A 2-Day Highlight Trip to Kyoto and Minoh from Osaka (Latest Shopping & Transport Guide)

📍 Kyoto · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 18 likes

I’m back in Osaka for the nth time, and here I go again~

This trip was an absolute blast for shopping and exploring! Ladies, if you want to make the most of Osaka and its surroundings, just follow my lead!

When in Osaka, you can’t miss the bustling Umeda commercial district: get lost among the shopping streets nestled between towering skyscrapers and soak up the city’s vibrant, pulsing energy.

If Osaka alone doesn’t quench your thirst for adventure, remember to use the Hankyu 1-Day Pass to easily hop between Osaka and Kyoto. Kyoto’s Arashiyama offers serene, emerald-green mountains and rivers that feel like stepping into a tranquil painting, while central Kyoto is steeped in history and timeless charm. Just outside Osaka, Minoh Park is famed for its natural scenery and hiking trails—an ideal spot to unwind and recharge.

This itinerary dives deep into the culture and landscapes of Osaka and its neighboring areas, while also letting you appreciate the city’s unique charm and the convenience of its excellent transport system.

Osaka / Kyoto / Minoh! A compact 2-day travel guide with super-detailed transportation routes.

From World Heritage scenery to all-in-one shopping and dining hubs, bookmark this fast!

Oh, and remember—if you’re shopping in Japan, always carry your passport with you!

Osaka Umeda → Kyoto Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji, Bamboo Grove Path, Nonomiya Shrine, Yusai-tei, shopping street) → Kyoto Kawaramachi (Kamo River, Hanami-koji, Yasaka Shrine) → Osaka Umeda → HEP FIVE → Hankyu Sanbangai → back to hotel

Hotel: Hankyu International Hotel

Super convenient for transport!

Just a 3-minute walk north from the Chayamachi exit of Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station.

The rooms are high-class and spacious, with excellent service, and from the upper floors, you can enjoy gorgeous views of Osaka Umeda.

On the 25th floor, there’s a club lounge that offers a variety of delicious food.

There’s also a casual bar—sipping a drink while gazing at the nightscape is super nice~

*The club lounge is generally only available to guests staying on the club floors. (Club floors: 33/34)

Being in the commercial district, it’s incredibly convenient for shopping, strolling, and heading out to explore the surroundings!

Address: 19-19 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station → Arashiyama Station

Use the Hankyu 1-Day Pass and ride the Hankyu train.

From Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station, take the train to Katsura Station and get off.

Transfer at platform 1 to get to Kami-Katsura Station.

At platform 1, there are signs; you can board the train bound for Arashiyama by following the signs.

About transportation: I bought two Hankyu 1-Day Passes online in advance—each costs 1,300 yen, so handy and a great deal, and the purchasing process is really simple.

The page can be set to Chinese.

Check the images for the purchase steps. I’ll leave the purchase link in the comments~

Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River, separating Saga and Arashiyama.

Here, listen to the gentle murmur of the flowing water while taking in the expansive mountain-and-river scenery!

Tenryu-ji is one of the World Heritage sites of ancient Kyoto and one of the Kyoto Gozan (Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto), a group of famous Zen temples in Kyoto, with Tenryu-ji among them. Many visitors come to Tenryu-ji to experience the temple's beautiful scenery and serene atmosphere, including the Sogenchi Garden, Japan’s first site designated as both a Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.

Tenryu-ji is a temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Here, people practice strict Zen meditation while contemplating problems in Buddhist training called “koans,” aiming to reach a state of “satori” (enlightenment) where one can dispel confusion and grasp the truth.

Tenryu-ji is located in western Kyoto, and early morning is the most beautiful time to visit.

Mid-June is right in the middle of hydrangea (ajisai) season, so you can also enjoy the temple garden brimming with hydrangeas~ Plus, the lotus flowers in the pond are at their peak viewing time!

The 400-meter-long Bamboo Grove Path with towering bamboo is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions.

Sunlight filters through the treetops, creating a refreshing and soothing mood.

Nonomiya Shrine is famous for its “carpet moss” landscape and Japan’s only black wooden torii gate!

This deep green forest space is elegant and tranquil.

Yusai-tei

Admission: 2,000 yen

Payment accepted in cash, credit card, or IC card.

It’s an art gallery of dyeing works by the dye artist Yusai Okuda.

This 150-year-old historic building was originally a Japanese inn called “Chidori,”

and it is said to be where the great literary figure Yasunari Kawabata wrote “The Sound of the Mountain.”

From the rooms, you can look out onto the seasonal natural beauty of Arashiyama,

and the symmetrical reflection (water mirror) on the desk and water surface is a phenomenal photo spot!

