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AI-LewisClark
02 Dec 2025
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Japan Highlights: Tokyo, Osaka & Hiroshima (14 days)

14-Day Tokyo, Osaka & Hiroshima Highlights

Experience a balanced 14-day journey through Japan’s fast-paced modern capitals and reflective historical sites. Start in Tokyo to explore historic temples, world-class museums, expansive gardens, and iconic skyline views — perfect for cultural immersion and photography. Move on to Osaka for vibrant nightlife, lively markets, landmark castles, and contemporary architecture that showcase the city’s culinary and urban energy. Finish in Hiroshima to reflect at the Peace Memorial Museum and Genbaku Dome, enjoy tranquil gardens, and take a day trip to Miyajima’s famed floating torii and scenic trails. This itinerary blends history, art, nature, and local food-focused activities across three distinct regions for a well-rounded cultural experience.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji offers a vivid glimpse into Japanese history and Buddhist tradition with its iconic Kaminarimon gate, lively Nakamise-dori shopping street, and atmospheric temple grounds — excellent for photography, cultural immersion, and experiencing traditional festivals.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Meiji Jingu Shrine

    A serene Shinto shrine set within a large, forested park in central Tokyo, Meiji Jingu provides peaceful walking paths, traditional ceremonies, and seasonal events; it’s ideal for experiencing Japan’s religious customs, capturing natural and architectural contrasts, and escaping the city bustle.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Tokyo Skytree

    One of the world’s tallest towers, Tokyo Skytree delivers panoramic city views from observation decks, stunning photo opportunities at sunrise or night, interactive exhibits about broadcasting and engineering, plus nearby shopping and cultural attractions — great for sightseeing and skyline photography.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Tokyo National Museum

    Japan’s oldest and largest museum, housing extensive collections of art and antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries — ideal for museum lovers to explore samurai armor, Buddhist sculptures, calligraphy, ceramics, and rotating special exhibitions that deepen understanding of Japanese history and culture.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    A spacious, meticulously maintained garden combining Japanese traditional, English landscape, and French formal styles — perfect for peaceful walks, seasonal photography (cherry blossoms in spring, colorful foliage in autumn), and relaxing picnics away from Tokyo’s urban pace.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Ueno Park

    A cultural hub featuring several major museums (including the Tokyo National Museum), Ueno Zoo, temples, and expansive cherry-tree-lined promenades — great for combining museum visits, outdoor strolls, street photography, and experiencing festivals and lively local atmosphere.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Tsukiji Outer Market (landmark/activity)

    A lively market area offering fresh seafood, local produce, and a variety of street food and specialty shops — excellent for sampling authentic Japanese flavors, photographing bustling market scenes, and experiencing culinary culture without visiting sit-down restaurants.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    TeamLab Borderless (MORI Building Digital Art Museum)

    An immersive, boundary-free digital art museum where interactive, large-scale installations respond to visitor movement and light — ideal for striking, unique photography, experiencing cutting-edge art and technology, and enjoying a highly memorable, sensory exhibition.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Osaka Castle

    An iconic historic castle set within extensive park grounds, featuring a reconstructed main keep with historical exhibits and observation deck views — perfect for learning about Japan’s feudal history, capturing dramatic architecture and seasonal scenery (especially cherry blossoms), and exploring surrounding gardens and moats.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Dotonbori (landmark/activity)

    A vibrant riverside entertainment district famous for neon signs, animated storefronts, and a lively street-food scene — perfect for night photography, sampling iconic Osaka snacks (takoyaki, okonomiyaki), and experiencing energetic urban atmosphere and local pop culture.
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  • Trip Point Pin11

    Shitenno-ji Temple

    One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples with serene temple grounds, historic architecture, and a peaceful garden — ideal for appreciating classical religious architecture, capturing contemplative scenes, and learning about early Japanese Buddhism and cultural heritage.
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  • Trip Point Pin12

    Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden Observatory)

    A striking modern architectural landmark with an open-air rooftop observatory offering panoramic views of Osaka’s skyline — great for skyline and sunset photography, enjoying unique engineering and design, and getting a broad orientation of the city from a dramatic vantage point.
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  • Trip Point Pin13

