one less day

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one more day

The following is a suggested itinerary for first time travelers to Japan who spend 9 days and 8 nights in Japan, and arrive/depart from Osaka's Kansai Airport.

Day 1 - Arrive at Kansai Airport

Arrive at Kansai Airport and spend the rest of the day in Kyoto.

Day 2-4 - Kyoto with sidetrips

Spend three full days in Kyoto with one of those days spent on a daytrip to nearby Nara and half a day spent on a daytrip to Himeji to check out Himeji Castle. Also consider one of our suggested Kyoto itineraries.

Day 5 - Kyoto to Tokyo

By shinkansen, travel from Kyoto to Tokyo (3 hours) and spend the afternoon and evening there.

Day 6-7 - Tokyo

Spend two full days in Tokyo. Consider one of our suggested Tokyo itineraries.

Day 8 - Tokyo to Kyoto

By shinkansen, return from Tokyo to Kyoto (3 hours) and spend the remaining day there.

Day 9 - Depart from Kansai Airport

Depart Japan from Kansai Airport.

Regular train tickets will likely be cheaper than a Japan Rail Pass for this itinerary; however, travelers who do not mind paying extra for the convenience and flexibility of the pass' all-you-can-ride priviledge could consider using a 7-day Japan Rail Pass from day 3 to 9. Haruka 1-Way Tickets can be considered for access to/from the airport. Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Find out more about the sample budgets and about the current yen exchange rates.