Osaka Kyoto itinerary 7 days: Where to go, what to do?

Where to go and what places to visit when traveling to Osaka – Kyoto? Discover the detailed 7-day 6-night Osaka – Kyoto itinerary for self-guided groups right away!

Are you planning a self-guided trip to explore Japan? The 7-day 6-night Osaka and Kyoto itinerary will take you through wonderful destinations, from the vibrant life of Osaka to the enchanting ancient beauty of Kyoto. This is the perfect combination of modernity and tradition, helping you explore historic temples, charming old streets, and bustling shopping districts.

Let’s explore the beautiful Kansai region of Japan with us through the 7-day 6-night itinerary below!

Osaka Kyoto itinerary 7 days — Day 1: Hello Osaka, Touring Dotonbori

Your journey begins with a flight to Kansai International Airport (KIX). After completing immigration procedures, you can choose the JR Haruka Express train or limousine bus to travel to the center of Osaka.

After checking in at the hotel, the evening is the perfect time to explore the bustling Dotonbori area. This place is famous for the giant Glico Man sign and hundreds of restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the city.

Day 2: The Magical Osaka Bay and the Ancient Castle

The second day will take you to the Osaka Bay area. Start with the Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, where you can see giant whale sharks and thousands of other marine creatures. If your family has young children, this will definitely be the “true love” place for them!

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – Universal Studios Japan shuttle ferry by Captain Line

Next, experience the feeling of seeing the whole city from the 112-meter high Tempozan Ferris Wheel. In the afternoon, you will move to Osaka Castle – the symbol of the city. Take time to walk around the castle grounds, learn about the history and take beautiful photos, especially at sunset.

Day 3: Stroll Around Hozenji Yokocho and Admire Abeno Harukas

The third day’s itinerary is a unique combination of the ancient and modern features of Osaka. You can start in the Minami area, stroll through the old alley of Hozenji Yokocho with traditional eateries and explore the unique Doguyasuji Arcade shopping area for cooking utensils.

Then, visit Den Den Town – a paradise for manga, anime and video game lovers. End the day at the Abeno Harukas 300 observation deck on the 60th floor, where you can admire the whole view of Osaka sparkling with lights.

HARUKAS 300 Observatory Ticket in Osaka

Day 4: Kyoto and Immerse Yourself in Kiyomizu-dera

Saying goodbye to Osaka, you will travel to the ancient capital of Kyoto by JR Special Rapid Service or Hankyu Limited Express in just 30-50 minutes. After checking in, you will explore the ancient Higashiyama area. The first destination is Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its unique wooden main hall.

Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple 3 Hours & Nara Park

Next, take a stroll on the stone streets of Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka with traditional craft shops and teahouses. In the evening, you can stroll around the Gion area to learn about geisha culture and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple

The fifth day will be a peaceful day for you to slow down and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the ancient capital of Kyoto. You can take a train to the Arashiyama area to explore the lush bamboo forest, where you will feel like you are lost in another world. Then, visit Tenryu-ji Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a peaceful Zen garden.

In the afternoon, you will move to Kinkaku-ji Temple, admire the magnificent gilded architecture reflected on the lake. At the end of the day, you can find tranquility at Daitoku-ji Temple and enjoy a romantic dinner at Pontocho or Kiyamachi-dori along the river.

Kyoto Arashiyama, Nara Park, Fushimi Shrine Tour from Osaka/Kyoto

Day 6: Fushimi Inari Taisha’s Thousand Torii Gates and Nishiki Market

This day’s itinerary will take you to the sacred symbol of Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates lining the long path leading up the mountain, this place offers a unique and impressive experience.

In the afternoon, explore Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, to enjoy street food such as tamagoyaki rolled eggs, tsukemono pickles and shop for local specialties as gifts.

Day 7: Shopping at Kyoto Station and Returning to Vietnam

On the last day, you can spend the morning shopping for unique souvenirs at Kyoto Station area or enjoy a relaxing breakfast at a famous local cafe.

If you have time, you can visit Porta Shopping Mall or The Cube to find your favorite items. Then, you travel to Kansai International Airport by Haruka Express Train, complete the procedures and board the plane back to Vietnam, ending a memorable trip to two beautiful cities.

Car Rental with Driver in Kyoto

Osaka – Kyoto 7 Days 6 Nights Self-sufficient Travel Cost

Planning a 7-day, 6-night Osaka – Kyoto trip requires careful preparation, especially in terms of cost. The reference cost table below will help you have an overview of the necessary expenses for the trip, helping you plan a reasonable budget and fully enjoy your vacation.

Category	Details	Estimated Cost (USD/person)	Note
Round trip airfare	Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, JAL, ANA, v.v.	381.32 - 571.97	Depends on airline and booking time
JR Pass/transportation card	Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass, Haruka train ticket, etc.	57.20 - 95.33	Save more than buying single tickets
Hotel (6 nights)	Mid-range hotel (3-4 stars)	228.79 - 343.18	38.13 - 57.20 USD/night
Admission ticket	Osaka Castle, Kaiyukan Aquarium, etc.	38.13 - 57.20	Fares are subject to change
Food costs	38.13 USD/day	7,000,000	Depends on eating style
Shopping and gifts			Depending on individual needs
Total cost (estimated)		972.35 - 1,334.60	Shopping costs not included

Note:

• This is an estimated cost for one person, not including personal expenses such as shopping, gifts or other incidental expenses.
• To save money, you can choose cheap flights, stay at budget hotels or hostels, and cook some meals.

