6-Day Itinerary for Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe

  1. Day 1: Osaka Castle
    30 mins (9 km) from Kansai International Airport

    Start your trip with a visit to Osaka Castle, one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. This magnificent castle is a great way to learn about Japanese history and immerse yourself in the local culture. Don't forget to take a stroll in the castle's beautiful gardens!

  2. Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple
    1 hour (42 km) from Osaka Castle

    Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates. Next, head to the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, to admire its stunning architecture and beautiful garden.

  3. Day 3: Nara Park
    1 hour (39 km) from Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Spend the day at Nara Park and interact with the friendly deer population roaming around the park. Enjoy the scenery at Todai-ji Temple and check out its famous Great Buddha.

  4. Day 4: Arashiyama and Tenryu-ji Temple
    30 mins (16 km) from Nara Park

    Take a peaceful stroll through the bamboo groves in Arashiyama. Then, stop by the Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its beautiful gardens and pond.

  5. Day 5: Kobe Harborland and Nunobiki Falls
    1 hour (51 km) from Arashiyama

    Check out the scenic views of the city at the Kobe Harborland. Take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel and visit some local shops for some shopping. End the day with a hike to Nunobiki Falls, known as one of the best waterfalls in Japan.

  6. Day 6: Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
    45 mins (24 km) from Nunobiki Falls

    Experience Osaka's vibrant nightlife at Dotonbori, a food lover's paradise known for its diverse cuisine. Walk over to Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and shop for some souvenirs for loved ones back home before heading to the airport to catch your flight.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Osaka Castle (2 hours, 600 yen)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (2 hours, free)
  • Kinkaku-ji Temple (2 hours, 400 yen)
  • Nara Park (4 hours, free)
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (1 hour, free)
  • Tenryu-ji Temple (1 hour, 500 yen)
  • Kobe Harborland (3 hours, free)
  • Nunobiki Falls (1 hour, free)
  • Dotonbori (2 hours, free)
  • Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 1500 yen

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park or Universal Studios Japan. Make sure to check the opening and closing hours for each location and plan your itinerary accordingly. Additionally, the Japan Rail Pass is a convenient option for traveling between cities and visiting major tourist locations.

0