Your Japan Travel Itinerary: Where To Stay, Eat & Explore In Kyoto & Osaka

Planning to visit Japan this year? We’ve got all the info you need for a perfect holiday, whether you’re going to Kyoto, Osaka and Nara (or all three). From where to stay, what to eat and what to do, Sassy’s done the legwork for you!

A favourite second home for most Hong Kongers, Japan is home to a vast array of exciting adventures, delicious culinary experiences and stunning ryokans. If you’re not one for the intensity of Shibuya crossing, consider the vibrant food hub of Osaka and the beautiful historic Kyoto. Whether you dedicate your trip to just one of these top destinations, or spend your time touring all of Japan (just in time for cherry blossom season!), we’ve curated a Japan guide sure to satisfy the biggest of foodies and the most keen of adventurers. Happy travels!

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Jump to:
When To Visit Japan & How To Get There
Getting Around
Kyoto
Osaka
Easy Day Trips From Osaka 
Key Phrases

When To Visit Japan & How To Get There

Getting to Japan is extremely easy from Hong Kong, with airlines such as Cathay, Hong Kong Express, JAL, Dragonair and ANA offering direct flights of approximately 4 hours. We recommend flying to Osaka or Tokyo directly, and booking a shinkansen direct if you’re heading to Kyoto (from Tokyo, it will take approximately 2.5 hours and from Osaka, it will take approximately 15 minutes!). 

Although each of Japan’s seasons is beautiful in its own way, the best time to visit is between March and May for the beautiful cherry blossom season, and September to November in the fall to see vibrant autumn foliage when the climate is mild and there’s little rainfall. It’s worth noting that it can get extremely crowded during cherry blossom season and to beware of Golden Week crowds (a week-long Japanese holiday comprised of Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day and Children’s Day). 

Key Japanese public holidays and celebrations to keep in mind:

• January 1 – New Year’s Day (Ganjitsu)
• The second Monday in January – Adult’s Day (Seijin-no hi)
• February 11 – National Founding Day (Kenkoku Kinen-no hi)
• March 20 or 21 – Vernal Equinox (Shunbun-no hi)
• April 29 – Showa Day (Showa-no hi)
• May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpou Kinenbi)
• May 4 – Greenery Day (Midori-no hi)
• May 5 – Children’s Day (Kodomo-no hi)
• The third Monday in July – Marine Day or Ocean Day (Umi-no hi)
• August 11 – Mountain Day (Yama-no hi)
• The third Monday in September – Respect for the Aged Day (Keirou-no hi)
• September 23 or 24 – Autumnal Equinox (Shuubun-no hi)
• The second Monday in October – Health/Sports Day (Taiiku-no hi)
• November 3 – Culture Day (Bunka-no hi)
• November 23 – Labour Thanksgiving Day (Kinrou Kansha-no hi)
• December 23 – Emperor’s Birthday (Tennou Tanjoubi)

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Getting Around In Japan

The most convenient options are the Suica or Japan Rail Green Pass, which gives you access to the first-class carriage on almost any Japan Rail (JR) train, boat or bus (excluding the fastest bullet train or shinkansen) for 7, 14 or 21 days. You can use the card similarly to a Hong Kong Octopus card and use it to make purchases in stations or at 7-11. Many cards can be purchased online, but note that these cards are often sold out, so we recommend purchasing from a station during off-peak hours! 

Although trains are the easiest way to get around in Japan, you can also travel places easily by bus, which offer great sightseeing opportunities (especially when it’s extremely cold or hot!). Cabs are easy to spot and hail, but make sure to have the address in Japanese handy, as they may not speak English. Uber is available in Japan and is considerably more tourist-friendly.

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Kyoto

Hop on the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Osaka, and three hours later you’ll arrive in the ‘City of Ten Thousand Shrines’.  The ancient imperial capital and open spaces are truly stunning, and the serene historic district makes for perfect strolls at any time of the day! As of recently, this spot is often overrun with tourists, so we recommend trying to come here during off-peak seasons and at off-peak hours to avoid the rush and to truly enjoy the peaceful city.

Where To Stay In Kyoto — Traditional Ryokans and indulgent stays at Park Hyatt

Gion Yoshiima — Multilingual ryokan offering traditional futon-style stays on tatami flooring

A beautiful foreigner-friendly ryokan (Japanese guest house) serving excellent food in the heart of Gion, you’ll enjoy the futon-style bedding and tatami flooring, plus morning walks in the stunning garden. 

Gion Yoshiiima, 229 Nishinochō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0088, Japan, +81-75-5612620, www.booking.com/gion-yoshiima-ryokan

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Royal Park Hotel Kyoto — Modern and conveniently located hotel

Located in a buzzing part of downtown Kyoto, this is an unbeatable location. With local restaurants on your doorstep, and the subway and bus stop a 2-minute walk away, you’ll wake up to modern facilities and western-style tapas for breakfast, with the cobbled historical streets of Gion just 10 minutes away.

Royal Park Hotel Kyoto, 〒604-8004 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Japan, 河原町東入ル中島町74 Sanjo Dori, www.the-royalpark.jp/the/kyotosanjo/en

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Park Hyatt Kyoto — Luxury hotel located in the heart of Higashiyama

An especially indulgent stay, the Park Hyatt Kyoto has been on our wishlist since we first heard of Kyoto! Set on historic temple grounds, the hotel offers sweeping views of Yasaka Pagoda and townscape whilst being secluded enough from the busy streets for a moment of respite. You can also enjoy Zen meditation workshops and tea ceremonies for a truly cultural experience.

Park Hyatt Kyoto, 360 Kodaiji Masuyacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi Kyoto, 605-0826 Japan, +81 75 531 1234, www.hyatt.com/tmph-park-hyatt-kyoto

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What To Do In Kyoto — Renting a Kimono and walking through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Rent a Kimono

For a bit of a dress-up opportunity (and the perfect photo-op), rent kimonos to walk around the town and temples! Our team has rented from Yumeyakata before, but there are multiple rental businesses around the area, so it’s a good idea to compare prices while you’re there. Plus, many services also include complimentary photography with the rental! 

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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Take a walk through the famous bamboo forests and marvel at the towering pillars of bamboo. Just note, this is a popular tourist spot, so we recommend heading deeper into the forest to enjoy the serenity away from the crowds (with more photo-opportunities!). Don’t forget to visit the stunning Tenryuji Temple. A short walk away from the temple lies an incredible tofu restaurant, Sagano Yudouhu (嵯峨野豆腐), that we highly recommend! 

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Fushimi Inari Taisha

Seeing the thousands of vermilion torii (Shinto shrine gates) is a must on your trip to Japan. If you’ve tackled Twins Peak before, this will be a breeze for you, but note that there are many, many, many steps here! Walk up through the famed red gates and have fun checking out the vendors and eating street food along the way.

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Where To Eat In Kyoto — Kyoto Ramen Street Station and the famous Arabica Arashiyama

Kyoto Ramen Street Station

If you’re travelling to or from Kyoto by train, make sure to check out the famous Ramen Alley in Kyoto Station. Located on the 10^th floor of the station, this is a corridor full of ramen shops, showcasing various varieties from all over Japan. Quick, cheap and super satisfying, you order from the traditional ramen “vending machines” outside the shopfronts. It’s a fun (and delicious!) experience whilst waiting for your train.

Kyoto Ramen Street (Kyoto Ramen Koji), 600-8216 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Japan, www.kyotostation.com/kyoto-ramen-street-kyoto-ramen-koji

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% ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama

Overlooking the historic Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, the global flagship store of Arabica offers premium views of the Arashiyama Mountain and Ooi River alongside its picture-perfect design. Be warned, lines here are extremely long (we can attest to queuing for over an hour!), but incredibly worth it for a delicious Kyoto Latte whilst taking in such a stunning view.

% ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama, 3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan, arabica.com/arabica-kyoto-arashiyama

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Sagano Yudouhu (嵯峨野豆腐)

Located inside the bamboo forest, a stunning vegetarian and tofu-focused restaurant with a tranquil garden. They only serve one set menu, and everything is delicious, full of flavour and satisfying. A true hidden gem in our books! 

