Kyoto, Osaka & Nara 5-Day Itinerary

Arrival at Kansai International Airport & Transfer to Kyoto Station Area

Clear customs and immigration at KIX, then board the Haruka Limited Express train directly to Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 75 minutes. Check in to your hotel near Kyoto Station and freshen up.

Tofu Kaiseki Breakfast at Sagano Yudofu

Start your Kyoto journey with a traditional tofu kaiseki breakfast featuring silken tofu simmered in kombu dashi, sesame tofu, pickled vegetables and miso soup — a quintessential Kyoto morning ritual.

Higashiyama Historic District Walk

Stroll the atmospheric stone-paved lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka lined with wooden machiya townhouses, ceramics shops and tea houses. This preserved Edo-period streetscape is one of Kyoto's most photogenic areas.

Kiyomizudera Temple

Visit the iconic wooden stage temple perched on the hillside of Otowa-san. The main hall's famous veranda offers sweeping views over Kyoto's rooftops. Explore the three streams of Otowa waterfall said to grant longevity, love and academic success.

Kaiseki Bento Lunch at Hyotei-style Set

Enjoy a refined kaiseki-style bento lunch near Kiyomizudera featuring seasonal small dishes, grilled fish, pickled vegetables and steamed rice — an accessible taste of Kyoto's refined culinary tradition.

Yasaka Shrine & Maruyama Park

Visit the vermilion Yasaka Shrine at the end of Shijo-dori, a vibrant Gion landmark active since 656 AD. Wander into adjacent Maruyama Park, Kyoto's most beloved cherry blossom spot, with its weeping Gion Shidare cherry tree at the center.

Gion Shopping & Matcha Sweet Tasting

Browse the boutiques and traditional craft shops along Hanamikoji and Shijo-dori in Gion. Stop at Gion Tsujiri or Nakamura Tokichi for a signature matcha parfait or warabi mochi dessert before heading back to the hotel.

Obanzai Dinner at a Kyoto Izakaya

Savor obanzai — Kyoto's traditional home-style cuisine — a rotating selection of small seasonal vegetable, tofu and fish dishes. Try simmered hijiki seaweed, dashimaki tamago egg roll, and kyozuke pickles alongside cold Kyoto sake.