trip to osaka

Hi there,

I've rolled some of your question into one answer as they are very much related.

1,3 & 10.)You could consider a 7 day JR Pass depending on your final itinerary. The JR Pass could be very helpful if you visit Hiroshima and travel on the Shinkansen. If you just stay local in Kansai (the area where Osaka, Kyoto and Nara are located) then it would be better to buy tickets as you travel.

2.) Both the east side of Kyoto and Nara park are good places for autumn leaf viewing.

4.) You could either make your base in one place or make day trips to each place. Both are possibilities. Personally I would travel around a little, this way you can also get a feel for each place at night.

5.) I would either travel to Osaka or Kyoto as they are easy to travel to.

6.) You could stay near Osaka or Kyoto station, both have good connections and direct trains to almost anywhere.

7.) Basically trains, as they go anywhere. Just buy a ticket to where you wish to go. I would advise travelling on the Haruka Express if you go to Kyoto as it is a direct connection. For Osaka, take the JR Airport express.

8.) Well certainly visit Nara, personally I am also a great fan of Hiroshima and Miyajima island. Both are very nice places to visit.

9.) This is hard to say, I usually just ask the locals what the best place for a certain food this. This way you will always find the best.

11.) I would suggest to spend a couple of days in both Kyoto and Osaka and then a day trip to Nara, Hiroshima and Kobe.

Hope this helps!
Daniel