Sagano Yudouhu (嵯峨野豆腐), 45 Susukinobana-cho, SagaTenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan, +81 75 871 6946, restaurant.ikyu.com

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Osaka

From Kyoto, hop onto the Shinkansen to Osaka, a quick 15-minute ride away. Or simply fly direct to Osaka from Hong Kong. Whether you’re visiting Universal Studios, Dotonburi Arcade or the city’s famed shopping districts, Osaka’s vibrancy makes for a fun-filled few days.

Where to Stay In Osaka

Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka

A short walk from Namba Station and Dotonbori, Fraser Residence Nankai is a popular hotel in Osaka. Rooms are spacious, kitted with a kitchenette and reasonably priced. The hotel’s service and Japanese breakfast are bonuses.

Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka, 1 Chome-17-11 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 556-0011, Japan, www.booking.com/hotel/jp/fraser-residence-nankai-osaka

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Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

Housed in the tallest building in Japan, this hotel offers breathtaking views of Osaka in comfy, spacious rooms. Conveniently located with direct access to the Tennoji Station, you’ll find everything you would expect from a Marriott. The hotel is in the same building as the Kintetsu Department Store, so there are tons of shopping and dining options, including a great supermarket located just minutes away.

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel, 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-0052, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/osamc-osaka-marriott-miyako-hotel

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Waqoo Shitadera-machi

Located just 500 metres from popular areas such as Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai, Waqoo Shitaderamachi offers traditional yet spacious tatami-style rooms with clean and modern facilities. Previously a spot for worshipers visiting temples and shrines, in recent years, these Shukubos (temple lodging) have accepted tourists.

Waqoo Shitadera-machi, 2-5-12, Tennoji-ku Shitadera-machi, Osaka, Japan, +81 6 6775 7020, waqoo-shitadera.com

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Where To Eat in Osaka — Dontonbori Arcade, Kuromon Ichiba Market and Gyukatsu Motomura

Dotonbori Arcade

Located in the heart of the Minami District, this is a sensory experience with lights and sights, and delicious treats available as you stroll through the arcade. Osaka is known as a foodie’s paradise, and the famed street food includes takoyaki, okonomiyaki and yakisoba! Plus, we highly recommend picking up a sweet treat such as strawberry daifuku or hitting the acclaimed Cremia ice cream stand for dessert! 

Dotonbori Arcade, 542-0071 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan

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Kuromon Ichiba Market

As one of the main food markets in Osaka, this spacious market is a foodie paradise! Best for fresh seafood, you’ll be amazed at the variety of sushi and fresh cuts of Japanese beef. Skip breakfast on this day — you’re in for a big lunch!

Kuromon Ichiba Market, 2 Chome-4-番１号 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0073, Japan, www.osakastation.com/kuromon-ichiba-market

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Gyukatsu Motomura

A staple in most major Japanese cities, you’ll recognise this chain by its self-grilling service and long lines! With stunning cuts of beef that you grill on your own personal hot stone, you’ll come back despite the long lines! Plus, prices are a steal!

Gyukatsu Motomura, 3-3-1 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0076, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, www.gyukatsu-motomura.com

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What To Do In Osaka — Osaka Castle & Park, Universal Studios Japan

Explore Osaka Castle & Park

Soak up one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks surrounded by sprawling green space, ample walking space and gorgeous views (especially during cherry blossom season!). The castle museum gives you a quick dive into Osaka’s history, and the views from the top are worth the slight climb. Plus, you’ll often spot some locals taking their pets (including birds!) for an outing in the park.

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Experience Thrills at Universal Studios Japan

This is definitely one of the best theme parks in Asia, packed full of thrill-inducing rides and the opportunity to step into the worlds you love! Whether you’re here for Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter or classic theme park chaos, Universal Studios Japan offers an entire day of fun. We recommend booking express tickets a few months in advance before your trip, as tickets (especially for Nintendo World) sell out fast.

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Round1 Stadium

Finally, a place to unleash that competitive streak you’ve been hiding! Round1 Stadium is Osaka’s mega-sized playground packed with arcade games, karaoke rooms, bowling lanes, batting cages, roller skating, darts, billiards and even a full-on go-kart track. It’s open late and budget-friendly, making it an ideal spot to hit up in between food tastings.

