How To Spend 5 Days In Kyoto (With Nara + Osaka Day Trips)

There’s a lot to love about Kyoto. But let’s be real—Kyoto isn’t the hidden gem it once was. When I first created this itinerary back in 2016, most of the city felt like a peaceful escape, with the exception of hotspots like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizudera.

These days though, Kyoto is grappling with overtourism, and some of its most iconic spots can feel more like a crowded theme park than a spiritual retreat. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself elbow-to-elbow with tour groups instead of soaking in the city’s timeless beauty.

This 5-day itinerary is based on my own trip to Kyoto (along with side trips to Osaka and Nara), but to adjust for the times, I’ve also included alternative, less-crowded experiences to help you pivot when the crowds are just too much for you.

With a little planning (and some insider tips), you can still find those moments of peace, even in a city that’s more popular than ever!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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WHERE IS KYOTO, JAPAN?

Kyoto is a city located in Japan’s Kansai region in the central part of the Japanese island of Honshu.

It is about 30 miles (50 km) away from Osaka and 26 miles (42 km) from Nara–both a quick 30 minute train ride away.

From Tokyo, Kyoto is 284 miles (456 km) away. To get to/from Tokyo, people either take a shinkansen (high-speed train) or fly.

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KYOTO ITINERARY OVERVIEW

This trip covers the highlights of Kyoto (with a few off-the-beaten-path attractions sprinkled in) and is ideal for first-time visitors to Kyoto.

However, as Kyoto’s boomed in popularity over recent years, some of its most iconic spots have gotten overwhelmingly crowded. If you’re someone who prefers to avoid the crowds—we’ve got you covered with quieter alternatives that still capture the city’s magic.

You’ll be able to experience–or choose to skip–the following during your 2 days in Kyoto:

• Gion District
• Miyagawa-cho District
• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Nijo Castle
• Pontocho Alley
• Nishiki Market
• Kiyomizudera Temple
• Various traditional + preserved streets
• and so much more!

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MAP OF THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO

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DAY 1 – KYOTO: GET YOUR BEARINGS

Land at Kansai Airport (KIX)

Pick up your bags, get situated with all your SIM card and transportation needs.

For internet, I recommend skipping the SIM card stores entirely and opting for an eSIM like Airalo instead). Head to the big JR ticket office or automated machines to buy train tickets to get from the airport to Kyoto.

If you don’t already have one, get yourself an Icoca IC Card (tap-and-go transportation card for JR subways, trains, and buses) and the Haruka ticket (to get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto/Osaka/Kobe/Nara area).

The IC card will be the card you use for transportation throughout your entire trip.

Check your Maps app to see what the quickest way would be to get to the city; you will likely be buying tickets for the JR Haruka Limited Express train to get from the airport to Kyoto.

Take the train to Kyoto, which takes approximately 77 minutes via JR Haruka limited express train.

Check into your hotel

Freshen up, unpack, and relax. Chances are at this point, you will be jetlagged, meaning you will either be tired or might not be able to sleep. Do your best to adjust to the time shift.

Don’t plan for any reserved or paid attractions on your first day upon arrival.

You’ll want to start your trip off with a light stroll around Kyoto! Below are some highlights that I visited on my first stroll through Central Kyoto.

Need help deciding where to stay in Kyoto? There are two specific areas we like: Kyoto Station (convenient location) and Higashiyama (to experience a traditional ryokan).

Miyagawa-cho District

Let’s start by roaming around one of the six major entertainment districts in Kyoto. Miyagawa-cho is a large entertainment district on the banks of the Kamo River, almost as large as Gion.

For first-time visitors, the Miyagawa-cho district is a great place to begin–away from the crowds. This charming neighborhood is located just east of Kyoto Station, and it is known for its traditional shops and restaurants.

Stroll down cobbled streets lined with traditional Japanese houses, or browse the handmade goods made by local artisans. If you want to get right into your temple/shrine sightings, you can head to Kyoto Ebisu Shrine (Shinto) or Kenninji Temple (Buddhist) on foot from here.

There are several ochaya (teahouses) and oikya (geisha houses) here. If you are here between the hours of 5:30 and 6:00pm, you might catch a glimpse of the maiko (geisha in-training) and the geiko (geishas) walking from their homes to their place of work.

If you happen to see them, do not bug them. Do not harrasss them. Do not take pictures of them as if they are some specimen. Appreciate them from afar and move along.

How to get there: Miyagawa-cho is located in Higashiyama Ward, from Miyagawa-suji 2-chome to 6-chome.