The shopping street on the way to the station is full of food stalls and souvenir shops—lively and brimming with local character.

Transport tips:

Use the Hankyu 1-Day Pass and ride the Hankyu train.

Arashiyama Station → Kyoto Kawaramachi Station

From Arashiyama Station, take the train to Katsura Station first, then transfer at Katsura Station directly to Kyoto Kawaramachi Station!

Kamo River is a 27 km-long river that flows north to south through Kyoto City and nurtured Kyoto’s culture.

In this modern city, the Kamo River remains clear and is a great spot for relaxation.

Kyoto locals love to come here in the evening breeze to cool off and chat—it has become a distinctive part of Kyoto’s scenery.

As the main north-south street running through the heart of Gion, Hanami-koji is also a filming location.

Lined with rows of tea houses featuring red lattice and zigzag bamboo fences, it’s full of Gion charm, giving visitors a nostalgic and relaxed atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of maiko or geiko heading to the tea houses.

Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of about 2,300 Yasaka or Susanoo shrines nationwide.

Long revered by Kyotoites, the shrine complex contains nearly 20 sub-shrines, offering blessings for warding off evil spirits, matchmaking, and more.

Use the Hankyu 1-Day Pass and ride the Hankyu train.

Kyoto Kawaramachi Station → Osaka Umeda Station

How can you go to Osaka Umeda and not visit “HEP FIVE” with its iconic red Ferris wheel!

It’s about a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station.

HEP FIVE focuses on trendy youth brands, with a full mix of fashion, food, and entertainment.

Once inside the mall, definitely, definitely don’t forget to get a 500-yen discount coupon at the information counter on the 1st floor valid on purchases of 3,000 yen (tax included) or more!

※ You need to show your passport when getting the coupon.

First, head up to the 7th-floor food hall “TAMLO” to feed your rumbling tummy!

It gathers 14 popular restaurants offering everything from diverse cuisines to coffee shops! There are also plenty of thoughtfully placed public rest areas where you can take a breather.

The 7th floor is also where you buy tickets and board the Ferris wheel~

From here, you can enjoy a 360° view of Osaka’s beauty!

Whether it’s daytime or nighttime, it’s a whole vibe!

One ride lasts about 15 minutes.

[HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel]

Price: 600 yen (free for children under 5) ※ Information as of July 2024. Prices may be subject to change.

Operating hours: 11:00–23:00, last boarding 22:45

Now, let’s switch to shopping mode!

PLAZA: HEP FIVE 4th floor (Hours: 11:00–21:00)

At “PLAZA” you can find cosmetics to make you beautiful and delightful lifestyle goods to brighten up your daily life. A rich selection of the latest cosmetics, trendy accessory items, cute snacks, and colorful character goods. It’s filled with wonderful items that add color to each day. They launch new products and limited edition items every season, so every visit brings new surprises~

BEAMS STREET UMEDA: HEP FIVE 1st floor (Hours: 11:00–21:00)

A unisex fashion brand offering a wide array of casual wear from basics to street style. Plus, the store also has abundant accessories and lifestyle goods, making it great for picking out gifts.

[HEP FIVE]

Address: 5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

After crossing the crosswalk in front of HEP FIVE, you can snap a photo in the square in front of the ‘UMEDA’ sculpture with the HEP FIVE Ferris wheel as the backdrop!

Take a photo as a memento of your visit to Osaka Umeda!

[Hankyu Sanbangai]

Address: 8-47 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Hankyu GRAND BUILDING 1F

Feeling hungry from all the strolling? Go have dinner at Hankyu Sanbangai!

Hankyu Sanbangai is directly connected to Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station and houses around 250 shops covering everything from fashion trends to food—a must-visit for shopping lovers!

Again, don’t forget to first get a 500-yen discount coupon at the service counter in B1F of the South Building, valid on purchases of 3,000 yen (tax included) or more!

※ You need to show your passport when getting the coupon.

Nikuju Roman-tei (specialty meat rice bowl shop):

Hankyu Sanbangai South Building B2F (Hours: 11:00–22:00, last order 21:30)

I ordered the “Kuroge Wagyu Sukiyaki-ju” (1,780 yen + seasonal side dish set 400 yen).

Lightly seared Kuroge Wagyu beef belly is paired with a rich soy sauce flavor and sweet soy aroma, along with white leeks and Satsuma Akatama egg—every bite bursts with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness.

I also tried the “Nikura-ju” (2,580 yen).

This dish features two types of meat: tender lean steak and rich beef loin, topped with large, plump salmon roe from Hokkaido. The combination of meat and fish eggs in the mouth is rich and delightful.

