Kyoto, Japan 7-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at KIX Airport

Land at Kansai International Airport (KIX), clear customs, and prepare for your journey to Kyoto. Collect your pre-booked transportation passes if applicable.

Ensure you have your visa (if required) and any necessary travel documents. Wi-Fi is available at the airport. Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass or ICOCA card for convenient travel.

Transfer to Kyoto

Take the Haruka Express train from KIX directly to Kyoto Station, offering comfortable and scenic travel.

Once at Kyoto Station, head to your hostel.

The JR Haruka Express is a convenient option. Alternatively, budget travelers can use local trains combined with a JR pass or local subway.

Check-in to Kyoto Hostel

Check into your pre-booked hostel, drop off your luggage, and refresh after your journey.

Take some time to get acquainted with the hostel and its amenities.

Many hostels offer luggage storage if you arrive before check-in time. Confirm your check-in time in advance.

Explore Gion District

Wander through the historic Gion district, Kyoto's famous geisha quarter.

Enjoy the traditional wooden machiya houses, charming alleys, and the chance to spot a geiko or maiko (apprentice geisha) in the evening.

This area is best explored on foot. Be respectful when taking photos, especially of geisha. Many tea houses are not open to casual visitors, but the atmosphere is enchanting.

Affordable Gion Dinner

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner in or around Gion.

Look for smaller eateries serving classic Japanese comfort food like ramen, udon, or donburi.

Many smaller restaurants offer excellent value. Don't be afraid to try places with a local feel and menu pictures.

Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates winding up sacred Mount Inari.

It's a fantastic place for photos and a rewarding walk.

The entrance to the shrine itself is free. You can walk as far up the mountain as you like; the full loop takes about 2-3 hours. Wear comfortable shoes.

Budget-Friendly Lunch

Grab a quick and cheap lunch near Fushimi Inari or en route to your next destination.

Many small shops offer delicious and affordable options.

Look for street food, convenience stores (konbini) for bentos, or small ramen/udon shops.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Admire its impressive wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto. Wander through the charming Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets leading up to the temple.

Pontocho Alley Stroll

Take a leisurely walk down Pontocho Alley, a narrow, atmospheric street filled with traditional restaurants and bars alongside the Kamo River.

Enjoy the evening ambiance.

While many places here are expensive, it's free to walk and soak in the atmosphere. You can find more affordable options on the main streets nearby.

Kyoto Ramen Dinner

Indulge in a hearty bowl of Kyoto-style ramen.

Many excellent ramen shops offer delicious and satisfying meals at a reasonable price.

Ichiran and Ippudo are popular chains, but look for local gems too. Expect to pay around JPY 800-1200 for a bowl.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Start your day with a serene walk through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Enjoy the towering bamboo stalks and the peaceful atmosphere.

Arrive early to avoid crowds. The main path is free to access.

Tenryu-ji Temple Garden

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located right next to the Bamboo Grove.

Its meticulously maintained Zen garden is particularly beautiful.

Arashiyama Lunch Spot

Find a casual eatery in Arashiyama for lunch.

There are many options ranging from soba noodle shops to cafes.

Try some local matcha sweets or a hearty bowl of soba noodles.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple with two of its top floors completely covered in gold leaf.

Its reflection in the pond is breathtaking.

Udon & Tempura Dinner

Enjoy a comforting dinner of udon noodles or a set meal featuring delicious tempura at a local restaurant.

These are typically affordable and satisfying.

Many restaurants specialize in these dishes, offering great value for money.

Travel from Kyoto to Osaka

Check out from your Kyoto hostel and take a local train (JR Special Rapid Service is fast and budget-friendly) to Osaka.

The journey is short and frequent.

Use an ICOCA card or buy individual tickets. The ride is quick and comfortable.

Check-in to Osaka Hostel

Arrive in Osaka, make your way to your hostel, check-in, and drop off your luggage.

Settle in and prepare to explore Osaka's vibrant atmosphere.

Osaka's train stations are large, so use a navigation app to find your hostel. Many hostels offer early luggage drop-off.

