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17-Day Japan Itinerary: Starting and ending in Osaka

Viewed by 102 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka & Initial Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Kansai International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Osaka. Settle in and unpack after your journey.

Afternoon: Explore Dotonbori district, famous for its vibrant nightlife, neon lights, and delicious street food.

Evening: Enjoy your first dinner in Osaka, trying local specialties such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

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Day 2: Osaka Castle & Cultural Highlights

Morning: Visit Osaka Castle, a historic symbol with panoramic views from its observation deck.

Afternoon: Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and nearby America Mura for shopping and trendy cafes.

Evening: Optional visit to Umeda Sky Building for stunning city views at sunset.

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Day 3: Day Trip to Nara

Morning: Travel to Nara and visit Todai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha sculpture.

Afternoon: Walk through Nara Park to feed the friendly deer and explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Evening: Return to Osaka for dinner and rest.

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Day 4: Kyoto Classic Sights

Morning: Take a train to Kyoto and visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).

Afternoon: Head to Ryoan-ji and explore Nijo Castle.

Evening: Stroll through Gion district, possibly spotting Geishas.

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Day 5: More of Kyoto

Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of red torii gates.

Afternoon: Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Iwatayama Monkey Park.

Evening: Return to central Kyoto for dinner.

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Day 6: Hiroshima & Miyajima Day Trip

Morning: Travel to Hiroshima via Shinkansen and visit the Peace Memorial Park.

Afternoon: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii at Itsukushima Shrine.

Evening: Return to Osaka for overnight stay.

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Day 7: Himeji & Kobe

Morning: Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon: Head to Kobe to enjoy Kobe Beef and explore the Harborland area.

Evening: Return to Osaka.

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Day 8: Osaka Retail & Cultural Day

Morning: Shop at Shinsaibashi and Nipponbashi Denden Town.

Afternoon: Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine or enjoy modern art at The National Museum of Art, