Visit Osaka and Kyoto for 5 to 7 days sample itinerary

4 to 6 days
Shinsho-Gokuraku-ji temple in Kyoto. This temple is as known as Shinnyodo and it is getting popular to see fall foliage lately. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO
Shinsho-Gokuraku-ji temple in Kyoto. This temple is as known as Shinnyodo and it is getting popular to see fall foliage lately. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO

Shinsho-Gokuraku-ji temple in Kyoto. This temple is as known as Shinnyodo and it is getting popular to see fall foliage lately. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO

I have made the sample itinerary that is Kyoto and Osaka stay for 5 to 7 days before.
Visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe for 5 to 7 days sample itinerary

In this itinerary, staying in Kyoto is first and then move to Osaka. But I have received many inquiries that is staying in Osaka first and then move to Kyoto. Those itineraries are very similar but when we choose the deals, it is different.

In this post, I will show you Osaka and Kyoto 5 days sample itinerary. But I will also tell you how to extend this itinerary and how to add other spots. And of course, I will show you how to choose the deals.

Day 1 – Kansai airport to Osaka

There are many deals to get Osaka from Kansai airport. You can find the deals at the link below:

How to choose the deals for access to/from Kansai Airport

I show many photos in Kansai airport at the link below. You will find the location of stations, bus stops and other facilities.

Kansai airport transportation guide. Find info about station, ticket, airport bus and high speed ferry

If you arrive at Kansai airport in early morning and intend to explore in Osaka after arrival, Yokoso Osaka Ticket may be available in your country. This deal includes airport access to Namba by Nankai Railway’s limited express train “Rapi:t” and unlimited trip of Osaka subway. You may find the information about this deal at the link above too.

If you cannot use Yokoso Osaka ticket but you want a deal to sightsee in Osaka, please see the link below to find the deals.
How to choose the best train pass for sightseeing in Osaka

If you arrive in late night, like after 22:00, you cannot purchase any deals because the windows are closed at 23:00. Train runs until 23:30. But you might not take even the last train to Osaka if custom and immigration are busy. There are some midnight bus service to Osaka. But the destination is very limited. Please find more information about late arrival in Kansai airport at the link below:

How to access to Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe from late arrival flight at Kansai Airport-KIX

Day 2 – Sightseeing in Osaka

Umeda Sky Building is very popular in these days. (C) JNTO

Umeda Sky Building is very popular in these days. (C) JNTO

The basic choice is Osaka Visitors ticket or Enjoy Eco Card which is one day subway unlimited ride pass. You may get most of places in downtown Osaka by this pass.

If you want to visit many attractions, Osaka Amazing Pass gives you the great savings. It includes 28 attraction’s admission and unlimited subway ride. Please see the following link to get the details about this pass.

If you intend to visit Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, Osaka Kaiyu Ticket is recommended. If you stay in Osaka but you may take not only subway but also other trains, like JR, Hankyu railway, Kintetsu railway, Keihan railway, Nankai railway, you may use Kansai one pass.

You can find the information about these deals in the link below:

How to choose the best train pass for sightseeing in Osaka

If you want to extend to stay in Osaka

You may add another Eco Card or Amazing Pass. But you may visit other places, such as Kobe, Nara. In case of this, you may add another Kansai area deal, like Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass.

The following link shows you the itinerary of stay in Osaka only. But you may get some idea about choosing deal for trip to outside Osaka.

How to build the itinerary and choose the deals for Osaka stay 5 to 7 days.

Day 3 – Transfer to Kyoto from Osaka

Three railways, JR, Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway run between Osaka and Kyoto. You have to find the location to stay in both Kyoto and Osaka. And then you may find which train is the best for your transfer from Osaka to Kyoto. You may find the route map at the link below:

How to transfer among Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama. Compare Japan Railway and private railways.

If you use ICOCA and Haruka, you may have some fund left in your ICOCA. You can use it for this transfer.

If you intend to make a day trip to Nara, Kobe or other places around Kansai area when you are in Osaka, you will use Kansai Thru Pass for these trips and trip to Kyoto on this day. You will make some trips in either Osaka or Kyoto. Kansai Thru Pass covers subway and bus in both Osaka and Kyoto. And it covers Hankyu Railway and Keihan Railway. This pass gives you transfer from Osaka to Kyoto and sightseeing in both cities.

Squeeze Nara or Kobe on the way to Kyoto from Osaka

If you just make a trip from JR Osaka to JR Kyoto, it takes 30 minutes. If you take other railway, you spend a little more minutes. But it never be more than one hour. You may enjoy some more in Osaka or Kyoto. But you may visit other places, such as Nara or Kobe. Nara is easier to squeeze because both Kyoto and Osaka are very accessible to Nara. You may find the access to Nara from Osaka and Kyoto at the link below:

How to access to Nara by Japan Rail Pass. If you don’t use JR Pass, Kintetsu Railway is more convenient.