What to Eat When Traveling to Osaka – Kyoto for 7 Days 6 Nights on Your Own?

Traveling to Osaka and Kyoto for 7 days 6 nights is a great opportunity for you to explore the rich cuisine of the Kansai region. Below are the delicious dishes and specialties you must try in these two cities.

Takoyaki Octopus Balls

This grilled octopus ball is a symbol of Osaka street food. Takoyaki is made from diluted wheat flour, filled with octopus, green onions and pickled ginger. After being grilled until golden brown in a round mold, the hot takoyaki balls are drizzled with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise and sprinkled with bonito flakes, creating an unforgettable flavor.

Okonomiyaki Pancake

Okonomiyaki is considered a “Japanese pizza” with the main ingredients being shredded cabbage, flour, eggs and various toppings such as pork, shrimp, squid. The cake is grilled on a teppan pan, then covered with a special sauce, mayonnaise and bonito flakes. This dish is a perfect combination of the sweetness of cabbage and the rich saltiness of the sauces.

Kushikatsu Skewers

Kushikatsu is a typical deep-fried skewer, most popular in the Shinsekai neighborhood. Meat, seafood and vegetables are skewered, coated in panko flour and deep-fried until golden brown. What makes kushikatsu special is the unique dipping sauce, however, you can only dip it once to ensure hygiene.

Famous Yudofu Tofu

This is a delicate boiled tofu dish, imbued with the culinary style of Kyoto. Fresh tofu is cut into pieces, lightly boiled in a sweet dashi broth with a little bit of vegetables. This dish represents the purity and sophistication of Zen cuisine, bringing a light, pleasant feeling, very suitable to enjoy at restaurants near temples.

Enjoy Seasonal Cuisine Kaiseki Ryori

Kaiseki Ryori is not just a meal, but a high-class culinary art experience. This is a feast of many traditional dishes meticulously prepared from seasonal ingredients. Each dish is exquisitely presented, demonstrating respect for Japanese culture and culinary sophistication.

Shojin Ryori

A traditional vegetarian cuisine of Buddhist monks, Shojin Ryori is made from purely plant-based ingredients such as tofu and seasonal vegetables. This dish is not only frugal but also contains a philosophy of meditation, bringing a sense of peace and relaxation to the diner. You can find this dish at restaurants near major temples.

Hamo Dishes

Hamo (sea eel) is a summer specialty of Kyoto. Although the fish has many small bones, thanks to the skillful “honegiri” (bone cutting) technique of the chefs, hamo dishes are still delicious and safe. Hamo is often processed into many dishes such as grilled, tempura or hot pot, bringing a unique and unforgettable flavor.

Matcha Food and Drinks

Matcha (green tea) is considered a specialty of Kyoto. You can enjoy matcha in many different forms, from traditional tea cups in tea ceremonies, to ice cream, cakes, or other desserts. Visit traditional tea houses in the Gion or Uji areas for the most complete experience.

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour

Some Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Osaka – Kyoto 7 Days 6 Nights on Your Own

What do you need to prepare to plan an effective Osaka – Kyoto tour?

You should make a detailed plan, clearly identifying destinations, means of transportation, hotels and time spent at each location.

How to save on transportation costs when traveling to Osaka – Kyoto?

Use travel cards such as the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass or Osaka Amazing Pass. These cards not only help you travel conveniently but also save significantly.

Do you need to know Japanese when traveling?

Although Japan is a developed country, English is not widely spoken in many places, especially small shops, so knowing a little Japanese will help you communicate better.

Should you bring cash or use a credit card when traveling to Japan?

You should prepare both cash and credit cards. Cash is still necessary in small shops, cheap restaurants or some public transportation.

What is the best way to get around Osaka and Kyoto?

Trains and buses are great options for traveling between attractions, helping you explore the two cities easily and economically.

Osaka and Kyoto are the ideal choices for every tourist, with many unforgettable experiences in the journey to discover the land of the rising sun. Osaka with its brightly lit streets, rich cuisine and modern entertainment areas will conquer you from the first step. Meanwhile, Kyoto, the city of historical temples, poetic cobblestone streets and sophisticated tea culture, opens up a fascinating world of traditional Japan.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Osaka you can refer to

• Osaka Amazing Pass (Osaka Pick Up & HK/TW Delivery)
• OSAKA Unlimited Travel Pass (1 or 2 Days)
• Osaka Amazing Pass (HK/TW/ICN/Osaka Pick Up & MY Delivery)
• Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1 Day/2 Days, Kyoto Pick Up)
• JR West Kansai Pass (1, 2, 3 and 4 Day Rail Pass)
• Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
• Limousine Bus Transfers between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka or Kyoto
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)
• Osaka One-Day Walking Tour
• Arashiyama, Nara & Yasaka Shrine & Hanakomiji OneDay Tour from Osaka
• Osaka Amazing Pass & Osaka e-Pass
• teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Ticket
• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• Arashiyama & Nara Todai-ji Day Tour from Osaka
• Solaniwa Onsen Ticket in Osaka
• Nara, Todaiji Temple & Kuroshio Market One Day Tour from Osaka
• Sanda Outlet Market, Nara Park & Todaiji Temple Day Tour from Osaka
• ICOCA IC Card
• The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living Ticket

Are you looking for more Osaka travel guide and top things to do in Osaka: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Osaka travel blog — The fullest Osaka city guide for a wonderful trip to Osaka for the first-timers.