Osaka & Kyoto 1 week Japan Itinerary
How to make the most of 1 week in two of Japan’s big hitters - Osaka and Kyoto!
In an ideal world, you’ll have at least a week to explore these 2 major draws cards of Japan. Many squeeze them into an exisiting trip including Tokyo - which works too, but it can get hectic! If you are on a time crunch, you could whirl through the following itinerary in a 5 days if required as well (this is actually what we did and it was doable).
Before we get into our daily rundown, here’s a few things to be aware of as part of your Japan trip.
Where to stay. Osaka and Kyoto are less than 1 hour apart from each other by train, so you have the choice to stay in both cities, or stay in one location and day trip it. As we only had 5 days, we chose to base ourselves in Osaka. We stayed at HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi which was excellent and great value by Japan standards at $176AUD a night. It’s listed as a 3 star hotel but we would say it’s more like a 4 star hotel for sure - it’s super stylish with good sized rooms and perfect central location.
Trains! People really panic about using the trains in Japan. It is a bit confusing, yes, but trust me, you’ll get the hang of it! Don’t get analysis paralysis. There were around 4 train options to get us from Osaka to Kyoto one morning. Some required swapping trains at the same or different points. It got a bit overwhelming and we ended up switching routes at one point by getting on the wrong train (the trains of each side of the platform seemed to be going to the same place?!). But guess what? It didn’t matter, we made it to Kyoto. The moral of this story - RELAX! Some tips to help however:
Plan your route the day before with Google Maps and make sure you include the arrival time (and make the arrive time 15-30mins early to give yourself a buffer) as suggested routes differ throughout the day.
Not a lot of people speak English well most will try and help. There’s usually staff to be found on the platforms and helpful passengers too. Keep your Google Map open or screenshot to show them.
On Google Maps, click into the detail section, it will tell you what platform to go to and even what car to get on sometimes!
Hordes of Tourists. Osaka and Kyoto are rammed with travellers. Did we still enjoy these cities? Yes. But learn from our experience. Both cities are surprisingly quiet the moment you even go just 1 street from the major tourist sites, but in some areas it’s a literal on-foot traffic jam. It didn’t bother us much in Osaka since it matched the chaotic, neon, metropolis vibe, but it was challenging in Kyoto where you’re there to experience scenic, serene, traditional locations. Accept it, get an early start, wander off the main track, and read on below for a secret short cut for one of the above locations. Bonus points for being respectful of using public buses when many locals need them to get to work, school, home etc.
Day One - Osaka’s Big City Hits
This is definitely a day for city lovers - but that’s exactly what Osaka is all about! Sleep in today as things take a while to get going here in Japan.
Start in Amerikamura. This is area popular with youth and American culture. There’s a lot of thrift stores too. But if you’re not young (or young at heart), it’s still an interesting area to explore and people watch. There’s also some fun and quirky places to visit like Silver Ball Planet - a huge pinball arcade.
Walk on over to Shinsaibashi. Shinsaibashi is basically a super long (covered!) shopping strip, which makes it perfect for rainy days. Here you will find all the main global brands but also unique Japan-only stores as well. Some favourites include GU (Uniqlo’s sister brand) and STIQ sticker and patch store.
At the end of Shinsaibashi, you will come to Dontonburi. This area is BONKERS and reminds me of Shibuya crossing in Tokyo. A key hub of Osaka, there’s SO many food stalls to choose from. It’s definitely more expensive compared to other areas but if you want to be able to try small bits of everything in one place, it’s great. I recommend coming in the evening as the neon lights really create an amazing atmosphere. Also try the Don Quixote Ferris Wheel for something unique to do!
Day Two - The 2 sides of Osaka
Today you can experience the local, quiet side of Osaka as well as the big, more touristy side - right next to each other!
Make your way to Umeda. If you love a view point, head to Umeda Sky Deck. Make sure to book in advance to avoid delays. Pay attention to the interesting architecture as well as the view! Then, grab lunch in the Umeda department store’s depachika - a gourmet food court. This is a true food lover’s paradise and one of the best examples of a depachika.