Furthermore, I recommend the seasonal side dish set; for only an extra 400 yen, you get an appetizer, a soup with chicken meatballs made from their own farm, and a matcha dessert after the meal.

Fully fueled, let’s keep shopping!

maRe maRe PUMPSHOP JAPAN CRAFT: Hankyu Sanbangai South Building 1F (Hours: 10:00–21:00)

The shoes are all original designs with excellent cushioning, comfortable to wear so your feet don’t get tired from walking.

I personally tested them and walking tens of thousands of steps a day is no problem!

Cute, versatile shoes, sandals for summer—

there are plenty of styles and colors to choose!

You can grab a pair for yourself and one for your mom!

Rilakkuma Store: Hankyu Sanbangai North Building 1F (Hours: 10:00–21:00)

If you love Rilakkuma, you can’t skip this shop!!

Plushies, stationery, clothing, and more—the store is filled with adorable elements everywhere.

Rilakkuma’s charming appeal makes everything irresistible!

[Hankyu Sanbangai]

Address: 1-1-3 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

After the shopping, head back to the hotel to rest! Looking forward to the next day’s adventure~

Osaka Umeda → Hankyu Minoh Station → Katsuo-ji → Minoh Waterfall → Yamamoto Coffee Shop → Ryoan-ji (Minoh) → Osaka Umeda → GRAND FRONT OSAKA

Waking up refreshed in the morning, I first enjoyed breakfast at Hankyu International Hotel.

My friend chose the Western set, and I went for the Japanese kaiseki-style meal; both were delicious. I was genuinely amazed by the artful presentation of the Japanese breakfast!

After leaving luggage at the hotel, we set off!

Be sure to mark the Hankyu Tourist Center at the station!

Because here, you can not only get transport and ticket help but also sightseeing info and recommended spots.

They also provide luggage storage services, making it easy for everyone to explore light and carefree~

Feel free to come here for info!

Address: 1-2 Shibata 1-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka City, inside Hankyu Umeda Station 1F

Transport tips

Still using the Hankyu 1-Day Pass, ride the Hankyu train.

Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station → Minoh Station

From Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station, take the train to Ishibashi-Handai-mae Station, transfer at platform 5 to reach Minoh Station.

Starting sightseeing from Hankyu Minoh Station, besides walking, transport options include taxi and bus.

I recommend buying the Minoh Sightseeing 1-Day Bus Pass; you can see the bus boarding area right outside Hankyu Station, super convenient.

Adults 2,000 yen. Children 1,000 yen.

The one-way Minoh Waterfall Path sightseeing bus operates on Saｔurdays, Sundays, national holidays, and during summer break.

※ Summer break (July 16–August 23, 2024)

Hidden perks: ① Get a bus ticket coupon at the Katsuo-ji entrance to discount admission by 100 yen.

② The adult 1-day bus pass includes a 400-yen voucher usable at shops along the waterfall path, around Minoh Station, and at Katsuo-ji.

Admission: 500 yen

This time, we took a taxi from the station to the site in about 20 minutes.

Taxi fare around 3,000 yen.

This temple is known as “Sho-un-ji” (temple of winning luck) and is one of the oldest temples in the Kansai region.

Many locals love to come here to pray for good fortune.

The temple is also famous for its seasonal flowers, and recently the hydrangeas are blooming all over the temple grounds—super beautiful.

BTW, the Daruma dolls you see everywhere are just too cute!

A 10-minute taxi ride gets you there easily. Taxi fare about 1,500 yen.

This area is a scenic quasi-national park; make sure to check out the spectacular Minoh Waterfall.

Then, walk along the green trail through the hills and feel nature’s gifts!

Starting from the impressive Minoh Waterfall, 5 meters wide with a 33-meter drop, the valley winds through the forest, home to 980 plant species and over 3,000 insect species. It is a precious natural forest of Osaka Prefecture and the western starting point of the Tokai Nature Trail. The scenery here is stunning in every season: cherry blossoms in spring, ice flowers and icicles in winter, and brilliant autumn leaves in late fall.

I absolutely adore this café nestled in the forest.

It has 80 indoor seats and 30 terrace seats, with the gentle murmur of the stream bringing a touch of nature.

Inside, there’s a collection of coffee cups and brewing equipment—so unique.

We ordered coffee and sandwiches, and they were delicious!

Address: 2-28 Minoh Park, Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture

Ryoan-ji (in Minoh) – Japan’s earliest and oldest Benzaiten shrine.