    Osaka Museum of History

    Offers layered exhibits that trace Osaka’s development from ancient times to the modern era, with detailed models, artifacts, and a top-floor viewing area overlooking Osaka Castle — excellent for contextualizing the city’s past, learning through well-curated displays, and photographing historical reconstructions.
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  • Trip Point Pin14

    Kuromon Ichiba Market (landmark/activity)

    A bustling covered market known for exceptionally fresh seafood, produce, and ready-to-eat local specialties — perfect for sampling Osaka’s culinary culture, capturing vivid market scenes and street-food photography, and interacting with local vendors in an authentic setting.
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  • Trip Point Pin15

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)

    A solemn UNESCO World Heritage site preserved as the iconic ruin from the 1945 atomic bombing, serving as a powerful memorial and symbol for peace — important for reflective visitation, learning about modern history at nearby exhibits, and photographing a moving landmark that embodies resilience and remembrance.
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  • Trip Point Pin16

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

    A deeply moving museum documenting the atomic bombing’s impact through personal artifacts, photographs, and survivor testimonies — essential for understanding the human consequences of war, fostering reflection on peace, and providing powerful, educational exhibits for thoughtful photography and study.
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  • Trip Point Pin17

    Shukkeien Garden

    A beautifully landscaped historic garden featuring miniature landscapes, winding paths, ponds, and teahouses — ideal for tranquil strolls, seasonal photography (cherry blossoms and autumn foliage), and experiencing traditional Japanese garden design close to Hiroshima’s city center.
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  • Trip Point Pin18

    Miyajima — Itsukushima Shrine (day trip from Hiroshima)

    Famous for its iconic floating torii gate and scenic island setting, Itsukushima Shrine offers Shinto architecture, forested walking trails, and tame deer — perfect for picturesque photography, cultural immersion, exploring hiking routes (Mount Misen), and enjoying a serene contrast to the city’s memorial sites.
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  • Trip Point Pin19

    Hiroshima Castle

    A reconstructed feudal-era castle that houses a museum detailing Hiroshima’s samurai history, architecture, and local culture; its elevated main keep offers views over the surrounding park and city, and the castle grounds provide attractive seasonal photo opportunities (especially cherry blossoms), making it a good complement to the city’s peace memorial sites for a broader historical perspective.
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Sushi Saito (Tokyo)

    4.5
    $$$$

    Sushi Saito (Tokyo)

    Renowned for its impeccable sushi craftsmanship and seasonal ingredients — exceptional omakase experience for sushi lovers seeking top-tier quality and precision.
    4.5
    $$$$
    Picture for Sushi Saito (Tokyo)
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    Narisawa (Tokyo)

    4.6
    $$$$

    Narisawa (Tokyo)

    Innovative fine dining blending modern techniques with Japanese seasonal produce; celebrated for its thoughtful, nature-inspired tasting menus.
    4.6
    $$$$
    Picture for Narisawa (Tokyo)
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    Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M (Osaka)

    4.6
    $$$$

    Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M (Osaka)

    Specializes in premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku with attentive grilling service — a great spot to sample Japan’s high-grade wagyu in a lively setting.
    4.6
    $$$$
    Picture for Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M (Osaka)
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    Kani Doraku Dotonbori Honten (Osaka)

    4.2
    $$$$

    Kani Doraku Dotonbori Honten (Osaka)

    Iconic restaurant famous for crab dishes and its memorable mechanical crab sign — ideal for trying regional seafood specialties in the heart of Dotonbori.
    4.2
    $$$$
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    Okonomimura (Hiroshima)

    4.2
    $$$$

    Okonomimura (Hiroshima)

    A multi-stall building dedicated to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, offering numerous vendors and authentic local flavors — perfect for sampling a variety of this regional comfort food.
    4.2
    $$$$
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Park Hotel Tokyo (Minato, Tokyo)

    4.4
    $$$$

    Park Hotel Tokyo (Minato, Tokyo)