Kintetsu Rail Pass one day is recommended for trip to Nara.

Kintetsu Rail Pass (Kintetsu Railway official site)

You may visit Kobe too. But Kobe is located at other side if you move from Osaka to Kyoto. Please find more information about trip to Kobe at the following link:

How to access to Himeji and Kobe from Osaka

Hankyu Tourist Pass covers Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto. This is most affordable one day pass that covers these three cities.

Hankyu Tourist Pass (Hankyu Railway official site)

If you are okay with very tight schedule and want to visit as many as you want, you can do Kobe and Nara in one day. In this case, Kintetsu Rail Pass that I mentioned above and Hanshin Tourist Pass are recommended. Hanshin Tourist Pass covers Umeda, Namba and Kobe. Hanshin Railway connects with Kintetsu Railway at Osaka-Namba station. Many of both Hanshin and Kintetsu trains run each other. Some trains go directly from Kobe-Sannomiya to Nara. This is the easiest route to get Nara from Kobe. If you have these two passes, you can take this direct train.

And also if you intend to use Kansai Thru Pass when you are in Osaka, you can use Kansai Thru Pass for this day too.

Day 4 – Sightseeing in Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera temple is ne of most famous spots in Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera temple is ne of most famous spots in Kyoto. (C) Sue Ann Simon / JNTO

When you visit temples and shrines in Kyoto, you have to take city bus and/or subway. Kyoto City Sightseeing Card or All Day Bus Pass is your choice. You may find more information at the link below:

Inside Kyoto – Special Kyoto Bus, Train and Subway Passes

If you want to extend to stay in Kyoto

You may add another All Day Bus Pass or purchasing Kyoto City Sightseeing Card 2 days. But you may visit other places, such as Kobe, Nara. In case of this, you may add another Kansai area deal, like Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass.

The following link shows you the itinerary of stay in Osaka only. But you may get some idea about choosing deal for trip to outside Osaka.

How to build the itinerary and choose the deals for Osaka stay 5 to 7 days.

Day 5 – Kyoto to Kansai airport

If you use ICOCA and Haruka on arrival day, you can use Haruka discount ticket from Kyoto to Kansai airport at 1,600 yen. Please see the link below to find more information:

ICOCA and Haruka, Kansai One Pass and Haruka, and Haruka discount ticket. Very flexible and good deal for tourist who stay in Kansai.
Kansai One Pass and Haruka, ICOCA and Haruka and Haruka discount ticket are the special discount deals which is designed for the overseas passengers only. If you buy Kansai One Pass and Haruka or ICOCA and Haruka, you can take the limited express Haruka at the discount rate and IC card. This post explains you how to choose this deal and how to use this deal.

This deal is only available for the passenger who has ICOCA or Kansai one pass. You cannot get this deal without these IC card. If you do not have ICOCA or Kansai one pass, you can use Kansai area pass.

How to use JR West Kansai Area Pass. Compare pass and single fare.
This posts explains you how to use Kansai Area Pass. It is one of JR West rail passes and it covers whole part of Kansai area.

It is cheaper than base fare ticket and limited express surcharge with non reserved seat on Haruka.

You also can take Limousine bus service. It is a direct service from Kyoto to Kansai airport too. Please see the link below:

Limousine bus between Kansai airport and Kyoto

I hope this sample itinerary helps you to build your trip plan!

Comments

  1. Joice says:

    Hi Takeshi
    What passes would you recommend for the following itinerary:
    Day 1 arrive KIX early morning going to Osaka Nipponbashi subway
    Day 2 sightseeing in Osaka
    Day 3 and 4 Day trips to Kyoto including Arashiyama
    Day 5 sightseeing in Osaka
    Day 6 Day trip to Nara
    Day 7 sightseeing in Osaka
    Day 8 Universal Studio
    Day 9 Osaka to KIX

    We will be staying in Osaka near Nipponbashi as a base throughout the trip. Thanks in advance.

  2. Felicia says:

    Dear Takeshi,

    I’m traveling to Osaka in Nov with my parents plus 1 infant. Please help to advise me the suitable pass to use. I’m arriving at 9.20 PM at KIX airport.

    Day 1 : KIX – Shin-Osaka / Namba Area
    Day 2: Osaka to Momofuku Instant Ramen Museum & Dotonburi
    Day 3: Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building
    Day 4: Himeji & Kobe
    Day 5: Shinsaibashi & Dotonburi
    Day 6: USJ
    Day 7: Namba to Miyajima
    Day 8: Hiroshima to Kyoto
    Day 9: Kyoto Sightseeing 1 ((Arashiyama)
    Day 10: South (Fushimi Inari, Uji)
    Day 11: Nara
    Day 12: Kyoto – Yamashirotaga Fruits Line
    Day 13: Stay at Ryokan
    Day 14: Kyoto – KIX

    Should I just purchase a JR Pass? Or should I just buy different passes ( Kansai Area Pass, Hiroshima Pass)? I would like to have reserved seats since I’m bringing my baby and elderly parents. My accommodation will change if I purchase JR pass, else I will stay at Namba Area.

    Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks in advance.

  3. CC says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    My friend and I would like to do a 6-day tour covering Kyoto and Osaka in early July. We will arrive Kansai airport in the morning and directly go to Kyoto. This is our first time to Japan. Would greatly appreciate if you have a complete guide and itinerary for the 6 days.

    Day 1 – Arrive Kansai at 10.00am. Directly to Kyoto
    Day 2 – Kyoto
    Day 3 – Kyoto to Osaka
    Day 4 – Osaka
    Day 5 – Osaka
    Day 6 – depart Osaka at 20.00pm

    We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much.

  4. Debra Benger says:

    Hi Takeshi, I will be visiting Tokyo and areas in November, below is my travel plan, would you recommend which passes for most economical travel.
    Day 1- Tokyo to Osaka
    Day 1-3 Sightseeing Osaka
    Day 4-Day trip sightseeing Kobe
    Day 5- Day trip to Nara
    Day 6- Osaka to Hiroshima
    Day 7-8 Hiroshima
    Day 9 Hiroshima to Tokyo

    thanking you in advance…

  5. JJ says:

    Hi Takeshi San,

    We’re planning a trip to Osaka / Kyoto / Nara / Kobe this month and our Itinerary is as follows:-

    Day 1: Airport to Yotsubashi Station
    Day 2: Osaka Castle / KoreaTown / Dontonburi
    Day 3: Universal Studio Osaka
    Day 4: To Kyoto (Karasuma Station)
    Fushimi Inari Taisha / Nishiki Market
    Day 5: Nijo Castle / Kikaku-Ji / Ryoan-Ji / Gion Street
    Day 6: Nara
    Day 7: Arashiyama Bamboo Groove / Teryu-Ji / Okochi Sanso
    Garden
    Day 8: Back to Osaka (Namba Station)
    Minami / Dontonburi / Shisaibashi Shopping Center
    Day 9: Kobe
    Day 10: Osaka Aquarium / Tempozan Ferris Wheel
    Day 11: Namba Station to Airport

    Appreciate if you can recommend the passes for the most economical travel.

    Arigatou gozaimasu.

  6. Cyrill T. Sabalo says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    My family of Four is coming to Osaka this coming June.
    our Itinerary is this;
    -day1-arriving in Osaka in the afternoon
    -3 days in Osaka-sightseeing
    -3 days in Kyoto-sightseeing
    -Kyoto to KIX
    Please advise us the which pass is suitable for our travel.

    thank you very much in advance

    Cyrill
    Singapore

  7. April says:

    Hi! I would like to know if the sample itineraries you posted is also workable in the month of December?

    Thanks,
    April

  8. Ven castillon says:

    Hi,Im planning to visit osaka and kyoto in july with my family for 5 days. We are getting in from the philippines and going to korea from osaka before going home to the philippines. Is this feasible. Thank yoy.

  9. Leland says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    I will be visiting Kansai area this coming June, below is my trip plan. would you recommend which passes for most economical travel.
    Day1: KIX to Kyoto
    Day1-4: Sightseeing Kyoto & Saga Arashiyama
    Day5: Kyoto to Osaka
    Day5-7 sightseeing Osaka
    Day8: Day trip sightseeing Kobe
    Day9: Day trip sightseeing Nara
    Day10: Day trip Wakayama
    Day11: Osaks to KIX

    TQ in advance….

  10. Vivian says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Does Kyoto sightseeing pass includes Keihan railway line? As my accommodation in Kyoto is around Gion-Shijo station, I was wondering which pass should I use in Kyoto?

    I have booked JR Kansai Hirsohima area pass for my trip to be used from Day 1-5. I would like to squeeze Nara either in between Day 1-3 or Day 5 since I have JR pass. Which would you recommend?

    Day 1: KIX to Kyoto -JR
    Day 2; Kyoto – JR
    Day 3: Kyoto – JR
    Day 4: Hiroshima – JR
    Day 5: Osaka – JR, Osaka Amazing Pass 2 days?
    Day 6: Osaka – Osaka Amazing Pass 2 days?
    Day 7: Osaka to KIX

    Thanks in advance.

    • Hi Vivian,

      Unfortunately Keihan is not covered by Kyoto sightseeing card. You have to pay single fare to Keihan or using city bus. City bus is covered.

      You may get Nara from either Osaka or Kyoto. Trip time is not much different. So think about which city you want to spend more time, Kyoto or Osaka?

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

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