enter your legs in our JR Pass Calculator; single tickets or regional passes are often cheaper.
When is the best time to do this route?
Late March–May and October–November for the best weather.