Visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe for 5 to 7 days sample itinerary

4 to 6 days
Fushimi Inari shrine is most popular spot in Kyoto in these days. ©Kyoto Convention Bureau /©JNTO
Yasaka shrine in Kyoto Higashiyama area. ©JNTO
Yasaka shrine in Kyoto Higashiyama area. ©JNTO

I have received inquiries about the trip to Kansai area many times. So I make a basic itinerary that includes Kansai area, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Nara only. This is 7 days itinerary. But you can shorten or extend as you can.

Now I would like to tell you the best route and most economical deals about this trip.

Day 1 – Kansai airport (KIX) to Kyoto

Central exit of Kyoto station. (C) JP Rail
Central exit of Kyoto station. (C) JP Rail

Kansai One Pass and Haruka one way trip to Kyoto at 4,600 yen.
Overnight around JR Kyoto station

If you arrive in Kyoto early, you can visit somewhere around Kyoto station. Fushimi Inari is only 5 minutes away from Kyoto station. Kyoto Tower is just located in front of Kyoto station. You can use Kansai One Pass to get there.

Day 2 and 3 – Sightseeing in Kyoto

Togetsukyo bridge in Arashiyama, Kyoto. ©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO
Togetsukyo bridge in Arashiyama, Kyoto. ©Yasufumi Nishi/©JNTO

There are several deals available. I recommend you to use both Kansai One Pass and Kyoto City Bus Pass. Kansai One Pass covers city bus too but Kansai One Pass does not give you unlimited travel. It offers only convenience. On the other hand, Kyoto City Bus Pass is sold at 600 yen for one day. You can take a bus as many as you want. You can get the worth of it by only 3 rides. You can use Kansai One Pass only for taking a train and/or a subway.

Kyoto City Bus and Subway Pass (Kyoto Sightseeing Card) is also available. But this does not cover other railways, such as JR, Hankyu, Keihan railways. You will take various trains in Kyoto. Please see the link below to find the train route in Kyoto:

Kyoto train guide

You can get anywhere in downtown Kyoto by bus. It is possible to visit all places only by city bus. However city bus is always crowded and the traffic in Kyoto has been very heavy in these days. I recommend you to take a train or a subway as much as you can.

Kansai One Pass and Bus Pass are the best combination for sightseeing in Kyoto, in my opinion.

Day 4 – Trip to Nara and transfer to Osaka

Todai-ji temple in Nara  	©Nara Prefecture/©JNTO
Todai-ji temple in Nara ©Nara Prefecture/©JNTO


Visit Nara on the way to Namba, Osaka from Kyoto.

You can take either Kintetsu Railway or JR to get Nara. Both trains depart from Kyoto station. But Kintetsu railway’s Nara station is better location. It is 1 km closer to most of tourist spots in Nara than JR Nara station.

After Nara, you can take either JR or Kintetsu to get Osaka. Please see the link below to find the route to Nara:

Nara access guide

Day 5 – Trip to Kobe and Himeji from Osaka

There are lots of castles in Japan. But Himeji castle is one of four existing original catle buildings. (C) JNTO
There are lots of castles in Japan. But Himeji castle is one of four existing original catle buildings. (C) JNTO

You may use JR Kansai Area Pass one day at 2,200 yen if you book it online in advance. If you buy it online, you have to exchange the pass at Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Kyoto or Kansai airport.

JR West Pass official site

You can purchase this pass at many major stations in downtown Osaka but the price is a bit higher. There is other trains to Kobe and Himeji, like Hanshin railway. But JR is the fastest to get Himeji. Please see the post, How to access to Himeji and Kobe from Osaka to get the details.

Day 6 – Sightseeing in Osaka

Dotonbori is very popular place to eat and shop near Namba. ©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau/©JNTO
Dotonbori is very popular place to eat and shop near Namba. ©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau/©JNTO

There are lots of deals available in Osaka. Please see the link below to find the deal:

How to choose the pass for sightseeing in Osaka

Day 7 – Osaka to Kansai airport (KIX)

If you want to take Haruka again, you can purchase Haruka discount ticket. This discount ticket is available for overseas tourist who has ICOCA or Kansai One Pass only.

ICOCA and Haruka, Kansai One Pass and Haruka

Otherwise you can choose other deal in the link below:

How to choose the deal for trip to/from KIX

I hope this sample helps you to build your trip plan.

Comments

  1. arnold chua says:

    Hi Takeshi san, I would like to seek your advice in my itinerary,

    Day 1 (Osaka) Arrive around 8pm, stay in chuo-ku (hostel mitsuwaya)

    Day 2 (Osaka) Osaka Castle & Umeda & Kuromon Ichiba Market; Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi (Night)

    Day 3 (Osaka) Mt koya day trip use heritage pass

    Day 4 (Osaka) Day trip to Eastern Kyoto (Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji, Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Daigoji), sagano bamboo (Arashiyama) if time permits I’ve missed seeing it before then maybe Tenzan-no-yu Onsen?

