
Kyoto Day Trip from Osaka
Osaka, Japan
About This Activity
Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, is only 15 minutes by shinkansen from Osaka or 30 minutes by Hankyu express. In a single day, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (free, open 24 hours) for its 10,000 vermillion torii gates, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji garden, and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion, ¥500). Return via Gion at dusk to watch for geiko and maiko on Hanami-koji. A focused day allows three major sites comfortably; four is possible with early starts.
Seasonal note: Cherry blossoms and autumn foliage peak
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 79 of our curated itineraries.
Best 5 Days in Japan — Temples & Shrines
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka
Best 7 Days in Japan — Photography
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka
Best 7 Days in Japan — Temples & Shrines
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka
Best 7 Days in Japan — History
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka
Best 7 Days in Japan — Art & Culture & Temples & Shrines
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka
Best 7 Days in Japan — Nature & Photography
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka
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