5 Days Osaka Kyoto Nara Tour: UNESCO Sites, Nara Deer & Nation’s Kitchen

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival at Osaka's Kansai International Airport, our representative will greet you with a sign bearing your name right at the arrivals gate. Then drive about 1 hour to your carefully selected hotel in Kyoto. Check into your hotel and take some time to settle in and refresh. The rest of today is free for you to explore the local surroundings at your own pace.

Kyoto, located in the Kansai region of the country, was once the capital of Japan. It epitomizes ancient Japan and is famous for tranquil temples, exquisite gardens, colorful shrines, grand imperial palaces, and ornate castles. Boasting 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and more than 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is among the world's most culturally rich cities. It's also known for traditional Japanese arts and practices, such as tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining (a traditional multi-course meal), and ikebana (flower arranging). It remains one of the best places to see geishas, who are traditional Japanese female entertainers known for their refined skills in arts, music, dance, and conversation.

Arrival Ideas:
1. By Flight: Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main international gateway to the Kansai region of Japan. It hosts direct flights from major cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. In addition to international routes, KIX offers a wide range of domestic flights connecting Osaka with major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Sapporo, Okinawa, and Fukuoka. Osaka International Airport, commonly known as Itami Airport (ITM), is located closer to Osaka and primarily handles domestic flights.
2. By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Shin-Osaka Station is the city’s shinkansen station.  It can be reached via a short train ride from major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka, making it a convenient option if you’re traveling from other parts of Japan.

Free Time Ideas in Kyoto:
1.Evening Stroll Along the Kamo River: This river flows through the city and provides walking paths with beautiful views. Many cafes and restaurants along the river have terraces, perfect for a relaxing end to your day.
2.Walk the Philosopher's Path: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a stone path lined with cherry trees that follows a canal in northeastern Kyoto. This path is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season but offers a serene experience year-round.

Today, you will experience the rich culture and history of Kyoto, from its ancient temples, shrines, and castles to its vibrant market and traditional district.

Start your day with a visit to one of Kyoto's most iconic sights, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) - a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Zen Buddhist temple is famous for its stunning golden exterior. The temple's stunning visual appeal comes from its top two floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden structure shimmering in the pond in front of it, making it perfect for photos and quiet reflection. It was originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After Yoshimitsu's death, as per his will, the villa was converted into a Zen temple by his son.

Next, make your way to Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto’s Kitchen." This vibrant market is the perfect place to sample a variety of local dishes, such as cute Japanese sweets wasabi salt, fresh sashimi skewers to tako tamago (small octopus head stuffed with a quail egg on a stick). Enjoy browsing through the stalls and trying different Kyoto delicacies.

After lunch, head to Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. Here, you might catch a glimpse of Geisha (Geiko) in their elaborate kimonos and traditional makeup. As you wander through the cobblestone streets of Gion, take a moment to appreciate the beautifully preserved machiya (wooden townhouses), ochaya (teahouses), and exclusive ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants).

From Gion, a short walk will bring you to Yasaka Shrine, the guardian shrine of the Gion entertainment district, which dates back over 1350 years. Yasaka Shrine is particularly favored by those seeking beauty and wealth. Visiting this significant Shinto shrine in Kyoto, you may also find yourself gaining some good luck. The shrine is most famous for its Gion Matsuri in July, during which you can witness the procession where the deities of Yasaka are paraded through the city streets.

Then, walk up the well-preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka towards Kiyomizu-dera Temple. These charming, sloping streets are lined with traditional shops and quaint tea houses, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Kyoto's past. As you stroll through these areas, you can shop for unique crafts, sample local snacks, and perhaps stop at a café to relax and soak in the atmosphere of old Kyoto.

Your day culminates with a visit to Kiyomizudera Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on the hillside of Eastern Kyoto, this temple is renowned for its wooden stage that juts out over the hill, providing stunning views of the city and the surrounding nature. The temple's main hall, constructed entirely without the use of nails, is an architectural marvel. Kiyomizu-dera is also celebrated for its sacred waters, which are believed to have wish-granting powers that draw countless visitors who come to drink from its stream. Don’t miss the Hondo (Main Hall), Jishu Shrine, the Otowa Waterfall, and the spiritual experience of the Tainai-Meguri room.

Tips: The scenery at Kiyomizudera Temple is distinctively beautiful in each season, offering a unique charm year-round. In spring, the mountains are adorned with charming cherry blossoms; in summer, they are lush with vibrant greenery; in autumn, they are decorated with brilliantly colored leaves; and in winter, they are filled with enchanting trees.

Stay overnight in Kyoto.

Optional Activities:
Join a geisha tea ceremony in Kyoto. It offers a chance to see a performance by a geisha, experience the tea ceremony, and learn all about its artful rituals.
Kyoto traditional kimono experience. Wear a traditional kimono and stroll through scenic districts like Gion or around Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. Enjoy photo opportunities and the feel of traditional Japan.

Start morning in Kyoto bright and early at one of its most iconic sites - the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine to beat the crowds.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, known as Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”). Layers upon layers of vermilion torii gates line the lush, wooded hillside, forming a seemingly endless corridor. The vibrant orange and black gates contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery, creating a visually stunning and almost otherworldly path that is highly photogenic.