Minamiza Kabuki Theater

Minamiza Kabuki Theatre (Kyōto Shijo Minami-za) is Kyoto’s most famous theatre and one of the city’s must-see cultural landmarks in Gion. It is the birthplace of kabuki, one of Japan’s most renowned performing art forms.

Kabuki, for those new to Japanese culture, is an art form that combines drama, dance, and music in an extremely stylized manner. Kabuki plays are often based on traditional stories or myths, and they are usually performed by male actors.

The theater was founded in 1610 as Shijō Minami-za, and it has been used for kabuki performances ever since. The current building dates back to 1929, and it remains one of the most important kabuki theaters in Japan!

Kabuki, concerts, rakugo (traditional comic storytelling), and sometimes even geisha performances are still held at the theater several times each month, so if you are interested in catching a show, buy a ticket and check out at least a few acts.

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most lively spots, and you don’t need to know much about religion to enjoy it! Located in the heart of the Gion district, this shrine is a feast for the senses.

As you approach, you’ll pass through a massive red gate that invites you into a very relaxing complex. Inside, the shrine grounds are bustling with energy—colorful lanterns line the pathways, and you’ll often see locals stopping by to pay their respects or make a wish.

Along the approach to the shrine, you’ll find lots of food vendors selling everything from grilled skewers to sweet treats like taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean or custard).

If you’re visiting in the evening, don’t miss the chance to sit on the steps near the shrine and watch the sunset. You’ll be able to see all the people walking along Gion’s main drag as the skies turns pink and orange. This was one of our favorite memories here!

This shrine is well known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri, which is celebrated every July and is quite possibly the most famous festival in all of Japan.

Admission is free.

Pontocho Alley

Next up, head over to Pontocho Alley, one of my favorite spots to eat in Kyoto!

Pontocho is a narrow alleyway packed with all kinds of restaurants, bars, hostess clubs, and traditional teahouses. Many of the buildings in Pontocho date back to the Edo period, so it’s got all the old-timey Kyoto vibes which is why I love it so much.

On our second visit to Kyoto, we decided to explore Pontocho Alley again. We arrived around 4:30 PM, only to find that most of the restaurants were still closed. At first, it seemed like bad timing, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

With fewer people around, we had the chance to leisurely stroll through the narrow alley, taking in its old-world charm without the usual crowds. The quiet atmosphere made it feel like we had the place to ourselves. It was wonderful.

That said, if you’re planning to eat at Pontocho (and you should—it’s a food lover’s paradise!), here’s my tip: show up about 20 minutes before the restaurants open, usually around 5:00 or 5:30 PM. Use that time to walk the length of the alley and check out the menus displayed outside each restaurant.

Pontocho is known for everything from cozy yakitori joints to upscale kaiseki dining, so take your time to pick the spot that calls to you. By the time you’ve made your choice, the restaurants will be opening their doors, and you’ll be ready to dive into an epic meal.

Most of the restaurants on the east side of the alleyway have a view of the Kamo River. Some even offer a dining platform over the river.

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DAY 2 – KYOTO’S TOP SIGHTS

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Start your first official sightseeing day in Kyoto with the ultimate torii gate experience! Yes this one’s going to be crowded, but there’s actually a pretty easy way to get away from the crowds for this one.

Let’s back it up a bit with a quick intro. The Fushimi Inari Taisha is Kyoto’s most famous Shinto shrine known for its thousands of orange torii gates that seem to go on forever.

The trails here lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. If you’re looking to get a quick bout of exercise in, this is your chance (sightseeing while hiking? Yes! Killing two birds with one stone).

If you’d rather skip the hike, not a problem–most people just come here to see the torii gates.

Arrive bright and early, ideally before 7:30am if you want to avoid throngs and throngs of tourists. Personally, I would recommend arriving at 6am (if you’ve just flown into Japan, you’re probably jetlagged and up before 5am anyway).

No joke, the Fushimi Inari Shrine brings crowds like I’ve never experienced before.

If you’re looking to take a light stroll and snap some photos, feel free to stay near the entrance of the torii gate-covered hiking trail (where all the other tourists tend to huddle). If you want to get away from the crowds, keep walking upward on the walking path.

The crowds really thin out the further up you get! This is where you can take all the photos you want in peace. After finishing your exploration and/or hike, leave the way you came.

Take some time to peruse the souvenir stalls by the entrance and grab some breakfast/snacks around the area before heading to the next stop on this itinerary.

You’ll find hot dogs, pancakes, and an assortment of snack stalls lining the path to the shrine. Interestingly, we found lots of “western” options being offered at these stalls.

