8D7N - Kyoto, Osaka & Nara

My first (8D7N) trip to Japan in early March, 2013. My itineary is as follows :

Day 1 : Arrive KIX @ 8.30AM.Travel to Kyoto
using ICOCA & Haruka Pass.
Hostel near Kyoto Station.

After check-in, visit :
Nishi Honganji Temple
Higashi Honganji Temple
Shoseien Garden
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Sanjusangendo
Nishiki Market

Day 2 : Ginkaku-ji Temple
The Philosopher�fs Walk
Nanzen-ji Temple
Heian Shrine
Yasaka Shrine
Kodai-ji Temple
Higashimaya Street
Kiyomizudera Temple
Kyoto Station

Day 3 : Kyoto Imperial Castle
Nijo-jo Temple
Toji Temple
Sento Imperial Palace
Kyoto Tower
Kinkakuji Temple
Ryoanji Temple
Pontocho

Day 4 : Nara Deer Park
Todai-ji Temple
(Omizutori : worth to watch ?)
Horyuji Temple
Naramachi
Kofukuji Temple
Isuien Garden
Kasuga Taisha

Day 5 : Osaka Museum of Housing & Living
Shitennoji Temple
Tsutenkaku Tower
Umeda Floating Garden
HEP Ferris Wheel
Osaka Station

Day 6 : Osaka Castle / Park
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Tempozan Gaint Ferris Wheel
Ramen Museum
Cruise Ship Santa Maria
Osaka Suijyo Bus ( Aqua Liner )

Day 7 : Arashiyama
Monkey Park
Togetsukyo Bridge
Tenryu-ji Temple
Jojakkoji
Saga Torrimoto
Otagi Nenbutsuji
Daikakuji
Gion

Day 8 : Depart for KIX - 11.00AM flight.

Please give your comments :
1. Type of Passes to get in Nara, Kyoto & Osaka.
2. Best route to take when visiting the sites
3. Are the sites per day too many or too few ?
4. Sites that should be included or taken out.

Thanks in advance for all your comments.

As for things to take out or add it really is up to you and your interests, really.
You might get sick of all the temples and shrines in Kyoto AND Nara, so maybe you want to add something else for a change?

Iga-Ueno is great if you're interested in ninja: http://youtu.be/9DdmKCnSSD4

You could also visit Himeji, Okayama and / or Hikone to see some awesome castles and one of Japan's best gardens!

Thanks for your reply and suggestions.
yes, maybe I will go to Iga-Ueno for a change.
The reason I choose temples is because they are nearby and mainly to view the gardens rather than the interiors.

Thanks again.

If you do get tired of temples you could consider some railway sightseeing your last day: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3965.html

Why not consider to spent 1 day at Universal Studio Osaka?

Are you a marathon man?

The first day is too busy, especially with the time difference. Nishi Honganji Temple Higashi Honganji Temple and are not essential. You can start with the temple rather Sanjusangendo then spend an hour in the Gion district and visit the temple Kennin ji before taking the train to Fushimi-inari to Keihan Shijo Station.

Anyway, if you want any of you have planned, it will organize transport well and a bit of everything "fly ..."

If you like gardens, the best is certainly one of the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto. A little hard to find but worth ca displacement. (You need a permission to ask the agency office imperial Kyoto before the visit).


In Osaka, the castle does not offer much of interest. Some photos of the exterior is enough ...
In Osaka, the atmosphere and the lights of Namba and Sinshabashi evening are essential.

In a general way, it is better to do less and do better while varying attractions.

Enjoy your stay in Kansai!

To complete my previous post, here is a link to the page of my blog dedicated to the villa Karsura.

http://www.soleilrouge.org/blog/lire-article-240173-1395436-un_magnifi...

You will see all my best pictures.
Enjoy your visit!