Kyoto, Nara & Osaka · 5 nights
6 days, 5 nights: Kyoto (3N), Osaka (2N) + Nara day trip. Best time to go: Best Mar–May and Oct–Nov.
Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto
Kyoto
- Kiyomizu-dera & Sannenzaka lanes · 2.5 h. Seasonal night illuminations in spring and autumn; the lanes are steep and crowded by 10am.
- Nishiki market tasting · 1.5 h. No eating while walking — eat at the stall. Pickles, tofu doughnuts and soy-milk treats suit vegetarians.
Local tip: Seasonal night illuminations in spring and autumn; the lanes are steep and crowded by 10am.
Day 2: Explore Kyoto
Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari shrine & torii trail · 2.5 h. Go before 8am; crowds thin out past the Yotsutsuji viewpoint. Open 24 hours, free.
- Arashiyama bamboo grove & Tenryu-ji · 3 h. Walk the bamboo grove before 8:30am; enter through Tenryu-ji's north gate to avoid backtracking.
- Gion evening walk & Pontocho · 2 h. Some private Gion lanes ban photography; never stop or photograph geiko and maiko.
Local tip: Go before 8am; crowds thin out past the Yotsutsuji viewpoint. Open 24 hours, free.
Day 3: Nara deer park & Todai-ji day trip
Kyoto
- Nara deer park & Todai-ji day trip · 6 h. Deer bow for crackers but nip and headbutt — keep food out of sight with small kids. Todai-ji opens at 7:30am.
Local tip: Deer bow for crackers but nip and headbutt — keep food out of sight with small kids. Todai-ji opens at 7:30am.
Day 4: Kyoto → Osaka
Osaka · Kyoto to Osaka, JR Special Rapid ~30 min (Shinkansen 15 min)
- Dotonbori street food evening · 2.5 h. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki contain octopus/dashi; look for marked vegetarian okonomiyaki shops.
- Osaka Castle & park · 2 h. The park is a major cherry blossom spot; the tower interior is a modern museum.
Local tip: Takoyaki and okonomiyaki contain octopus/dashi; look for marked vegetarian okonomiyaki shops.
Day 5: Explore Osaka
Osaka
- Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden · 1.5 h. Sunset is the best slot; open-air rooftop deck.
- Kuromon market · 1.5 h. Seafood-heavy and tourist-priced; go before noon.
- Shinsaibashi & Amerikamura shopping · 2 h
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan · 2.5 h. Whale sharks in the central tank; buy timed tickets online on weekends.
Local tip: Sunset is the best slot; open-air rooftop deck.
Day 6: Depart from Osaka
Osaka
- Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine · 1.5 h
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Kyoto (3 nights): Kyoto Station area. Larger rooms for families with luggage; easy day trips to Nara and Osaka.
- Osaka (2 nights): Umeda (Osaka Station). Direct trains to Kyoto and Kobe; Shin-Osaka Shinkansen one stop away.