5-Day Osaka, Kyoto & Nara Itinerary - Complete Kansai Guide

5 day Osaka Kyoto Nara rewards early starts and unhurried evenings.

Sakura forecasts swing by a week—our timing cushions for early or late bloom.

This 5 days plan lines up opening times, crowd lulls, and golden light—so your photos and feet both thank you.

We’ll keep detours in pocket: a café with wagashi flair and a calm shrine when crowds swell.

You’ll start at 08:00 with fushimi inari shrine (early access) in Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.

Booking: No booking required.

Tip: Go early (before 8am) to avoid crowds; allow 2-3 hours for full hike.

Midday brings at 11:30 with gion district & tea houses in Gion, Kyoto.

Booking: Tea ceremonies require advance booking.

Tip: Evening best for geisha spotting; tea houses open 10:00-17:00.

Later at 18:00 with pontocho alley dinner in Pontocho, Kyoto.

Booking: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for popular restaurants.

Tip: Dinner reservations essential; riverside seating in summer.

Wear broken‑in walking shoes to avoid blisters.

Carry a refillable water bottle; convenience stores will keep you topped up.

Osaka all year rewards flexible timing.

Mornings are crisp; afternoons suit slow garden walks under blossom canopies.

Sakura forecasts swing by a week—our timing cushions for early or late bloom.

We bias mornings for light and evenings for cooler air, leaving middays for food and transit.

Wear broken‑in walking shoes to avoid blisters.

Carry a refillable water bottle; convenience stores will keep you topped up.

Osaka bookings vary by venue and week.

Weekend slots sell out—book 2–3 weeks ahead.

Reserve marquee meals 2–4 weeks out and observation decks 3–7 days out; allow buffers for weather.

Wear broken‑in walking shoes to avoid blisters.

Carry a refillable water bottle; convenience stores will keep you topped up.