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Summary

This 3-day itinerary offers a relaxing yet immersive exploration of Kyoto and Osaka, focusing on cultural heritage, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and local culinary delights. From the futuristic Expo '70 Commemorative Park to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and ending with the vibrant streets of Osaka, travelers will experience the rich history and lively present of Kansai region.

🌸 Day 1: Exploring Kyoto's Heritage

The first day is dedicated to exploring the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto, starting with the Expo '70 Commemorative Park, moving to the historical Byodoin Temple, and ending the day with a stroll down the Uji Green Tea Street.

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🏞️ Expo '70 Commemorative Park

A futuristic urban space created for the Japan World Exposition in 1970, featuring the iconic Tower of the Sun. The park is a blend of modernity and history, with pavilions showcasing cutting-edge technology from the past and present.

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Tips

Spend about 45 minutes to an hour to fully enjoy the park's attractions. Don't miss the Tower of the Sun, an iconic symbol of the Expo '70, and take a moment to appreciate the blend of art and technology.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +81 6-6877-7387
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 4 hours
📍   Address: Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
🔗   Profiles: YouTube Facebook

🏯 Byodoin Temple

A stunning example of Buddhist Pure Land architecture, surrounded by picturesque gardens and ponds. The temple's Phoenix Hall, a designated national treasure, is a masterpiece of ancient architecture and a must-see for history enthusiasts.

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Tips

Visit in the afternoon for softer lighting for photos. Take a leisurely stroll around the temple grounds to fully appreciate the serene beauty of the surroundings.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +81 774-21-2861
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: Renge-116 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
🔗   Profiles: Facebook Instagram YouTube

🍵 Uji Green Tea Street

A charming street near Byodoin Temple, known for its centuries-old tea shops and traditional matcha treats. The street offers a delightful immersion into Japan's tea culture, with a wide variety of matcha-flavored sweets and traditional tea experiences.

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Tips

Try the matcha-flavored sweets for a unique taste experience. Don't miss the opportunity to sample different types of Uji tea and explore the quaint tea shops lining the street.

🌸 Day 2: Kyoto's World Heritage Sites

Day two is a journey through Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, showcasing the city's historical and natural beauty.

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🕌 Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, this shrine offers a unique and photogenic experience. The path lined with torii gates leads to the inner shrine, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

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Tips

Early morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds. Additionally, exploring the shrine's trails beyond the main path unveils quieter and equally enchanting spots.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +81 75-641-7331
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
🔗   Profiles: YouTube Instagram

🏯 Kiyomizudera Temple

A historic temple known for its wooden stage that offers spectacular views of the cherry and maple trees below. The temple's architecture and the panoramic view of Kyoto from the stage make it a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts.

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Tips

Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the hilly terrain. Exploring the temple during the cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons enhances the visual splendor.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +81 75-551-1234
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
🔗   Profiles: Instagram YouTube

🎋 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

A breathtaking bamboo grove, offering a serene and otherworldly walking experience. The towering bamboo stalks create a tranquil ambiance, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photography.

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Tips

Visit in the late afternoon for a quieter experience and magical lighting. Exploring the nearby gardens and temples, such as Tenryuji Temple, complements the visit to the bamboo forest.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +81 75-343-0548
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 45 min
📍   Address: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
🔗   Profiles: YouTube

🌃 Day 3: Return and Culinary Exploration

The final day involves returning the rental car and exploring the culinary delights of Osaka, including Dotonbori and the Shinsekai area, before concluding the trip.

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🏙️ Dotonbori

Dotonbori is Osaka's bustling nightlife and street food scene, famous for its illuminated signboards. The area is a sensory delight, with the aroma of sizzling takoyaki and okonomiyaki filling the air, and the vibrant neon lights creating an electrifying atmosphere.

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Tips

Try local specialties like takoyaki, a mouthwatering snack of octopus-filled batter balls, and okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with various ingredients. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the iconic Glico Running Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab billboard, both emblematic symbols of Dotonbori.

🏙️ Shinsekai

Shinsekai is a retro district known for its vibrant atmosphere, Tsutenkaku Tower, and kushikatsu restaurants. The area exudes a nostalgic charm, with its narrow streets lined with traditional eateries and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower standing tall against the skyline.

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Tips

Visit Tsutenkaku Tower in the evening for a panoramic view of Osaka's glittering cityscape. Indulge in the local culinary specialty of kushikatsu, a tempting assortment of deep-fried skewered delights, while immersing yourself in the lively ambiance of Shinsekai's bustling streets.

Travel Information
📍   Address: 2 Chome-5-1 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan