10 Days in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara Itinerary

Begin your day at Tennoji Zoo. This zoo is home to a variety of animals and is located within Tennoji Park, which also features beautiful gardens and walking paths.

For lunch, head to 松阪牛焼肉M 法善寺横丁店 to enjoy some high-quality Matsusaka beef. Afterward, explore the nearby Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow alleyway filled with traditional shops and restaurants.

Spend your evening at the National Bunraku Theater. Experience the traditional Japanese puppet theater known as Bunraku, which is both entertaining and culturally enriching.

Visit the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum (Cupnoodles Museum) in Ikeda. Learn about the history of instant ramen and even create your own custom cup noodles.

Enjoy lunch at フレンチレストラン ラ・ベカス, known for its exquisite French cuisine. Afterward, head to Umeda Sky Building, an architectural marvel offering panoramic views of Osaka from its Floating Garden Observatory.

Conclude your day with a visit to America-Mura (American Village). This vibrant district is known for its trendy shops, cafes, and nightlife. Grab dinner at one of the local eateries or bars.

Shitenno-ji Temple is one of Japan's oldest temples and offers a glimpse into the country's ancient Buddhist traditions. The temple grounds are expansive, featuring beautiful gardens and historic buildings.

お好み焼き きじ 本店 is perfect for lunch, offering delicious okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes). Afterward, visit Kuromon Ichiba Market, known as 'Osaka's Kitchen.' Here, you can sample fresh seafood, fruits, and local delicacies while shopping for souvenirs.

Utsubo Park is an ideal spot to relax on your last evening in Osaka. This urban park features beautiful rose gardens, fountains, and walking paths. Enjoy dinner at はり重 道頓堀本店, known for its high-quality beef dishes.

Take a morning train from Osaka to Nara. Start your exploration with a visit to Nara Park, where you can interact with friendly deer that roam freely around the park.

Have lunch at Nara Hotel, which offers both traditional Japanese cuisine and Western dishes. Afterward, visit Todai-ji Temple, home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.

Before heading back to Osaka, enjoy dinner at Kura, known for its delicious sushi and sashimi offerings.

Take an early train from Kyoto to Nara. Begin your exploration at Nara Park once again but this time focus on visiting Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its hundreds of bronze lanterns.

Have lunch at Edogawa Naramachi, which specializes in eel dishes. Afterward, visit Isuien Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden that offers serene walking paths and tea houses.

Before returning to Kyoto or Osaka for the night, enjoy dinner at Kameya, known for its traditional Japanese cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients.

Begin your day with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The surrounding gardens are equally beautiful and offer a peaceful start to your day.

For lunch, head to the nearby Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen.' Here, you can sample a variety of local delicacies and shop for unique souvenirs. Afterward, visit Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the architectural grandeur of the Edo period.

End your day with a stroll through Pontocho Alley. This narrow alleyway along the Kamogawa River is lined with traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants and teahouses. Enjoy dinner at one of the many establishments offering kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meals.

Start your morning at Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha). Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine offers scenic hiking trails that lead up Mount Inari, providing breathtaking views along the way.

Have lunch at a local eatery near Fushimi Inari before heading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This historic temple is renowned for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering panoramic views of Kyoto. The surrounding area also has charming streets filled with shops and cafes.

Conclude your day with a visit to Gion Corner, where you can experience traditional Japanese performing arts such as tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower arranging), and Bunraku puppet theater. Enjoy dinner at one of Gion's many traditional restaurants.

Visit Arashiyama Park in western Kyoto. Explore the famous Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo stalks create an otherworldly atmosphere. Don't miss the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens.

For lunch, head to a riverside restaurant in Arashiyama before visiting Sagano. This scenic area offers picturesque landscapes and historic sites like Okochi-Sanso Villa. You can also take a boat ride on the Hozu River for stunning views.

Spend your evening exploring Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka, two preserved historic streets leading up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. These charming lanes are filled with traditional shops, teahouses, and restaurants where you can enjoy dinner.

Start your day with a visit to Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion). This Zen temple is known for its beautiful gardens and the unique sand garden called the 'Sea of Silver Sand.' The serene atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a peaceful morning.

For lunch, head to a nearby traditional restaurant before visiting Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple. This temple is famous for its autumn foliage and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The main hall houses an impressive statue of Amida Buddha.

End your day with a visit to Kamogawa River (Kamo River). Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, where you can enjoy the scenic views and watch locals fishing or practicing traditional arts. Have dinner at one of the riverside restaurants offering both Japanese and international cuisine.