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Osaka & Kyoto Model Courses

Where to stay, and how to get around. From the perspective of a team that runs the stays, we suggest classic courses that combine areas and travel. Use them as a guide when choosing the town you stay in. (Rather than shop names or opening hours, we show you how to piece together neighborhoods and landmarks.)

Osaka: The Classic Day

Day trip / For a first visit to Osaka

Starting from Namba and Dotonbori, a course that covers the quintessential Osaka in a single day.

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Kuromon MarketBreakfast at "Naniwa's Kitchen." Great for grazing on the go, or stocking up on ingredients to cook at your stay.
  2. Midday
    Shinsaibashi & AmerikamuraWander the Shinsaibashi-suji arcade and Amerikamura, home to vintage clothing and records.
  3. Afternoon
    Tsutenkaku & ShinsekaiRetro streetscapes and the birthplace of kushikatsu. Jan-Jan Yokocho too.
  4. Evening
    Dotonbori & Hozenji YokochoThe Glico sign and Ebisu Bridge, and the cobbled Hozenji Yokocho. Best after the crowds thin out at night.
  5. Night
    Umeda & NakanoshimaCap it off with the night views and shopping of Kita.

Kyoto: The Classic Day

Day trip / Higashiyama and Arashiyama in one day

From Higashiyama in the quiet of morning to Arashiyama in the afternoon, touring Kyoto's two greatest sights in a single day.

Day 1

  1. Early morning
    Kiyomizu-dera, Gion & HigashiyamaWalk a quiet, early-morning Higashiyama and Gion before the day-trippers arrive. A privilege for those staying nearby.
  2. Midday
    Head to Kyoto StationFrom Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama (no transfers).
  3. Afternoon
    ArashiyamaThe Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove path, and Tenryu-ji. You can also venture out to Oku-Saga.
  4. Evening
    Kyoto StationWrap up at the giant station building's grand staircase, or Toji Temple within walking distance.

Osaka & Kyoto: 3 Days, 2 Nights

3 days, 2 nights / Stay in both cities for a deeper visit

Osaka and Kyoto are about 30 minutes apart by train. Staying in one and heading to the other fits easily into your plan.

Day 1: Osaka

  1. Daytime
    Namba, Dotonbori to TsutenkakuTake in Osaka's Minami: Kuromon Market, Dotonbori, and Tsutenkaku & Shinsekai.
  2. Night
    Stay in OsakaA whole-house rental in Minami you can walk home to. Take in Dotonbori by night once more.

Day 2: Kyoto

  1. Morning
    Head to KyotoAbout 30 minutes from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station on the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid.
  2. Daytime
    Higashiyama to ArashiyamaFrom Kiyomizu-dera and Gion to Arashiyama in the afternoon.
  3. Night
    Stay in KyotoA stay in Kyoto where you can walk the quiet streets the next morning.

Day 3: Departure

  1. Morning
    To a seasonal highlightIf the season is right, stop by cherry blossom or autumn leaves spots, or a festival in progress.
  2. Afternoon
    To the airportDirect from Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport on the JR Limited Express Haruka. See the Transportation Access Guide for reference.

For detailed directions, see the Transportation Access Guide, and for seasonal highlights, see the Cherry Blossom & Autumn Leaves Spots.

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