8-Day Osaka and Kyoto Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Osaka City Tour

Osaka, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Start your day sampling fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and local snacks at Osaka's iconic market, which opens early to catch the bustling morning vibe.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Castle

Explore this iconic historical landmark surrounded by beautiful parklands; the castle museum offers insight into Japan's feudal history.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy a variety of street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the vibrant Dotonbori district, a must-visit for food lovers.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Stroll through this extensive shopping street featuring everything from boutique stores to popular brands, perfect for some retail therapy.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic city views at sunset.
JPY1500, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Sample Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers (kushikatsu) at this renowned restaurant.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 2: Universal Studios Osaka

Osaka, Japan on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Fuel up early with a quick breakfast before heading out to Universal Studios Japan.
JPY800, 0.5h

8:30am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the full day enjoying rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters; park opens at 8:30am and closes at 9:00pm during summer.
JPY8800, 10h

7:30pm

Dinner near Universal City Station

Relax with dinner at a nearby restaurant offering casual Japanese or western cuisine after a fun-packed day.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 3: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your Osaka accommodation before heading to Nara by train (approx. 45 minutes).
JPY800, 0.5h

9:00am

Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha in one of Japan’s most famous temples and explore the surrounding deer park.
JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this Shinto shrine lined with hundreds of lanterns—culturally rich and beautiful to explore.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try freshly made yomogi mochi and other traditional sweets for a light lunch.
JPY1000, 1h

1:45pm

Nara National Museum

Discover Buddhist art and historical treasures in a serene setting; open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY520, 1.5h

3:30pm

Return to Osaka and relax

Head back to Osaka by train and take some rest before dinner.
JPY560, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, Dotonbori

Enjoy premium Japanese wagyu beef BBQ, a perfect end to your day.
JPY5000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Osaka to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast and check out of your Osaka hotel.
JPY800, 0.5h

9:30am

Travel to Kyoto

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka to Kyoto, about 30 minutes.
JPY560, 0.5h

10:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visit the famous red torii gates shrine; open all day and best visited in the morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Vermillion - Espresso Bar & Info

Enjoy a light western-style lunch with coffee near Fushimi Inari.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Tofuku-ji Temple

Explore famous temples and gardens known for stunning autumn colors, typically open 9:00am - 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

4:00pm

Check-in at Kyoto hotel

Relax and freshen up after your journey and sightseeing.
Varies, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Experience Kyoto’s local home-style cuisine in the historic Gion district.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on July 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto coffee house breakfast with toast, eggs, and strong coffee.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning gold-leaf covered Zen temple surrounded by tranquil gardens; open 9:00am - 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Visit the famed rock garden known for its minimalist design and meditation ambiance.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Issian Pontocho

Enjoy Kyoto’s specialty yakitori in the charming Pontocho alley.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Nijo Castle

See the historic shogun residence with beautiful gardens and painted sliding doors; open 8:45am - 5:00pm.
JPY1050, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at hotel or explore downtown Kyoto

Enjoy some downtime or walk along the Kamogawa river.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Experience innovative kaiseki dining combining tradition and modernity.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 6: Arashiyama & West Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Get a quick breakfast before heading out to Arashiyama.
JPY800, 0.5h

9:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo forest early to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Free, 1h

10:15am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit Kyoto's UNESCO site with beautiful gardens; open 8:30am - 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Experience traditional Buddhist vegetarian shojin ryori cuisine inside Tenryu-ji temple grounds.
JPY3500, 1h

1:30pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike to see wild monkeys with a fantastic view of Kyoto city; open 9:00am - 4:00pm.
JPY550, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Togetsukyo Bridge and riverside

Relax and enjoy the scenic river views of Arashiyama.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Dine on soba noodles with views of the river, a local favorite.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Eastern Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on July 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Vox Cafe

Have a relaxed breakfast offering western and Japanese dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this iconic temple with stunning views of Kyoto; open 6:00am - 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

11:30am

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets

Explore well-preserved historic streets lined with shops and tea houses, perfect to pick souvenirs.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy traditional Kyoto tofu cuisine near Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Gion District Walk

Stroll through Kyoto's famous geisha district, spotting historic architecture and possibly geiko and maiko.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Tea ceremony experience at Camellia Garden

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to deepen your cultural understanding.
JPY2000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Sushiko Honten

Savor exquisite sushi in Kyoto’s atmospheric Pontocho alley.
JPY6000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Kyoto Highlights & Depart

Kyoto, Japan on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your hotel breakfast and pack up for departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s famous food market to pick last minute snacks and souvenirs before you leave.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Daiyasu

Enjoy tempura and local dishes at this well-loved Nishiki market restaurant.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Return to hotel and check out

Get ready for your onward travel after eight memorable days.
Varies, 1h
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