12 days in Osaka, Kyoto & Nara Itinerary

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.

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan.

To find more things to do, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read Osaka road trip planner.

If you are flying in from Malaysia, the closest major airports are Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport and Chubu Centrair International Airport. In December, plan for daily highs up to 13°C, and evening lows to 4°C. On the 26th (Thu), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Kyoto.

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.

You've added Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and other attractions to your itinerary.

To see more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, read Kyoto travel planner .

Kyoto is just a short distance from Osaka. In December, daily temperatures in Kyoto can reach 13°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 29th (Sun) to allow enough time to take a train to Osaka.

You've added Hankyu Umeda Honten, Midosuji Street, Hōzen-ji Temple, and other attractions to your itinerary.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Osaka trip website .

Osaka is just a stone's throw from Kyoto. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Wed) so you can catch the train to Nara.

The country's first established capital, Nara houses some of the most storied buildings and natural attractions in Japan, with eight World Heritage Sites in total.

You've now added Todaiji Temple Cultural Center to your itinerary. Start off your visit on the 2nd (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Toshodai-ji Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Chuguji Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Horyu-ji Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yakushi-ji Temple, then examine the collection at Todaiji Temple Cultural Center, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Nigatsu-do Temple. On the next day, stop by Tsuneoka Shoyu Jozo Honten, take in the spiritual surroundings of Asuka-dera Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Tanzan Shrine, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Hase-dera Temple, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Joruri Temple.

You can plan Nara trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.

Take a train from Osaka to Nara in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. In January, plan for daily highs up to 9°C, and evening lows to 3°C. On the 4th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can take a train back home.