one less day

Nationwide from TokyoNationwide from OsakaKanto RegionKansai RegionKyushu 4D3N5D4N6D5N7D6N8D7N9D8N10D9N11D10N12D11N

one more day

The following is a suggested itinerary for first time travelers to Japan who spend 8 days, 7 nights in the Kansai Region around Kyoto.

Day 1 - Arrive at Kansai Airport

Arrive at Kansai Airport and take the train to Kyoto. Spend the remaining day exploring Kyoto.

Day 2-3 - Kyoto

Spend two full days in Kyoto. Consider our suggested Kyoto itineraries.

Day 4 - Himeji Half Daytrip

In the morning, take the special rapid train to Himeji and spend a half day visiting Himeji Castle. Spend the rest of the day in Kyoto.

Day 5 - Nara Daytrip

Undertake a one day trip to Nara, one hour south of Kyoto.

Day 6 - Kyoto to Mount Koya

In the morning, take a train to Osaka, travel to Mount Koya (3 hours), and spend the night at a temple.

Day 7 - Mount Koya to Osaka

Return from Mount Koya to Osaka (2 hours) and spend the remaining day and the night in Osaka.

Day 8 - Depart from Kansai Airport

Depart Japan from Kansai Airport.

A nationwide Japan Rail Pass does not pay off for this itinerary, but we recommend to use Haruka 1-Way Tickets for your transport to/from Kansai Airport, a 1-day Kansai Area Pass for your daytrip to Himeji and a Koyasan World Heritage Ticket for your trip to Mount Koya. Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Find out more about the sample budgets and about the current yen exchange rates.