17 days in Osaka, Kanazawa & Tokyo Itinerary

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Mon): find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan. On the 9th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, then don't miss a visit to Kuromon Market, and finally take a stroll through Dotombori District.

To see other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Osaka road trip planning site.

Sydney, Australia to Osaka is an approximately 13-hour flight. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Sydney to Osaka due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Sydney in March, things will get cooler in Osaka: highs are around 16°C and lows about 5°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Kanazawa.

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Wed): look for gifts at Amanatto Kawamura, examine the collection at Ochaya Art Museum, take a stroll through Higashichaya Old Town, see the interesting displays at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, then walk around Kenrokuen Garden, and finally step into the grandiose world of Kanazawa Castle. On the 11th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the masterpieces at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, don't miss a visit to Seisonkaku Villa, make a trip to Omicho Market, admire the striking features of Kanazawa Station, then admire the striking features of Tsuzumi Gate, and finally steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House.

To find other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Kanazawa holiday planner.

You can drive from Osaka to Kanazawa in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or fly. When traveling from Osaka in March, plan for little chillier days in Kanazawa, with highs around 13°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Fri) early enough to travel to Tokyo.

Tokyo holds the status of most populous metropolitan area in the world--a fact you'll find tangible as you walk the bustling streets and explore its diverse neighborhoods and cultures.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Tokyo: Kamakura (Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hase-dera Temple, &more), Maihama (Tokyo DisneySea & Tokyo Disneyland) and Yokohama (Sankeien Gardens, Yokohama Chinatown, &more). There's still lots to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, take in panoramic vistas at Tokyo Skytree, don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, and get engrossed in the history at Tokyo National Museum.

To see more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Tokyo trip maker website.

You can take a train from Kanazawa to Tokyo in 4 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Kanazawa in March, with highs in Tokyo at 17°C and lows at 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) so you can travel back home.