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Kansai, Japan is a captivating land with unique traditional cultures. Let's explore the super useful 7-day, 6-night Kansai travel itinerary with Klook!
Kansai Travel Tips for First-Timers
Surrounded by historical heritage, breathtaking nature, and unique attractions, Kansai is the ideal destination to savor Japan's distinctive beauty. Most travelers choose Osaka as a base and easily explore surrounding cities like Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Moreover, transportation within the Kansai region is very convenient with various suitable travel passes. If you're feeling unsure where to start, worry not! Klook has prepared a 7-day itinerary in Kansai, perfect for those stepping foot into this amazing land for the first time.
Exciting 7-Day, 6-Night Kansai Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Osaka
Klook Tip: To experience unlimited rides on trains and buses as well as free entry to over 40 top attractions in Osaka, use the Osaka Amazing Pass! Many places mentioned in this article can be visited entirely for free with this pass.
Start your Osaka exploration journey by heading straight to the historical icon - Osaka Castle. With 5 floors and 8 floors, the castle nestled within impressive stone walls, a beautiful garden, moats, and grand gates, all create a masterpiece that will leave you in awe. The castle grounds (Osaka Castle Park) are especially vibrant in spring, when cherry blossoms bloom beautifully!
If you're a fan of aquariums, don't miss the Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium. Kaiyukan is not only one of the most beautiful aquariums in Japan but also globally renowned for its vivid and creative recreation of the Pacific Ocean. In addition to themed large tanks, the centerpiece of the aquarium is a large conical-shaped artificial tank, the home of whale sharks, the world's largest fish. Here, you'll encounter 30,000 marine creatures including otters, seals, penguins, dolphins, sharks, rays, and jellyfish.
Right next to the Kaiyukan Aquarium is the massive Tempozan Ferris Wheel. With a diameter of up to 100 meters, a height of 112.5 meters, and a capacity of 60 cabins, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel stands among the world's largest ferris wheels. If you're up for a challenge, opt for a transparent cabin with a see-through floor to enjoy the entire scenery from above! And for a new perspective of the city, the space atop the Tempozan Ferris Wheel will leave you thrilled.
Don't forget to snap a unique photo with the Glico sign and indulge in Japan's street food specialties like takoyaki, melon pan, gyoza, and okonomiyaki! If you're planning to spend an evening in Dotonbori, here are some highly rated restaurants you might consider:
- Kani Doraku (famous for crab dishes)
- Ichiran Ramen
- Mizuno (Osaka-style Okonomiyaki)
- Kani Doraku (grilled crab legs)
- Takoyaki Juhachiban
- Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M
- Kinryu Ramen
- Kushikatsu Daruma
#teamKlook tip: Did you know? You can also enjoy a free boat ride on the Tombori River with the Osaka Amazing Pass!
There's no better way to end your first night in Osaka than by admiring the captivating beauty of the night scene. After dinner, head to the Umeda Sky Building, one of Osaka's tallest and most iconic skyscrapers. From the Sky Garden observatory atop the building, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline - best experienced at sunset or after the city lights twinkle at night.
Day 2: Get Lost in Universal Studios Japan
On the second day, head to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka to get lost in the ultimate entertainment paradise! From the magical world of Harry Potter to the newly opened Super Nintendo World, this is the ideal destination for theme park enthusiasts. You can explore areas like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minions. Don't miss out on the uniquely Japanese areas, where you'll encounter childhood anime favorites!
After a long day at Universal Studios Japan, hop on the subway for about half an hour to reach Shinsekai, a classic neighborhood in southern Osaka. Shinsekai is beloved for its charm and unique attractions like the Tsutenkaku Tower (formerly known as Osaka's Eiffel Tower). Many come here to enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere with classic eateries and budget-friendly Japanese-style bars. This area is also famous for restaurants serving kushikatsu, a popular local delicacy of Osaka! Indulge in a cozy dinner or a delicious meal with crispy kushikatsu skewers (fried meat and vegetables skewered and fried) at a unique local restaurant.
Day 3: Exploring Kyoto
Kyoto, one of Japan's top tourist destinations, is often visited in conjunction with Osaka due to the convenience of travel between the two cities.
Klook Pro Tip: Click here to explore various transportation passes that help you travel from Osaka to Kyoto in minutes. Consider using the Kintetsu Rail Pass, Kansai Thru Pass, or JR Pass if you plan to visit multiple areas within Kansai.
Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a sprawling city with beautiful temples and ancient shrines carrying centuries of significant history. While there are numerous places to visit and activities to experience, if you only have one day, choose from the list of popular attractions in this enchanting historical city:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its red Torii gates leading up the mountain.
- Kinkaku-ji Temple: The temple with a sparkling golden main pavilion.
- Kiyomizu-dera: Temple perched on a cliff with stunning city views.
- Gion district: Famous traditional district known for wooden shops and eateries.
- Yasaka Shrine: A shrine at the heart of the Gion district.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Famous bamboo forest in the Arashiyama district.
- Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama: Where you can observe wild monkeys and enjoy beautiful views.
- Sagano Romantic Train: A train ride through scenic Sagano River and bamboo forest.
- Kifune Shrine: A shrine located by the Kamo River.
- Nijo Castle: One of the largest castles in Kyoto with beautiful gardens.
- Nishiki Market: Famous market selling all kinds of specialties and food.
- Maruyama Park: Large park with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
- Kyoto International Manga Museum: Manga museum with thousands of books and artworks.
