Osaka Kyoto 5-Day Historical Food Adventure Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Shitenno-ji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples. Spend about 1.5 hours exploring its beautiful grounds and learning about its historical significance.

For lunch, head to お好み焼き きじ 本店 to try Osaka's famous okonomiyaki (savory pancake). Afterward, visit Osaka Museum of History to delve deeper into the city's past. Allocate around 3 hours for lunch and museum exploration.

Spend your evening at Hozenji Yokocho, a charming alleyway filled with traditional restaurants and bars. Enjoy dinner at 法善寺横丁 鳥貴族, known for its yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Take your time to soak in the nostalgic ambiance.

Kick off your day with a trip to Umeda Sky Building. This architectural marvel offers panoramic views of Osaka from its Floating Garden Observatory. Spend about 1 hour here.

For lunch, head to 松阪牛焼肉M 法善寺横丁店 to savor some premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku (grilled meat). Afterward, unwind at Spa World, a massive onsen (hot spring) complex featuring various themed baths from around the world. Allocate around 4 hours for lunch and relaxation at Spa World.

In the evening, explore America-Mura (American Village), known for its trendy shops, cafes, and street art. Have dinner at one of the local eateries or cafes in this vibrant neighborhood.

Travel to Kyoto in the morning (approximately 30 minutes by train). Start your Kyoto adventure with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha). Spend about 2 hours exploring this iconic shrine famous for its thousands of red torii gates.

For lunch, head to Nishiki Market where you can sample various local dishes from different stalls. Afterward, join the Kyoto Full-Day City Highlights Bike Tour with Light Lunch which will take you through some of Kyoto’s most significant sites including temples and gardens over approximately 4 hours.

End your day by visiting Pontocho Alley, known for its traditional tea houses and restaurants along narrow alleys lit by lanterns. Enjoy dinner at one of these charming establishments before heading back to your accommodation.

Begin your final day in Kyoto with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall, offering breathtaking views of the cherry and maple trees below. Spend around 2 hours exploring the temple grounds and enjoying the scenic views.

For lunch, head to a local restaurant near Kiyomizu-dera Temple to enjoy some traditional Kyoto cuisine. Afterward, visit Gion Corner, where you can experience traditional Japanese performing arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and puppet theater. Allocate around 3 hours for lunch and Gion Corner activities.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along Kamogawa River (Kamo River). This picturesque river is lined with cherry blossom trees and offers a serene atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at one of the riverside restaurants while taking in the beautiful views of Kyoto at night.