Explore Shinsekai District

Wander through the retro-futuristic Shinsekai district, an area designed to evoke a vision of Paris and New York from the early 20th century.

Admire the Tsutenkaku Tower and soak in the unique, vibrant atmosphere.

Shinsekai is known for its kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). This is a great area for budget-friendly dining.

Dotonbori Street Exploration

Experience the sensory overload of Dotonbori, Osaka's famous entertainment district.

Marvel at the flashing neon lights, giant crab signs, and the iconic Glico Running Man.

Dotonbori is bustling, especially in the evening. It's a fantastic spot for people-watching and soaking in Osaka's energy.

Dotonbori Street Food Adventure

Embark on a culinary adventure through Dotonbori, sampling Osaka's famous street food.

Try takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancake), and kushikatsu.

Osaka Castle Park & Castle

Visit Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks.

Explore the castle grounds and gardens for free, or pay to enter the main castle keep which houses a museum on its history.

The park is free. Entrance to the castle keep is JPY 600. Climb to the top floor for panoramic city views.

Local Osaka Lunch

Enjoy a satisfying and affordable lunch at a local eatery near Osaka Castle or on your way to the next area.

Seek out a teishoku (set meal) for good value.

Many small restaurants offer delicious and filling lunch sets for under JPY 1000.

Shinsaibashi-Suji & Namba

Explore the vibrant shopping arcade of Shinsaibashi-Suji, packed with fashion, cosmetics, and souvenir shops.

Afterwards, head to the bustling Namba district, known for its entertainment, street performers, and unique boutiques.

Great for window shopping and soaking in modern Japanese urban culture. Many budget-friendly shops and cafes.

Osaka Food & Drink Tour

Join a small-group food and drink cultural tour with Pinpoint Traveler to discover hidden gems and local favorites in Osaka, learning about the city's culinary scene beyond the main tourist spots.

Booking required. This is a great way to meet other travelers and experience authentic local flavors.

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station.

Enjoy the scenic journey.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Visit the poignant museum documenting the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and advocating for peace.

A powerful and essential experience.

Allow ample time for reflection. The museum can be emotionally impactful.

Peace Memorial Park & Dome

Walk through the Peace Memorial Park, visit the Children's Peace Monument, and reflect at the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The park is a short walk from the museum. Take a moment to absorb the significance of these sites.

Travel to Miyajima Island

Take a short streetcar ride from the Peace Park area to Miyajimaguchi Station, then a ferry to Miyajima Island.

The ferry offers great views of the 'floating' torii gate.

Explore Miyajima Island

Wander Miyajima Island, visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its 'floating' torii gate (check tide times for best views), encounter wild deer, and explore Daisho-in Temple.

Wear comfortable shoes. The tide changes dramatically, so check online for high and low tide times if seeing the torii gate at a specific state is important to you.

Return to Osaka & Dinner

Travel back to Shin-Osaka Station by Shinkansen.

Enjoy a well-deserved, budget-friendly dinner in Osaka, perhaps some delicious ramen or takoyaki near your hostel.

Osaka Castle Park & Museum

Explore the majestic Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.

Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and learn about its rich history.

The castle grounds are free, but there's an admission fee for the museum inside the castle. It's easily accessible by public transport.

Dotonbori Street Food Lunch

Head back to Dotonbori for a final feast of Osaka's renowned street food.

Try takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu from various stalls.

This vibrant district is perfect for a cheap and delicious lunch. Just follow your nose and the crowds!

Souvenir Shopping / Namba Exploration

Enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping around Namba or explore quirky spots like Den Den Town (Osaka's 'Electric Town') if time permits.

Great for unique Japanese gifts or just soaking in the bustling atmosphere.

Travel to Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Head to Kansai International Airport for your evening flight back to Jakarta.

Allow ample time for transit and check-in.

Check-in & Depart KIX

Complete check-in procedures and proceed through security for your flight from Kansai International Airport (KIX) back to Jakarta, Indonesia.

Ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your scheduled departure.