6-Day 5-Night Self-Guided Osaka & Kyoto Itinerary: Experience All of Japan

In the Kansai region, the most worthwhile cities to visit are undoubtedly Osaka and Kyoto. These two cities each have their own appeal: Osaka is a large, lively city packed with a wide variety of attractions and famous local food, while Kyoto is the birthplace of many aspects of Japanese culture, known for its historic sites, temples, and shrines, earning it the title of a World Heritage city. See how exciting this itinerary can be — once you try this plan, you might find yourself hooked on self-guided travel.

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Sample Osaka Kyoto Itinerary - Day 1

Morning: Start your first day in the big city of Osaka. After arriving and settling into your hotel, begin with a visit to one of Japan's oldest religious sites, Shitennoji Temple. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful architecture, gardens for every season, and a nice tea house where you can rest. Take the Subway Tanimachi Line to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station.

Afternoon: Enjoy the view from the popular Umeda Sky Building, where you can see a 360-degree panorama of the city. Take the Hankyu-Kobe Line to Nakatsu Station.

Evening: You can't say you've truly visited Osaka without trying famous local foods like takoyaki and crab. In Dotonbori, you'll find everything you could want, with countless great restaurants to choose from. Don't forget to take a photo with the Glico Man sign, one of Osaka's most iconic symbols.

Sample Osaka Kyoto Itinerary - Day 2

Morning: One of the most popular spots is the cutting-edge Nifrel Interactive Aquazoo, which uses interactive technology in its exhibits and shows. It features not only aquatic animals but also white tigers, crocodiles, pygmy hippos, and other land and flying animals. If you have extra time, the Pokemon Expo Gym is just a short walk away. Switch from the subway to the Monorail at Senri-Chuo Station, then get off at Bampaku-kinen-koen Station. Another equally popular option is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, home to a large whale shark.

Afternoon and evening: Check in at the city's landmark, Osaka Castle, and relax while enjoying the scenery at Nishinomaru Garden, one of the city's best spots for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. You can also stroll around nearby shops for food and souvenirs. Take the train to Morinomiya or Osakajokoen Station.

Sample Osaka Kyoto Itinerary - Day 3

Morning and afternoon: Set aside almost the whole day for Universal Studios Japan, which is massive — you could walk all day and still not see everything. If you want to fit in as many rides and attractions as possible in one day, it's a good idea to get a Universal Express Pass so you don't have to wait in long queues. Arrive early, or check the park's website for crowd forecasts to avoid the busiest days. If you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants inside to choose from. Take the Sakurajima Line to Universal City Station.

Evening: If you still have energy and want a proper meal to make the most of your Osaka trip, head to Shinsaibashi. There are so many restaurants, snacks, and sweets that you'll have trouble choosing. Take the Subway Midosuji Line or Nagahori Line to Shinsaibashi Station.

Sample Osaka Kyoto Itinerary - Day 4

Morning: Head to the heritage city of Kyoto. The JR Kyoto Line takes about 30 minutes and is the fastest way to get there.

Late morning to afternoon: Start with Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous throughout Japan and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From its wooden veranda, built in a traditional architectural style and standing 13 meters above the ground, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Take the Keihan Railway Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station.

Evening: Take a stroll and look for dinner at Teramachi-dori, one of the city's famous shopping streets, lined with more than 170 shops on both sides. Take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line to Kawaramachi Station.

Sample Osaka Kyoto Itinerary - Day 5

Morning: Once it's 9 a.m., head to Nishiki Market, a famous Kyoto market known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." Here you'll find all kinds of Kyoto specialties, from fresh produce and food to fruit and sweets. If you're tired of hotel breakfasts, eat here instead before continuing on your way.

Late morning to afternoon: Many people recognize the striking rows of red pillars from travel posters — this is Fushimi Inari Taisha, the shrine of the fox deity Inari. The roughly ten thousand red pillars are actually torii gates, and you can pray here for protection from harm.

Afternoon to evening: Visit another beautiful and popular Kyoto temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, known for its golden pavilion standing beautifully in the middle of a garden with a lake in front. Its beauty changes with every season, drawing large numbers of visitors. Anyone visiting Kyoto shouldn't miss this temple. Take bus route 12, 59, 101, or 205 and get off at the Kinkakuji stop.

Sample Osaka Kyoto Itinerary - Day 6

Morning to noon: End your final day of sightseeing before heading home at one of Kyoto's most popular natural attractions, Arashiyama, a charming small rural town just 30 minutes from central Kyoto. It's famous for its bamboo grove path, a scenic romantic train through the valley, a wooden bridge, boat rides, and several well-known temples and shrines nearby. It's best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.