14-Day Japan: Tokyo → Kanazawa → Kyoto → Osaka
Key Tips Before You Go
Where to Stay Tokyo - Shinjuku, Kanazawa - Near Omicho Market, Kyoto - near Gion, Osaka - Namba area
Research if a JR Pass is worth it before leaving home — it covers the Shinkansen (bullet train) between all four cities and saves a lot.
IC Card (Suica or Pasmo) for subway, buses and convenience store payments. You can add Suica and funds from the Apple wallet on Apple phones.
Book early: Myouryuji Ninja Temple requires advance reservations. Fushimi Inari at sunrise needs zero planning but total commitment.
Cash matters — many temples, rural shops and Yanaka vendors are cash only.