Exploring Central Japan with the Osaka-Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass: A 9-Day Itinerary

Here’s a well-balanced 9-day itinerary using the Osaka-Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass including Nagano, Kanazawa, Hikone, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. The pass will be activated on Day 2 in Tokyo and expire on Day 8, leaving Day 9 for Osaka.

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo & Explore

Activities:

• Arrive in Tokyo (Narita/Haneda)

• Explore Shinjuku & Shibuya (Shibuya Sky, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing)

• Visit Asakusa & Sensoji Temple

Food Recommendations:

• Ramen at Ichiran or Ippudo

• Sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market

• Melonpan (sweet bread) in Asakusa

Day 2: Tokyo → Nagano (Activate Pass)

(Activate the Hokuriku Arch Pass today!)

Activities:

• Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano (1.5 hrs)

• Visit Zenkoji Temple

• Day trip to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (optional, depending on season)

• Explore Togakushi Shrine (optional, if time allows)

Food Recommendations:

• Soba noodles (Nagano is famous for them!)

• Oyaki (stuffed dumplings)

• Apple-based treats (Nagano is Japan’s apple capital)

Day 3: Nagano → Kanazawa

Activities:

• Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa (1 hr)

• Visit Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and 21st Century Museum

• Stroll through Higashi Chaya District for traditional tea houses

• Omicho Market, a lively seafood and produce market, perfect for lunch.

Food Recommendations:

• Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) at Omicho Market

• Jibuni (duck stew), a Kanazawa specialty

• Gold leaf soft-serve ice cream

Day 4: Kanazawa → Hikone → Kyoto

Activities:

• Take the Shirasagi Limited Express to Hikone (1.5 hrs)

• Explore Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s original castles

• Stroll along Yume Kyobashi Castle Road for local shops

• Travel to Kyoto in the evening (30 min)

Food Recommendations:

• Hikone’s Omi beef (one of Japan’s top wagyu)

• Castella cake

• Saba sushi (mackerel sushi)

Day 5: Kyoto Sightseeing

Activities:

• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (early morning)

• Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sanneizaka Street

• Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Togetsukyo Bridge

• Explore Gion District in the evening

Food Recommendations:

• Matcha desserts in Uji or Gion

• Yudofu (tofu hot pot) in Arashiyama

• Obanzai (Kyoto-style homecooked dishes)

Day 6: Kyoto → Nara → Osaka

Activities:

• Take the train to Nara (45 min)

• Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine

• Explore Naramachi District for traditional townscapes

• Travel to Osaka in the afternoon

Food Recommendations:

• Kakinoha sushi (persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi) in Nara

• Mitarashi dango (grilled sweet soy dumplings)

• Takoyaki in Osaka’s Dotonbori

Day 7: Osaka Sightseeing

Activities:

• Visit Osaka Castle & Osaka Museum of History

• Explore Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower

• Shopping in Namba, Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi

Food Recommendations:

• Okonomiyaki (savory pancake)

• Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in Shinsekai

• Rikuro’s cheesecake

Day 8: Day Trip to Kobe & Last Day of Pass

(Final day to use the Hokuriku Arch Pass!)

Activities:

• Take the train to Kobe (30 min)

• Visit Kobe Harborland & Nunobiki Herb Gardens

• Explore Kitano Ijinkan (Western-style houses district)

• Return to Osaka in the evening

Food Recommendations:

• Kobe beef in Sannomiya or Kitano

• Akashiyaki (octopus dumplings, softer than takoyaki)

• Kobe pudding

Day 9: Explore Osaka (Pass Expired)

(Spend your last day relaxing in Osaka before departure)

Activities:

• Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

• Last-minute shopping in Umeda, Namba, or Tennoji

• Relax at Spa World (onsen) or teamLab Botanical Garden

Food Recommendations:

• Negiyaki (green onion pancake)

• Udon at a famous local shop

• Coffee & pastries at a kissaten (retro café)

This itinerary ensures efficient travel using the Hokuriku Arch Pass, covering a mix of historical sites, nature, and food experiences in Nagano, Kanazawa, Hikone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe.

Want to learn more about the JR Regional Pass? Visit jrpass.com for detailed information!