    Stylish business hotel known for artist-designed rooms and strong access to Ginza and Tsukiji; great for museum and city exploration with easy subway connections.
    4.4
    $$$$
    Picture for Park Hotel Tokyo (Minato, Tokyo)
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel New Otani Tokyo (Akasaka, Tokyo)

    4.4

    Hotel New Otani Tokyo (Akasaka, Tokyo)

    Classic large hotel with extensive Japanese gardens, comfortable rooms, and convenient access to museums and Meiji Jingu; suited for guests wanting traditional gardens within the city.
    4.4
    Picture for Hotel New Otani Tokyo (Akasaka, Tokyo)
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    Swissôtel Nankai Osaka (Namba, Osaka)

    4.3

    Swissôtel Nankai Osaka (Namba, Osaka)

    High-rise luxury hotel directly above Namba Station offering immediate access to Dotonbori, markets, and nightlife — excellent base for photography and food-focused exploring.
    4.3
    Picture for Swissôtel Nankai Osaka (Namba, Osaka)
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Universal Port (Universal City, Osaka)

    4.4

    Hotel Universal Port (Universal City, Osaka)

    Modern family-friendly hotel near Universal Studios Japan with comfortable amenities and easy transport to central Osaka and Umeda Sky Building; good choice if combining city touring with a theme-park visit.
    4.4
    Picture for Hotel Universal Port (Universal City, Osaka)
  • Hotel Icon

    Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel (Hiroshima)

    4.3

    Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel (Hiroshima)

    Well-located hotel adjacent to Hiroshima Station with spacious rooms and reliable service; convenient for visits to the Peace Memorial Park, museums, and day trips to Miyajima.
    4.3
    Picture for Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel (Hiroshima)

Local Events & Happenings

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Itinerary check - First time in Japan. 16 days Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka ... Itinerary Check: 13 days in Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji) ... 20-Day Solo...

    Itinerary check: 18 days in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ...

    Itinerary check - First time in Japan. 16 days Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka ... Itinerary Check: 13 days in Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji) ... 20-Day Solo...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Overwhelmed with your itinerary? Want to share your travel tips and experiences in Japan? Then this is the place for you! /r/JapanTravel is for any and all looking to visit Ja...

    Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day?

    Overwhelmed with your itinerary? Want to share your travel tips and experiences in Japan? Then this is the place for you! /r/JapanTravel is for any and all looking to visit Ja...

    /r/JapanTravelTips
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  • Reddit Icon

    18 votes, 32 comments. 3.4M subscribers in the JapanTravel community. Got questions? Need advice? Overwhelmed with your itinerary? Want to share your travel tips and experienc...

    Day Trip from Osaka to Hiroshima

    18 votes, 32 comments. 3.4M subscribers in the JapanTravel community. Got questions? Need advice? Overwhelmed with your itinerary? Want to share your travel tips and experienc...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Overwhelmed with your itinerary? Want to share your travel tips and experiences in Japan? Then this is the place for you! /r/JapanTravel is for any and all looking to visit Ja...

    What's possible in a Hiroshima day trip?

    Overwhelmed with your itinerary? Want to share your travel tips and experiences in Japan? Then this is the place for you! /r/JapanTravel is for any and all looking to visit Ja...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    If you are okay with going to Himeji from Tokyo, I would to the Himejii stuff then go to Hiroshima to spend the night there. Give you a full day for the Peace park, museum, pl...

    13-day Japan trip-Any Tips?

    If you are okay with going to Himeji from Tokyo, I would to the Himejii stuff then go to Hiroshima to spend the night there. Give you a full day for the Peace park, museum, pl...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hey everyone- taking my first trip to Japan in just over a month. Putting the finishing touches on an itinerary and appreciate feedback / a sanity

    Itinerary Check - Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka / Hiroshima, 12 days, Oct 14-25

    Hey everyone- taking my first trip to Japan in just over a month. Putting the finishing touches on an itinerary and appreciate feedback / a sanity

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Day 9 Monday Naoshima Check out of Kyoto early Travel to Naoshima ~4 hours Check into Naoshima, Stay at Benesse House Travel to and see Teshima (since most of Naoshima is clos...