    Day 5 (Osaka) Day trip to Southern Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine, Tofuku-ji, Uji) + NARA (go todaiji see Buddha)

    Day 6 (Osaka) Flight will be at 845pm evening, check out in the morning then will decide to do last minute shopping in Osaka or Universal Studios? Or maybe Himeiji Castle in the morning? (if time permits)

    • Can you recommend which pass I should purchase? I am open to re-arranging schedule to save on travel expense
    • I would like to have dinner when I visit Kyoto, are the trains from Kyoto to Osaka available up to what time?
    • Can you recommend a good onsen near Kyoto? That will be in Day 4 most likely
    • Any other recommendations will be welcomed :))

    Arigato gozaimasu!

    Thank you so much in advance, your website is a blessing 🙂

    Arnold

  2. DD KHETRAPAL says:

    Sir I am visiting Tokyo on 14th April 2018, will be staying there for 3 Nights. Please suggest rail pass to visit city area and MtFuji. then I will be going to Kyoto /Osaka for 3 nights. please suggest rail pass for that also to visit local sight seeing.
    Regards

  3. A says:

    Hi Takeshi

    Thanks for all the amazing information on this website!
    We will be staying in Osaka Namba area for the first 4 nights then Tokyo shinjuku area last 4 nights. As we are flying into Osaka and out of Tokyo we’ve decided not to get a JR pass. Below is our itinerary and we would like to have your input on the itinerary and the best passes to buy.

    Day 1 – Land in osaka – itami airport 9am, check into hotel visit osaka castle, tenmangu shrine, umeda sky building, explore area nearby hotel

    Day 2 – 3 Kyoto
    Hoping to visit these places in Kyoto over 2 days
    What’s the best way to order the places to save on travel time between them?
    Fushima Inari, Arayshima, Kinkaku ji, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu-dera, gion, Ninenzaka, Yasaka shrine, Nijo castle,

    Day 4 – Nara until we’ve done everything then explore osaka in the evening

    Day 5 – Osaka –> head to Tokyo maybe afternoon flexible depending on if we still have things we want to do in osaka

    Day 5 – 8 Explore Tokyo
    Day 9 – Explore tokyo –> head to Narita airport in the evening

    Any advice/suggestions would be the most helpful.
    Thanks in advance!
    A

  4. Ed says:

    Hi Takeshi
    What will my best options be?
    Day 1 arrive KIX 8.35am
    I want to go to Kobe directly
    Day 2 Kobe
    Day 3 Kobe – Osaka
    Day 4 Osaka
    Day 5 Osaka – Kyoto
    Day 6 Kyoto
    Day 7 Kyoto
    Day 8 Kyoto
    Day 9 Kyoto – Osaka – KIX 9.20pm flight
    Many thanks!

  5. SS says:

    Dear Sir Tekeshi,

    Thanks for the reply…

    Can I conclude…
    ICOCA & Haruka discount ticket….
    travel from KIX to Kyoto.

    Kansai thru pass (3days) + Kyoto Sightseeing Card (2 days)…
    travel around Kyoto, Nara, USJ, and Kobe.

    Osaka Amazing Pass….
    travel around Osaka.

    Question:
    – can Kansai thru pass valid for boat trip from USJ to Osaka
    Kaiyukan Aquarium ?
    – And what is different between Kansai Thru Pass and Kasai
    Area Pass ?

    Many Thanks
    SS

    • Hi SS,

      I think you have inquired by the name of Susian and I have replied already. I just explain about Kansai thru pass and Kansai area pass. Kansai area pass covers JR trains only. Kansai thru pass covers subway, city bus and non JR trains, such as Hankyu, Keihan, Kintetsu and many other non JR.

      If you are sure visit both Kobe and Nara, you can use Kansai thru pass. Boat from USJ to Kaiyukan is not covered by any passes.

      You may not see your comment after you submit. But it will come up after I approve. Please do not use two handle names. I will reply to you as soon as I can.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • SS says:

        Dear Sir Takeshita,
        Sorry for the 2 separate submissions, that is due to…
        I thought I doesn’t meet the basic rules as mention in the website…so I resubmit my question again.

        So sorry if I have caused any inconvenience to you.

        I really appreciate your advice and thank you.

        SS

  6. Susian says:

    Dear Sir Takeshi,

    Your advice and help is very appreciated for my first trip to Kyoto & Osaka. I will travel together with my husband and 11 & 3 years old daughter.
    Please do help advice on:
    – type of pass should we used with the below itinerary and
    – where should I slot in Kobe trip?

