Kyoto Kansai Japan
5
Day Itinerary •
Japan
Five days in Kyoto and Kansai gives the complete experience of Japan's cultural heartland, from the extraordinary Fushimi Inari and the remarkable Arashiyama bamboo grove to the ancient temples of Nara, the remarkable Osaka street food and the hidden tea ceremony villages of the Kyoto hills. This route covers the full Kansai: the extraordinary Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama in Kyoto, the remarkable Gion geisha district, the extraordinary ancient deer park of Nara, the remarkable Osaka Dotonbori street food district and the extraordinary Philosopher's Path in spring blossom.
Best Time To Visit
March to May for cherry blossom. October to November for autumn.
Getting There
Fly to Osaka Kansai (KIX). Haruka Express to Kyoto (75 min).
Getting Around
Bus and subway in Kyoto. Train to Nara, Osaka and Arashiyama.
Budget Per Day
Approx 90 to 180 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy , walking, buses and trains throughout
DAY 1
EAST KYOTO
MORNING
FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE
Fushimi Inari is the most extraordinary Shinto shrine in Japan, its remarkable ten thousand vermilion torii gates winding 4km up sacred Mount Inari creating the finest tunnel of colour in the world. The extraordinary atmosphere deepens as you climb into the ancient cedar forest away from the crowds. The remarkable fox shrines give the finest heritage walk in Japan. Free. Drive: 30 min by train
MIDDAY
GION AND NISHIKI MARKET
Gion is the most extraordinary geisha district in Japan, its remarkable preserved Edo-period machiya townhouses on Hanamikoji Street giving the finest traditional streetscape in the country. The extraordinary Nishiki Market, Kyoto's kitchen, gives the finest food tasting in the city with pickles, tofu and street food. Free to walk. Drive: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE
Kiyomizu-dera is the most extraordinary wooden temple in Japan, its remarkable stage platform cantilevered over the forested hillside without a nail giving the finest views over Kyoto. The extraordinary Otowa waterfall where visitors drink for longevity, love and success gives the finest temple experience in Kyoto. Entry approx 500 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary upper trails at Fushimi Inari above the main tunnel are almost entirely empty, the remarkable two-hour loop through ancient cedar forest giving the finest experience of the sacred mountain. Go before 7am or after 5pm for the most extraordinary atmosphere. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe near Fushimi Inari Matcha and the finest sweets before walking the extraordinary ten thousand torii gates. | Lunch: Nishiki Market stalls Outstanding Kyoto street food. Tofu skewers, pickles and fresh mochi at Japan's finest market. | Dinner: Kaiseki restaurant in Gion Outstanding traditional Kyoto kaiseki dinner in the finest geisha district in Japan.
DAY 2
NORTH KYOTO
MORNING
KINKAKU-JI GOLDEN PAVILION
Kinkaku-ji is the most extraordinary building in Japan, its remarkable three-storey pavilion covered in pure gold leaf reflected in the Mirror Pond giving the finest single image in Japanese culture. The extraordinary garden and ancient pines surrounding the pond give the finest zen garden experience in Kyoto. Entry approx 500 yen. Drive: 20 min by bus
MIDDAY
RYOAN-JI ROCK GARDEN
Ryoan-ji contains the most extraordinary rock garden in the world, its remarkable fifteen stones arranged so no angle reveals all fifteen simultaneously giving the finest philosophical puzzle in Japanese culture. The extraordinary Kyoyochi Pond garden and the remarkable wabi-sabi atmosphere give the finest Zen heritage in Kyoto. Entry approx 600 yen. Drive: 30 min by bus
AFTERNOON
NIJO CASTLE AND PHILOSOPHER'S PATH
Nijo Castle is the most extraordinary shogunate palace in Japan, its remarkable nightingale floors and extraordinary Ninomaru Palace painted screens giving the finest feudal heritage in Kyoto. The remarkable Philosopher's Path canal walk beneath cherry trees is the finest evening stroll in the city. Castle entry approx 1300 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Daitoku-ji temple complex north of Kinkaku-ji contains the finest collection of Zen sub-temples in Japan, 22 independent temples each with extraordinary moss gardens behind stone walls. Almost entirely unknown to tourists on the main Kyoto circuit. Entry approx 400 yen each.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Tofu restaurant near Kinkaku-ji Outstanding Kyoto yudofu tofu cuisine before visiting the extraordinary Golden Pavilion. | Lunch: Noodle shop near Ryoan-ji Outstanding Kyoto ramen or soba near the most famous rock garden in the world. | Dinner: Restaurant on Philosopher's Path Outstanding Kyoto dinner on the finest canal walk in Japan.
