4 Days of Food and Culture in Osaka & Kyoto Itinerary

Kick off your morning with a visit to Shitenno-ji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples founded in 593 AD. Explore its beautiful gardens and historic structures before heading to breakfast at Granknot Coffee, known for its artisanal coffee and pastries.

In the afternoon, experience modern Osaka with a trip to Abeno Harukas (Osaka Harukas), Japan's tallest skyscraper offering stunning views from its observation deck. Don't miss out on shopping at Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Department Store located within the building. For lunch, dine at Harukoma Sushi, famous for its fresh sushi and sashimi.

Conclude your day by visiting the lively neighborhood of Namba where you can explore various shops and entertainment options. Don't forget to check out Kuromon Ichiba Market for an array of fresh seafood and local delicacies. Enjoy dinner at Izakaya Toyo, renowned for its grilled seafood dishes.

Begin your day with a visit to the serene Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha). Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. After exploring the shrine, enjoy breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a charming café known for its traditional Japanese breakfast sets.

In the afternoon, delve into Kyoto's rich history with Kyoto Complete Tour in One Day, Visit All 12 Popular Sights. This comprehensive tour will take you to some of Kyoto's most iconic attractions including Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji Temple & Garden, and Nijo-jo Castle. For lunch, savor some local delicacies at Omen Kodai-Ji, located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

End your day with a stroll through Pontocho Alley, one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. This narrow alley is lined with traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants and bars. Enjoy dinner at Pontocho Misoguigawa, offering exquisite French-Japanese fusion cuisine.

Start your final day with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto's most celebrated temples. The temple is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, offering impressive views of the cherry and maple trees below. After exploring the temple grounds, head to Saryo Tsujiri Kiyomizu for a traditional Japanese breakfast and some matcha green tea.

In the afternoon, take part in Kyoto Private Tea Ceremony with a Garden View. This activity will give you an authentic experience of Japanese tea culture in a serene garden setting. Following the tea ceremony, visit Gion Corner, where you can enjoy various traditional Japanese performing arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and dance. For lunch, dine at Gion Karyo, which offers exquisite kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meals.

As evening approaches, explore the historic streets of Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka. These picturesque lanes are lined with beautifully preserved wooden buildings housing shops and cafes. End your day with dinner at Kikunoi, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves exceptional kaiseki cuisine. This will be a perfect way to conclude your cultural journey through Osaka and Kyoto.