7 Days Road Trip in Japan Kansai Region
This 7 days road trip covers most of the popular attractions in Japan Kansai Region (Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeiji, Kobe). To travel conveniently within the Kansai Region, you are advised to purchase the Kansai Region Rail pass (Kansai Thru Pass).
Summary of this itinerary:
A. Day 1 to 3 – Kyoto
B. Day 4 – Nara
C. Day 5 & 6 – Osaka
D & E. Day 7 – Himeiji and Kobe
About Japan
Japan is an island country in the east asia which is also known as the “land of the rising sun”. Japan has 5 main islands and it is divided into 47 prefectures in 8 regions
The currency of Japan is Japan Yen (JPY).
Day 1 to 3 – Kyoto
For day 1, visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion Temple) and immerse yourself in the beauty of extravagant Kitayama culture. Kinkaku-ji is Kyoto’s most iconic sight and it was also an inspiration for Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion Temple).
After visiting the Golden Pavilion Temple, go to the Nijō Castle and enjoy a stroll in the beautiful Seiryu-en garden. In the late afternoon, visit Kiyomizu-dera, one of the most celebrated temples of Japan.
For day 2, it is time to explore further parts of Kyoto. Go to the Fushimi Inari Tasha and walk through thousands of vermilion Torii Gate. The Torii Gate trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.
It is easier to take nice photo in the deeper parts of Torii Gate trails as there are lesser people at the top.
For day 3, start your day by walking in the magnificent Arashimaya Bamboo Forest and enjoy the sound of foliage swaying in the breeze. After that, visit the nearby Tenryuji Temple, the top temple among Kyoto’s five great Zen temples.
If you have time to spare, take the Sagano Scenic Railway and enjoy the beautiful view of the scenery as the old-fashioned train slowly wind their way through the mountains.
Day 4 – Nara
For day 4, visit the Nara Deer Park and feed the polite bowing deer. Thereafter, go to the nearby Tōdai-ji Temple which houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. In addition, go to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine where it is famous for its many bronze lantern.
If you have time to spare, go to the Yakushi-ji Temple, one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan. Otherwise, go to the Suzakumon, an reconstructed main gate of the imperial palaces in the Japanese ancient capitals of Kashihara, Nara and Kyoto. Suzakumon is a gate in the middle of plain land, which is pretty cool.
Becareful of Nara Deers, they might chase you if you are holding some foods.
Day 5 & 6 – Osaka
For day 5, visit the Osaka Castle in the day. Osaka Castle is a castle museum with nicely maintained and documented museum exhibits. After that, shop and dine in the Dōtonbori area and remember to take photo with the famous Glico Runningman, one of the most well known landmarks in Osaka.
For day 6, it is time to do something different! How about making your own instant ramen in the Osaka Ramen Museum? It is actually quite fun to make your own instant ramen and you get to learn more about the manufacturing process of instant ramen in the museum. After filling your stomach with your own instant ramen, drop by in the nearby minoo park and enjoy an oasis of serenity amidst the bustling city.
Day 7 – Himeiji and Kobe
For the last day, go to Himeiji Castle, one of the best preserved feudal castle in Japan. When you are hungry, how about going to Kobe and try their Kobe beef? Kobe Beef is definitely one of the best beef that I had ever tasted. After that, go to the kobe port and enjoy the sunset scenery.
Ending Remarks
It was too rush to spend 7 days of travelling in Kansai Region. I feel that the ideal duration should be 10 days. Himeiji and Kobe should be split into a day trip each. In addition, there are a lot of activities and attractions in Osaka that I did not managed to cover e.g. Universal Studios Japan.
However, it is not advisable to stay too long either. I got a little tired of temple after visiting temples for a few consecutive days. My advice is to plan your own itinerary such that you should not be visiting temples for a few consecutive days. Instant Ramen Museum was a good getaway from temple in this trip.