Ready for your trip to Kansai? This 7-day itinerary is designed to show you the best of western Japan’s off-the-beaten-track destinations, like Tottori, Kinosaki Onsen, and Okayama.
It’s ideal for visitors who want to combine the big city experience of Osaka, with the Japan’s most diverse natural landscapes and historic sites.
Using your Kansai Wide Area Pass, you’ll travel on the famous Shinkansen and Limited Express trains to get the most out of your time in Japan. The itinerary has all the details you need to plan your adventure and allows for travel days either side of the 5-day pass.
Unlimited travel for 5 days around the entirety of the Kansai region, including passage on the Sanyo Shinkansen train between Osaka and Okayama.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Airport to Osaka
After landing at Kansai International Airport, make your way to central Osaka. You’ll activate your JR Regional Pass later in the trip, so use an ICOCA card or local tickets today.
Take the Haruka Express to Tennoji or Shin-Osaka Station, depending on which is closest to your hotel. You’ll arrive in the city in around 50 minutes. Settle in and spend the rest of the day exploring Osaka.
Kick off your trip with a stroll through Dotonbori, home to Osaka’s famous Glico running man sign. You’ll find plenty of popular food stalls selling favorites like takoyaki octopus balls and okonomiyaki savory pancakes.
If you have more time, visit Osaka Castle and its pretty grounds and gardens, or head to the Umeda Sky Building for spectacular city views from the Floating Garden Observatory.
Day 2: Osaka to Himeji
Start the day by activating your Kansai Wide Area Pass. If you’re staying close to Shin-Osaka station, head there and catch a Hikari or Kodama train on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. You’ll arrive at Himeji Station in around 30 to 40 minutes.
You can also get to Himeji from Osaka Station with the JR Special Rapid Service in around 1 hour.
Once you arrive, walk from the station to Himeji Castle. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most popular original castles. Make the most of your day trip and visit Kokoen Garden, located next to the castle.
Miyuki-dori shopping street is a great place to spend the afternoon. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, don’t miss Himeji oden, a local specialty dish made with ginger soy sauce.
In the late afternoon or evening, take the JR train back to Osaka using your pass.
Alternate day 2: Osaka to Nara
Activate your Kansai Wide Area Pass and take the JR Yamatoji Line Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Nara. The journey takes about 50 minutes in total.
Once you arrive, walk from the station to Nara Park. It’s famous for its friendly sika deer who wander around freely, as well as the Great Buddha, one of the largest in Japan, in Todai-ji Temple. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is also a top spot for visitors.
In the afternoon, visit the Nara National Museum to see varied examples of Buddhist art, or take a stroll through Isuien Garden.
Return to Osaka by train and visit Tennoji, one of the city’s oldest districts, for dinner.
Day 3: Osaka to Okayama
Today, you leave Osaka for a few days to explore other parts of the Kansai region. Okayama is your next stop.
Morning
Board the Sanyo Shinkansen from Osaka to Okayama Station on a Hikari or Kodama train. The journey takes about 1 hour. Once you arrive, make the 20-minute stroll to Korakuen Garden, an impressive island park in the Asahi River.
Afternoon
Okayama Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its black exterior, is just a short walk from Korakuen Garden.
Alternatively, head back to the station and take the 20-minute JR train to Kurashiki. Here, you can explore the Bikan Historical Quarter, with its preserved Edo-period buildings set along a canal.
Evening
Enjoy an evening meal in Okayama before heading to your hotel. The Omotecho shopping street is a good place to try barazushi, a local sushi specialty. It’s a covered arcade with plenty of friendly restaurants and cafés.
Day 4: Okayama to Tottori
Take the JR Sanyo Main Line from Okayama to Kamigori Station, then transfer to the Limited Express Super Inaba to reach Tottori Station. The total journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.
You’ll be staying overnight in Tottori. The city is known for its natural beauty and slow pace of life. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere and choose an activity to do in the afternoon:
- Tottori Sand Dunes — Japan’s largest dunes at around 10 miles in length
- The Sand Museum — home to world-class sand sculptures
- Tottori Castle Ruins — a great place to get panoramic city views
Day 5: Tottori to Kinosaki Onsen
Today, you’re moving on to Kinosaki Onsen, a hot spring town renowned for its healing waters since the 8th century. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge.
Morning
Make the 2-hour journey by train to Kinosaki Onsen. The route follows the coast, so prepare for pleasant views as you travel. Stretch your legs with a walk along the canal once you arrive.
Afternoon
Enjoy some relaxation time in the onsen public baths. You’ll find a range of bath styles at different onsen sites in the town, including hotels with private spa facilities. Remember to follow local etiquette when using the baths.
Evening
Stay overnight in a ryokan, a type of traditional inn. Many hotels of this type serve traditional multi-course kaiseki dinners, with many different dishes to try.
Day 6: Kinosaki Onsen to Kyoto
Before making the journey on to Kyoto in the afternoon, ride the Kinosaki Ropeway cable car for panoramic sea views. You can ride the gondola back down, or make the journey by foot in around 30 minutes.
In the afternoon, take the Limited Express Kinosaki directly to Kyoto Station. The journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. Once you arrive, settle into your accommodation and then head out to explore.
Visit Kyoto Tower to get a bird’s eye view of the city and then head to Nishiki Market to try out local street food on the go.
Day 7: Kyoto to airport
Your Kansai Wide Area Pass has now expired, so use an ICOCA card or buy individual tickets for local travel today.
Spend your morning soaking up the atmosphere in Kyoto and picking up souvenirs. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine early to beat the crowds and then stroll through the Gion district for a final taste of traditional Japanese culture.
When it’s time to head to Kansai Airport, take the Haruka Express from Kyoto Station. The direct journey only takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Unlimited travel for 5 days around the entirety of the Kansai region, including passage on the Sanyo Shinkansen train between Osaka and Okayama.