Pro Tip: If you want to get your hike on, do note that you will be climbing up a mountain, so dress accordingly (or just be prepared to sweat in your day clothes). The hike to the summit of the mountain and back takes about 2-3 hours, however, you can turn back at any time and return the way you came. Don’t forget to bring bug spray.

Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera, or the “Pure Water Temple”, is one of the most celebrated and beloved temples in Japan. It also boasts absolutely gorgeous views in the spring and fall!

In the spring, it’s a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms. I went during the fall, and the eruption of seasonal colors I witnessed among the trees was breathtaking!

Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall. This stage will give you stellar views of the surrounding trees as well as the cityscape of Kyoto.

While you’re here, don’t miss the Otowa Waterfall, located at the base of Kiyomizudera’s main hall. Its waters are divided into three separate streams you can drink from, each said to have a different benefit (success, love, and longevity).

You’re going to want to just drink from one stream, because drinking from all three is considered greedy!

While strolling through the temple grounds, you’ll also find the three-storied Koyasu Pagoda and the Jishu Shrine (dedicated to the god of love and matchmaking).

If you’re here during the autumn season, Kiyomizudera also has special illuminations during the second half of November.

Explore The Higashiyama District

👉 2025 UPDATE: I’d skip this one if I were you. The streets are way too packed these days for you to even have an enjoyable stroll. Hopefully there’s better crowd control in the future.

Around the entrance of Kiyomizudera, you’ll find busy streets lining the Higashiyama District, perfect for strolling and exploring! The main street here is Matsubara-dori, home to many cute shops selling products ranging from pottery and ceramics to local sweets to souvenirs.

If you’re interested in bringing home a little lucky cat, this is a great place to get one!

Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka Preserved Streets

If you veer off the main street of Matsubara-dori, you’ll find a set of traditionally preserved streets that are both charming and relaxing to stroll through: Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka Preserved Streets. They are by far Kyoto’s most attractive streets!

These pedestrian-only streets are lined with beautifully restored wooden-facade cafes, teahouses, and shops selling locally made crafts and souvenirs. While they used to be one of the more peaceful strolls in the city, these days, they can get quite crowded.

The shops and restaurants tend to open around 10:00 and close around 5:00pm or 6:00pm.

Pro Tip: If you’re not interested in shopping or eating here, it would be a much less crowded experience to go early in the morning. You’ll be able to get that perfect photo of the empty streets without throngs of tourists everywhere.

Walk along Philosopher’s Path

If you enjoy being among nature, take a break from the traditional architecture by taking a walk along Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku No Michi). This pedestrian path is lined with cherry trees and leads to one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, Nanzen-ji.

The best time to visit is, of course, during cherry blossom season when the trees are in full bloom. With that said, the path is also pretty lovely in autumn when the leaves change color.

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

👉 Crowd Levels: Kinkaku-ji Temple is another one where you can expect massive crowds. For slightly less crowds, check out Ginkaku-ji Temple instead. If you want to get off-the-beaten-path, check out Honen-in Temple instead (so peaceful, such pretty fall colors).

After exploring the preserved streets to your heart’s content and experiencing Philosopher’s Path for yourself, head across town to Kinkaku-ji Temple—one of Japan’s most iconic buildings.

This temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and it was aptly named the Golden Pavilion because of the fact that it’s completely covered in gold leaf!

Yes, it’s another super-crowded landmark, but it’ll be easy to snap a few photos without other people in view.

There’s a path that will take you around the pavilion and through some peaceful garden areas. The park is a beautiful place to walk around and admire, so make sure you have at least 1-2 hours to just stroll around.

There is also a little courtyard with ice cream, snacks, and bathrooms. Admission is 500 yen.

Nishiki Market

👉 Crowd Levels: Nishiki Market is another high-crowd attraction. For far fewer crowds, check out Sanjo Shotengai Shopping Arcade instead. It’s small, but packed of old, family-run establishments and local life.

Nishiki Market is where you go for all things food-related, spanning from knives and cookware to fresh produce and seafood.

This market is housed in a narrow, five-block-long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. If you’re looking to discover Kyoto’s gastronomic specialties and culinary delights, definitely don’t miss this market!

It’s a great place to pick up some sweets, dried seafood, pickled goods, and maybe even some grab-and-go sushi. Some of the shops will give out samples and some of the food stands will sell small dishes and skewers meant to be eaten right then and there. There are also a few small restaurants within the market if you need something more substantial.

