Osaka, Nara, Kyoto 3-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive & Travel to Osaka

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX), take a train or bus to your hotel in Osaka.

The Haruka Express or Nankai Rapid Express are good options.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Osaka and drop off your luggage.

Cycle Osaka Tour

Join a small-group guided bike tour to discover the hidden gems and rich social history of Osaka.

Experience the city like a local.

Bike tours offer a unique perspective of the city. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi

Explore Osaka's vibrant entertainment district, Dotonbori, famous for its neon lights, giant signs, and street food.

Continue to Shinsaibashi for shopping.

Try local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Great for people-watching and soaking in Osaka's lively atmosphere.

Dinner in Dotonbori

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Dotonbori, from casual street food stalls to themed restaurants.

Travel to Nara

Take a local train from Osaka (e.

g., Kintetsu Nara Line from Namba or JR Yamatoji Line from Tennoji) to Nara.

Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple

Visit Nara Park, famous for its freely roaming deer.

Explore the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant bronze Buddha statue.

Deer crackers are available for purchase. Be respectful of the deer as they can be quite bold. Todai-ji has an entrance fee.

NARAWALK Group Tour

Join a group walking tour to delve deeper into Nara's history and culture, guided by local experts.

This tour offers insights beyond typical tourist guides. Confirm meeting point and time upon booking.

Travel to Kyoto

Take a train from Nara (e.

g., JR Nara Line or Kintetsu Nara Line) to Kyoto. The JR Nara Line provides direct access to Kyoto Station.

Hotel Check-in Kyoto

Check into your hotel in Kyoto and settle in.

Nishiki Market Exploration

Explore Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', a narrow, five-block long shopping street lined with shops and restaurants.

Taste local delicacies and observe traditional Japanese food culture. Many shops close around 5 PM, but some restaurants stay open later.

Dinner in Kyoto

Enjoy dinner at a traditional Kyoto restaurant near Nishiki Market or your hotel.

Yasaka Shrine

Visit Yasaka Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine famous for its vibrant vermilion gate and lantern-lit stage.

Located in the Gion district.

Often hosts festivals, especially in summer. Explore the surrounding Gion district afterwards.

Heian-jingū Shrine

Explore the majestic Heian-jingū Shrine, a replica of the original Imperial Palace.

Admire its vast grounds, traditional architecture, and garden.

The large torii gate leading to the shrine is an iconic landmark. The garden (charge applies) is beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season.

Lunch near Heian-jingū

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a restaurant near the Heian-jingū Shrine.

Kyoto Souvenir Shopping

Spend some time browsing for souvenirs in Kyoto, perhaps around the Gion area or near Kyoto Station.

Look for traditional crafts, matcha products, or local sweets.

Travel to KIX & Departure

Take a direct train (e.

g., JR Haruka Express) from Kyoto Station back to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your departure.