- Kyoto Botanical Gardens: Large and diverse botanical garden.
Day 4: Explore Nara
If you've ever seen videos of graceful deer bowing to exchange biscuits from tourists, then you definitely can't miss a day trip to Nara. Just under an hour from Osaka and Kyoto, Nara is the perfect destination if you love adorable deer and exquisite traditional shrines. Although the city is small, Nara is packed with cultural heritage, including some of Japan's largest and oldest temples. Here are the must-visit spots when you're in Nara:
- Nara Deer Park: A wonderful park where you can interact with friendly deer.
- Todaiji Temple: The famous temple with the largest Buddha statue in Japan and an important historical landmark.
- Horyuji Temple: One of the oldest and largest temples in Japan.
- Isuien Garden: A traditional garden with fresh and beautiful landscapes.
- Yoshikien Garden: Another garden with harmonious architecture and natural design.
If you return to Osaka in the evening, head to teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, a romantic outdoor exhibition you shouldn't miss if you're passionate about interactive art. During the day, teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka functions as a botanical garden, but at night, it transforms into a unique art space. This space changes dynamically, reflecting the wind, rain, and the interaction between humans and the surrounding environment.
Day 5: Spend a Night in Kinosaki Hot Spring Town
If you're in Kansai during autumn or winter, you can't miss the onsen experience. Few people know that less than a 3-hour drive from Osaka and Kyoto lies a charming onsen town. Kinosaki Onsen is a picturesque small town nestled deep in the lush green valley of Hyogo Prefecture, where traditional wooden buildings house natural hot springs along the long winding river.
To have the most wonderful moments in Kinosaki, book a room at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), stroll around the town in a yukata, and relax in the communal onsen baths scattered throughout the town. Individual onsen tickets are priced at only 700 yen, and you can also enjoy unlimited relaxation with all seven public onsen baths in the town with a yumepa pass.
Day 6: Stopover in Kobe
On your way back to Osaka, make sure to visit Kobe! Situated by the port with magnificent views, Kobe is famous not only for its renowned Kobe beef but also for many other unique and exciting experiences. If you're interested in sake, there are several sake breweries and sake museums you can visit and join guided tours. For hiking enthusiasts, you can take a cable car ride or hike to enjoy breathtaking sunsets. Additionally, Kobe features unique spots like the park commemorating the 1995 earthquake, a fruit park with 10,000 blooming tulips each spring, and an animal park with over 800 animals, including pandas and koalas!
Wrap up your Kobe exploration by indulging in the famous Kobe beef for lunch or dinner. Although Kobe beef is usually pricey, you can still find it at smaller restaurants in Kobe, where you can enjoy a delicious meal at reasonable prices. One highly recommended spot is Steakland Kobekan, where you can savor mouthwatering Kobe beef cooked fresh on the teppanyaki grill. Plus, lunch sets are often cheaper!
Day 7: Last Day in Osaka
Start your final day in Osaka with a unique experience at Kuromon Market, also known as Kuromon Ichiba. It's a bustling market with over 100 stalls where you can explore and shop for fresh seafood, juicy fruits, organic vegetables, unique souvenirs, and amazing street food. Visit this market to buy souvenirs and indulge in popular street foods like grilled crab legs, yakitori, fresh sushi, oysters, takoyaki, onigiri rice balls, and skewered meats.
The next leg of your journey takes you to the Pokemon Center Osaka, a paradise for Pokemon lovers. Located on the 9th floor of Daimaru Shinsaibashi, Pokemon Center Osaka DX not only offers a wide variety of Pokemon products but also serves as an ideal destination for fans to indulge in shopping. Additionally, the official Pokemon Cafe here provides a special dining experience with dishes and desserts designed based on adorable Pokemon characters. From Pikachu-shaped hamburgers to Pokeball-shaped chocolate cakes and latte art featuring Pokemon, each item is beautiful and unique.
#TeamKlook needs more suggestions for other interesting places to explore in Osaka? Here's a list of unique and exciting destinations if you have extra time on your trip:
- HARUKAS 300 Observatory: Enjoy breathtaking views from the HARUKAS 300 observation deck.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka: Explore the LEGO world with plenty of fun activities for the whole family.
- Arima Onsen Taikou-no-yu: Relax at the Arima Onsen Taikou-no-yu hot spring resort.
- Kimono Rental in Osaka: Experience traditional Japanese attire by renting a kimono and visiting famous attractions.
- HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel: Enjoy beautiful views from the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel.
- Maidreamin Osaka (Maid Cafe Experience): Discover the unique and fun maid cafe culture at Maidreamin Osaka.
Kansai, a region rich in history and culture, has provided us with unforgettable experiences throughout the 7-day, 6-night Kansai tour. From the vibrant city life of Osaka to the tranquility of Kyoto, from the distinctive flavors of Kobe to the relaxation at Kinosaki Onsen, each day brought new discoveries. With deep memories and wonderful glimpses of Japanese culture, Klook hopes you found joy and surprises in this journey. Kansai is certainly a must-visit destination for those who love Japanese culture.
Don't forget to follow the Klook Blog to pocket more exciting Japan travel tips like 2-Day 1-Night Kyoto Travel Experience From Tokyo, 4-Day 3-Night Okinawa Travel, 3-Day 2-Night Japan Travel Itinerary, Exciting Solo Travel Destinations in Tokyo,...
Let's plan for the 7-day, 6-night Kansai travel itinerary, folks!
