7-Day Kyoto-Centered Kansai Itinerary: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe & Himeji

Day 1: Arrival & Kyoto Introduction

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Take the JR Haruka Express directly to Kyoto Station, approximately 75 minutes, included with Kansai Area Pass.
Included with Kansai Area Pass, 75 minutes

11:30AM

Hotel Check-in

Check into your centrally located Kyoto hotel near Kyoto Station or downtown district.
Varies, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Kyoto Station Dining Area

Try seasonal Japanese cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Kyoto Station building, open 11AM–10PM.
¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kyoto Tower

Enjoy panoramic city views from Kyoto’s tallest structure, open 9AM–9PM.
¥770, 1 hour

3:30PM

Nishiki Market Exploration

Walk through the market known as 'Kyoto’s Kitchen' and taste local snacks.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Gion District

Dine on Kyoto-style kaiseki or traditional dishes and experience an atmospheric historic district.
¥3500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Eastern Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage temple with beautiful city views, open 6AM–6PM.
¥400, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Walk through Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka

Explore these historic stone-paved streets lined with shops and cafes.
Free, 1 hour

11:15AM

Yasaka Shrine

Visit the iconic Shinto shrine, open daily free of charge.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch near Gion

Sample local specialty dishes like yudofu (tofu hot pot).
¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Maruyama Park

Relax in this scenic park, perfect for a leisurely stroll or cherry blossoms viewing in season.
Free, 1 hour

3:15PM

Chion-in Temple

Explore one of the largest temples in Kyoto with impressive architecture and large gates, open 9AM–4PM.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Philosopher’s Walk

Take a peaceful walk along the canal lined with cherry trees, continuing until Ginkaku-ji temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy dinner at a traditional Kyoto izakaya or a modern bistro in this picturesque alleyway.
¥3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Arashiyama & Western Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Arashiyama

Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, about 20 minutes, covered with pass.
Included with Kansai Area Pass, 20 minutes

8:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk early through the famous bamboo forest to avoid crowds; open 24 hours, free.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple with beautiful gardens, open 8AM–5PM.
¥500, 1.5 hours

11:15AM

Okochi Sanso Villa

Visit the historic villa with tea service and stunning views, open 9AM–5PM.
¥1000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Arashiyama

Enjoy seasonal Kyoto cuisine at a riverside restaurant.
¥2000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Togetsukyo Bridge and Riverside Walk

Relax by strolling the scenic bridge and Katsura River area.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Sagano Scenic Railway or Boat Ride (Seasonal)

Optional scenic train ride or river boat (March-November) with views of nature and mountain landscapes.
¥620 - ¥1500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Train back to Kyoto Station using JR Sagano Line, covered by pass.
Included with Kansai Area Pass, 20 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner near Kyoto Station

Choose from various izakayas or Kyoto-style dining options for a relaxed dinner.
¥2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Southern Kyoto & Fushimi

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk early to explore the famous thousands of torii gates path, open 24 hours, free entry.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Tofuku-ji Temple

Visit the large temple famous for beautiful gardens, open 9AM–4PM.
¥400, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch near Kyoto Station

Try quick Japanese meals or bento boxes at station eateries.
¥1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Nijo Castle

Explore the historical castle and its gardens, open 8:45AM–5PM.
¥1000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Walk in the expansive park grounds surrounding the former imperial palace, open 9AM–4:30PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to hotel and rest

Relax and freshen up before evening activities.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gion or Pontocho

Enjoy a refined Japanese meal or casual dining in a beautiful ambiance.
¥3500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Train Kyoto to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line rapid train, about 45 minutes, included with pass.
Included with Kansai Area Pass, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the massive Great Buddha and temple grounds, open 7:30AM–5:30PM.
¥600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Nara Deer Park

Interact with tame deer roaming freely throughout the park.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Nara

Try local dishes at traditional restaurants in Nara-machi.
¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the lantern-lined pathways of this revered shrine, open 6:30AM–5PM.
¥500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Nara National Museum

Discover extensive collections of Buddhist art, open 9:30AM–5PM.
¥520, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Take the JR train back to Kyoto Station, approx. 45 minutes.
Included with Kansai Area Pass, 45 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner in Kyoto

Relax with dinner near your hotel featuring local or international cuisine.
¥2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Osaka City Exploration

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Train Kyoto to Osaka

Take JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station, 30 minutes, covered by pass.
Included with Kansai Area Pass, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Osaka Castle

Visit the famous castle and extensive park grounds, open 9AM–5PM.
¥600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch in Osaka Station City

Enjoy a variety of Japanese and international cuisines in the station complex.
¥1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Umeda Sky Building Observatory

Get panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10AM–10PM.
¥1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori

Explore the busiest shopping district with lively atmosphere and food stalls.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner in Dotonbori

Try street foodie favorites including takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
¥3000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Return to Kyoto

JR train back to Kyoto, about 30 minutes.
Included with Kansai Area Pass, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Kobe Highlights & Departure

Kobe & Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel Kyoto to Kobe

Take JR Special Rapid Service to Sannomiya Station in Kobe, approximately 1 hour, included with pass.
Included with Kansai Area Pass, 1 hour

9:00AM

Harborland & Meriken Park

Stroll the waterfront park area and enjoy art installations and shopping.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Nunobiki Herb Garden via Ropeway

Take the ropeway for stunning views and stroll fragrant gardens, open 9:30AM–5PM.
¥1150, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Nankinmachi (Chinatown)

Enjoy vibrant Chinese and fusion cuisine specialties in Kobe's Chinatown.
¥1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kitano Ijinkan Western Houses

Tour historic foreign residences showcasing Western architecture of Meiji era.
¥300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Train back to Kyoto Station, about 1 hour.
Included with Kansai Area Pass, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner in Kyoto

Enjoy a final meal featuring Kyoto specialties or a multi-course kaiseki dinner.
¥4000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability