5 days in Osaka Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture & Nara Prefecture 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.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Sun): shop like a local with Dotonbori and then get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan.

To find more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Osaka trip itinerary planner .

Manila, Philippines to Osaka is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of bus and flight. The time zone changes from Philippines Time (PHT) to Japan Standard Time (JST), which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Manila in February, expect Osaka to be much colder, temps between 11°C and 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Mon) to allow enough time to take a train 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.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Mon): step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, look for gifts at Fuuka-Kimono, then make a trip to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and finally get in on the excitement at NINJA VR KYOTO.

Before you visit Kyoto, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Kyoto is very close to Osaka. Expect a daytime high around 11°C in February, and nighttime lows around 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Tue) to allow enough time to take a 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.

On the 25th (Tue), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kofuku-ji Temple, see the interesting displays at Todaiji Temple Cultural Center, pause for some photo ops at Todai-ji Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Nigatsu-do Temple, then look for all kinds of wild species at Nara Park, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kasuga Grand Shrine.

To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, use the Nara trip planner.

Getting from Kyoto to Nara by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or do a combination of subway and train. In February, daytime highs in Nara are 11°C, while nighttime lows are 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) to allow time to travel back home.