Hi everyone, it's my first time solo travelling Japan this August and would love some feedback on my itinerary:
August 26: Arrival in Kyoto
7:00 PM: Arrive at KIX, clear customs and immigration
8:00 PM: Take the JR Haruka Express to Kyoto (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
9:30 PM: Check into hotel in Kyoto
10:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby restaurant and rest
August 27: Exploring Kyoto (with a Tea Ceremony)
8:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel
9:00 AM: Rent a bike from Kyoto Eco Trip or another rental shop
9:30 AM: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha (iconic red torii gates)
11:00 AM: Ride to Tofuku-ji Temple (known for its Zen gardens)
12:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant (try a kaiseki meal)
2:00 PM: Tea Ceremony Experience at a traditional tea house in Gion (1-1.5
hours)
3:30 PM: Cycle to Gion District (geisha district, traditional wooden machiya houses)
4:30 PM: Explore Kiyomizu-dera (famous for its wooden stage and views of Kyoto)
6:00 PM: Dinner in Gion
8:00 PM: Optional: Evening stroll in Pontocho Alley for night photography
August 28: More of Kyoto
8:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel
9:00 AM: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (great for photography)
11:00 AM: Explore Tenryu-ji Temple OR Kinkaku-ji and its gardens
2:00 PM: Visit Nijo Castle (historical Shogun residence)
4:00 PM: Return the bike
5:00 PM: Take the train to Osaka (about 30 minutes)
6:00 PM: Check into hotel in Osaka
7:00 PM: Dinner in Dotonbori (famous for street food like takoyaki and
okonomiyaki)
9:00 PM: Explore Dotonbori at night for great photography
August 29: Exploring Osaka OR Universal Studios Japan
8:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel
9:00 AM: Visit Osaka Castle (historic landmark)
11:00 AM: Explore Osaka Museum of History (near the castle)
12:30 PM: Lunch at a nearby restaurant
2:00 PM: Visit Shitenno-ji Temple (one of Japan's oldest temples)
4:00 PM: Explore the Tennoji Park and Zoo
6:00 PM: Dinner in Shinsekai (try kushikatsu – deep-fried skewers)
8:00 PM: Optional: Visit Abeno Harukas (tallest building in Japan) for night views
August 30: Day Trip to Nara
8:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel
9:00 AM: Take the train to Nara (about 1 hour)
10:00 AM: Explore Nara Park (free-roaming deer, Todai-ji Temple with Great
Buddha)
12:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant
2:00 PM: Continue exploring (Nara: Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Isuien Garden)
6:00 PM: Return to Osaka
8:00 PM: Dinner in Osaka
August 31: Last Day in Osaka
8:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel
9:00 AM: Visit the Umeda Sky Building (unique architecture, great views)
11:00 AM: Explore the Osaka Science Museum (interactive exhibits)
12:30 PM: Lunch at a nearby restaurant
2:00 PM: Last-minute shopping at Shinsaibashi or Namba
4:00 PM: Return to hotel to collect luggage
5:00 PM: Head to KIX via train (allow at least 2 hours for transit and check-in)
8:00 PM: Flight departs from KIX
by dbuzzcl