    Dec 1 – KIX to Kyoto and will stay at hotel near Kyoto JR station.
    Day 1 – 4 will stay at Kyoto.
    Planning to visit: Kyoto and Nara
    Kyoto – Nijo castle, Imperail Palace, Kinkaku-ji temple, Arashiyama, Yasaka shrine,
    Kiyomizu-dera temple, Gion-Shio area, Kyoto down-town, Fushimi Inari Taisha,
    Nara – deer feeding

    Dec 5 – transfer to Universal Station and stay at Universal Tower Hotel.
    Day 5 – 8 will stay at USJ area
    Planning to visit: USJ, Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, Universal Studio (spend a day), Temposan Ferries Wheel.

    Dec 8 – transfer to Osaka Namba and stay at Airbnb
    Day 8 – 10 will stay at Osaka
    Planning to visit: Osaka Castle, Nakanoshima, Floating Garden Observatory, Shintennoji Temple, Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka Science Museum, Tennoji Zoo, Kuromon Ichiba Market

    Dec 11 – back to KIX taking the early flight back.

    Many Thanks

    Regards,
    Susian

  7. SS says:

    Hi Sir Takeshi,

    I need your help, this is my first trip to OSAKA & KYOTO and planning to travel 10 days .

    Day 1 – KIX arrived at 5:45am to Kyoto
    Day 2 – Day 3 – visit Uji, Inari, Nijo Castle, Golden Pavillion,
    Arashiyama, Yasaka Shrine, Kinkaku-ji temple.
    Day 4 – visit Nara
    Day 5 – travel from Kyoto to USJ (stay at USJ for 3 night)
    – visit USJ and Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium
    Day 6 – visit Kobe.
    Day 7 – Universal Studio
    Day 8 – travel from USJ to Osaka Namba.
    Day 9 – 10 – Explore Osaka
    Day 11 – Leave Osaka Japan

    Need your advice on the travel pass and is the itinerary above idea to travel with 2 young kids ( 3 and 11 years old) ?

    Many Thanks

    Cheer,
    SS

  8. Jason Foong says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I will be travelling to Japan with the following itinerary :
    1) 4/11 : Arrival at KIX late
    2) 5/11 : KIX to Kyoto
    3) 5/11 – 9/11 : Kyoto (staying near Saiin St) covering these areas : Nijo castle, Imperail Palace, Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) and Arashiyama (including sagano train), Yasaka shrine, Kiyomizu-dera temple, Gion-Shijo area, Kyoto downtown, Fushimi Inari Taisha,
    4) 9/11 : Kyoto to Nara and later to Osaka (to stop half a day in Nara)
    5) 10/11 : Osaka (staying near Sakaisuji Hommachi St) to Kobe – day trip
    6) 11/11 -12/11 : Osaka city shopping and interesting places including Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium
    7) Osaka to KIX

    I was thinking of getting a one way ICOCA and Haruka pass when I land in KIX on 4/11 as my return trip to KIX is from Osaka but looking at your posting it seems to me it may be possible and cheaper to buy a return pass. Correct me if I am wrong.

    On the other hand, please help me with the other type of travel pass(es) required for the rest of the itinerary

    Cheers
    Jason

  9. calvin yao says:

    hello sir Takeshi. Can u please help me.. my first time to visit japan with my wife. we plan to make it fun and memorable. we will be staying from nov 3-9. arrival will be 7pm and departure 2pm. we plan to go to osaka-kyoto and nara. cant decide where to go first and stay.

  10. Linda says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Can you help me please… This is my first time visitng Japan. Please help me with the type of travel pass and estimated fare and time.

    Day 1 (9 Nov) 6.30am– arrived at KIX airport to Kyoto (JR Sagano Line Enmati Station). As I can only check in at 2pm, I might need to store my luggage in the locker at the station.
    While waiting to check in, I would like to visit the following,
    Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    Sannen-zaka and Ninnen-zaka
    Maruyama-koen Park
    Chion-in Temple
    Nishiki Market
    Daimaru Basement Food Floor (Lunch)
    Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine
    Collect luggage & Check in at airbnb
    Gion Shimbashi(Dinner)
    Return to rest

    Day 2 (10 Nov) – Kyoto
    Tenryu-ji Temple
    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    Okochi-Sanso Villa
    Arashiyama(Lunch)
    Kinkaku-ji Temple
    Daitoku-ji Temple
    Downtown Kyoto(Dinner)
    Pontocho Alley
    Back to rest

    Day 3 (11 Nov) – Check out @ 8am & proceed to Nara(Deer feeding) before heading to Osaka Namba station (Dotonburi airbnb) with early check in
    Osaka Bay Area & Kita
    Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)Osaka Castle Area
    Tempozan Marketplace(Lunch)
    Central Osaka Area(Dinner)
    Dotonburi

    Day 4 (12 Nov) – Kobe and Himeji
    Day 5 (13 Nov) – Shiragawago
    Day 6 (14 Nov) – Minami and Tennoji
    Day 7 (15 Nov) – Check out @ 2pm, head to KIX airport depart at 6pm

    Cheers

    Linda

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