5-Day Kansai Adventure: Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji & Okayama Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

Osaka, Japan on April 21, 2025

9:55PM

Arrive Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Land at Kansai International Airport and prepare to transfer to your accommodation for rest.
JPY0, 0h30m

10:30PM

Transfer to Osaka City

Take the Nankai Line or JR Kansai Airport Rapid train to Osaka, aiming for a hotel near Namba or Shin-Osaka stations for convenient access to transportation and nightlife.
JPY920-1140, 1h

11:30PM

Check-in and Rest

Check into your hotel near Namba station and get a good night's rest before your busy itinerary starts tomorrow.
JPY0, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Kyoto Day Trip

Kyoto, Japan on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Kyoto

Depart from Osaka to Kyoto via JR or Hankyu line, soaking in the scenery of the Kansai region en route.
JPY400-600, 1h

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit this iconic Shinto shrine known for thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountain trails. It's a serene and photogenic spot.
Free entry, 1h

11:00AM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka

Explore Kiyomizu-dera, famous for panoramic views and its wooden stage, then stroll the historic Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets lined with traditional shops and tea houses.
JPY400, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a Kyoto-style lunch with delicacies such as yuba (tofu skin), tofu dishes, or a traditional kaiseki meal offering multiple seasonal courses.
JPY1500-3000, 1h

2:30PM

Gion District & Yasaka Shrine

Wander through the atmospheric streets of Gion, spotting geisha if lucky, then visit Yasaka Shrine and relax in Maruyama Park nearby.
Free entry, 2h

5:00PM

Pontocho Alley & Kamo River Walk

Experience the evening ambiance of Pontocho alley filled with traditional restaurants, or take a peaceful stroll along the picturesque Kamo River.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner in Pontocho or Gion

Dine at a traditional Kyoto restaurant in Pontocho or Gion for exquisite seasonal dishes showcasing Kyoto’s culinary heritage.
JPY3000-6000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Osaka Exploration

Osaka, Japan on April 23, 2025

8:30AM

Train back to Osaka

Return from Kyoto to Osaka by train, resting briefly before starting the day’s sightseeing.
JPY400-600, 1h

10:00AM

Osaka Castle and Park

Visit the historic Osaka Castle, exploring its museum inside and strolling through the surrounding park featuring cherry trees and scenic views.
JPY600, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch in Shinsekai

Explore the nostalgic Shinsekai neighbourhood and have lunch with kushikatsu, a popular fried skewers dish specific to Osaka’s street food culture.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

2:30PM

Dotonbori Area

Head to vivid and bustling Dotonbori to enjoy shopping and take iconic photos by the Glico running man sign on the canal.
Free, 2h

4:30PM

Shinsaibashi Shopping Street

Walk through Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s premier shopping arcade filled with boutiques, souvenir stores and cafes for some late afternoon treats.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner with Okonomiyaki or Takoyaki

Savour classic Osaka comfort foods such as okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake, or takoyaki, octopus-filled batter balls, at a local eatery.
JPY1000-2000, 1.5h

8:30PM

Optional: Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory for sweeping night views of Osaka’s skyline (open until 10pm).
JPY1500, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Kobe to Okayama

Kobe, Himeji & Okayama, Japan on April 24, 2025

8:30AM

Train to Kobe

Depart early to Kobe to explore this harbour city known for cosmopolitan charm and culinary delights.
JPY500-700, 30m

9:00AM

Explore Motomachi, Harborland, Chinatown

Spend the morning strolling the stylish Motomachi shopping street, waterfront Harborland, and vibrant Kobe Chinatown.
Free, 3h

12:00PM

Early Lunch - Kobe Beef Teppanyaki

Indulge in the world-famous Kobe beef prepared teppanyaki style, a must-try luxurious local speciality.
JPY4000-7000, 1h

1:00PM

Train to Himeji

Depart Kobe and travel to Himeji to visit its famous castle, a superb example of Japanese feudal architecture.
JPY1000-1500, 40m

2:00PM

Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden

Tour Himeji Castle, the best-preserved feudal castle in Japan, and optionally relax in the beautiful adjacent Kokoen Garden.
JPY1000 (castle), JPY300 (garden), 2h30m

4:45PM

Train to Okayama

Take the train from Himeji to Okayama, heading towards your next overnight destination.
JPY2000-3000, 1h30m

6:30PM

Check-in Okayama Accommodation

Arrive and settle into your hotel in Okayama city center, preparing for dinner and evening leisure.
JPY0, 0.5h

7:30PM

Dinner - Barazushi or Demi-Katsudon

Enjoy local Okayama specialties such as colourful barazushi (scattered sushi) or demi-glace sauce katsudon for a comforting dinner.
JPY1500-2500, 1h

8:30PM

Optional Night Walk

Take an optional evening stroll near Okayama Castle or downtown to appreciate the local nighttime atmosphere.
Free, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Departure Day

Okayama, Japan on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel or a charming local café to fuel up before departure.
JPY800-1500, 1h

9:00AM

Optional Korakuen Garden Visit

If time permits, visit Korakuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens, offering tranquil strolls and fine nature views (open 7:30AM-6PM).
JPY400, 1-2h

12:00PM

Transfer to Okayama Airport

Head to Okayama Airport allowing ample time for your flight check-in and security procedures back to Taipei.
JPY1500-2000 (by bus or taxi), 1-1.5h

TBD

Flight to Taipei

Depart from Okayama for your flight back to Taipei, concluding the Kansai and Okayama journey.
Variable, Varies
View Hotel Availability