    21 Days Itinerary Check : Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka - Naoshima - Hiroshima - Hakone - Tokyo

    Day 9 Monday Naoshima Check out of Kyoto early Travel to Naoshima ~4 hours Check into Naoshima, Stay at Benesse House Travel to and see Teshima (since most of Naoshima is clos...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Edit: this is Nov 2022, sorry if it should have been in the title!! First, I know it's too early for peak momiji, but these are the dates I can do

    14 Day Itinerary Check - tokyo/kyoto/hiroshima/miyajima & autumn colors?

    Edit: this is Nov 2022, sorry if it should have been in the title!! First, I know it's too early for peak momiji, but these are the dates I can do

    /r/JapanTravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Maybe we'll arrive in Hiroshima a bit earlier and do the museum that afternoon so we can visit Myiajima. Thanks! ... The Kyoto Railway Museum is good. I recommend checkin...

    How would you rate this high-level 14 full day itinerary?

    Maybe we'll arrive in Hiroshima a bit earlier and do the museum that afternoon so we can visit Myiajima. Thanks! ... The Kyoto Railway Museum is good. I recommend checkin...

    /r/JapanTravelTips
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    This ticket is obviously good for the high-speed train, which is the majority of the expenses, but it also covers things like the JR local trains, JR Ferry to Miyajima, JR bus...

    14 day itinerary

    This ticket is obviously good for the high-speed train, which is the majority of the expenses, but it also covers things like the JR local trains, JR Ferry to Miyajima, JR bus...

    /r/JapanTravelTips
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    55 votes, 84 comments. Going to Japan in March 2025, the plan is to see Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. How feasible is it to do a day trip to Hiroshima?

    How feasible is a day trip to Hiroshima?

    55 votes, 84 comments. Going to Japan in March 2025, the plan is to see Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. How feasible is it to do a day trip to Hiroshima?

    /r/JapanTravelTips
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    17 votes, 13 comments. This is my late-40s bucket list trip. I'm traveling solo. Kinda want to check out the deer park but not sure what to squeeze

    14 days in Japan: Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo

    17 votes, 13 comments. This is my late-40s bucket list trip. I'm traveling solo. Kinda want to check out the deer park but not sure what to squeeze

    /r/JapanTravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Me and a friend are going to Japan this summer and we are in Hiroshima for 3 days and saw that you can take a ferry to Miyajima is it worth the trip and how long does it take ...

    Is a trip to Miyajima worth it and how long does it take

    Me and a friend are going to Japan this summer and we are in Hiroshima for 3 days and saw that you can take a ferry to Miyajima is it worth the trip and how long does it take ...

    /r/JapanTravelTips
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  • Reddit Icon

    Hello everyone, we are a American couple going to Japan for the first time and are beyond excited! To give some context, we are late 20 year olds

    13 day Itinerary check. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima

    Hello everyone, we are a American couple going to Japan for the first time and are beyond excited! To give some context, we are late 20 year olds

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Heading to Osaka in early November! I'll be using the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass, which covers the Shinkansen, and Ive got a hotel booked in

    One-Day Hiroshima Itinerary from Osaka: Can I Cover It All?

    Heading to Osaka in early November! I'll be using the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass, which covers the Shinkansen, and Ive got a hotel booked in

    /r/JapanTravelTips
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    ... Trip Report: 14 days (Nov 25 - Dec 8), Tokyo Takayama Kyoto Osaka Hiroshima, plus day trips to Jigokudani, Shirakawa Go, Kanazawa, Uji, Nara, Koyasan, Okonushima, Miyajima...

    Hiroshima/Miyajima: 1 day or 2?

    ... Trip Report: 14 days (Nov 25 - Dec 8), Tokyo Takayama Kyoto Osaka Hiroshima, plus day trips to Jigokudani, Shirakawa Go, Kanazawa, Uji, Nara, Koyasan, Okonushima, Miyajima...

