When you travel to Japan for the first time, you’ll probably make a plan to visit and stay in Tokyo first. Being one of the biggest and most famous cities in the world, it’s indeed a must-visit place. But there is so much more! If you are planning a long enough trip to Japan, you should definitely consider other regions too.
There are many beautiful places where you can learn more about traditions and Japanese culture in different areas of Japan. from ancient temples, shrines, and other cherished parts of heritage, to bustling metropolises, to friendly deer freely roaming, The Kansai Region (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, and many others) is a top choice. Kyoto and Osaka boast many iconic destinations, even just for a day trip.
There are too many things to summarize simply! We have plenty of helpful info on all the different places throughout Kansai, so be sure to check out our guides to Osaka and Kyoto, as well as a detailed 7-day itinerary for the Kansai area below! we’ve got you covered either way!
Day 1 – Welcome to Osaka!
The international airport of the Kansai region (KIX) in Osaka is a well-connected airport, with direct flights to cities all around the world. From the airport, you can easily access cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. We recommend buying the JR Pass or Japan Rail Pass before coming to Japan. With the JR pass you can travel for free on most trains, including shinkansen, busses, and even some ferries for free! It is cheaper to order the Japan Rail Pass before coming to Japan and activate it upon arrival. You can activate the JR Pass at many places such as KIX, Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, or Kyoto Station.
▶Kansai 3-Day WIDE Area Excursion Pass [For visitors & expats]
Day 2 – Explore Osaka, the Food Capital of Japan!
The day after your arrival, let’s explore Osaka. Osaka is often referred to as the world’s greatest food city and is an exciting downtown area with many interesting places to see and visit. Osaka is a place where kitschy and sophisticated culture are mixed. Here, you can feel the depth of Japanese culture, being surrounded by amazing food and people who are very friendly and open-minded.
Popular Activities in Osaka
Discover the best of Osaka with the help of an experienced guide and truly immerse yourself in the city. You’ll have the opportunity to see all the top attractions, such as Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori Street, and many more.
▶Osaka Highlights Private Walking Tour
If you are looking for a more traditional but also trendy experience, explore the vibrant city with a kimono! Kimono Rental wargo offers a kimono rental plan for a day, you can choose the kimono you like from the various patterns and a professional staff will have you ready!
▶Kimono Rental wargo (Osaka Store)
To get more ideas for what to do in Osaka, check out our suggested one-day itinerary below!
Day 3 – Day trip to Kobe or Hiroshima from Osaka
Option 1: Kobe
Kobe is the 6th biggest city in Japan and one of the most attractive cities in the Kansai Region. The city is famous for its breathtaking night view, and it’s often called “The Million Dollar Night View.”
Kobe City is located between the Seto Inland Sea and Rokko Mountain. In addition to the stunning night views, there are a lot of places worth visiting and activities to do during the day. We recommend checking the itinerary in our Kobe guide for the daytime, and enjoy the view after the evening. Because Kobe and Osaka are very close to each other and there is a direct train even at night, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the night view in Kobe after an excellent dinner (like Kobe Beef)!
Popular Tours in Kobe
To explore Kobe efficiently with limited time, how about taking a private one-day tour? With a local guide, you can visit the best highlights of the city in one day!
▶Kobe 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour [7 Hours]
Option 2: Hiroshima
Another recommended city for a day trip from Osaka is Hiroshima, a popular destination among both Japanese and international visitors. Nestled within beautiful scenery, Hiroshima has a rich history that should not be overlooked. There are two famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, and the Peace Memorial Dome – known as the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima City. It takes about 1.5 hrs if you take a Shinkansen “Nozomi” or “Sakura” from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station.
Popular Tours in Hiroshima
To really get the most out of your visit to Hiroshima, we recommend you discover the city with a local guide. This way you will visit not only the famous sightseeing spots, but you can also learn the deep history and culture of Hiroshima City. A great way to discover the city is also by bike!
Hiroshima Private Tour [Customizable 7 Hours]
Day 4 – Move to Kyoto
Special offer going on now!
Before we dive into the cultural wonders of Kyoto, we’d like to introduce a limited time, special opportunity that you won’t want to miss, and may want to include!
