7-Day Kansai Itinerary: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Gems

Want to see the best of Japan without rushing through everything?
The Kansai region is exactly where you should be.
From the vibrant streets of Osaka to the peaceful temples of Mount Koya, this itinerary gives you a perfect mix of food, culture, and nature, with enough breathing room to enjoy it all.

Let’s plan a trip that feels like you.

🗓️ Day 1 & 2 – Osaka: Neon Lights, Takoyaki & Trendy Streets

Start strong in Osaka, Japan’s food capital and one of the liveliest cities in the country.

🍢 Day 1:

• Dive into Dotonbori, where neon signs light up the canals and food stalls tempt you every few steps (try takoyaki and okonomiyaki).

• Visit the iconic Osaka Castle and chill in its spacious park.

• End with a view from the Umeda Sky Building—the city looks amazing at sunset.

🍣 Day 2:

• Wander through Kuromon Ichiba Market for street snacks and local specialties.

• Visit the peaceful Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

• Explore America-mura, Osaka’s edgy, youth-filled district full of vintage shops and murals.

🗓️ Day 3 – Kyoto: Golden Temples & Bamboo Forests

Time to slow down and dive into Kyoto, the spiritual heart of Japan.

🌸 Your Kyoto must-sees:

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): one of the most photogenic spots in Japan.

• Ryoan-ji: famous for its minimalist rock garden.

• Arashiyama: walk through the Bamboo Grove and cross the Togetsukyo Bridge.

• End your day in Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district. Keep an eye out—you might just spot one.

🗓️ Day 4 – Nara: Friendly Deer & Giant Buddhas

Take a short trip from Kyoto or Osaka to Nara, one of Japan’s ancient capitals.

🦌 Things to do in Nara:

• Todai-ji Temple: home to a 15-meter tall Buddha.

• Nara Park: filled with free-roaming deer that bow (yes, bow) for snacks.

• Kasuga Taisha: a gorgeous shrine with hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns.

🗓️ Day 5 – Kobe & Arima Onsen: Views & Hot Springs

Start your day in Kobe for city views and waterfront vibes.
Then recharge your body in one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns.

🏞️ Your plan:

• Walk around Kobe Harborland.

• Ride a cable car up Mount Rokko for panoramic views.

• Head to Arima Onsen for a soak in its famous golden and silver waters.

🗓️ Day 6 – Mount Koya: Spiritual Escape

Escape to Koyasan (Mount Koya) for one of the most unique experiences in Japan.

🛐 What to do:

• Walk through Okunoin Cemetery, a spiritual site filled with ancient cedar trees.

• Visit Kongobu-ji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism.

• Stay overnight in a shukubo (temple lodging), eat a vegetarian Buddhist meal, and wake up to morning prayers. Magic.

🗓️ Day 7 – End in Kyoto or Osaka (Your Pick)

📍Back in Kyoto?
Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its endless path of torii gates. Start early for the best light and fewer people.

📍Back in Osaka?
Spend your final day shopping in Shinsaibashi, or visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the biggest and most immersive aquariums in the world.

🧭 Tips to Travel Smart in Kansai

✅ Get a Kansai Thru Pass: It saves time and money, especially for day trips.
🕖 Start early: Places like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama get packed fast.
📱 Use a Suica digital card: For effortless train and bus rides—no ticket machines, no cash needed.
🗺️ Preload your maps: Or grab my ready-to-go itinerary map (link in bio) to skip the stress.