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Day Trips From Osaka: Hiroshima, Miyajima & Nara

Hiroshima

Hop on the Shinkansen from Kyoto or Osaka (around 1.5 to 2 hours) and head straight for the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where history hits in a powerful, grounding way. After a quiet morning exploring the memorial grounds, stroll past the Atomic Dome and explore the riverside paths before grabbing lunch nearby. We recommend pairing this spot with a quick ferry over to Miyajima.

Miyajima

Most famous for its “floating” torii gate, Miyajima is a peaceful spot in Japan offering the most iconic mountain and ocean views. You can arrive at Miyajima by taking the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, then transferring to a 10-minute ferry ride across the bay. Once on the island, check out Itsukushima Shrine, walk out to the torii at low tide, snack your way through the cute streets, or take the ropeway up Mt. Misen for some seriously stellar views. Plus, the free-roaming deer are a total bonus, away from the bustle of Nara!

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Nara

Nara is the easiest (and cutest) day trip you’ll take in Japan! Just under an hour from Kyoto or Osaka via JR or Kintetsu lines, you’ll arrive at a committee of semi-polite deer who will absolutely try to negotiate snacks with deep bows and cute faces (just remember to bow back at them!) Explore the sprawling Nara Park, step inside the massive wooden hall of Tōdai-ji to see the Great Buddha and wander through tranquil gardens and shrines for a calm and wholesome day trip.

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Key Phrases

• おはようございます ohayou gozaimasu – Good morning!
• こんにちは  konnichiwa – Hello / Good afternoon!
• 久しぶり  hisashiburi – It’s been a while.
• じゃあまた jaa mata – See you!
• お元気で  o genki de – Take care.
• お名前は何ですか？o namae wa nan desu ka – What’s your name?
• …です …desu – I’m…
• 好きです suki desu – I like it.
• いいですよ ii desu yo – It’s good.
• ダメです dame desu – It’s no good.
• 日本語で話しましょう nihongo de hanashimashou – Let’s talk in Japanese.
• もう一度言ってください mou ichidou itte kudasai – Please say it again.
• お腹が空いています onaka ga suite imasu – I’m hungry.
• まだ食べていません mada tabete imasen – I haven’t eaten yet.
• メニュー、お願いします menyuu, onegaishimasu – Please bring me a menu.
• メニュー、お願いできますか？menyuu, onegai dekimasu ka – May I have the menu?
• それは何ですか？ sore wa nan desu ka – What’s that?
• これを食べてみたいです kore o tabete mitai desu – I’d like to try this.
• …をください …o kudasai – I’d like…
• …がありますか？…ga arimasu ka – Do you have…?
• …付きですか？ …tsuki desu ka – Does it come with…?
• …が食べられません …ga taberaremasen – I can’t eat…
• …アレルギーがあります …arerugii ga arimasu – I’m allergic to…
• おいしいです oishii desu – It’s delicious!
• まずいですmazui desu – It’s terrible.
• お腹が一杯です onaka ga ippai desu – I’m full.
• お勘定/お会計、お願いします okanjou/okaikei, onegaishimasu – Check, please.
• いただきます itadakimasu – Let’s dig in!
• ごちそうさまでした gochisousama deshita – Thanks for the meal.
• いらっしゃいませ irasshaimase – Welcome.
• これは何ですか？kore wa nan desu ka – What is this?
• これは何というものですか？kore wa nan to iu mono desu ka – What’s this called?
• これはいくらですか？kore wa ikura desu ka – How much is this?
• …がありますか？ …ga arimasu ka – Do you have…?
• ちょっと (高い) です chotto (takai) desu – It’s a bit (expensive).
• 他の色がありますか？ hoka no iro ga arimasu ka – Do you have another colour?
• それを頂きます sore o itadakimasu – I’ll take it.
• クレジットカードは使えますか？ kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka – Can I use my credit card?
• 包んでいただけますか？tsutsunde itadakemasu ka – Can I have it gift wrapped?

Editor’s Note: “Your Japan Travel Itinerary: Where To Stay, Eat & Explore In Kyoto & Osaka” was most recently updated in January 2026 by Team Sassy.