If you’re a huge fan of Japan’s incredible display of cherry blossoms, known in Japanese as “sakura,” then you’re in luck! A handful of temples in Kyoto are offering a special chance to enter the grounds before operating hours to see the beautiful foliage. Kiyomizudera- one of the most famous temples in Kyoto- offering a special night viewing only available on one evening! This is the perfect opportunity to see the temples in their glory as well as avoid potentially dense crowds as the spots are limited. The luxurious Kyoto Brighton Hotel line offers these immaculate experiences for those staying at the hotel as an add on to the room fee, but can also be reserved as a package initially. The event operates from the 29th of March until the 8th of April!
For all the specifics, be sure to visit their official site and make your reservation while you can!
And now, let your Kyoto adventure begin!
After checking out from your hotel in Osaka, you can take a train or subway to Kyoto (approx. 30 minutes). Leave your luggage in your hotel and start exploring the great city of Kyoto depending on the location of your hotel.
Best highlights and suggested itinerary in Kyoto:
East Kyoto: Kiyomizudera > Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka > Yasaka shrine > Gion > Fushimi Inari Shrine.
West Kyoto: Bamboo Forest > Tenryu-ji Temple > Togetsu-kyo Bridge > Ryoan-ji Temple > Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion).
More details about exploring in Kyoto:
Day 5 – 1 day highlight of West or East Kyoto
Kyoto used to be the capital city for 1,000 years and these days it is a popular place to enjoy Japanese culture and traditions, we recommend that you should stay a minimum of two days to explore Kyoto City (Though, we think two days are still not enough!).
Popular Tours in Kyoto
Would you like to explore the unique and distinctive food culture in Kyoto? Japan Wonder Travel Food and Drink Tour offers guests an authentic Kyoto food experience and a deep culture at the popular local market with a variety of snacks and dishes. See the link below for more details about the tour!
▶Kyoto Food and Drink Tour at Nishiki Market
We also have a private tour which can be customized as you want. Friendly English-speaking guide shows you around the places telling you the stories behind each place.
▶Kyoto Private Full-Day Walking Tour [Customizable]
Day 6 – Day trip to Nara or Mt. Kurama from Kyoto
Option 1: Nara
If you prefer nature and history to city and modern life, you should go to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. In fact, Nara is older than Kyoto and there are unique traditions and culture as well as a number of historical monuments. For example, wild deer are sacred in Nara and freely roam the park surrounding Todai-ji, and are very friendly and fun to interact with! Also, there are many World Heritage Sites. From Kyoto Station, there is a direct train to Nara Station and which takes about 50 minutes by train. For more details, check the list below:
Popular tours in Nara
To learn the deep history and culture in Nara, it’s highly recommended to take a private guided tour! You can go through the best highlights of Nara including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day with a local expert! Check the link below for more details:
▶Nara Best Spots 8h Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Option 2: Mt. Kurama
Mt. Kurama is a spiritual mountain and a good hiking spot north of the center of Kyoto, taking you from Kurama to Kibune or the other way around. The northern area of Kyoto in general is full of fun! You can go there by bus or train and it takes about 70 min. From Gion Shijo Station. During the hike you will go by many temples and shrines like the Kifune Shrine. In Kurama where the trail ends, there is a wonderful onsen for relaxing. Also, if you prefer, you can head to Kibune area which is known for the beautiful riverside view from the mountain.
Day 7 – Fly out from Osaka
The regional airport KIX is easy to access from Kyoto Station. There is a direct limited express train named “Haruka” to KIX and it takes about 70 mins. If you have time, climb Kyoto Tower to get an incredible view and say “Sayonara” (goodbye) to Kyoto City before leaving. Or spend time in Rinku Park right next to the airport.
Other Options for Day Trips from Kyoto or Osaka
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle was the first place to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nickname is “White Heron Castle” due to the brilliant white walls. The specialty of Himeji Castle is not only beauty, It was built as a fortress to protect Kyoto and Osaka from samurai warriors who come from the far west side of Japan. That’s why you will find a lot of equipment or design for war here.
▶Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
It’s totally worth it to take a guided tour there to learn more historical facts about the castle and the surrounding area!
From Kyoto or Osaka, you can take a JR train. From Kyoto Station, we recommend take a bullet train (Shinkansen) that takes about 80 minutes.
Miho Museum
Miho Museum is one of the most unique museums in Japan and it is located in Shiga prefecture, next to Kyoto prefecture. The feature is their wide-range collections and their concept “Promoting Beauty, Peace and Joy Through Art.” The collection contains about 3,000 artworks from Japan and other parts of Asia. Also, the combination of their architecture and surrounding nature is breathtaking.
Access from Kyoto and for more details:
Amanohashidate
If you head to the far north of Kyoto prefecture, there is a miraculous spot created by intricate natural phenomena. Amanohashidate means “The bridge to heaven” and is known as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Other spots are Matsushima, which is very close to Sendai city, and Miyajima, in the Hiroshima prefecture. Here you can find amazing seafood, white sand beaches and pine-covered seashores. It takes approximately 2 hours by JR limited express train “Hashidate” from Kyoto Station.
Asuka Village
The birthplace and the first capital of Japan is Asuka, south of Nara City. Here the first emperors of Japan established the capital cities and so you can see the country’s oldest shrines, temples, tombs, and older constructions. There is also a beautiful rice terrace. You can visit there from Kyoto, Osaka or Nara as a day trip. It is highly recommended if you like cycling because Asuka is a very good place to discover by bicycle.
Kanazawa
It’s not in the Kansai region, but you can visit Kanazawa, a scenic city with the greatest Japanese garden. From Kyoto Station, it takes about 2 hours to Kanazawa Station by JR Limited Express “Thunderbird.” The most famous destination is Kenrokuen Garden, but there are many more places to visit, including traditional Samurai houses, a fancy seafood market, a castle, and prestigious museums. It’s convenient for a 1-day trip as most sites are within walking distance from Kanazawa Station.
Check out our private tour in Kanazawa to enjoy the town to the fullest! We will take you to the highlights of Kanazawa including Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya-Gai District, Kenrokuen Garden, and Nagamachi Old Samurai Residential House.
Other options for 2 days trip from Kyoto or Osaka
Mt. Koya (Koyasan)
If you have an interest in experiencing trekking as a pilgrimage, the best destination is Koyasan or Mt. Koya. The sacred place of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Accessing Koyasan is not so simple and you need to calculate about 3 hours to go there from Osaka, but it’s worth a visit. Due to the special experience of staying in temple lodging, known as shukubo, we strongly recommend having at least one night. You can get a taste of a monk’s lifestyle, eat traditional Buddhist cuisine (shojin-ryori), and attend the morning prayers.
You can make a reservation for temple lodging from the link below:
If you want a truly in depth experience, check out our recommended tour:
Naoshima Island
Naoshima Island is a very small island with a small population of only 3,000, and is now called “The sanctuary of contemporary art.” This small island is located in the Seto Inland Sea known as the Japanese Aegean. The feature of Naoshima is the harmony of natural beauty, Tadao Ando’s architecture, and site-specific arts. Since most of the museums are based on the concept to feel and forget time, it is recommended to stay here.
Access: Mainland to Naoshima Island
For those who really want to immerse themselves in this unique spot, check this tour out:
Shodoshima Island
Shodoshima is another island in the Seto Inland sea. It is well-known for olive plantations, soy sauce production, and somen noodles. There are amazing white sand beaches, Olive Park, and a small village with a pleasant local vibe. The most famous place is Angel Road, a sandbank that appears only twice a day due to the tide. If you like to relax in the beautiful ocean landscape, you should go here.
This tour includes a ferry ride from Kobe to Shodoshima and a private taxi to take around the island. The English guide is not available but the driver will communicate with you with a language translator.
Kinosaki Onsen
If you really want to enjoy an onsen, Kinosaki Onsen will make your dreams come true. This pleasant town, built along a willow-lined river, is one of the top onsen destinations in Japan. There are 7 different onsen you can enjoy, and each of them has a long history and their own qualities. It is fun to explore the town and enjoy these onsen in the evening, especially after a long day of exploring. You can go there about 2 and a half hours from Kyoto Station by JR train.
