Osaka and Kyoto Winter Holiday Itinerary: December 24 to January 1 for Groups

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Osaka

Osaka, Japan on December 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Micasadeco & Cafe

Begin your trip with fluffy Japanese pancakes and rich coffee at this popular café open from 8:00am, a perfect hearty start to your holiday.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Check-in and Freshen Up

Settle into your accommodation near Namba for easy access to main attractions, and relax before exploring.
Included in accommodation, 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Explore Osaka’s longest shopping street bustling with boutiques and seasonal Christmas decorations.
Free entry, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savor Osaka's famous deep-fried skewers, kushikatsu, in this lively and iconic restaurant near Dotonbori.
JPY2000 per person, 1h

4:00pm

Walk along Dotonbori Canal

Enjoy the illuminated signboards and festive ambiance along this lively canal, ideal for amazing photos.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Taste Osaka’s famous okonomiyaki cooked to perfection at this popular restaurant open until 10:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Osaka Castle and Park

Osaka, Japan on December 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee

Fuel up with their signature Shiro Noir pastry and rich coffee; café opens at 7:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Tour Osaka Castle

Visit the historic castle with panoramic city views from the top floor and an informative museum inside, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

11:45am

Explore Osaka Castle Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the scenic park, decorated with winter greenery and photo spots.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kanda Soba

Relish authentic soba noodles with seasonal tempura near the castle area, known for excellent taste.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nakanoshima Park

Discover this riverside park’s rose garden and the historic Osaka City Central Public Hall for a relaxing afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Enjoy innovative udon dishes in a stylish dining setting; perfect for group dining, open till late.
JPY1700, 1h30m
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Day 3: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on December 26, 2025

7:30am

Quick Breakfast at hotel or convenience store

Grab easy breakfast like sandwiches or onigiri before a fun-packed day, available from early morning.
JPY800, 30m

8:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Experience thrilling rides and the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter; park opens 8:30am-8:00pm during winter season.
JPY8500, 8h

5:00pm

Dinner at Mel’s Drive-In

Enjoy classic American diner dishes inside the park before heading back to your hotel.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 4: Kyoto Temples & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on December 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before traveling to Kyoto, preparing for a day rich with history and culture.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Train to Kyoto

Take the JR Special Rapid or Shinkansen from Osaka to Kyoto, approximately 30-45 minutes journey.
JPY560 - Shinkansen slightly higher, 45m

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous shrine with thousands of red torii gates, an iconic symbol of Kyoto, open 24 hours with free entry.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Walk through historic streets to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its wooden stage and panoramic views, open 6:00am-6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy traditional Kyoto vegetarian cuisine at this historic restaurant near Kiyomizu-dera, perfect for experiencing local flavors.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Walk through Gion District

Experience traditional wooden machiya houses, tea rooms, and possibly spot a geisha while exploring this cultural hotspot.
Free, 1h30m

3:45pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning golden temple surrounded by gardens and a tranquil pond, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

5:30pm

Train back to Osaka

Return to Osaka by train to relax before dinner.
JPY560, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yakiniku M

Celebrate your Kyoto day with a delicious Japanese barbecue dinner back in Osaka, ideal for your group.
JPY3000 per person, 2h
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Day 5: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on December 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before heading out on your day trip to Nara, famous for deer and historic temples.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Train to Nara

Travel via Kintetsu Nara Line or JR from Osaka to Nara, approximately 40 minutes.
JPY560, 40m

9:15am

Todai-ji Temple visit

See the Great Buddha Hall at this UNESCO City of Nara site, a must-see historic highlight, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Park and Deer Feeding

Interact with friendly deer and enjoy the scenic nature of the expansive park.
JPY200 for deer crackers, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor fresh tuna dishes at this popular spot in Nara, well-loved for its quality and value.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the lantern-lit paths of this important shrine, open until 4:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Osaka

Relax on the train ride back and prepare for dinner.
JPY560, 40m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hozenji Yokochou Alley

Dine in an atmospheric historic alley with a variety of traditional Japanese eateries, perfect for groups in the evening.
JPY2500 per person, 2h
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Day 6: Shopping and Food Tour

Osaka, Japan on December 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy specialty coffee and fresh pastries in this intimate café near the city center, opens at 8:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Shinsaibashi and America Mura

Explore trendy shops and vibrant youth culture, a fun and lively shopping experience.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Endo Sushi at Central Fish Market

Sample exceptional sushi at this fresh market eatery, open until 2:00pm on weekends.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy browsing and tasting local street foods at Osaka’s famous market.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Coffee break at Streamer Coffee Company

Recharge with a beautiful latte and art at this highly-rated café.
JPY800, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Yakiniku M

Experience Japanese barbecue with your group, sharing a variety of grilled meats and veggies.
JPY3000 per person, 2h
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Day 7: Sumiyoshi Shrine & Tennoji

Osaka, Japan on December 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tully’s Coffee

Grab breakfast on the go from a convenient café serving coffee and light bites, open from 7:00am.
JPY900, 45m

9:00am

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Visit one of Japan’s oldest shrines featuring unique architecture, open 6:00am-5:00pm with free entry.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Tennoji Zoo and Park

Discover various animals at the zoo (9:30am-5:00pm) and stroll Tennoji Park’s winter greenery nearby.
JPY500, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Abeno Harukas Dining

Dine with panoramic views at Japan’s tallest building with a variety of cuisine options, open from 11:00am.
JPY2000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Shop at Abeno Q’s Mall

Browse an extensive shopping mall featuring international and local brands for a relaxed afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Fugetsu Okonomiyaki

Enjoy delicious okonomiyaki near Tennoji for a fitting end to your day, open until 10:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h30m
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Day 8: Umeda Sky and Departure

Osaka, Japan on December 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gransta Osaka

Start your final day with pastries and coffee at Gransta inside Osaka Station, perfect for a convenient meal.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for breathtaking views, open 10:00am to 10:30pm allowing for day or night visits.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Grand Front Osaka

Enjoy last-minute shopping and cultural spaces in this modern complex near Umeda Station.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Takoyaki Wanaka

Indulge in Osaka’s famous takoyaki to savor the local culinary specialty before departure.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Hotel, Pack and Prepare for Departure

Gather your belongings and relax before your journey to the airport.
Included, 3h
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