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Discover the Art and Culture of Osaka, Kyoto, and Naoshima in 8 Days

Viewed by 103 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

10:00AM

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at Kansai International Airport and check in to your hotel in Osaka.
Take the Nankai Airport Line to Namba Station, a 40-minute journey.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Indulge in local favourites such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki at one of the bustling street stalls.
Walk from Namba Station to Dotonbori, a 10-minute stroll.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Dotonbori

Take a leisurely walk along the Dotonbori Canal and snap pictures with the iconic Glico Man sign.
Continue exploring on foot.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Osaka Castle

Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history of this iconic landmark.
Take the subway from Namba to Osakajokoen Station, a 15-minute train ride.
JPY 600, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Shinsekai

Enjoy a fantastic kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewers) experience at one of the local eateries.
Take the subway from Osaka Castle to Dobutsuenmae Station, about 30 minutes.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Stroll through Shinsekai

Explore this retro district and take in the vibrant atmosphere, or visit Tsutenkaku Tower for a night view.
Explore on foot.
JPY 900 (for Tsutenkaku entry), 1 hour
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel, featuring grilled fish and miso soup.
N/A
Free (included in hotel), 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kuromon Ichiba Market

Experience this bustling market, sampling fresh seafood and local snacks.
Take the subway from your hotel to Nippombashi Station, about 15 minutes.
Free (for entry and sampling), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba

Try some fresh sashimi or grilled seafood right in the market.
Dine within the market.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Osaka Museum of History

Learn about Osaka’s rich history through engaging exhibits.
Take the subway from the market to Tanimachi 4-chome Station, about 20 minutes.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the floating garden observatory.
Take the subway to Umeda Station, a short 10-minute ride.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Umeda

Savour a delicious buffet of various Japanese dishes at an upscale restaurant.
Dine in the Umeda area.
JPY 4,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 3: Cultural Journey to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy another hearty breakfast before checking out.
N/A
Free (included in hotel), 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the shinkansen to Kyoto, starting your journey into the heart of Japan.
Board the train at Osaka Station, 30-minute journey.
JPY 3,000, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Check-in at Kyoto Hotel

Arrive and settle in at your hotel in Kyoto.
Take a taxi or the subway to your hotel, approx. 15 minutes.
JPY 1,000, 15 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch near Kiyomizu-dera

Taste yudofu (tofu hot pot), a specialty of the region, at a nearby restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant from your hotel, about 10 minutes.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its wooden stage and breathtaking views.
A short walk from the lunch spot.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets

Wander through these charming historic streets lined with traditional wooden houses and shops.
Walk down the hill from Kiyomizu-dera.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Gion District

Dine on kaiseki cuisine, a multi-course Japanese dinner, in this famous geisha district.
Walking distance from Sannenzaka.
JPY 6,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 4: Exploring Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savour your breakfast while planning your day ahead.
N/A
Free (included in hotel), 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Visit this enchanting bamboo forest and take a leisurely walk through its towering stalks.
Take the train from Kyoto to Arashiyama Station, around 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Iwatayama Monkey Park

For those who are adventurous, hike up to see the monkeys in their natural habitat.
Short walk from the Bamboo Grove.
JPY 600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Arashiyama

Enjoy a traditional soba noodle dish at a local restaurant.
Dine in the Arashiyama area.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO site known for its beautiful gardens, a perfect place to relax.
Walk from your lunch spot.
JPY 500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Kyoto City Centre

Travel back to the city centre to explore more.
Take the train back to Kyoto Station, approx. 30 minutes.
JPY 300, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Savour assorted street food while wandering through Kyoto's famous food market.
A short walk from Kyoto Station to Nishiki Market.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Journey to Naoshima

Naoshima, Japan

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for a travel day with a hearty breakfast.
N/A
Free (included in hotel), 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Naoshima

Take the shinkansen to Okayama, followed by a ferry to Naoshima.
Train to Okayama (1 hour) + Ferry (40 minutes).
JPY 4,000, 1 hour 40 minutes

10:00AM

Check-in at Naoshima Hotel

Settle into your accommodation with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Short walk to your hotel from the ferry terminal.
Free (hotel rate), 15 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Benesse House

Enjoy a modern, artistic meal surrounded by contemporary art.
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Chichu Art Museum

Discover the beautifully curated artworks and installations by Claude Monet and others.
Take the shuttle bus provided by the museum.
JPY 2,100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Naoshima Shoreline

Take in the artistic installations along the beach, including the famous Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama.
Shuttle bus from the museum to the beach area.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Naoshima

Experience local seafood dishes, exemplifying fresh flavours, at a beachfront restaurant.
Dine along the beach.
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Naoshima

Day 6: Art and Nature in Naoshima

Naoshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast while taking in views of the sea.
N/A
Free (included in hotel), 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Art House Project

Explore the renovated traditional houses that serve as exhibition spaces for various artists.
Walk to the nearby Art House Project site.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Konichiwa

Try delicious homemade dishes in a cute cafe setting, supporting local artisans.
Walking distance from the Art House Project.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Gaze at Lee Ufan Museum

Marvel at the serene installations and concept works of renowned artist Lee Ufan.
Take the shuttle bus from Cafe Konichiwa.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Benesse House Museum

Wander through contemporary art exhibitions in this innovative venue.
Shuttle bus or walk back to the museum.
JPY 2,000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Guesthouse

Enjoy a cozy meal at your guesthouse, featuring seasonal dishes crafted with care.
Dinner at the hotel.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Naoshima

Day 7: Back to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast one last time on the island.
N/A
Free (included in hotel), 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel Back to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto via ferry and shinkansen, soaking in the scenery one last time.
Ferry to Okayama + Train to Kyoto - approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
JPY 4,000, 1 hour 40 minutes

10:30AM

Check-in at Kyoto Hotel

Settle in for your last night in Kyoto.
Taxi to your hotel from Kyoto Station, around 15 minutes.
JPY 1,000, 15 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a delightful lunch in this narrow alleyway filled with restaurants alongside the river.
Short walk from your hotel to Pontocho Alley.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore this historical site, famous for its stunning garden and 'nightingale' floors.
Take a taxi or bus to Nijo Castle, approx. 30 minutes.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Kyoto Garden

Stroll through a peaceful garden nearby and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
A short taxi ride from Nijo Castle.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Kiyamazaki

Enjoy your last meal in Kyoto with fine dining, spotlighting local ingredients.
Take a taxi to Kiyamazaki for dinner, approx. 20 minutes.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 8: Departure Day

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast before your journey ends.
N/A
Free (included in hotel), 1 hour

9:30AM

Check-out and Leisure

Check out of your hotel, then take a stroll through the serene streets of Kyoto one last time.
Walk around the city centre.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Travel to Kansai Airport

Head to the airport via train, taking in the last views of Japan.
Direct train from Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport, about 75 minutes.
JPY 2,800, 1 hour 15 minutes

1:00PM

Departure

Depart from Kansai Airport, filled with memories of art and culture.
N/A
Variable, N/A
Find Hotels in Kyoto
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