If you are planning to stay for only 1 week in Japan, forget about heading to the capital Tokyo. The heart of Japan lies in the Kansai region. Home to some of the oldest temples & shrines in Japan, magnificent castles, gourmet delights and wonderful views.
The bustling capital city of Tokyo will be perfect for your second visit to Japan. But if you only have 1 week in Japan, make Kansai your main destination. You will get to explore modern and traditional Japan on exciting day trips without the need to lug your suitcase from place to place.
The Kansai area is often referred to as the cultural and historical heart of Japan. It consists of 7 prefectures, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo, Mie, Wakayama & Shiga. A lot of Japanese ancient history can be traced back to this area of Japan. The people of Kansai are known to be down-to-earth with a good sense of humor. Traditional Japanese cuisine, such as kaiseki in Kyoto and modern delicacies like Kobe beef, plus sake brewing all stem from Kansai and make this the must see region on your first trip to Japan.
Fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX) and make the picturesque harbour city of Kobe your base for the week. The direct bus from KIX to Sannomiya (Central Kobe) takes just 65 minutes. Once you arrive in Sannomiya you can most likely walk to your hotel or jump in a taxi for a one-meter fare (approx. 600 yen).
Day 1. Kobe / Relax into Japan
Japan can be a sensory overload and you don’t want to burn yourself out on your first day. After you arrive in Japan you should spend the day wandering the streets and exploring; Kobe is the perfect city to do this in.
Start your morning right and head up to Nunobiki Falls and Nunobiki Herb Garden to get some beautiful views of the city and the bay. It’s a relatively easy hike to the falls and garden with free entry. The Herb Garden can also be reached by ropeway.
In the afternoon walk the streets of Kitano / Sannomiya / Motomachi. Make sure you pop into Ikuta Shrine. There are plenty of stylish cafes and bakeries for lunch or head to Kobe’s Chinatown for some tasty street food. Enjoy some dinner at one of the many izakayas, sushi bars or ramen shops in the city. Or head to the popular and reasonably priced Kobe beef restaurant Steakland.
Day 2. Himeji Castle and Mt Shosha.
What many consider to be the most spectacular castle in Japan, the world heritage listed Himeji Castle is just 40 minutes away by train from Kobe. Jump on the Special Rapid train at JR Sannomiya Station, once you arrive at Himeji Station you can walk up the main road towards the castle.
This amazing white castle sits up on high ground overlooking the city of Himeji. Make sure you pop into Koko-en Japanese Garden just next to Himeji Castle. After the castle enjoy some Japanese calligraphy, green tea and local sweets.
After exploring the castle and the connecting Koko-en Japanese Garden, catch the bus to Mt Shosha and the Ropeway up to Enogji temple. The beautiful scenery of the mountain is often used as a filming location. Buy the Shoshazan Ropeway combination ticket at the Shinki Bus terminal in front of Himeji Station.
Buy your JR Pass for unlimited rail travel in Japan
Day 3. Osaka
Now you have a feel for Japan, explored Kobe and Himeji it’s time to jump into the craziness that is Osaka. Often called “Japan’s Kitchen”, Osaka is full tiny eateries and back alleys. Make sure you try some kusikatsu, okinomiyaki and takoyaki. Pick-up an Osaka Gourmet Walking Ticket. This ticket is a self-guiding restaurant / bar hopping ticket.
Umeda (Kita) and Shinsaibashi / Namba (Minami) are the 2 main areas of the city. Umeda is just 20 minutes from Kobe and Shinsaibashi is a further 10 minutes by the Midosuji Subway line. Make sure you find yourself around the Dotombori area in the evening to catch the neon signs and crowds of people.
Day 4. Kyoto
Kyoto is the spiritual heart of Japan with many amazing temples and shrines. This is where you come to experience old Japan. See geisha walking the streets of Gion, sip some macha at a traditional teahouse and find inner peace at a stunning Zen garden.
Head over to Voyagin to explore and book the best things to do in Kyoto.
You can book a professional guide to take you around the historical sites of Kyoto including, Fushimi Inari Shrine (famous for its thousands of torrii gates), Kyomizudera Temple, Kodaiji Temple, Gion and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion).
Kyoto is just 50 minutes by JR Special Rapid train from Sannomiya Station. Kyoto Station is a site within itself, this huge modern station is the second biggest in Japan and incorporates a department store, restaurants a hotel and more.
Day 5. Nada Sake Breweries / Kobe Harborland
After a few busy days it’s time to take it easy again, and stay local in Kobe, but you won’t just be bumming around in the hotel, you will be getting your sake tasting on with a self-walking tour of Nada Gogo, Japan’s major sake brewing districts.
In the evening you can head to Kobe Harborland and enjoy Meriken Park and the iconic Port Tower. Perhaps take a cruise on the bay or have dinner at one of the restaurants while enjoying views of Kobe Harbour.
Day 6. Nara
Hanshin Kobe-Sannomiya Station has a direct service to Nara. The trip takes around 80 minutes and a special return ticket pass can be purchased from the ticket office located at the station. You will arrive at Kinetsu-Nara Station, from there you can explore the ancient capital.
Nara Park is the location of many temples and famous for its wild deers wandering around. You can walk from temple to temple including Todaiji home of the Big Buddha (Daibutsu).
Check out the official sightseeing guide for Nara.
Day 7. Arima Hot Spring
The final day of your trip should be spent indulging yourself with the luxuries of life. Luckily in Kobe’s backyard there is Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s premium hot spring resorts.
Visit the official Arima Onsen Tourism site for more information.
Alternative Days.
Have a few extra days in Japan? Here are a few other things you can do in the Kansai region.
Extra 1. Hiroshima
From Shin-Kobe Station, the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima takes 75 minutes. Hiroshima has two world heritage sites, the A-Bomb Dome of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and the Itsukushima Shrine and the famous “floating” torii gate.
Head to visithiroshima.net for more Hiroshima sightseeing info.
Extra 2. Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
The ever changing USJ is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, the Amazing Spiderman, the Flying Dinosaur and many more. Buy tickets online and find out to get from Kobe to USJ in our special blog post here.
Extra 3. Takeda Castle Ruins
Often called the Machu Picchu of Japan, Takeda Castle ruins, are located in central Hyogo Prefecture and are best accessed by car.
If you head off early in the morning (like real early, around 4am), in October or November you will arrive at the castle just before 6am and it is possible to view the sea of clouds