17 days in Kansai Itinerary

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.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Sun): get engrossed in the history at Kofuku-ji Temple National Treasure Hall, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kofuku-ji Temple, contemplate the long history of Todai-ji Temple, then steep yourself in history at Kaidan-do, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kasuga Grand Shrine, and finally look for all kinds of wild species at Nara Park.

For ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Nara sightseeing planning site.

Toronto, Canada to Nara is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 14 hour difference. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Toronto in March; daily highs in Nara reach 16°C and lows reach 8°C. You will have some time to spend on the 6th (Mon) before leaving for Kobe.

Walkable, small, and aesthetically charming, Kobe has served as Japan's first and premier international trading outpost since opening to trade with China in the mid-19th century.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Arima Onsen as well as Mt. Rokko. On the 6th (Mon), take in the pleasant sights at Kitano Ijinkan-gai, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ikuta Shrine, don't miss a visit to Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street, don't miss a visit to Kobe Motomachi Shopping Street, then visit Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown), and finally enjoy breathtaking views from Kobe Port Tower. On the 7th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: soak in some Japanese tradition at Arima Onsen, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Rokko, and then take in nature's colorful creations at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.

For other places to visit, maps, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Kobe trip itinerary planning tool.

You can take a train from Nara to Kobe in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In March, daytime highs in Kobe are 14°C, while nighttime lows are 7°C. You will have some time to spend on the 8th (Wed) before leaving for 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.

Your list of things to see and do now includes Uji Shrine, Kyoto Tower, Hanamikoji Street, and other attractions. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kyoto: Uji (Ujigami Shrine & Byodoin Omote-sando). There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take in the pleasant sights at Arashiyama, get a taste of the local shopping with Nishiki Market Shopping District, and steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.

To find photos, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Kyoto road trip website.

Getting from Kobe to Kyoto by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive. March in Kyoto sees daily highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C at night. You will have some time to spend on the 12th (Sun) before leaving for Otsu.

The lake port city of Otsu has a wealth of sites of historical and cultural importance and lies within close proximity to Kyoto.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo, Biwako Terrace and Shirahige Shrine. Kick off your visit on the 12th (Sun): contemplate the long history of Shirahige Shrine, get great views at Biwako Terrace, then get to know the fascinating history of Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Omi Shrine, and finally stroll around Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 13th (Mon): revel in the low prices at Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo.

To see traveler tips and more tourist information, refer to the Otsu sightseeing planner.

Otsu is just a stone's throw from Kyoto. In March, plan for daily highs up to 16°C, and evening lows to 5°C. On the 14th (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Osaka.

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.

Osaka is known for sightseeing, historic sites, and theme parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: shop like a local with Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, visit Minami (Namba), don't miss a visit to Shinsekai, and examine the collection at Namban Culture Center.

To find ratings, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Osaka trip itinerary builder site.

You can take a train from Otsu to Osaka in an hour. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of subway and train. In March, plan for daily highs up to 16°C, and evening lows to 5°C. You will have some time to spend on the 17th (Fri) before leaving for Higashiomi.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Fri): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Himure Hachimangu, get to know the fascinating history of Hachiman-bori, steep yourself in history at Azuchi Castle Ruins, then steep yourself in history at Oumi Shonin Yashiki Nakae Jungoro Tei, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hyakusai-ji Temple, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at Hyakusai-ji Temple Hombo Garden.

Plan trip to Higashiomi with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

You can drive from Osaka to Higashiomi in 1.5 hours. Another option is to drive. In March, plan for daily highs up to 15°C, and evening lows to 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Osaka.

On the 18th (Sat), see the interesting displays at Osaka Shiritsu Toyo Toji Museum, contemplate the long history of Osaka Castle, and then take a stroll through Dotombori District.

To see maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Osaka itinerary planner.

Getting from Higashiomi to Osaka by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Sun) to allow time to fly back home.