When it comes to Nishiki Market, don’t go in expecting the most mind-blowing food you’ve ever tasted—it’s not really about that. Instead, think of Nishiki as a fun, touristy spot to wander, explore, and sample a little bit of everything. We treat it as a feast for the eyes more than for the mouth.

Yes, the prices here are a bit higher than what you’d find at a random mom-and-pop shop on a quiet side street, but that’s not really the point. The big draw of Nishiki is the sheer variety and convenience. In just one street, you can try a little bit of everything Kyoto has to offer.

Looking for tea? Check. Tsukemono (pickled vegetables)? Check. Mochi? Check. Unagi (grilled eel)? Check. Sake? Check. The options are all packed into one lively, bustling stretch.

Gion Corner

If you’re looking for an intro to the many art forms of Kyoto, head to Gion Corner, where you can catch a jam-packed 1-hour display of seven traditional performing arts, including Kyoto dance by maiko, kyogen, bugaku, tea ceremony, ikebana, koto music, bunraku, and noh.

You’ll get to see floral arrangements, comical theatre, puppetry, koto musical instruments, and court music.

Performances are usually scheduled for 6pm and 7pm, so you can either eat an early dinner or wait until after the show to eat. Show up early to get good seats (the seats are not tiered, so you’ll want to sit in the front).

Gion District

After the show, you can wander around the narrow alleyways of the Gion District. Gion is Kyoto’s most well-known geisha district, filled with shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko and maiko entertain.

There are a few different experiences you can have while you’re in Gion.

The shopping streets between Sanjo and Shijo are where most people go in the evenings for bar hopping in Gion.

If you’re looking for the more quiet, traditional lanes lined with teahouses – try Hanami-koji and Shirakawa-Minami dori.

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DAY 3 – ARASHIYAMA AREA

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

👉 CROWD LEVELS: If you hate crowds in tight spaces (and you can’t bother to wake up early to beat ’em), skip this one altogether. I’d recommend visiting Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple instead for the bamboo vibes.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most photographed sights in the city. The name says it all!

If you haven’t already guessed it… this spot gets packed. To beat the crowds, aim to arrive between 6-7 AM. You’ll have the bamboo grove mostly to yourself, but keep in mind most shops and cafes won’t open until around 10 AM, so it’s really just about enjoying the peace and quiet.

A visit to this bamboo forest is best paired with a visit to the oh-so-pretty Tenryu-ji Temple. These two popular attractions are located right next to each other so visiting both on the same day is a no-brainer.

To get to the bamboo grove, just pretend you’re heading to Tenryu-ji Temple. To get to the bamboo forest, exit the north gate of Tenryu-ji Temple and take a left onto a path that leads into the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

You’ll then walk for less than 5 minutes in order to reach the forest. The path isn’t clearly marked and the grove doesn’t start immediately at the street, but just keep walking and you’ll run into it. Once inside the forest, you can walk for a bit until you come across a shrine.

You’ll need about 1-1.5 hours for this excursion.

Tenryu-ji Temple

The Tenryu-ji Temple is a masterpiece of Zen Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s earned its place as the top-ranked temple among Kyoto’s five great Zen temples.

People flock here for its beautiful gardens, a blend of meticulous design and natural beauty. Imagine perfectly manicured landscapes framed by the rolling Arashiyama mountains–and if you visit during autumn–the fiery red and gold foliage will leave you speechless!

The temple complex includes several buildings, including a main hall and a five-story pagoda, but the highlight is most definitely the garden, often hailed as one of Japan’s finest Zen gardens.

There is an entrance fee, but you can get tickets for just the garden, just the temple, or both. As always, get here early!

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Disclaimer–I have an obsession with monkeys, so this just had to be on my Japan itinerary (any chance I get to be steps away from monkeys, I’m in!).

The Iwatayama Monkey Park is home to over 120 Japanese Macaque monkeys. No, this is not some sort of sad zoo since the monkeys are free to roam in their natural habitat in the countryside. It’s truly a sight to see and be in their presence, especially if you love monkeys!

Not to mention the dozens of baby macaques hanging out happily with their mothers… the sight of them is too cute to not see for yourself. There is a feeding hut, where you can buy food to feed the monkeys from inside the fenced hut. It is such a fun experience!

Allocate about 2 hours for your visit since you’ll have to hike up to the top to where the monkeys are, and hike down after you’re done.

Admission is 800 yen per adult (400 per child). Cash only.

Togetsukyo Bridge and Shopping

After visiting the Arashiyama landmarks, stroll along the Katsura River and enjoy the view of this historic wooden bridge. Walk across the bridge, where you can enjoy amazing views of the river, mountains, and hills surrounding you.

