Tips for travelling to Kyoto and Osaka

A record 580,000 Canadians visited Japan in 2024, topping 2023 numbers by 36 percent. Osaka and Kyoto are top destinations for Canadian travellers.
The growth reflects the travel preferences of Canadian tourists who are drawn to Japanese history and culture in well-known cities beyond Tokyo.

Canadians are still flocking to major sites in Tokyo, but they are also seeking experiences at hidden gems in Osaka and Kyoto. A more favorable exchange rate and improved flight accessibility, including direct flights by Air Canada between major Canadian and Japanese hubs, are also fueling the travel trend.

Though Tokyo remains popular, Kyoto and Osaka are top destinations due to their culinary and cultural offerings. Here are some great ideas to spark your plans on what to see on your next trip to Kyoto and Osaka. Let’s go!

Kyoto is a city rich in history, traditional architecture, and serene landscapes. Osaka is a vibrant metropolis, known for its modern attractions and culinary delights. While both cities have their charms, tourists have different experiences in both.

The capital of Japan for 1,000 years, Kyoto is easily the historic and cultural center of Japan. “ Countless temples, shrines and other historically significant structures survive in the city today,” writes Japan Guide.

Visit Nijo Castle, “built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868),” writes Japan Guide. Stroll through the Higashiyama District, one of the city’s best preserved historic areas.

Read more about temples, shrines, gardens, palaces and architectural districts to visit in Kyoto.

To fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture, consider timing your visit to one of Kyoto’s annual festivals. For a prosperous start to the year, celebrate Hatsumode from January 1-3. During this time, Kyotoites visit shrines to welcome in the New Year by praying for success, health and luck. Tourists and other visitors are welcome to join and observe. Before you go, learn about Hatsumode practices and etiquette.

If you’re entranced by the history and culture surrounding the Geisha, visit Kyoto during the Kitano Odori Geisha Dance, held by geisha houses in the northern Kamishichiken Geisha District in early spring.

Kyoto’s biggest annual festival, the Gion Matsuri, is held in July. Revelers don colorful yukatas, watch festive parades and “gorge themselves on street food and beer,” writes Inside Kyoto.

Read about more Japanese festivals celebrated in Kyoto.

• Japan’s second largest city after Tokyo, Osaka “has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region,” writes Japan Guide.

• Osaka is a unique blend of both modern living and historic charms. In a single afternoon, you can seemingly time travel from modern, metropolitan Japan, to the 17th century. Nicknamed “Japan’s Kitchen,” Osaka is also a foodie’s paradise.

• In Osaka’s bustling downtown, climb to dizzying heights to the top of the Umeda Sky Building. Umeda Sky’s two 173 metre tall towers are connected by the Floating Garden Observatory at the top of the structure. It’s a great spot for clear views of the city from an open-air deck.

• Stroll the cherry blossom covered grounds of Osaka Castle to experience what feudal Japan was like. Construction of the grand, multi-level palace began in 1583, but it was twice destroyed years later, following its completion. A replica of the castle tower was constructed in 1931.

• If you plan on touring Osaka Castle, visit the Toyotomi Stone Museum, which is included in the cost of admission. Opened in 2025, the museum showcases some of the castle’s original stone walls.

• Lovers of Japanese cuisine must head to Osaka’s Dotonbori District. “This bustling entertainment district, centered around the Dotonbori Canal, offers visitors an unforgettable sensory experience with dazzling neon signs, tantalizing aromas, and buzzing atmosphere,” writes Rakuten Travel. Fill your belly with delicious street food such as Takoyaki and kushikatsu.
  

• Inviting photos and stories on social media are showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of Kyoto and Osaka. Influencers and travel bloggers are enticing tourists to visit lesser-known attractions in Kyoto and Osaka, which is shaping travel trends. And influencers on TikTok, Instagram and other platforms reach travelers who use social media to cultivate trip ideas and preview destinations.

Learn about Japanese etiquette and cultural norms before your trip to Osaka and Kyoto. Lonely Planet has extensive travel guides on cultural norms. Here are some basic rules to follow to be a respectful guest to your host country:

• Remain quiet in public. Avoid taking loud phone calls and talking loudly in groups, particularly on public transit and in other enclosed areas.
• Tipping for services is not custom in Japan and may be seen as rude.
• Trash cans are scarce. Travel with a small shopping bag to carry and dispose of your trash back at your hotel room. Be sure to appropriately sort items that can be recycled.

Here are some tips for budgeting, travelling and staying connected:

• Book your flights and accommodations early, particularly during peak seasons and popular festivals.
• Save money by booking hostels or budget hotels, or stay near large transport hubs.
• If you are travelling between major cities on Shinkansen, or will be boarding other Japan Rail trains, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass.
• Purchase a local SIM/eSIM for mobile connectivity, or rent a pocket WiFi device.
• Download Google Translate or Welcome Suica for assistance on navigation and translation.

Travel insurance can be valuable when travelling abroad. You should know that your provincial or territorial health insurance plan may not fully cover you if you experience a medical emergency abroad.

An Allianz travel insurance plan may reimburse certain non-refundable treatment and transportation expenses if you experience a medical emergency abroad. We also offer comprehensive travel insurance plans that provide trip cancellation and interruption coverage, and baggage protection, in addition to medical coverage.

Kyoto and Osaka are quickly becoming preferred destinations for Canadian tourists due to their cultural offerings, history, food and more. Book your next trip to these cities for an enriching travel experience, and don’t forget to purchase comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind.