Itinerary: One Week in Japan: Visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe

by Lily
Jun 07, 05:00
View all of her plans

Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara cities are all located within close proximity to each other and well-connected by the Japan railway network. This is a sample 7-day itinerary for your trip to Kansai area, but you can shorten it to 5 days as you can.

Duration 7.0 days
Estimated cost 387.18 USD
Total travel distance 287.0 km
Number of places 21 places
Intensity Moderate
Personal interests Temple Cultural Historic Nature Outdoor
Rating

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DAY 1 - ITINERARY 4 places

13:00

Kansai International Airport Detail Map

1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture 549-0001, Japan, Kyoto

Kansai International Airport is an international airport located on an artificial island in the middle of Osaka Bay, located within three municipalities, including Izumisano (north), Sennan (south), and Tajiri (central), in Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

Take a bus/train

9.90 USD

1 hour 20 mins

96.27 km

15:30

Kyoto station Detail Map

Kyoto station

The Kyoto Station (京都駅, Kyōto-eki) building was constructed on the 1200th anniversary of the capital's foundation in Kyoto. It was opened to the public in 1997

How to get to Kyoto Station: By JR rapid trains: Take the JR Airport Rapid from Kansai Airport to Osaka Station and transfer to a special rapid train along the JR Kyoto Line to Kyoto. The one way trip takes about 100 minutes and costs 1880 yen.
Or you can take the JR Haruka limited express. It takes about 70 minutes and costs 2850 yen by non-reserved seat or around 3500 yen by reserved seat from Kansai Airport to Kyoto.

Take a bus/train

0.70 USD

15 mins

4.21 km

16:15

Fushimi Inari Shrine Detail Map

68 FukakusaYabunouchicho Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882 Japan

Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its thousands (over 10,000) of closely-spaced orange torii gates that wind over the hills of Inariyama beyond the entrance to the shrine.

Take JR Nara line from Kyoto Station to get to Inari Station. Fushimi Inari Shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station.
If you are keen to take the whole trail suggest to visit this place in the morning, hike to the peek for a paranomic view of the town.
Otherwise, half trail will be good for photo session and be indulged by thounsands of the large orange gate.
Be prepared for horde of tourists that will make photo taking a hell of a job.
There are a lot of food vendors down the street as well which was a fun way to try out various food.

Take a bus/train

0.60 USD

15 mins

3.59 km

19:15

Kyoto Hana Hostel Detail Map

Kyoto Hana Hostel, 229 Akezu-dori Street, Kogawa-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 49.00 USD

Kyoto Hana Hostel is an advanced Japanese style hostel located around a 5 minute walk from Kyoto Station. Most of the private rooms are traditional Japanese style with 'tatami' mats

Take JR Nara line to go back to Kyoto Station. Kyoto Hana Hostel is 5 min walk from JR Kyoto station.

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DAY 2 - ITINERARY 4 places

08:00

Kyoto Hana Hostel Detail Map

Kyoto Hana Hostel, 229 Akezu-dori Street, Kogawa-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 49.00 USD

Kyoto Hana Hostel is an advanced Japanese style hostel located around a 5 minute walk from Kyoto Station. Most of the private rooms are traditional Japanese style with 'tatami' mats

Take a bus/train

11.48 USD

15 mins

4.08 km

09:30

Nijo Castle Detail Map

541 Nijojocho Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8301 Japan 5.50 USD

Nijo-jo Castle is one of Kyoto’s most popular and impressive sights. It shows the power that the Shoguns wielded over the emperors throughout the Edo Period

Walk to Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station and transfer to the Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station. The entrance of Nijo Castle is a short walk from this station.
The castle has some original wall paintings remaining, but most are attractive replicas, the originals being preserved off site.
Note that you have to take your shoes off and no photos in the main castle.
The audio guide provides much more information than any guide can provide in the tie that they have available.

Take a bus/train

0.70 USD

15 mins

4.27 km

12:30

Kinkaku-ji Temple Detail Map

Kinkaku-ji, 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361, Japan 4.00 USD

Kinkaku-ji Temple, officially named Rokuon-ji , is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. The garden complex is an excellent example of Muromachi period garden design.

From Nijo Castle, catch bus 市営１０１ to get to Kinkaku-ji Temple.
The best pictures of the temple are to be found at the start of the visit, and the crowds wonderfully self-regulate so if you queue, you get your turn to take a memorable picture of yourself or your family with no one else in the shot.
Once you walk around the temple, the crowds magically thin out, and you can take your time to enjoy the the wonderful gardens.
There is gold leaf covered ice cream for sale outside the temple, but you will not be allowed through the gates if you are eating it, so maybe save it for the way out!

Take a bus/train

1.00 USD

25 mins

7.76 km

15:30

Arashiyama Detail Map

Ukyo Ward, Kyoto

Arashiyama is located at Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Make your way to Emmachi Station, then take JR San-In Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, central Arashiyama can be reached in a 5-10 minute walk.
If you consider between the scenic train ride or a boat trip, take the boat. From a boat you will be guaranteed great photo opportunities and fun ride!
If you see a rickshaw driver when you exit the station, you might want to consider a ride to the Monkey Park and then wander back through town to the riverside.
Take a walk along the river and end up with a walk through the forest - don't worry about the crowds, worry about the possible ninja's hiding in the bamboo!
The town has a ton a eating options, cute shops and attractions.