DAY 3
ARASHIYAMA
MORNING
ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is the most extraordinary natural landscape in Japan, its remarkable towering stalks of bamboo creating a cathedral of green light and extraordinary sound as the wind passes through them. The fine Tenryu-ji garden, the finest Zen garden in Arashiyama, and the remarkable Togetsukyo bridge give the finest morning in western Kyoto. Grove free. Drive: 20 min walk
MIDDAY
TENRYU-JI GARDEN AND SAGANO
Tenryu-ji is the most extraordinary Zen garden in Arashiyama, its remarkable pond garden using the Arashiyama hills as borrowed landscape giving the finest example of shakkei garden design in Japan. The extraordinary Sagano preserved village of traditional farmhouses and the remarkable riverside food stalls give the finest lunchtime atmosphere in western Kyoto. Garden entry approx 500 yen. Drive: 20 min by train
AFTERNOON
IWATAYAMA MONKEY PARK
The Iwatayama Monkey Park above Arashiyama is the most extraordinary wildlife experience in Kyoto, its remarkable troop of wild Japanese macaques giving close encounters with the finest primate experience in the country. The extraordinary views over Kyoto and the Katsura river from the summit observation deck give the finest panorama in the Arashiyama area. Entry approx 600 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Jojakko-ji moss temple in the hills above Arashiyama is the finest hidden temple in western Kyoto, its remarkable stone steps carpeted in extraordinary moss leading to a five-storey pagoda above the bamboo canopy. Almost entirely unknown. Entry approx 500 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Arashiyama riverside cafe Outstanding Japanese breakfast beside the Oi river before the extraordinary bamboo grove. | Lunch: Sagano traditional restaurant Outstanding Kyoto yudofu or kaiseki lunch near the finest Zen garden in Arashiyama. | Dinner: Restaurant back in Kyoto Outstanding Kyoto dinner after the extraordinary Arashiyama day.
DAY 4
NARA
MORNING
TODAI-JI AND NARA DEER PARK
Todai-ji contains the most extraordinary wooden building in the world, its remarkable Great Buddha Hall housing the largest bronze Buddha in Japan. The extraordinary Nara deer park surrounding the temple, where over 1200 sacred sika deer roam freely among visitors, gives the most remarkable wildlife encounter in Japan. Entry approx 600 yen. Drive: 20 min walk
MIDDAY
KASUGA GRAND SHRINE
Kasuga Grand Shrine is the most extraordinary lantern shrine in Japan, its remarkable three thousand stone and bronze lanterns lining the forest approach giving the finest heritage approach in the country. The extraordinary primeval Kasugayama forest, the oldest protected forest in Japan, gives the finest Shinto heritage in Nara. Entry approx 500 yen. Drive: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
NARAMACHI AND RETURN
Naramachi is the most extraordinary preserved merchant district in Nara, its remarkable narrow streets of Edo-period machiya townhouses giving the finest traditional streetscape in the Kansai region. The extraordinary folk museums and the remarkable cafes in converted townhouses give the finest afternoon in Nara before returning to Kyoto. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Isuien Garden in Nara incorporates the great roof of Todai-ji as borrowed landscape, its remarkable pond garden framing the extraordinary temple hall. The finest garden in Nara and almost entirely overlooked. Entry approx 1200 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early breakfast before Nara train Early start for Nara. Todai-ji and the deer park are extraordinary before the tour buses arrive. | Lunch: Nara restaurant near Kasuga Outstanding Nara kakinoha sushi and local sake near the extraordinary deer and lantern shrine. | Dinner: Dinner in Kyoto on return Outstanding Kyoto yakitori or ramen on return. The 45-minute express from Nara arrives early evening.
DAY 5
OSAKA
MORNING
OSAKA DOTONBORI STREET FOOD
Dotonbori is the most extraordinary street food district in Japan, its remarkable neon-lit canal lined with the finest takoyaki octopus balls, the extraordinary kushikatsu deep-fried skewers and the remarkable Osaka-style okonomiyaki pancakes giving the finest food experience in the country. The extraordinary Glico running man sign and the remarkable canal atmosphere give the finest urban scene in western Japan. Free to explore. Drive: 20 min walk
MIDDAY
OSAKA CASTLE AND GROUNDS
Osaka Castle is the most extraordinary feudal castle in western Japan, its remarkable reconstructed main keep with extraordinary gold tiger and dragon ornaments giving the finest castle panorama over Osaka. The remarkable castle grounds, the finest public park in the city, give the most atmospheric castle experience in the Kansai region. Castle entry approx 600 yen. Drive: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
KUROMON ICHIBA MARKET
Kuromon Ichiba is the most extraordinary food market in Osaka, its remarkable 600-metre covered arcade of 180 stalls selling the finest fresh seafood, extraordinary grilled scallops and remarkable tuna belly slices at market prices giving the finest food market in the Kansai region. The extraordinary atmosphere of professional chefs and tourists side by side is the finest market in western Japan. Free to enter.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Shinsekai neighbourhood in south Osaka is the finest hidden retro district in Japan, its remarkable 1950s atmosphere of kushikatsu bars, blowfish restaurants and the extraordinary Tsutenkaku tower giving the most authentic old Osaka experience. Almost entirely unknown to international tourists. Free to explore.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Osaka cafe before Dotonbori Outstanding Japanese breakfast in Osaka before walking the finest street food district in Japan. | Lunch: Dotonbori street food stalls Outstanding takoyaki, kushikatsu and okonomiyaki at the finest street food canal in Japan. | Dinner: Farewell dinner in Osaka or Kyoto Outstanding final Kansai dinner. Osaka fugu or Kyoto kaiseki for the finest farewell meal.
Where To Stay
Gion, Nights 1 to 4 The finest base in Kyoto. Traditional machiya from 120 to 300 euros. Walking to Gion and 5 min to buses. Ryokan for one night Stay in a traditional inn for the complete experience. Ryokans from 150 to 400 euros per person. Budget option Hostels and guesthouses in Kyoto from 40 euros. Book months ahead for March to May blossom season.
Top Tips
1. Fushimi Inari before 7am: the ten thousand torii gates are completely empty and otherworldly in the early mist. The most powerful single experience in Japan.
2. Kinkaku-ji opens at 9am. Arrive at opening and you have approximately 10 minutes before tour buses arrive. It fills completely by 9:30am.
3. Arashiyama bamboo grove: extraordinary before 7am when entirely empty, mediocre at 10am. The quality of the experience is entirely about timing.
4. Nara deer genuinely bow to request crackers from vendors. Buy several packets and walk into the park rather than staying near the entrance stalls.
5. Gion Tuesday or Thursday evening: the finest chance to see a maiko en route to her appointment on Hanamikoji. Stand quietly , never chase or block her path.
6. Osaka food rule: if a queue contains mostly Japanese people, join it. The finest takoyaki, ramen and okonomiyaki shops are identified by who is waiting.
Total Budget
90 to 180 euros/day