Western Japan: Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Takamatsu in 8 Days: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Kansai’s great cities, Hiroshima and Miyajima, then across the sea to Takamatsu for sanuki udon and Naoshima’s art island — ideal with a JR rail pass.
JapanCulture & historyFoodBy trainFirst-timers
Length8 days / 7 nights
CitiesOsaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Takamatsu, Naoshima
CurrencyJPY Japanese yen
Best time to goMar–May and Oct–Nov are ideal; blossom and foliage seasons are busy, so book hotels and reserved seats early.
Day-by-day overview
Day 1 Arrive in OsakaDay 2 Kyoto: HigashiyamaDay 3 Kyoto: Arashiyama × Kinkaku-jiDay 4 HiroshimaDay 5 Miyajima × to TakamatsuDay 6 Naoshima art islandDay 7 Ritsurin × udon × back to OsakaDay 8 Fly home
Day 1Arrive in Osaka
10:00🚗 Transport
13:00🏨 Stay
14:00📍 Sight
17:00📍 Sight
19:00🍽 Food
Day 2Kyoto: Higashiyama
08:00🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Check your ID, phone and belongings; most hotels will hold luggage.
08:30🚗 Transport
09:30📍 Sight
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Suggested time2 hrs
TicketsFree
LocationFushimi Inari Taisha 🧭
📸 Photo spot🚶 Lots of walking
13:00📍 Sight
Kiyomizu-dera & the old slopes
Suggested time2 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationKiyomizu-dera 🧭
🚶 Lots of walking
16:00📍 Sight
Gion & Hanamikoji
Suggested time1.5 hrs
LocationHanamikoji Street 🧭
Respect residents and don’t chase geiko.
⚠️ Heads-up
18:00🏨 Stay
Check in (add your hotel)
Type / platformHotel
Check-in / out15:00 / 11:00
LocationKyoto Station or Shijo 🧭
19:00🍽 Food
Day 3Kyoto: Arashiyama × Kinkaku-ji
08:00📍 Sight
Arashiyama bamboo grove & Togetsukyo
Suggested time2 hrs
LocationArashiyama Bamboo Grove 🧭
Quietest before 8am.
📸 Photo spot
11:30🍽 Food
13:30📍 Sight
15:00📍 Sight
17:30📍 Sight
Day 4Hiroshima
08:00🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Check your ID, phone and belongings; most hotels will hold luggage.
08:30🚗 Transport
10:30📍 Sight
Atomic Bomb Dome & Peace Memorial Museum
Suggested time2.5 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
Please visit respectfully.
13:00🍽 Food
14:30📍 Sight
16:30🏨 Stay
19:00🍽 Food
Day 5Miyajima × to Takamatsu
07:30🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Leave bags at the hotel or in station lockers.
08:30📍 Sight
Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima
Suggested time3 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationItsukushima Shrine 🧭
Check the tide table; a small visitor tax applies.
📸 Photo spot
12:00🍽 Food
14:00🚗 Transport
Shinkansen to Okayama, then Marine Liner to Takamatsu
Type / No.Train
LocationTakamatsu Station 🧭
About 2 hours, crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge.
17:00🏨 Stay
19:00🍽 Food
Day 6Naoshima art island
08:00🚗 Transport
Ferry from Takamatsu to Naoshima
Type / No.Ferry / boat
LocationTakamatsu Port 🧭
About 50 minutes; most venues close on Mondays.
09:30📍 Sight
Chichu Art Museum, Kusama’s pumpkin, Benesse House
Suggested time5 hrs
TicketsBook ahead
LocationChichu Art Museum 🧭
Chichu needs a timed reservation; buses are sparse, so rent an e-bike.
🎟 Book ahead📸 Photo spot
12:30🍽 Food
16:00🚗 Transport
18:00📍 Sight
Day 7Ritsurin × udon × back to Osaka
08:00🍽 Food
Sanuki udon breakfast
MealBreakfast
LocationTakamatsu udon 🧭
Many famous shops open early and close when sold out.
🍜 Must-eat
09:30📍 Sight
Ritsurin Garden
Suggested time2 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationRitsurin Garden 🧭
Take a traditional boat around the ponds.
📸 Photo spot
12:00🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Check your ID, phone and belongings; most hotels will hold luggage.
12:30🚗 Transport
15:30🏨 Stay
16:30📍 Sight
19:30🍽 Food
Day 8Fly home
09:00🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Double-check passports, power banks and valuables.
10:00📍 Sight
14:00🚗 Transport
Head to the airport and fly home
Type / No.Flight
LocationKansai International Airport 🧭
Aim to reach the airport 2.5–3 hours before an international flight.
🎟 Book these before you go
- Day 6｜Chichu Art Museum, Kusama’s pumpkin, Benesse House: Chichu needs a timed reservation; buses are sparse, so rent an e-bike.
🌦 Monthly temperatures: Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Takamatsu, Naoshima
| City / month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka / Kyoto High / low | 9° 2° | 10° 2° | 14° 5° | 20° 10° | 25° 15° | 28° 20° | 32° 25° | 33° 26° | 29° 22° | 23° 15° | 17° 9° | 12° 4° |
| Hiroshima High / low | 10° 2° | 11° 3° | 14° 6° | 20° 10° | 24° 15° | 27° 20° | 31° 24° | 33° 25° | 29° 21° | 23° 15° | 17° 9° | 12° 4° |
| Matsuyama & Shikoku High / low | 10° 2° | 11° 3° | 14° 6° | 20° 10° | 24° 15° | 27° 20° | 31° 24° | 32° 25° | 29° 21° | 23° 15° | 18° 9° | 12° 4° |
(typical averages — check the forecast before you go)
FAQ
How many days does Western Japan: Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Takamatsu in 8 Days take?
It’s planned as 8 days / 7 nights with 45 stops (17 sights and 10 meals). Copy it and add or remove stops to suit your pace.
What should I book in advance?
We recommend booking or buying ahead: Chichu Art Museum, Kusama’s pumpkin, Benesse House.
How do I make this template my own?
Tap “Use this template”, enter a name and start date, and an editable copy is created. Add your flights and hotels, adjust times and stops, then export a PDF or image to share.
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Note: opening hours, prices, timetables and entry rules change often — check official sources. This page offers general suggestions, not bookings or professional travel advice.