When you’re across, you’ll find a ton of various restaurants, souvenir shops, and ice cream booths selling matcha soft-serve. Spend an hour or two perusing and eating up all the soft serve you can fit in your belly.

Chances are, it’ll be pretty crowded by the time you get here. If you’re getting hungry, just look for a restaurant that a) doesn’t have a line and b) has good ratings on your maps app.

During our most recent visit, we ate at a local restaurant that served cold udon lunch sets and kakigori. The food was so satisfying and we had a wonderful view of Tenryu-ji Temple’s entrance (great people watching opportunities).

Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street

If you still have energy after all the walking you’ve done today, I’ve got more for you. Walk north to the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street.

You guessed it, it’s a preserved street (from the Meiji period), lined with traditional townhouses that have since been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants.

This charming street offers a historic glimpse of what a merchant town would have looked like in the Meiji period. Most of the thatched-roof buildings here are now restaurants serving kaiseki (Kyoto haute cuisine, which is expensive and a luxury experience).

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsuji, which I mentioned as an alternative to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, is located at the end of the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street. The great thing about it? It’s not on the usual tourist path!

The temple was founded in the early 9th century and was meant to be a temple dedicated to the repose of souls who have died without families to remember them.

Today, the temple grounds are covered by hundreds of stone statues to commemorate these souls. In the back of the temple, a short path leads through a bamboo forest.

There is a small entrance fee to the temple. If you don’t want to pay it, you can still visit and enjoy the peaceful and lush grounds.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

A ten-minute walk north of the Adashino Nenbutsuji sits the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, which we also mentioned previously. This lesser-visited temple is known for its 1,200 stone statues of rakan, devoted followers of Buddhism, each with a different facial expression!

In addition to its beautiful statues, the temple also features a pretty garden with a pond and a waterfall. The garden is particularly lovely in the springtime when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

There is a small entrance fee to the temple, but it’s well worth a visit.

Enjoy freshly grilled unagi for dinner

If you love unagi like I do, one thing you’ll quickly notice while in Kyoto is that there sure are lots of restaurants specializing in eel dishes.

Eel is considered a delicacy that is often enjoyed during special occasions and seasons, particularly in the summer to combat fatigue due to its high nutritional value.

Kyoto’s longstanding appreciation for refined and seasonal cuisine has led to a high number of specialty eel restaurants, offering everything from unagi-don (grilled eel over rice) to kabayaki (grilled eel with soy-based sauce).

These restaurants are certainly not cheap, but if you’re looking to splurge on some truly delicious and freshly grilled eel, Kyoto is one of the best places to do it!

Here are two of my favorite unagi spots in Kyoto:

Unagi Sora – has three kinds of “brand name” eels (similar to how there are fancy beefs like Kobe, Tajima, etc). These are the Tsukushi golden eel, Tosa’s Igossou, and Tenku Eel. They also have a more affordable eel from Kagoshima Prefecture, with quality that’s comparable to branded eel.

Doi Katsuman – We had an amazing unagi dinner meal here. They give you the option of choosing how many pieces of eel you want for your meal, but no matter what you get, the eel will be grilled fresh. The fresh-off-the-grill taste is unbelievably delicious!

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DAY 4 – DAY TRIP TO NARA

Day 4 will feature a day trip to Nara, but since you won’t need a full day there, we’re going to kick off the day with another must-see, Nijo Castle.

See Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. The castle was built in the early 1600s by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period.

The castle’s main draw is its architecture and its garden; it’s also famous for its ‘nightingale floors’, which were designed to chirp when someone walked on them, acting as an early warning system against intruders.

You’ll need about 1.5 to 2 hours to tour Nijo Castle at a comfortable pace. Start by touring the inside, including the Ninomaru Palace (where the squeaky floors are). Inside, you’ll see elaborate gold-leaf wall paintings, wood carvings, and tatami rooms that once hosted powerful shoguns.

Afterwards, enjoy the gardens, stone walls, and the views of the massive moat outside. If you’re visiting in spring, the cherry blossoms in the gardens make it even more spectacular!

Nara

If you’re up for a day trip, then visiting Nara is a no-brainer. Nara is a great day trip from Kyoto, as it’s only about an hour away by train.

Nara was the first capital city in Japan, so with that significance comes a lot of historical landmarks, including some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples. Dedicate a few hours to exploring a few of the shrines located within the city.

A must-visit landmark is Todaiji, a large temple that houses the largest statue of Buddha in Japan, and Nigatsudo at sunset, offering one of the most beautiful views in all of Nara.

