We started our trip in Osaka, but most people start theirs in Kyoto + only take a day trip to Osaka. Do whatever fits your schedule best. This itinerary is intended to be a rough idea for you to follow / understand what you can/can’t accomplish each day. Get your walking shoes ready!!!! If you have any questions, OR you have hidden restaurants / recommendations of things to do, please leave them in the comments to share with others! Thank you for your time :)

Why Visit Kyoto and Osaka?

Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan, and was the emperor’s residence. Kyoto is exactly where you want to be to see the blend of historical Japan, and how it has adapted to a modern world. “Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.” source.

You will notice more Japanese wearing traditional Kimono while visiting Kyoto. Since Kyoto is historically the nation's capital, and served for many years the center of the imperial world, it used to be a thriving textile industry. The textile and kimono industry was one of the biggest economics in Kyoto. There’s been a decline in Japan of people wearing Kimonos. In order to keep that culture alive, the city of Kyoto has put together programs offering discounts at temples (you have to pay to enter each one), and a few participating restaurants for those wearing kimonos. Foreigners are encouraged to participate - do not be shy if this is something you’ve wanted to do! I have done it twice, and each time been fully embraced for trying it. Wearing a Kimono is extremely patriotic and prideful, especially in Kyoto.

Osaka is really easy to visit from Kyoto! Depending on which train you take (there are different speeds) it can take 15-45 minutes to commute between the cities. This makes Osaka the perfect day trip, or 1 night stop-over. Osaka is known as a rebellious city in Japan; they tends to do their own thing, and I find it incredibly fascinating. For example: Japan walks and stands on the left side, but in Osaka you’ll notice they do everything on the right. It can be confusing, and I never know where to walk lol! They love making fun of other cities in Japan! Some cities specialize in a type of cookie or pastry, so Osaka will try to rival and recreate better versions of their desserts! Osaka lind of reminds me of an annoying sibling who doesn’t want to listen. I love osaka SO much because it really is so different from other cities I’ve visited. You can feel that they beat to the sound of their own drum. Osaka is a foodies dream! They are famous for many delicacies like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kobe beef I highly recommend at least a day trip here.. If you have the time, an overnight stay is even better.

WHERE WE STAYED IN OSAKA

Use this link to get $55 off your first stay with airbnb! We stayed at this apartment. It was in the BEST location. It’s in the heart of everything you want to be near for restaurants and nightlife. It was extremely safe and quiet at night even though it was in a busy area. It was perfect for two people to sleep and live comfortably. 3 or 4 people will be a bit cramped, but if you’re just using it as a crash pad.. it’s perfect. It was a LOT bigger than we thought it would be. I will likely book this every time I want to visit.

DAY 1 - OSAKA

BIG BREAKFAST at EGGS N THINGS
- We ordered the huge pancakes with whip cream and salmon eggs Benedict. Get there early because the wait can be really long.
- Eggs ‘n Things Shinsaibashi (there’s many locations including Kyoto).

OSAKA CASTLE (museum inside)
ROOFTOP DRINKS AT THE LANDMARK SQUARE
- It’s about $10 USD to get in, but that includes your beverage.

Dontonbori street for eating and exploring
- Early/ Light dinner: Ajinoya for Osaka style Okonomiyaki! This place is AMAZING! There was a line, but we only waited 30 minutes and it was absolutely worth it. In Japan - if there’s a line, it means it’s good! Do not overorder food since you’ll be exploring and trying food on Dontonbori street.
  - 1-7-16 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0076, Osaka Prefecture
- Head to the main boardwalk of Dotonbori (it runs parallel to the river). Walk around and eat all the yummy food! Here are my favorites!
  - Dumplings
  - Crab
  - Tacoyaki - this is a must try! I’m not overly excited about the food, but it's a must try while in Osaka. It’s one of their most famous local cuisines (you can’t miss it).
  - Kobe beef !! Its about $8 USD for 1 single sashimi, but… you have to try it! It’s worth every penny.
- Take a photo in front of the Glico Man (an Osaka landmark)
- Wander around the streets and go bar hopping until you’re ready to go home.

** OTHER OSAKA ATTRACTIONS - I HAVEN’T BEEN TO THESE YET **

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - JAPAN (Osaka)
KUROMAN MARKET
POKEMON CENTER
SOLANIWA ONSEN SPA
RAMEN MUSEUM - watch my video here!
Secret spot: Hirakata T-Site BOOKSTORE (50 min away)…check this link for my amazing photo!