Nakazakichō is such a chill area of Osaka. It’s sleepy but has a lot under the hood. There’s thrift store, cafes - even New York style. Take the afternoon to just wander and see what interests you!
Day Three - Central Osaka
Make your way to the river to enjoy a coffee to start your day. I’d recommend School Bus Coffee Stop Kitahama. Once you’re full of energy, head to Osaka Castle for a bit of old Japan in a big city. If you’re a big history or museum type, then maybe go inside, but for most, I think just admiring the building and the surronds is suffice.
Want to shop like a local (well a local with some cash anyway)? Head to Orange Street. This is a street full of boutiques and designer goods. We’re not talking Gucci or anything extreme, but a little more pricey than your H&M. There’s a great mix of homeware and fashion stores so there’s stuff for you or to take home as souvenirs. From fancy, practical umbrellas, to a nice ceremic mug, or maybe a funky hat or tote bag - Orange street has something for everyone.
Day Four - Osaka street life
Wander the area around Namba. Even if you’re not a big shopping person, there’s something for everyone and it’s interesting to see how the various shopping centres all the share the same space and are part of public life. Namba Parks has an interesting design including a rooftop garden if you’re missing some green in the city.
In the evening, head to Shinsekai. This area is pretty retro - it’s like being transported back to the 1970s! She’s a little faded and not quite her former self but it’s still interesting to walk around and see the old laterns and lights as well as the retro arcade spaces and carnival games you can try.
Day Five - Kyoto’s Arashiyama
Start before 9am at Togetsukyō Bridge to enjoy the river flowing and get your photos in before everyone else gets there.
It’s just a few minutes walk to Arashiyama Monkey Park for a 9am opening. TIP: Don’t slowly walk up the hill trying to spot a monkey. They’re all at the top, you can’t miss them, so just power walk on up. Unfortunately, we can’t recommend this activity for those with mobility issues. For an alternative, enjoy traditional art at Fukuda Art Museum.
One the other side of the bridge, is the main street packed full of shopping and eating possibilities! Buy engraved chopsticks and enjoy one, or several, matcha flavoured sweets. We pre-booked Steak Otsuka (recommended) for an early wagyu lunch but there’s plenty of food for all budgets in the area.
Spend the afternoon focused on nature. After seeing a bamboo forest in Tokyo, we didn’t feel the need to visit the crazily busy one here in Arashiyama. There’s plenty of other awe inspiring nature in these parts! There’s Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street leading into the forest, the Sagano Scenic train and the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. We felt the Boat was most exciting and unique but sadly our’s was cancelled due to a required inspection that day :(
Day Six - Kyoto’s Gion Day
We have 2 options here to battle the hectic crowds in the famous Gion.
Start at Gion Tatsumi Bridge and work up to Kiyomizu-dera taking my secret short cut near the end. Hit up Yasaka Temple and Hōkan-ji Temple along the way, before winding up the shopping and food street of Matsubara Dori to your final stop. Here is where my hidden shortcut comes into play. Foot traffic hit a standstill near the top, but there is a side street leading to a side entrance to Kiyomizu-dera on ‘Chawanzaka’ street. Turn right on the street with GOKAGO on the corner. Walk down the stairs, through the carpark. When you hit the bottom, turn left and walk up the hill to another entrance into the Kiyomizu-dera temple area.
The other option is to start your day by getting a taxi up ‘Chawanzaka’ street to start your day at Kiyomizu-dera then work your way back down into Gion.
Day Seven - Central Kyoto
So we’ve covered two of the main parts of Kyoto so far, let’s cover the rest! Sleep in today after 2 big ones.
Start your day at Koé Donuts - it’s worth the hype! Then wander Nishiki Market for lunch. It technically opens at 10am but it doesn’t get going until 11am or later. There’s lot of nice shopping to have around this area as well so see what you find.
Enjoy the serenity of the Philosopher’s Path for your afternoon. There’s a few temples in the area to choose from too.
Want to squeeze the above into a 5 day itinerary? Combine Gion and Central Kyoto. At for Osaka, simply pick the activities that best match your travel style.
Have questions about Kyoto or Osaka? Have tips to share? Comment below!
