12 days, 11 nights

The following is a suggested itinerary for first time travelers to Japan who spend 12 days, 11 nights in the Kansai Region around Kyoto.

Day 1 - Arrive at Kansai Airport
Arrive at Kansai Airport and take the train to Kyoto. Spend the remaining day exploring Kyoto.
Day 2-4 - Kyoto
Spend three full days in Kyoto. Consider our suggested Kyoto itineraries.
Day 5 - Kyoto to Nara
Travel from Kyoto to Nara, stopping on the way in Uji in order to visit Byodoin, and spend the rest of the day and the night in Nara.
Day 6 - Nara
Spend the full day in Nara and nearby Horyuji Temple. Overnight once more in Nara.
Day 7 - Nara to Mount Koya
In the morning, take a train to Osaka, travel to Mount Koya (3 hours), and spend the night at a temple.
Day 8 - Mount Koya to Osaka
In the afternoon, return from Mount Koya to Osaka (2 hours) and spend the evening and night there.
Day 9 - Himeji Half Daytrip
In the morning, take the special rapid train to Himeji and spend a half day visiting Himeji Castle. Spend the rest of the day in Osaka.
Day 10 - Osaka
Spend a full day in Osaka.
Day 11 - Kobe Daytrip
Spend a day in nearby Kobe.
Day 12 - Depart from Kansai Airport
Depart Japan from Kansai Airport.

A nationwide Japan Rail Pass does not pay off for this itinerary, but we recommend to use Haruka 1-Way Tickets for your transport to/from Kansai Airport, a 1-day Kansai Area Pass for your daytrip to Himeji and a Koyasan World Heritage Ticket for your trip to Mount Koya. Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Find out more about the sample budgets and about the current yen exchange rates.

Questions? Ask in our forum.