Visit a few more shrines and temples of your choice before heading to Naramachi, the former merchant district of Nara, for some souvenir shopping. Here you’ll find boutiques, shops, cafes, restaurants, and a few museums lining the narrow streets.

The most popular spot in Nara is probably Nara Park, which is home to over 1,000 tame deer. You can buy crackers to feed them, but be warned that they can be pretty aggressive!

The deer that inhabit the city can be found all over the place, so don’t worry about adding them as a specific activity. They’ll be in the parks, outside the temples, near shopping streets, literally everywhere.

A day trip to Nara should take you no more than six hours.

Grab dinner back in Kyoto

At this point, you can head back to Kyoto for dinner and dessert.

For dinner, I’d recommend getting sushi omakase or trying a kaiseki-style meal. Here are two spots I like:

• For omakase: Sushi Imai
• For kaiseki: Gion Moriwaki

If you’re a fan of matcha or green tea, now is also your chance to eat up as many green tea desserts as you can!

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DAY 5 – DAY TRIP TO OSAKA

Today is the day when you get to eat your way through Osaka! You’ll be taking the 30-minute train ride from Kyoto to Osaka to explore this retro-modern city. Come with an open mind and more importantly, come hungry!

From Kyoto, take one of the earlier trains of the day to Osaka Station. Why so early? Because this city is packed with fun.

From there, let’s get to exploring Osaka!

Shitennoji Temple (and/or Shitennoji Flea Market)

Start your day by visiting Shitenno-ji Temple, Japan’s oldest official temple, to explore its beautiful gardens and pagodas. This historic site provides yet another peaceful retreat on the outskirts of Osaka.

I love local activities, so naturally, I went out of my way to find an activity that only locals knew about– the Shitennoji Flea Market which happens on the 21st and 22nd of every month in Shitennoji. If you’re in town during these dates and enjoy treasure hunting, definitely check it out!

I saw so many gorgeous kimonos for sale, as well as wooden sculpture antiques, porcelain, and many other goods splayed out on tables (many that wouldn’t have fit in my luggage, sadly).

It was a lot of fun to peruse the isles of treasures and you can find things there for bargain prices!

Be sure to head to the food stalls when you get hungry. Now’s your chance to get your first taste of regional specialties such as takoyaki (octopus dumplings) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

HEP FIVE Shopping Center

HEP FIVE is a quirky, whimsical shopping mall aimed at teenagers and younger adults. Even if you don’t end up shopping (the fashion might be too young for you), it’s still great for a quick visit to see the enormous red whales hanging in the atrium area!

There is also a Ferris wheel on the roof that you can ride. We came here specifically to have lunch at the Gudetama Cafe on the 7th floor. We love Gudetama and his eggy-ness, so it was only natural that we got to eat him.

The taste of the food was just okay (as expected), but the cuteness factor of the cafe and the food was through the roof.

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

The Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade is Osaka’s premier shopping area.

Spanning 600 meters long, the Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade is the quintessential shotengai (covered shopping arcade). This huge shopping area combines chain retail stores and trendy boutiques with expensive department stores and designer fashion labels.

While the main arcade can be quite overwhelming (you better have some shopping stamina), it is worth taking a peek to see what’s on sale. If you have more in you, wander off to the side streets to explore the smaller, quieter mom-and-pop shops!

Dotonburi District

After you’re done shopping and taking in the sights for the day, head to the Dotonburi District for dinner and a stroll.

Dotonburi is an explosion of color, neon, entertainment, and food. It’s easily Osaka’s most popular tourist destination. It’s what people picture when you mention the word ‘Osaka’!

At night, it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign. While there are plenty of restaurants along Dotonbori to choose from, street food is the real highlight!

If you haven’t had it yet, don’t miss trying local specialties like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kushikatsu. Of the three, kushikatsu is my favorite.

After the food and neon light overload, train back to Kyoto for a good night’s rest before you move on to the rest of your Japan itinerary or fly home.

HOW MANY DAYS IN OSAKA IS BEST?

To truly experience Osaka, you’ll need at least a few days to even scratch the surface. I found that one day was simply not enough. There’s too much I wanted to eat there–Osaka really is a foodie’s paradise!

After my first trip to Japan (where I based myself out of Kyoto), I ended up revisiting the Kansai region but did things a bit differently. Instead of basing myself out of Kyoto, I booked a 4-night stay and based myself out of Osaka. Here’s everything I did on my 4 days in Osaka.

