Know before you go · Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe

Japan, explained.

The questions our guests ask most, answered by a team that lives here. When to come, how to eat, how to dodge the crowds, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Beat the crowds

When to go to the famous places

Local timing from our team. More tips from them arrive as field notes on each machi page.

Best: Before 8:00 · after darkPhoto: Luka Peternel, CC BY-SA 4.0

Fushimi Inari

Go before 8 am or after dark. The gates never close, and the higher you climb, the quieter it gets.

Avoid: Late morning to afternoon

Best: Before 8:00

Arashiyama bamboo grove

Walk it while the tour buses are still on the road.

Avoid: 10:00 to 16:00

Best: From 6:00Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kiyomizu-dera

The temple opens at 6 am. Walk up Sannenzaka before the shops open.

Avoid: Midday

Best: Weekday, at opening

Kinkaku-ji

Right at opening on a weekday, before the school groups arrive.

Avoid: Late morning

Best: Early morning

Nara Park

Early morning, when the deer are calm and the paths are empty.

Avoid: Weekend middays

Best: Morning · evening

Dotonbori

Weekday mornings for photos. Any evening for the neon, just expect the crowd.

Avoid: Saturday night, if crowds bother you

Best: Before opening

Universal Studios Japan

Arrive before opening and head to the most popular area first.

Avoid: Weekends and school holidays

Best: Weekdays

Autumn leaves in Kyoto

Pick smaller temples, or go on a weekday. Tofuku-ji and Eikando are busiest at weekends.

Avoid: Weekends, mid to late November