So there you have it! This is our ideal 7 day itinerary to enjoy Kansai Region. But to fully enjoy this great area, 7 days are far from enough- it would take years to fully exhaust the depth of this region. Since there are a lot of roots of Japanese culture here, the more days you spend the more you learn about Japan! Along with your visit, we would also recommend you take guided tours to make the most out of your stay!
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
▶Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko
Meet a Maiko, a geisha in Kyoto, and enjoy a walking tour in Gion, the geisha district. See an authentic Japanese tradition unfold before your eyes that has existed for hundreds of years. You’ll have chance to take a photo with Geisha!
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
▶Kimono Experience
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
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Comments
My wife and I will be traveling in Japan from nov 7 to dec 24. We will be in Tokyo 4 days then Kyoto for 7 days. We would be interested fromKyoto to take tour toNara,Osaka, Himeji, Okayama,Naoshima, Hiroshima, andMiajima. In that 8 day period we would then go back to Tokyo and take day trips for the rest of our tour. We will have rail passes for 21 days. Can you suggest a tour for the 8 days I have mentioned with prices tours and some meals perhaps.
Thank you,
Richard Schiller
rschiller@pobox.com
A
Thanks for your comment.
Also, sorry for being late to reply.
Your travel plan is wonderful.
We sent email to your address.
So, please check it if you still have an interest in our service.
Thanks!!
My girlfriend and I will be travelling to Japan on the 23rd September till 30th September. The main highlight of the trip is basically Osaka and Kyoto with all of its offerings. Probably 1 or 2 nights in Hiroshima to see the war museum would be ideal for me. My girlfriend love city life so going to outskirt or village would not be her sort of things. We are both foodies so it would be great if the itinerary revolves around places to eat. Also, do we need JR pass?
Thank you.
Eugene Rayan
ljr.eugene@gmail.com
Hello Eugene Rayan-san,
If you will visit only Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and outskirt near each city, you don’t need to get JR pass.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us.
Hi, My name is Roslan Ahmad from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
Me and family (total 6 pax) planning to visit Osaka + Kyoto+ Nara. This is our first visit to Kansai area and wanted to explore the beauties. Can you suggest a plan trip inclusive recommended hotel to me? We intent to visit USJ as well (getting a ticket from Klook). Do we required to purchase JR Pass for 6 of us ( 4 adults and 2 kids). Please advice ya.
* we also prefers to view the autumn leaves changing colors. we saw it in TV in some location in NARA.
Our trip is in November 22 to November 29, 2019.
Hi, am planning to spend about 7 days in Japan, thinking of having osaka as my base and then travelling out for day trips or maybe overnight (2 day 1 night trips). Right now, I am thinking of:
– Osaka (1 day)
– Nara day trip (1 day)
– Kobe day trip (1 day)
– Hiroshima/Miyajima day trip (1 day)
– Kyoto overnight trip (2 days 1 night)
– MAYBE a Kanazawa or Naoshima day trip (1 day)
Having difficulty figuring out whats the best way of getting around, am considering the Kansai Thru pass, Amazing Osaka pass or the JR Kansai Area pass. What would you recommend? Also, do you have any suggestions for other day trip destinations that are pretty unique and maybe underrated? Would really appreciate your help!!
As for pass, it’s depend on how often you will take train!
How about Hida or Koyasan where are already famous?
I also recommend Teshima next to Naoshima.
Hello, it’s my first time to Japan but instead of visiting Tokyo , I’m more interested in visiting the Kansai region first. I’m planning to get Kintetsu rail pass, as I plan to go Nagoya. Do you have any itinerary or suggestion for like Osaka + Kyoto + Nara/Kobe + Nagoya ? And maybe Mie/Ise in between.
Hi we’ve family of 5 visiting Osaka and region for 5 days and then 2 children leaving for home with 3 person remaining to explore for 6 more days.
Would you have any suggestions On itinerary? Many tks
Hello John-san,
Thank you for your inquiry. Is it first time for you in Japan? Which area have you been to?
It depends on where we could recommend it. If it’s the first time for you, definitely have to see around Tokyo. If it’s second or more, how about exploring middle part of Japan, Gifu area? (Kanazawa, Takayama and Shirakawago area)?
Hope you could enjoy Japan fully!!