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WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO

Kyoto is a rather large city, and it can be hard to settle on a neighborhood to look for hotels in. Here are two areas I recommend staying in.

Kyoto Station

If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, choosing a hotel near the Kyoto Station area is a smart play.

Kyoto Station is one of Kyoto’s main train stations. It’s centrally located and easy to get to from the airport. This is nice because it means you won’t need to lug your bags through town too much!

It’s also adjacent to many of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, including the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. If you plan on day-tripping to places like Nara or Osaka, there are direct trains departing from Kyoto Station (which means no need spending precious time transfering trains).

Here are my top hotel recommendations for the Kyoto Station area:

• BUDGET-FRIENDLY: Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi – “Henn na” means “strange” in Japanese, and upon check-in, it’ll be quite apparent why this hotel is called that. The front desk is “staffed” by two animatronic velociraptors! This hotel is quirky and a ton of fun.
• MID-TIER: Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae – Located just 2 blocks from Kyoto Station, this hotel offers comparatively larger rooms than other hotels. The breakfast buffet is also great here!
• LUXURY FOR LESS: Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei – A ryokan-style stay. The breakfast is a must!
• FOR FAMILIES/GROUPS: Mimaru Kyoto Station – If you’re looking for an apartment-style hotel, this is an awesome option.

Higashiyama District

If you’re looking for a more traditional experience, there are a number of ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in Kyoto that offer a taste of traditional Japanese culture. Personally, we love staying in ryokans.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, typically featuring tatami floors, communal baths, and futon bedding (though the more modern ones have western-style beds).

In the evening, a multi-course meal is served either in-room or in a shared dining area. The dining experience is usually kaiseki-style, which is quite amazing to experience. In the morning, you’ll usually get to experience another amazing breakfast set (or buffet).

Many of Kyoto’s ryokans are located in the Higashiyama district, known for its centuries-old temples and shrines.

Here are a few great ryokan options in Kyoto:

• Seikoro Ryokan – Established in 1831! The dinner will truly be a meal to remember.
• Yuzuya Ryokan – This one’s definitely a splurge, but it’s a lovely ryokan with the perfect location, right in the heart of Gion. The food is exceptional (you should opt for both breakfast and dinner).

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WHAT TO EAT IN KYOTO

Kaseiki – fine dining, multi-course cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients. A must-do experience, if you can afford it!

Where to eat it: Gion Moriwaki (but there are a lot of other spots in Gion that specialize in kaiseki)

Unagi – grilled eel.

Where to eat it: Unagi Sora or Doi Katsuman

Matcha Desserts – green tea was first introduced to Kyoto from China in the early 9th country. From then, tea became popular in Japan. Today, many green tea stores and shops serve different kinds of green tea products (matcha, sencha, ryokucha, etc). You definitely need to grab yourself a green tea parfait as well as lots of green tea soft serve!

Where to eat it: we like YUGEN or Gion Tokuya, but you’ll find it all over town!

Nishin Soba – herring cooked in soy sauce and sugar served with Japanese buckwheat noodles.

Where to eat it: Sohonke Nishin-Soba Matsuba

Obanzai – an assortment of small dishes using fresh local vegetables in Kyoto. Kyoto is famous for its fresh vegetables, so this regional specialty is a must-try!

Where to eat it: Mamaya or Usagi No Ippo

Sabazushi – cured mackerel sushi. Due to the lack of fresh fish in the past, Kyoto developed a unique variation of sushi known as kyozushi – or Kyoto sushi – made with fish cured with salt or vinegar.

Where to eat it: Look for it on the menu when you’re at a sushi restaurant.

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HOW TO GET TO KYOTO

Flying Into Kyoto

Fly into either Osaka’s Itami Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX).

From KIX, take the JR Haruka Limited Express train to Kyoto Station. The JR Haruka Limited Express takes around 70 minutes to get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto and there are departures every 30 minutes. Haruka service from Kansai Airport usually starts at 6:30 am with the latest train at about 10:16 pm.

This is the quickest train option and the method I use to get from the KIX airport to the city center (and vice versa) every time I visit. The best part is that it’s covered by the Japan Rail Pass (both the Kansai Area regional pass and national JR pass).

Coming From Tokyo

Kyoto is located 456 kilometers (284 miles) from Tokyo, which means that the journey to get to Kyoto can take some time. Here are your main options:

BY TRAIN

The most efficient way to get to Kyoto from Tokyo is by shinkansen bullet train, which can make the trip in as little as 2.5 hours.

If you’ve got the national Japan Rail Pass, good news! Some of the bullet train options will be covered with the pass.

