Kyoto 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at KIX & Transfer

Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) near Osaka.

After clearing customs, take the Haruka Express train or an airport limousine bus directly to Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 75-90 minutes.

Hotel Check-in & Rest

Check into your accommodation in Kyoto.

Take some time to relax and refresh after your international flight.

Luggage delivery services (takuhaibin) are available from the airport if you prefer to travel light to your hotel.

Gion District Evening Stroll

Take a leisurely walk through Kyoto's historic Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and as the city's geisha quarter.

Enjoy the charming atmosphere and keep an eye out for geiko (Kyoto geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to engagements.

Photography of geiko/maiko is permitted but please be respectful and do not block their path or follow them. Best time to spot them is usually around dusk.

Traditional Kyoto Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Kaiseki (multi-course Japanese dinner) or other local specialties at a restaurant in the Gion area.

Many restaurants offer beautiful settings.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, the iconic Zen temple covered in gold leaf.

Stroll through its beautiful gardens and admire the reflection of the pavilion on the pond.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. Public transport (bus) is the easiest way to reach it from central Kyoto.

Lunch in North Kyoto

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Kinkaku-ji or en route to your next destination.

Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Private)

Experience a private guided tour focusing on the deeper meaning and beauty of Japanese Zen gardens.

This unique insight allows you to truly understand the philosophy behind these masterpieces.

This private tour offers a more intimate and reflective experience.

Dinner in Central Kyoto

Savor a delicious dinner in central Kyoto, perhaps trying some local Kyoto vegetables (kyoyasai) or a warming hot pot.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates winding up a sacred mountain.

It's a picturesque and spiritually significant site.

Wear comfortable shoes as there's a significant amount of walking uphill if you wish to explore the entire mountain. It's easily accessible by train.

Lunch near Fushimi Inari

Enjoy lunch near Fushimi Inari, with many local eateries offering street food or small restaurants.

Private Tea Ceremony & Sake Tasting

Immerse yourselves in traditional Japanese culture with a private tea ceremony and sake tasting in a historic 300-year-old Kyoto samurai house.

Enjoy organic matcha and learn about the profound rituals.

This private experience offers an intimate setting for your family to enjoy and learn.

Dinner along Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the atmospheric restaurants along Pontocho Alley, a narrow lane packed with traditional eateries and bars. Many offer views of the Kamo River.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji

Head to the scenic Arashiyama district.

Walk through the ethereal Bamboo Grove and visit the beautiful Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a stunning Zen garden.

Arrive early to experience the Bamboo Grove with fewer crowds. Consider a boat ride on the Hozugawa River for different views (seasonal).

Lunch in Arashiyama

Enjoy lunch in Arashiyama, with many restaurants offering traditional Japanese fare, often with views of the river or mountains.

Gyoza Cooking Class

Learn to make delicious traditional Japanese Gyoza dumplings from scratch in a hands-on cooking class.

Discover the secrets to perfect fillings and folding techniques.

This is a fun and interactive way to delve into Japanese cuisine, and you get to enjoy your creations!

Enjoy Your Handmade Gyoza

Savor the fruits of your labor for dinner!

The cooking class typically concludes with enjoying the freshly made Gyoza.

Private Car Tour of Kyoto

Enjoy a personalized full-day private car tour (up to 4 people) of Kyoto with a local guide.

This allows for flexible exploration of your interests, such as Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, or other hidden gems.

A private car tour offers comfort and efficiency, especially for a family, allowing you to see more without worrying about public transport.

Lunch during Tour

Your guide can recommend a great local spot for lunch during your private tour.

Free Evening & Hokkaido Prep

Enjoy a free evening for last-minute souvenir shopping, a relaxing dinner, or simply unwinding.

Begin preparations for your travel to Hokkaido tomorrow.

Consider sending larger luggage directly to Hokkaido via a luggage delivery service (takkyubin) to make your next leg of travel easier.

Farewell Kyoto Dinner

Have a final dinner in Kyoto, perhaps revisiting a favorite dish or trying something new.

Consider a restaurant that offers a view or unique atmosphere.

Travel Kyoto to Sapporo

Begin your journey from Kyoto, taking the Shinkansen to Tokyo, then connecting to a domestic flight from Haneda (HND) to New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo.

Enjoy scenic views during the train and flight segments.

Check-in to Sapporo Hotel

Check into your hotel in Sapporo, settle in, and relax after your day of travel.

Sapporo Beer Garden Dinner

Enjoy a classic Genghis Khan (lamb barbecue) dinner at the historic Sapporo Beer Garden, a great way to experience local cuisine and a fun atmosphere.

Reservations are recommended, especially for groups. Try the fresh Hokkaido draft beer.

Sapporo Snow Festival Museum

Even in early winter, visit the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum to learn about the history and artistry of the famous snow sculptures and ice carvings.

It provides fascinating insights into Hokkaido's winter culture.

Shiroi Koibito Park

Explore the whimsical Shiroi Koibito Park, a chocolate factory and theme park.

Enjoy tours, see how the famous cookies are made, and indulge in some sweet treats.

Great for souvenir shopping and enjoying pastries at the cafe. Watch for seasonal light-ups if available.

