6-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Kyoto and Osaka, Japan

Day 1: Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese-style breakfast at this iconic Kyoto café known for its rich coffee and handmade sandwiches.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousand red torii gates trail leading up to the sacred mountain, a must-see for its spiritual and scenic atmosphere.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of Kyoto delicacies and street food like yuba, mochi, and fresh seafood at this vibrant market known as Kyoto’s kitchen.
JPY1500, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning wooden stage that offers panoramic views of Kyoto city.
JPY400, 1.5h

4:00pm

Stroll through Gion District

Walk the historic streets famous for traditional tea houses and catch a glimpse of geisha culture in the early evening.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley – Torito

Savour yakitori grilled to perfection in a cozy lively setting by the Kamogawa river, experiencing authentic local flavours.
JPY3500, 2h
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Day 2: Kyoto Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy excellent specialty coffee with a view of the historic Higashiyama area in this stylish café, perfect to energize your day.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Experience the serene bamboo forest early to avoid crowds and visit the beautiful garden of Tenryu-ji, a zen temple nearby.
Tenryu-ji Temple JPY500, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Dine on traditional soba noodles with a view of the Katsura River and Togetsukyo Bridge, a regional specialty.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

See the iconic zen temple covered in gold leaf, set in a picturesque pond creating a stunning reflection, one of Kyoto’s landmarks.
JPY400, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Contemplate the world-famous minimalist rock garden symbolising zen philosophy adjacent to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY500, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Spend the late afternoon in the spacious gardens of the former imperial residence, free to the public.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Experience innovative Japanese kaiseki cuisine in a modern setting to delight your palate with seasonal ingredients.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station Café

Quick and convenient breakfast before departing by train, offering pastries, coffee, and sandwiches.
JPY800, 0.5h

8:00am

Train ride Kyoto to Nara

Take the rapid train south to Nara, approximately 45 minutes to reach the historic city known for its friendly deer.
JPY710, 0.75h

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the Great Buddha Hall housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues, a UNESCO World Heritage Site opened 8am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

11:00am

Stroll Nara Park with Deer Feeding

Walk amongst free-roaming deer considered sacred and hand-feed them special crackers available on site.
JPY200 (for crackers), 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy fresh tuna dishes and creative seafood preparations in this highly rated Nara eatery near the park.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Walk the path through thousands of stone and bronze lanterns that lead to this famous Shinto shrine with serene forest trails.
JPY500, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Nara National Museum

Explore Japanese Buddhist art featuring sculptures, paintings and calligraphy. Open 9:30am - 5pm, closed Mondays.
JPY700, 1h

5:30pm

Train back to Osaka

Travel from Nara to Osaka by train for access to that city’s vibrant evening atmosphere, approximately 45 minutes.
JPY560, 0.75h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Street, Osaka

Indulge in street food specialities such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the bustling entertainment district of Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 2h
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Day 4: Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start with expertly crafted coffee and fresh pastries at this popular Osaka café near Namba station.
JPY900, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the historic castle with its impressive museum about Japan’s history, open 9am-5pm, and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and local street food snacks amid the market's lively atmosphere, widely known as Osaka’s kitchen.
JPY1500, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy the futuristic Floating Garden Observatory, offering 360-degree views of the city skyline, open 10am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Shinsekai District

Discover the nostalgic atmosphere of this retro neighbourhood famous for local eateries and Tsutenkaku Tower.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kani Doraku Dotonbori Honten

Dine on premium crab dishes at this iconic restaurant adorned with its giant mechanical crab, a culinary landmark in Osaka.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 5: Modern Osaka & Shopping

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Atl

Enjoy light Western and Japanese breakfasts with excellent coffee in the stylish heart of Osaka city.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Experience one of the world’s largest public aquariums showcasing Pacific Rim marine life in an innovative layout, open 10am-8pm.
JPY2400, 2.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Sample a variety of local and international cuisines at this shopping mall adjacent to the aquarium.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping at Shinsaibashi and Amerikamura

Explore trendy boutiques, international brands, and unique street fashion in Osaka’s prime shopping districts.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Relax at Spa World

Unwind in this large hot spring spa complex featuring themed baths from around the world, open until 11pm.
JPY1200, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy Osakan specialty deep-fried skewers in a friendly local atmosphere famous for this crispy and flavourful dish.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Final Day Relaxation

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gram Café

Treat yourself to fluffy Japanese pancakes and fresh coffee to start your final day in style.
JPY1200, 1h

10:00am

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Experience traditional shrine architecture and peaceful grounds at one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, open all day.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Ajinoya Okonomiyaki

Enjoy a final taste of Osaka’s famous okonomiyaki, delicious savoury pancakes with varied fillings and toppings.
JPY1800, 1h

1:00pm

Walk and relax at Nakanoshima Park

Spend a peaceful afternoon in this riverside park with beautiful gardens, museums, and cafes.
Free, 1.5h

3:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Head to your accommodation to collect luggage and make your way to the airport or next destination.
Varies, Until departure
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