In the year 658, a child of En no Ozunu undertook rigorous training at Minoh Waterfall, and under Benzaiten’s guidance, he attained enlightenment and became a practitioner. To repay her kindness, he personally sculpted a statue of Benzaiten, enshrined it beside the waterfall, and named the temple Minoh-ji (later renamed Ryoan-ji). Since then, many ascetics entered the mountains, and the temple grew into a mountain training center, flourishing with over 80 halls at its peak.

However, after the Meiji era, due to the turbulent times, only this section remains. Under the Osaka Prefectural Government’s forest park planning, souvenir shops and restaurants now stand on the former hall ruins.

Transport tips

Use the Hankyu 1-Day Pass, ride the Hankyu train.

Minoh Station → Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station

Back in Osaka Umeda, it’s time to refuel with some great food!

We headed to “GRAND FRONT OSAKA,” just a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station.

GRAND FRONT OSAKA SHOPS & RESTAURANTS, connected to JR Osaka Station, is a sprawling shopping complex where you can enjoy fashion and food in a verdant setting.

The complex consists of three zones: South Building, North Building, and Umekita Plaza.

The usual drill! First, go to the information counter on the 1st floor of the North Building to get a 500-yen discount coupon valid on purchases of 3,000 yen (tax included) or more!

※ You need to show your passport when getting the coupon.

With coupon in hand, I headed straight to the food area on the 6th floor of the North Building, “UMEKITA FLOOR.”

It’s a modern, serene dining zone.

There are multiple eateries where you can enjoy meticulously prepared dishes and drinks from each shop, sampling a variety of cuisines.

In the shared seating areas in front of each shop, you can order from any restaurant and sit there to enjoy together.

It’s also quite attractive that they can deliver the food right to your seat~

BAK: GRAND FRONT OSAKA SHOPS & RESTAURANTS North Building 6F (Hours: 11:00–23:00)

After two days of “special forces”-style travel, I wanted to unwind with a drink~

This is the direct-managed shop of Osaka-born craft beer brewery “BAK,”

which brews a range of unique beers with its own distinctive style!

Unconventional and free from tradition, they use ingredients like strawberry, banana, sansho pepper, ginger, jasmine, and more,

pursuing distinctive flavors and aromas, deepening the solid bitterness, and crafting beers that are both eccentric and delicious!

I ordered a “Kushibu” (bitter brew), a popular pick in the shop, with a fresh citrus note accompanied by the bitterness characteristic of an IPA.

And a “Banyan Tree,” which suits female palates well—crisp and refreshing. It’s a saison beer with a unique aroma using various herbs and spices.

Paired with the shop’s signature fish & chips, I savored a wonderful evening moment~

After a short rest, let’s fully indulge in shopping fun again.

ESTNATION: GRAND FRONT OSAKA SHOPS & RESTAURANTS South Building 1F (Hours: 11:00–21:00)

Japan’s ESTNATION offers menswear, womenswear, fashion accessories, and beauty and skincare—everything you need.

It’s a specialty store that blends luxury and high quality.

Whether you lean towards elegant, sophisticated styles or high-design trendy pieces, you can find them here!

The designs are exquisite and suitable for all ages,

and the in-store displays are tastefully done, even great for photo ops!

OVERRIDE: GRAND FRONT OSAKA SHOPS & RESTAURANTS South Building 3F (Hours: 11:00–21:00)

This is a specialty hat boutique.

The store stocks not only its own original brand but also a super selection of brands from both Japan and abroad, as well as collaborations with trendy street brands and sportswear labels.

The styles are fashionable and minimalist, with strong design sense.

No matter your gender or age, you can find a hat that suits you!

Hat lovers definitely need to check this out!

[GRAND FRONT OSAKA]

Umekita Plaza: 4-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

South Building: 4-20 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

North Building: 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

This Kansai “special forces” trip let me experience the richness and diversity of Japanese culture. From ancient shrines to modern city architecture, every spot showcased Japan’s unique allure.

For shopping, I highly recommend the Osaka Umeda area—it has both niche brands and international luxury labels, so you can shop to your heart’s content! Plus, tons of food options; it’s a one-stop shopping destination, no mistake!

If you’re going to explore around Osaka, I definitely recommend getting the Hankyu 1-Day Pass—it’s really cost-effective!

Finally, I hope this guide helps with your Kansai trip~

※ All ticket prices are for reference only, based on info as of July 2024. They may be adjusted later~

Travelogue Index

1. DAY 1

2. Osaka to Kyoto Transport

3. Togetsukyo Bridge

4. Tenryu-ji

5. Bamboo Grove Path

6. Nonomiya Shrine

7. Yusai-tei

8. Kamo River