8-Day Cultural Journey from Manila to Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara with Full-Day Shopping at Rinku Premium Outlet

Day 1: Arrival and Osaka Intro

Osaka, Japan on June 1, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Arrive in Osaka from Manila and transfer to your hotel. Take some time to freshen up and acclimate to Japan.
JPY0, 2h

11:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy a fresh start with artisan coffee and light pastries at this cozy café located in central Osaka.
JPY800, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle, a historic landmark with beautiful grounds and a museum inside detailing its significance.
JPY600, 2h

3:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Savor classic Osaka street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the bustling Dotonbori area.
JPY1500, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Stroll and shop along this famous covered shopping street with various boutiques and souvenir shops.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M

Enjoy premium Matsusaka beef grilled to perfection, a must-try in Osaka's renowned yakiniku cuisine.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 2: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel before traveling.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train from Osaka to Kyoto (JR Special Rapid Service)

Take a comfortable and fast JR special rapid train from Osaka to Kyoto station, approximately 30 minutes.
JPY570, 30m

10:00am

Check-in at Kyoto hotel and rest

Drop off luggage and rest before exploring the city.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous Shinto shrine known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates forming a scenic path up the mountain.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Enjoy light lunch and coffee close to Fushimi Inari, perfect after shrine walking.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon visit to Tofukuji Temple

Visit this large Zen temple famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk around Gion District

Stroll through Kyoto’s historic geisha district featuring traditional wooden machiya houses and tea houses.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal Kyoto ingredients in a refined setting within Gion.
JPY5000, 2h
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Day 3: Kyoto Temples and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day at a local Kyoto coffeehouse known for its retro ambiance and light breakfast options.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning golden exterior temple and serene surrounding gardens, open 9am to 5pm daily.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Head to Ryoan-ji Temple

Walk to this famous Zen temple and witness its celebrated rock garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
JPY500, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot), a Kyoto specialty, at this long-established restaurant near Kiyomizu Temple.
JPY1800, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this iconic temple famous for its wooden stage providing panoramic views of Kyoto; open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Explore narrow lanes lined with shops, tea houses and traditional crafts reflecting old Kyoto charm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Suetomo

Experience authentic Kyoto kaiseki dinners with seasonal, artfully presented dishes.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 4: Arashiyama and Nature

Kyoto, Japan on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee and light snacks while overlooking the scenic Katsura River.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest early to avoid crowds and experience the tranquil atmosphere.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple visit

Explore one of Kyoto’s major Zen temples with beautiful gardens and traditional landscapes.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy shojin ryori, a vegetarian Buddhist temple cuisine served in the peaceful Tenryu-ji temple grounds.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Boat ride on Hozu River

Take a scenic, relaxing boat trip down the Hozu River, surrounded by lush forests and mountainous terrain; typically 2 hours.
JPY4100, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Okochi Sanso Garden

Tour the beautiful garden and historic villa of film star Okochi Denjiro, offering splendid views and tranquility.
JPY1000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Taste exquisite soba noodles paired with river views at this well-regarded local soba restaurant.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Philosopher's Path and Museums

Kyoto, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Weekenders Coffee

Start your day with high-quality coffee and hearty breakfast sandwiches in central Kyoto.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Walk the Philosopher's Path

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along this stone path beside a canal, lined with cherry trees and quiet temples.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Tour this well-preserved Zen temple known for its architecture and beautiful gardens.
JPY500, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy fresh udon noodles and traditional Kyoto side dishes near Kodai-ji temple.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Kodai-ji Temple and Zen Garden

Visit this historic temple with lovely gardens and bamboo groves, offering peaceful retreat.
JPY600, 1h

4:00pm

Kyoto National Museum

Discover Japanese art and cultural artifacts in this well-curated museum open 9:30am to 5pm (closed Mondays).
JPY650, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of the numerous traditional restaurants along this atmospheric alley near the Kamogawa river.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 6: Day trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast at your Kyoto hotel before the day trip to Nara.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train from Kyoto to Nara

Use the JR Nara Line Rapid to reach Nara in about 45 minutes.
JPY710, 45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the enormous Daibutsu (Great Buddha) housed in one of the largest wooden buildings in the world; opens 8am-5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:15am

Nara Park with Deer Interaction

Enjoy roaming the lovely park where sacred deer freely mingle and are considered messengers of the gods.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Have traditional Japanese unagi (eel) dishes in this well-known restaurant near Nara Park.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:15pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this famous Shinto shrine with hundreds of lanterns and a beautiful forested setting; opens 6am-6pm.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Nara National Museum

Discover historical Buddhist art and ancient artifacts in this museum close to the park, open until 5pm.
JPY520, 1h

5:00pm

Train back to Kyoto

Return to Kyoto by train, resting after the cultural day in Nara.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Experience traditional Kyoto cuisine served in elegant atmosphere in central Kyoto.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 7: Full-Day Shopping

Rinku Premium Outlets, Osaka, Japan on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast at your Kyoto hotel to prepare for the full day of shopping ahead.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train from Kyoto to Rinku Premium Outlets

Travel by train to Rinku Town to spend the day shopping at the expansive Rinku Premium Outlets with over 200 stores.
JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Shopping at Rinku Premium Outlets

Enjoy a full day of shopping featuring luxury brands, fashion, sportswear, and specialty goods with scenic bay views.
Variable, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rinku Premium Outlets Food Court

Choose from a variety of dining options offering Japanese and international cuisine within the outlets.
JPY1500, 1h

4:00pm

Continue Shopping or Relax at Seaside Deck

Take a break by the seaside deck or continue exploring the shops until early evening.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Kyoto or Osaka Hotel

Travel back to your hotel to rest after a full day of shopping.
JPY1500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Enjoy a casual dinner near your hotel to unwind after a busy day.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Nara and Departure

Nara to Osaka, Japan on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Kyoto hotel before checking out and day trip to Nara.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train from Kyoto to Nara

Travel to Nara for a focused half-day visit of key sites before departure.
JPY710, 45m

9:30am

Visit Nara’s Isuien Garden

Stroll through this beautiful traditional Japanese garden featuring ponds, teahouses, and seasonal flowers.
JPY900, 1h

10:45am

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Spend time in this peaceful shrine area, marveling at its many lanterns and ancient sacred trees.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try freshly-made mochi, a local specialty, at this famous Nakatanidou shop in Nara.
JPY500, 30m

12:45pm

Train to Osaka

Return to Osaka Kansai International Airport area for your departure flight.
JPY1210, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping & last minute exploring at Rinku Town

Relax and shop near the airport at Rinku Premium Outlets before your flight if time allows.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Departure from Kansai International Airport

Board your flight back to Manila with fond memories of your cultural trip across Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.
Included, N/A
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