A Week in Kansai - Itinerary in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Kobe

Kansai was our first stop in Japan. During the week, we have traveled to many interesting places, including the beautiful Kyoto, deer roaming Nara, cosmopolitan Kobe and the vibrant Osaka.

Day 1 - JR Kyoto (京都)

On the first day, we arrived at Kansai International Airport (KIX) in the afternoon. The fastest way to go from Kansai Airport to Kyoto is by JR. The best option is to purchase the "Icoca & Haruka Set Ticket". It include a 2000 yen IC card (with 500 yen deposit) and a discount ticket of the Haruka Express Train.

After checking in at the New Miyako Hotel, Kyoto, we had ramen at Hakata Ikkousha, which is located inside the JR Kyoto Station.

Day 2 - Kyoto (Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu & the Gion District)

On the second day, we spent the morning having breakfast at Shinshindo Bakery, a famous cafe in Kyoto. Next, we went to visit "Kyoto's Kitchen" - the Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba). It is a local retail market that sells seafood produce, fruits, vegetables, kitchenware and pickles.



One of the food worth trying is Konna Monja. It sells tofu donuts (豆乳ドーナツ). For 300 yen, you can purchase 10 bite sized donuts.

Next, we used the Kyoto City Bus Pass (500 yen) to get to the Kiyomizu Temple (清水寺, Kiyomizu-dera), The "1 day bus pass" is the most convenient way for sightseeing in Kyoto.

See also: How to Get to Kiyomizudera from Kyoto Station

Unfortunately it started raining when we left  Kiyomizu Temple. So we didn't visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社). At night, we went to the Gion (祇園), a famous Geisha district by bus. We highly recommend a night walk in Gion. Gion is packed with red lanterns and tea houses in the evening. We were lucky enough to spot a Geisha at night.



For dinner, we had our first Izakaya (Japanese Style Pub) experience in Gion where we had oden (おでん, pot dish) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). The restaurant is located in the Pontocho Area (先斗町). Pontocho is an alley packed with restaurants near the Kamogawa River. Restaurants are usually open from 5 pm onwards.

Day 3 - Kyoto (Arashiyama & the Golden Pavilion)

On the third day, we took a day trip to Arashiyama (嵐山) to see the bamboo groves. It is the second most popular tourist districts in Kyoto. The most direct way is to take the JR Sagono Line from JR Kyoto Station to JR Saga-Arashiyama for 240 yen. The Torokko Saga Station is located next to JR Saga-Arashiyama.

We took the Sagano Romantic Train to see the mountains and rural Kameoka. It was a pleasant journey. However, the weather was too hot to stay in Arashiyama.

Next, we took the Renden to Kitano-Hakubaicho (北野白梅町). There is an excellent budget sushi place in Kitano-Hakubaicho that we really liked.

See also: What to Eat Near Golden Pavilion

In the afternoon, we went to see the Golden Pavilion, it was beautiful and shimmering on a sunny day.

Day 4 - Day Trip to Nara (奈良)

After checking out at the New Miyako Hotel, Kyoto, we took our luggage with us to Nara. The "Nara Ikaruga 1 Day Ticket" is the best option to travel from Kyoto to Nara and Osaka.

We stored our luggage in coin operated lockers in Nara before we begin to chase roaming deers. Click here to check out our tips for planning a day trip to Nara.



Nara was very interesting. It was pretty late when we arrived at Sheraton Miyato Hotel, Osaka.

For dinner, we went to the "Heart of Osaka" - Dotonbori to eat grilled meat.

Day 5 - Osaka (Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building)

It started raining heavily in the morning. So we headed to the Kuromon Market to eat blowfish (fugu). Fugu is one of the Osaka specialty that has fascinated tourists because it is potentially poisonous.

We struggled to find places to visit on a rainy day. At last we decided to go to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. It consist of many re-created buildings in old Osaka.



After the rain, we visited the Osaka Castle. At night, we went to the Umeda Sky Building. The view was amazing.

Day 6 - Day Trip to Kobe (神戸)

On the sixth day, we went from Osaka to Kobe. Kobe is a thriving metropolitan port city that is filled with foreign influences and delicious food.

We purchased Hanshin Tourist Pass to Kobe to eat Kobe steak. It was followed by a visit to the Animal Kingdom.

It was a cozy day. We enjoyed afternoon tea at Motomachi Cake and visited the Kitano-cho Plaza and Weather House. The cheese cake and Takoyaki at Kobe was delicious.

See also: Hanshin Tourist Pass to Kobe



We finished the day with lobster bun. Yum.

Day 7 - Goodbye Osaka!

Our last day in Kansai was spent shopping at Umeda. We had delicious fruit cake at Qu'il fait bon and takeaway sushi at Kansai International Airport.