Kansai combines the historic culture of Kyoto and Nara, the vibrant food and entertainment of Osaka, the port scenery of Kobe, and the natural beauty of Lake Biwa and Mt. Koya. This 2–3 day model course uses public transport (Shinkansen, JR, private rail, subway, buses) for efficient travel, with a relaxed 9:00–18:00 schedule.
Overview (2 nights, 3 days)
- Transport: Shinkansen, JR, private rail, subway, buses
- Suggested stays: Night 1 = Kyoto / Night 2 = Osaka or Kobe
- Sightseeing hours: 9:00–18:00 daily
- Budget estimate:
- Transport: ¥5,000–10,000/day
- Meals: ¥3,000–6,000/day
- Accommodation: ¥9,000–18,000/night
- Total (2 nights, 3 days): ¥55,000–90,000/person
Itinerary
- Day 1: Kyoto – Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, Yasaka Shrine, lunch (yudofu, Kyoto cuisine), Fushimi Inari Taisha, Gion & Pontocho stroll, stay in Kyoto
- Day 2: Nara & Osaka – Nara Park (Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, deer), lunch (kakinoha sushi), Osaka Castle, Dotonbori food walk (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu), stay in Osaka
- Day 3: Choice – A: Kobe (Kitano Ijinkan, Chinatown, Harborland, Arima Onsen) / B: Lake Biwa & Mt. Hiei / C: Mt. Koya (Okunoin, Kongobuji, shojin ryori). End in Kyoto/Osaka/Kansai Airport.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (Mar–May): Cherry blossoms in Kyoto & Nara, Mt. Yoshino sakura
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Gion Festival, Tenjin Festival, PL Fireworks, green Mt. Hiei/Koya
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Kyoto foliage (Arashiyama, Tofukuji), Nara Park ginkgo, Mt. Rokko night view
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Kobe Luminarie, hot springs (Arima, Kinosaki), New Year visits (Fushimi Inari, Sumiyoshi Taisha)
Food & Souvenirs
- Food: Kyoto kaiseki, yudofu, kakinoha sushi, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, Kobe beef, Wakayama ramen, Omi beef, Uji tea dishes
- Souvenirs: Yatsuhashi, Uji tea, deer goods, 551 Butaman, Kobe sweets, Omi pickles, Kishu plums, Arida mikan