17 days in Kyoto Prefecture & Osaka Prefecture Itinerary

The national capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto retains much of the charm of old Japan, boasting numerous temples and shrines that seem completely untouched by the modern world.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park and The Museum Meiji-mura will appeal to museum buffs. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Ise Shrine Geku and Kyoto Railway Museum. Venture out of the city with trips to Ise (Aramatsurinomiya, Sengukan, & more). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninna-ji Temple, step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, and get a taste of the local shopping with Nishiki Market Shopping District.

To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Kyoto trip itinerary planner.

Vancouver, Canada to Kyoto is an approximately 13-hour combination of flight and train. You can also do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time to Japan Standard Time is 17 hours. In February, daily temperatures in Kyoto can reach 11°C, while at night they dip to 1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) so you can catch the train to Uji.

Lying between Kyoto and Nara, the small city of Uji stands as a place of culture and history.

On the 2nd (Mon), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Jizozenin Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Shuonan Ikkyuji Temple, steep yourself in history at Byodoin, take in the exciting artwork at Asahiyaki, then get to know the fascinating history of Byodoin Omote-sando, and finally admire the masterpieces at Byodo-in Temple Museum Hoshokan.

To find maps, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Uji trip planner.

Uji is very close to Kyoto. In March, daytime highs in Uji are 16°C, while nighttime lows are 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Mon) early enough to drive to Miyazu.

Though home to one of Japan's long-admired "three views," few people know Miyazu by name.

Miketsukuni Wakasa Obama Food Cultural Center and Fukuchiyama City Flood Control Memorial are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Amanohashidate and Wakasa History Museum. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Miyazu: Saba Kaido Museum (in Obama) and Fukuchiyama (Kannonji Temple, Onitakeinari Shrine, & more). There's much more to do: stroll around Kasamatsu Park, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Miyazu Catholic Church, find something for the whole family at Amanohashidate View Land, and don't miss a visit to Kyu Mikamiye House.

To see traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, read Miyazu trip planner .

Traveling by car from Uji to Miyazu takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Uji in March, you will find days in Miyazu are little chillier (13°C), and nights are about the same (5°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to drive to Suita.

A smaller metropolis near Osaka, Suita remains best known for hosting the World's Fair in 1970.

On the 6th (Fri), get engrossed in the history at Imashirotsuka Ancient　Museum, get your game on at Expocity, examine the collection at Expo'70 Pavilion, then walk around Expo '70 Commemorative Park, and finally explore the world behind art at Itami City Museum of Art. Keep things going the next day: make a trip to The Former Nishio Family House, see the interesting displays at Panasonic Museum, stroll around The Tower of the Sun, take an in-depth tour of Ichizo Kobayashi Memorial Museum, then see the interesting displays at CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA, and finally take an in-depth tour of Takarazuka City Historical Museum Old Wada House.

To find maps, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Suita journey builder app .

Getting from Miyazu to Suita by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. In March in Suita, expect temperatures between 16°C during the day and 5°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) early enough to take a train to Osaka.

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Hankyu Umeda Honten and Nigatsu-do Temple. Do your shopping at Dotonbori and Midosuji Street. Go for a jaunt from Osaka to Chuo to see Kawasaki Good Times World about 58 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Toshodai-ji Temple, ponder the world of politics at Mint Museum, examine the collection at Kids Plaza Osaka, and have some family-friendly fun at Sunset Owl Cafe.

Start your trip to Osaka by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Osaka is just a stone's throw from Suita. In March, plan for daily highs up to 16°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) so you can travel back home.