Fushimi Inari Taisha was founded in the early 8th century (711 AD) and is primarily dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, sake, agriculture, and industry. As you explore the shrine, you will encounter hundreds of fox statues. Said to be the messengers of the god Inari, who is associated with cereal grains, these fox statues often symbolize the deity. Many of these fox statues are depicted holding a key in their mouths, which is said to open the granary.

Tips: Hiking to the summit of the mountain and back will take two to three hours, but many people go only as far as the Yotsutsuji intersection because there are fewer torii gates beyond this point. It will take 30 to 40 minutes to reach Yotsutsuji.

Depart from Kyoto and head to Nara, an approximately 1.5-hour car car ride. Nara holds a special place in Japanese history as the country's first permanent capital, predating Kyoto. Nara boasts eight World Cultural Heritage sites, making it Japan's second most culturally rich city after Kyoto.

Visit Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most historically significant temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for housing the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, which stands just over 16m high and consists of 437 tonnes of bronze and 130kg of gold. It represents Vairocana Buddha and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas. Todaiji's main hall, Daibutsu-den (Big Buddha Hall), is one of the world’s largest all-wood buildings, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two-thirds of the original temple hall's size.

Walk to Nara Park, adjacent to Kasuga Taisha. This park is famous for its hundreds of freely roaming deer, considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition. Purchase some shika senbei (deer crackers) to feed the deer as you stroll through the park.

Optional Activities:
1. Head to Kasuga Taisha (Kasuga Grand Shrine), Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its lanterns, which have been donated by worshippers. Hundreds of bronze lanterns can be seen hanging from the buildings, while thousands of stone lanterns line its approach and the surrounding woods. These lanterns are lit twice a year during the Lantern Festivals in February and August, creating an ethereal and mesmerizing atmosphere.

2. Hike up Mount Wakakusa (Wakakusa Yama), from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Nara and its surroundings. The hike is relatively easy and offers a great opportunity to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area. The real thrill is that you may encounter friendly deer. The mountain is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season and autumn when the foliage changes color.

After the tour, drive to Osaka (typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour) and stay overnight.

Osaka, Japan's third-largest city and a major economic hub, is renowned for its rich history, diverse cuisine, distinctive culture, and robust economic strength. The city's unique sense of humor and open personality make it an exceptionally interesting place, more colorful than most cities. Acres of concrete are covered with dazzling neon lights and brightly colored storefronts. Osaka is a city that loves to eat, known as the "nation's kitchen." It boasts a wide variety of culinary delights.

Sample for your fee day exploration:

Start your free day at Osaka Castle Park, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of Osaka’s historical grandeur. Originally built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful daimyo who aimed to unify Japan, it was the largest castle of its time. After multiple renovations and reconstructions, today's Osaka Castle has been transformed into an open park, covering a total area of 105.6 hectares, making it a must-visit attraction.

Walking into the scenic area of Osaka Castle, you'll be amazed by the massive scale and precision of the moats, gates, and stone walls. The largest stone slab is 11 meters wide, and many stones are inscribed with the crests of the 64 daimyō (feudal lords) tasked with the castle’s construction back in 1620. The most breathtaking feature is the Main Tower (Tenshukaku) of Osaka Castle, which stands tall against the sky at the center of the extensive castle grounds. The castle tower's interior is a museum showcasing artifacts related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the castle's history. The observation deck on the 8th floor offers a panoramic view of Osaka Castle Park and the Osaka Plain.

Optional Activity: Take some time to stroll through the Nishinomaru Garden, which offers a picturesque setting with over 600 cherry trees and beautiful views of the castle tower from below. This is especially enchanting during the cherry blossom season, which usually occurs in late March and/or early April.

In the afternoon, you will experience the unique charm of the city through a street food and shopping tour. Enjoy shopping at Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, Osaka's busiest shopping arcade. Then, head to the lively district of Dotonbori, where waterways are lined with luminous advertisements and signs. It's especially glitzy during the holiday season, with decorations strung across the bridges. Full of fantastic restaurants, clubs, and karaoke bars, it's the city's go-to area for entertainment. Take a photo at the iconic Glico Man sign. Try takoyaki, ball-shaped octopus bites, kushikatsu (Japanese deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables), and okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake topped with whatever you like.

Optional Activities:
1.Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional Japanese art form of ukiyo-e.
2.Shinsekai (New World) & Tsutenkaku Tower: Shinsekai, meaning "New World," is a nostalgic and unique shopping district in Osaka, known for its retro vibe, old-school charm, and vibrant atmosphere.  Originally built in 1912, Tsutenkaku Tower offers views of the Osaka skyline and is located in the retro-themed Shinsekai area.

It is time to end your unforgettable 5 Days Japan Kansai Tour. Your driver will ensure a smooth transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your departure flight.

Trip Extension: If you'd like to extend your adventures in Japan, consider exploring other notable regions like Mt. Fuji, Hakone, etc. Feel free to contact us to customize your extended itinerary.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your tour of Asia. We are dedicated to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey home!