    /r/JapanTravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    19 votes, 20 comments. Going to Japan for the first time from late Feb to mid March and would appreciate any tips/suggestions, especially near the

    20 Day Itinerary Check: Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka > Hiroshima/Miyajima > Kobe > Tokyo

    19 votes, 20 comments. Going to Japan for the first time from late Feb to mid March and would appreciate any tips/suggestions, especially near the

    /r/JapanTravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    There is simply not enough time ... 2 days, Osaka in a day. What will end up happening is that youll spend too much time on a bus/train while not doing anything. The issue her...

    15 days Japan Itinerary

    There is simply not enough time ... 2 days, Osaka in a day. What will end up happening is that youll spend too much time on a bus/train while not doing anything. The issue her...

    /r/JapanTravelTips
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Overwhelmed with your itinerary? Want to share your travel tips and experiences in Japan? Then this is the place for you! /r/JapanTravel is for any and all looking to visit Ja...

    Hiroshima in one day

    Overwhelmed with your itinerary? Want to share your travel tips and experiences in Japan? Then this is the place for you! /r/JapanTravel is for any and all looking to visit Ja...

    /r/JapanTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Teriyaki Boyz - Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious) - From "The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift" Soundtrack

    Teriyaki Boyz - Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious) - From "The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift" Soundtrack

    An energetic pop track that captures the city’s neon-lit nights and fast pace — great for wandering urban streets in Tokyo.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Teriyaki Boyz - Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious) - From "The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift" Soundtrack
  • Music Icon

    Busker Busker - Cherry Blossom Ending

    Busker Busker - Cherry Blossom Ending

    A gentle, nostalgic song often associated with springtime and hanami; perfect for strolls through parks during sakura season.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Busker Busker - Cherry Blossom Ending
  • Music Icon

    Adele - Hometown Glory

    Adele - Hometown Glory

    A reflective acoustic piece that evokes feelings of travel and personal connection to place — suitable for quiet moments near temples and gardens.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Adele - Hometown Glory
  • Music Icon

    Coldplay - Lovers in Japan

    Coldplay - Lovers in Japan

    Uplifting and cinematic, this song’s sweeping melodies match panoramic views from observation decks like Tokyo Skytree or Umeda Sky Building.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Coldplay - Lovers in Japan
  • Music Icon

    Ikimonogakari - ブルーバード

    Ikimonogakari - ブルーバード

    An upbeat J-pop/rock tune with a bright, adventurous feel — great for daytime exploration and capturing the excitement of discovering new neighborhoods.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Ikimonogakari - ブルーバード
  • Music Icon

    EGO-WRAPPIN’ - 色彩のブルース

    EGO-WRAPPIN’ - 色彩のブルース

    A mellow blues-inflected track that pairs well with contemplative visits to memorial sites and museums.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for EGO-WRAPPIN’ - 色彩のブルース
  • Music Icon

    Mone Kamishiraishi - なんでもないや - movie ver.

    Mone Kamishiraishi - なんでもないや - movie ver.

    A soothing, minimalist song ideal for peaceful walks through traditional gardens such as Shinjuku Gyoen or Shukkeien.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Mone Kamishiraishi - なんでもないや - movie ver.
  • Music Icon

    The Chicks - Travelin' Soldier

    The Chicks - Travelin' Soldier

    A breezy pop song about movement and change; fitting for train journeys between cities and scenic day trips like Miyajima.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for The Chicks - Travelin' Soldier
  • Music Icon

    DREAMS COME TRUE - 大阪LOVER - ALBUM EDITION

    DREAMS COME TRUE - 大阪LOVER - ALBUM EDITION

    A playful and affectionate ode to Osaka’s lively spirit and nightlife — perfect for evenings in Dotonbori sampling street food.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for DREAMS COME TRUE - 大阪LOVER - ALBUM EDITION
  • Music Icon

    Naul - Memory Of The Wind

    Naul - Memory Of The Wind

    An instrumental ambient piece that sets a reflective mood, suitable for museum visits and moments of quiet observation at memorial sites.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Naul - Memory Of The Wind