Odori Park & Sapporo TV Tower

Stroll through Odori Park, the central green space that hosts the Snow Festival.

Climb the Sapporo TV Tower for panoramic views of the city, especially beautiful with early snow.

Dinner at Ramen Yokocho

Experience Sapporo's famous Miso Ramen at Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley) in Susukino.

Choose from various small ramen shops offering their unique take on this Hokkaido specialty.

A cozy, authentic dining experience. Expect small, counter-style seating.

Travel to Otaru

Take a scenic train ride along the coast from Sapporo to Otaru, a charming port city known for its canal and historic buildings.

Otaru Canal Walk & Sightseeing

Stroll along the historic Otaru Canal, admiring the old warehouses that have been converted into shops, cafes, and museums.

Consider a short canal cruise for a different perspective.

The canal is particularly picturesque in winter with snow. Evening illuminations are also beautiful.

Lunch on Sushi Street

Enjoy fresh seafood and sushi for lunch at one of Otaru's renowned 'Sushi Street' restaurants, famous for their local catches.

Music Box Museum & Glassworks

Explore the enchanting Otaru Music Box Museum, filled with intricate music boxes.

Afterwards, visit one of the many glassblowing workshops and shops.

The Music Box Museum has a vast collection, and you can find unique souvenirs. Kitaichi Glass is famous for its beautiful glassware.

Return to Sapporo

Take the train back to Sapporo after a full day of exploring Otaru.

Dinner at leisure in Sapporo

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice in Sapporo.

Consider trying a local izakaya or one of the many diverse eateries.

Sapporo offers a wide range of dining options, from local specialties to international cuisine.

Travel to Niseko

Take a direct bus or train from Sapporo to Niseko.

Enjoy the scenic journey as you head towards the renowned ski resort area, which should be starting to get its first significant snows.

Check-in to Niseko Accommodation

Check into your hotel or apartment in Niseko, unpack, and prepare for some relaxation and winter fun.

Explore Hirafu Village

Take a leisurely stroll around Hirafu Village, Niseko's main hub.

Explore the shops, cafes, and take in the early winter atmosphere with snow-dusted buildings.

Onsen Relaxation

Indulge in a relaxing traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring bath).

Many hotels in Niseko offer excellent onsen facilities, perfect for unwinding in the cool winter air.

Remember onsen etiquette, including bathing naked (separate facilities for men and women) and thoroughly washing before entering the springs. Most onsens do not permit tattoos.

Dinner in Hirafu

Enjoy dinner at one of Hirafu's diverse restaurants, ranging from cozy izakayas to more upscale dining options.

Niseko has a vibrant food scene.

Gentle Snow Experience

Enjoy Niseko's early snow with a gentle activity.

Options include snowshoeing around the village, building a snowman, or taking a beginner's ski/snowboard lesson if you're feeling adventurous (slopes might be partially open).

Check local conditions closer to the date for open trails and activities. Many rental shops offer snowshoe gear or beginner ski packages.

Lunch at a Niseko Cafe

Warm up with a delicious lunch at one of Niseko's charming cafes or restaurants.

Many offer hearty meals perfect for winter.

Local Shopping & Relaxation

Spend the afternoon browsing local boutiques for souvenirs, Hokkaido crafts, or simply relaxing at your accommodation. Perhaps enjoy another onsen dip.

Farewell Niseko Dinner

Enjoy a special dinner on your last evening in Niseko.

Consider trying a restaurant featuring Hokkaido's fresh produce or seafood.

Sapporo Beer Garden & Museum

Discover the history of beer in Japan and sample fresh Sapporo beer.

The museum offers insights into the brewing process and the brand's legacy.

Admission to the museum is free; tastings are an additional cost. Reservations might be helpful for the Beer Garden restaurant.

Lunch at Sapporo Ramen Alley

Indulge in a classic Sapporo miso ramen at one of the famous noodle shops lining the narrow Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley).

Each shop offers its unique take on Sapporo ramen. Be prepared for a cozy, bustling atmosphere.

Jozankei Onsen Relaxation

Take a relaxing trip to Jozankei Onsen, a picturesque hot spring town just outside Sapporo.

Enjoy a rejuvenating soak in a traditional Japanese bath amidst scenic autumn/winter views.

Several hotels and public bathhouses offer day-use onsen facilities. Check their websites for entry fees and available hours. Buses run regularly from Sapporo Station.

Dinner in Susukino

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Susukino, Sapporo's entertainment district, with a farewell dinner at a local izakaya or restaurant, perhaps trying some Hokkaido seafood or 'Genghis Khan' lamb.

Susukino offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual izakayas to upscale restaurants. Enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Breakfast & Last Souvenirs

Enjoy your final Japanese breakfast at the hotel or a local cafe.

Afterward, take some time for any last-minute souvenir shopping around Sapporo Station.

The Sapporo Stellar Place and Esta department stores connected to the station offer a wide range of Hokkaido specialty products.

Travel to New Chitose Airport (CTS)

Head to New Chitose Airport (CTS) for your journey home.

The Rapid Airport Express train offers a convenient and direct connection.

Check-in for Domestic Flight

Complete check-in procedures for your domestic flight from New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT).

Allow ample time for security checks, especially if traveling during a busy period.