DAY 2 - OSAKA TO KYOTO

CHECK OUT
BREAKFAST at Micasadeco & Cafe, get there when they open at 9am - it fills up! Vegan and Vegetarian friendly
- We ordered matcha teas, ricotta pancakes, avocado toast
- 1-2-8 Saiwaicho | Minatomachi 82 Bldg 1F, Naniwa, Osaka 556-0021, Osaka Prefecture

TRAIN TO KYOTOOOO - get your tickets at the train station!.. They will help you get tickets if you do not have a JR Rail pass, just find the information desk. They speak English - do not be scared to ask a lot of questions.
MATCHA TEA CEREMONY book it for an earlier time, 12:45-2:00pm - they are SO nice! I’ve been here twice. Ask ahead of time about holding your luggage. They might help you if you do not have a lot, but be prepared to check your luggage at a public locker (at the train stations).
- 373-26 Horiike-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0038 JAPAN

tea ceremony (they offer to take your photos just like this at the end)

Travel to airbnb. We booked this one - keep in mind it’s an 11 minute walk to the nearest station. I wouldn’t recommend this place if you have a lot of luggage or need to go by the airbnb a lot (kids). My friend and I stayed here, and had no complaints other than wishing it was closer to a train station.
AIRBNB CHECK-IN 3 PM (they cannot keep our luggage)
Dinner at your leisure! I would find a spot in your neighborhood. We heard a lot of great things about a place called FIRE RAMEN, but honestly, it was not good food. Don’t listen to tripadvisor.. listen to me LOL! I wouldn’t need to ever go again.

DAY 3 - KYOTO

Good walking shoe day!
Breakfast on-the-go. We popped by 7-eleven.
Take the train to Arashiyama (bamboo forest) and explore (following the crowds is the easiest thing to do)

Do not miss Okochi Sanso garden in the back!! IT IS AMAZING AND A HIDDEN GEM! By far my favorite garden - especially in the fall. I’ve never seen colors so vibrant in my life! It’s about $10 USD to visit, but it comes with a fresh matcha to enjoy in the garden :)

Enjoying the fresh matcha before leaving

Walk to Monkey Park Iwatayama! My friend and I were slightly underwhelmed. If you don’t make it here, you aren’t really missing out on anything… they’re cute from afar, but if you don’t like germs… do not bother (LOL!)
- 8 Genrokuyamacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0022, Kyoto Prefecture

If you feel adventurous, rent a boat on the river - you cross this river and will see the boats for rent!

Evening Plans
Gion district - I recommend doing your research on the history of this amazing area. It’s incredible, and is the area where “Memoirs of a Geisha” takes place. I love roaming the streets hoping to see one :) I have not done one specifically, but if you can get a historical walking tour/ food tour in this are, I wish we had done it. I will be planning to do that my next visit to learn more about the area!

While in Gion, get a craft cocktail at this speakeasy - BAR ALCHEMIST. They’re technically the best craft cocktail I have had in Japan (not saying a lot) - it won’t be the best you’ve ever had, but the vibe is SO friendly, and it’s a quiet spot to end the day! It’s a library/study theme, and they have a huge list of drinks.

Yasaka Pagoda + famous photo spot

DAY 4 - KYOTO

Fushimi Inari Shrine - this is going to be a really busy area! Wear great walking shoes and go early to help avoid the crowds. I recommend walking the entire thing - it takes about 2.5 hours round trip to leisurely walk it. There are a few ramen restaurants and stops for water if you need to rest. Pro Tip for empty photos! The higher you go up the mountain, the less people there are :)

Nishiki Market - this is a historically famous market and is one of my favorite neighborhoods. Its trendy, hip, and has a lot of food + breweries. You’ll spend your time here eating, and plan to purchase souveniers here!
- Aritsugu Nishiki Market - the most famous knife company in Japan - they were a supplier for the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and have a history of over 550 years! Read about them here.
  - If you are looking to purchase a gift for yourself or a loved one.. This is where you want to be! They will engrave the knife for you in katakana, sharpen it before you leave, teach you how to care for it, and package it with a stone which symbolically dulls the blade (otherwise gifting a knife might cut your ties with the recipient). I usually spend $150 on an “everything” knife. They make great souvenirs, a gift for an in-law, or a wedding present. If you purchase a knife, you will need to check it with your luggage to get it home.
- Ichihara Heibei Shōten - famous chopstick store
- Snoopy Cafe
- Ochanoko-Saisai Nishiki - the BEST cooking spices and rice toppings! Make sure you try the samples - these make fun gifts to take home to friends. We took home some of the sesame rice seasoning, and now we have to mail them home to our family because we have everyone addicted.
- IPPUDO RAMEN! This place is worth the wait! I looooove the spicy ramen, and always, always, add on an order of the gyozo. They have seasonal ramen, and vegan options.
Nijo castle - If you love samurai, you need to visit this castle not too far away!