Learning about Japan’s train systems took me hours and hours, so I’ve tried to drill down the info for you as easily as possible. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

• Tokyo and Kyoto are connected by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (the bullet train).
• There are different train classes, Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama.
• To reach Kyoto from Tokyo: Nozomi trains = 140 minutes (fastest), Hikari trains = 160 minutes, Kodama trains = 4 hours (slowest).
• The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains, but not on Nozomi trains. Last time I visited, I took the Hikari train with my JR Pass.

BY PLANE

You can also fly from Tokyo to Kyoto. I took a flight from HND to KIX and saw the most amazing view of Mount Fuji, so if you’re debating between the train vs a flight, this is one MAJOR +1 for the plane!

BY BUS

Taking the bus is a cheaper option (ranging from 3,500 to 10,000 yen), but the one-way trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by highway bus takes about 7-8 hours.

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HOW TO GET AROUND KYOTO

Kyoto is a great city to explore on foot, but there are going to be times when you want to get from one district to another. In these cases, you can take the local train, the bus, rent a bike, or taxi.

Personally, I’ve only ever taken the local train and the bus.

If you have the JR Pass (either the one that allows for unlimited nationwide travel or even the Kansai Area pass), I recommend taking the train when you can.

Even if you don’t have the JR Pass, I still recommend using the train if you can. It’s the easiest and most straightforward way of getting around town!

The city also has an extensive bus network–you can get almost anywhere by bus if you know where to board and which bus to board. Just map where you need to go on your maps app; it’ll tell you which bus to take and from where.

Taxis are easy to find and reasonably priced in Kyoto. While taxi-ing around usually is the most expensive option, this option could be a good deal when you have three or four people in your group. If you’re arriving with a ton of luggage, hailing a taxi to get you to your hotel can be a lifesaver.

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JAPAN: ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST

A transportation pass | If you’re staying within the Kansai region, the Kansai Area regional pass makes sense. If you’re traveling across Japan (like to/from Tokyo), the national pass can be worth the money.

Icoca (IC) Card | Super-convenient rechargeable cards that can be used on all major trains, subways, and buses throughout Japan. You can even use them to pay for stuff at the konbini (convenience stores)! Cards can be purchased from train station ticket vending machines or ticket offices.

eSIM | If your phone carrier does not provide free international data, you’ll probably want to avoid those exorbitant roaming fees. Get around that by setting up your phone with a digital eSIM. We personally use Airalo and it’s always performed perfectly abroad.

Portable Power Bank | You’re probably going to be out all day, snapping away taking pictures, GPSing to all the great landmarks of Japan. The last thing you want is to be stranded with no phone battery! A portable power bank is a must-have, and Anker’s ultra-light, ultra-portable power bank is tried and true by so many travelers! I never embark on a day of exploration without it.

Travel Adapter | If you’re traveling internationally from somewhere that doesn’t have USA-style outlet prongs (which are the same as Japan’s), you’re going to need one. This one here is tried and trusted. It allows for a normal plug and has two additional USB ports.

Jet Lag Prevention | Chances are you will be jetlagged during your first few days in Japan. Don’t let the long flight and time change weigh you down! Here are a few preventative options that’ll help:

• 1Above Anti Jet Lag Flight Drink Tablets – Super antioxidant drink tablets.
• Miers Labs Homeopathic Jet Lag Prevention – Helps to alleviate jet lag symptoms that affect the body, prevents disorientation as well as mental and physical fatigue.

Comfortable Walking Shoes | You will be doing a lot of walking in Japan. Find all my favorite travel shoes here!

Cash, credit cards, travel docs | Passports, visas, flight tickets, medical cards

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Planning Your Trip To Japan?

Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!

Kyoto

7 Best Ryokans In Kyoto To Truly Feel Relaxed

20 Fun And Free Things To Do In Kyoto and Osaka, Japan

25 Unique Activities To Add To Your Kyoto Bucketlist

Is The Kansai Wide JR Pass Worth The Money? (My Actual Experience)

Osaka

Osaka Day Trip From Kyoto: Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan

Where To Stay In Osaka, Japan: Neighborhood Guide

3 Days In Osaka Itinerary: How To Enjoy Japan’s Retro-Modern City

Osaka Itinerary: How To Have 4 Days Of Fun In Osaka

Tokyo

15 Best Hotels In Tokyo Near JR Yamanote Line (With Map)

2 Days In Tokyo, Japan: Best Things To Do With Your Time

The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary In Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Travel Tips: 50 Things To Know Before You Go

12 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan

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