Two Days in Kyoto (with a Day Trip to Osaka): Temples, Tea, and Neon Nights
Times are planned for public transit between central Kyoto (Karasuma/Kawaramachi) and Osaka via JR/private lines. Reserve kaiseki or popular restaurants in advance. Allow extra transfer time during rush hours.
Packing Tips
- Pack comfortable walking shoes and a light rain layer (Kyoto has many stone paths).
- Bring a portable charger and a Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA-compatible IC card for smooth train rides.
- Small daypack only — streets and trains are cramped.
Safety & Practical Tips
- Carry cash (many traditional shops and some restaurants are cash-preferred).
- Respect shrine/temple etiquette: bow at the torii, wash hands at the chozuya, be quiet in worship areas.
- Trains are punctual — allow a few extra minutes for transfers during peak hours.
Transit Tips
- Use JR trains and private lines (Keihan/Hankyu) between Kyoto and Osaka for fastest routes.
- Arashiyama is best reached by early train to avoid crowds; consider the scenic Sagano Line.
Photography Tips
- Sunrise or early morning is the best light for Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama bamboo grove.
- For Kiyomizu-dera shots, capture the temple from the lower lanes at golden hour for softer light.
Osaka Castle
Dotonbori
Namba
Gion
Kiyomizu-dera
Nishiki Market
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Day 1 — Kyoto: Timeless Temples & Gion Stroll
Morning sunlight warms the vermilion gates as you begin at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Walk through a quiet early set of torii tunnels, letting the rhythm of footsteps set the pace; this is one of those pilgrimage walks that feels personal even when shared with others. From there, take a short train to Kiyomizu-dera — its wooden stage gives a sweeping view of Kyoto’s rooftops and maple-framed hills. Wander the historic lanes of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka; the preserved streets are perfect for slow discovery, craft shops, and tea breaks.
After a refined kaiseki lunch, head to the Gion district for an afternoon of refined atmosphere and chances to glimpse geisha culture. Enjoy an unhurried walk along the Shirakawa Canal — willow-lined and photogenic. Finish the day in Pontocho for dinner: a narrow alley with atmospheric restaurants and river views at night.
Day 2 — Arashiyama Morning, Osaka Afternoon & Evening Neon
Start early in Arashiyama to beat the crowds: the bamboo grove’s tall stalks create a quiet cathedral of green. Visit Tenryu-ji temple and stroll to the Ōi River for a riverside break. Return to central Kyoto by train and take the rapid train to Osaka for a lively contrast: Osaka Castle for history and park scenery, then dive into Namba/Dotonbori for energetic street food and neon-lit canal walks.
In Osaka sample high-quality takoyaki or kushikatsu at recommended spots, then ride back to Kyoto in the evening. If energy allows, end with a calm drink in central Kyoto or a night walk through Gion’s lantern-lit streets.
Insights & Why this works
- Balance: Kyoto mornings are for temples and light (best for photos). Arashiyama’s nature suits early starts. Osaka’s energy is best experienced midday–evening, so the schedule flips quiet mornings with lively afternoons.
- Transit-friendly: All destinations are well-served by JR and private rail lines plus local subways; timings assume train transfers rather than taxis.
- Food & quality: Restaurants and market stops are curated for reputation and local experience, not tourist traps.