Japan's Golden Route: Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and Nagoya 10-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Osaka Castle
   20 minutes (7.5 km) from Kansai International Airport
   Walk around the moat, stroll through the gardens, and learn about the castle's history in the museum.
2. Day 2: Todai-ji Temple (Nara)
   1 hour (45 km) by train from Osaka
   Visit the world's largest bronze Buddha and explore the temple complex surrounded by deer.
3. Day 3: Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto)
   1 hour (42 km) by train from Osaka
   Take in panoramic views of the city from the wooden stage and sip water from the sacred Otowa waterfall.
4. Day 4: Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto)
   30 minutes (11 km) by train from Kiyomizu-dera
   Walk through the tunnel of thousands of torii gates and climb to the summit for views of the city.
5. Day 5: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Kyoto)
   1 hour (16 km) by train from Fushimi Inari
   Walk through the lush bamboo groves and see the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.
6. Day 6: Higashiyama District (Kyoto)
   30 minutes (6 km) by train from Arashiyama
   Stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional shops, temples, and shrines.
7. Day 7: Nagoya Castle
   1 hour (135 km) by bullet train from Kyoto
   Learn about the castle's history, climb to the top for views of the city, and see the famous golden shachihoko ornament.
8. Day 8: Atsuta Jingu Shrine (Nagoya)
   30 minutes (12 km) by train from Nagoya Castle
   See the impressive collection of 4,000 historical artifacts and the sacred sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi.
9. Day 9: Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (Nagoya)
   20 minutes (9 km) by train from Atsuta Jingu
   Learn about the history of Toyota and see the manufacturing process of automobiles and textile machinery.
10. Day 10: Osu Shopping District (Nagoya)
    30 minutes (11 km) by train from Toyota Commemorative Museum
    Shop for souvenirs, fashion, and electronics in this bustling shopping area filled with restaurants and street food.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Osaka Castle (2-3 hours, 600 yen)
• Todai-ji Temple (2 hours, 1000 yen)
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple (2-3 hours, 400 yen)
• Fushimi Inari Shrine (2-3 hours, free)
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (1 hour, free)
• Higashiyama District (2-3 hours, free)
• Nagoya Castle (2-3 hours, 500 yen)
• Atsuta Jingu Shrine (1-2 hours, free)
• Toyota Commemorative Museum (2-3 hours, 500 yen)
• Osu Shopping District (2-3 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: 3500 yen ($32 USD)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. If you have less time, skip Nagoya and spend more time in Kyoto.