Itinerary
- Day 1
Kyoto
You'll arrive in Kyoto and get settled into your accommodation. There's an optional shared airport transfer available if you want to skip the hassle of figuring out transport on your own, so take advantage of that if it works for your flight time.
Optional Activities
- Shared airport transfer
- Day 2
Nara - Kyoto
This is a packed day with several stops across the region. You'll head out to Fushimi Inari Shrine first and walk through those famous red torii gates that seem to go on forever. From there, it's on to the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple, then a stroll through the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. After you grab lunch somewhere during your free time, you'll travel to Nara to see Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha. In Nara Park you can hang out with the friendly Sika deer roaming around. Then it's back to Kyoto for the night.
Included Activities
- Walk through red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Visit Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple)
- Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Visit Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha
- Free time in Nara Park to meet Sika deer
Landmarks/POIs Fushimi Inari Shrine Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple) Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Todai-ji Temple Nara Park - Day 3
Kyoto
You've got the whole day to yourself in Kyoto. Wander through Gion if you want to see the historic geisha district, or join a tea ceremony to get a feel for that tradition. The local museums are worth checking out if that's your thing. Basically, do whatever you're in the mood for.
Optional Activities
- Wander around Kyoto's Gion district
- Join a tea ceremony
- Visit local museums
Landmarks/POIs Gion District - Day 4
Kyoto to Osaka to Kyoto
Take a train over to Osaka for the day. Once you're there, you can walk through Namba and Dotonbori in the entertainment district, check out the historic Hozenji Temple, and browse the Kuromon Ichiba Market if you're into food and local goods. Shinsekai and Nipponbashi neighborhoods are good for exploring different parts of the city. Osaka Castle is worth seeing too, and if you're interested in shopping, Shinsaibashi has plenty of options. Then you'll catch a train back to Kyoto to sleep.
Included Activities
- Train transfer to Osaka
- Wander entertainment district of Namba and Dotonbori
- See Hozenji Temple
- Visit Kuromon Ichiba Market
- Explore neighborhoods of Shinsekai
- Visit Osaka Castle
- Walk through Shinsaibashi shopping district and Nipponbashi
- Train back to Kyoto
Landmarks/POIs Namba District Dotonbori Hozenji Temple Kuromon Ichiba Market Shinsekai Osaka Castle Shinsaibashi - Day 5
Kyoto
It's time to head out. Optional transfers are set up to get you to either Kansai Airport or Tokyo city center depending on where you're going next, so pick whichever works for your onward travel.
Optional Activities
- Transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX)
- Transfer to Tokyo city center
