im so overwhelmed with my itinerary – Kansai region only

Hello, i’ve been piecing together my 8.5-day itinerary for February, but it’s sooo overwhelming cause there is so much. I am traveling solo, which I have experience in Europe, but this is my first time in Asia! I will be going the first week of this February.

My hotel in Osaka is in the Kita area, while my hotel in Kyoto is in the Sanjo area for reference through my itinerary questions.

I’m looking for advice on:

  • What’s realistic vs not
  • efficiency
  • Any must-see/must-do spots I might be missing

Day 1: Arrival

  • Land and check-in around 7pm
  • find something to eat and then go to sleep

Day 2: Osaka – Umeda / Kita

  • Start early at Osaka Castle for some photography
  • Explore Nakazakicho
  • Tenjinbashisuji / Shopping
  • Intermission: Hotel drop off if needed
  • The Flavor Design (6pmish)
  • Explore Dotonbori

Day 3: Himeji and Kobe

  • Himeji Castle
  • Kobe Herb Gardens
  • Kobe Chinatown w/ Ikuta Shrine
  • Kobe Harborland

Day 4: Nara and Uji

*Note im doing this during my osaka hotel because I feel like kyoto requires more time + osaka seems more active at night

  • Nara Sanjodori Street / Deer Park
  • Nara Todaji
  • Nara Kasuga Taisha
  • Uji Omotosando Street
  • Uji Byodin Temple
  • Uji Matcha / Hojicha hunt
  • Osaka Shinsekai Market if I get back earlier than expected

Day 5: Osaka (mainly) -> Kyoto

  • Shinsaibashi (Kirby cafe)
  • Den Den Town
  • Kuroman Market
  • Travel to Kyoto
  • Settle into Hotel
  • Explore area around hotel
  • Feel like I can fit more into this day but idk (?)

Day 6: Kyoto

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Kiomizu-Dera -> feel like a lot of people say this one is overrated but others make me feel like it is a must do
  • Nienzaka and Sannenzaka
  • Gion

Day 7: Kyoto

  • Kibune / Kuruma OR Arashiyama (not sure which is better in February? are both bad?)

Day 8: Kyoto

  • still figuring it out

Day 9:

  • go home! my flight is at 8pm, so im thinking ill have more time in either Osaka or Kyoto not sure!

by llleeeeooooo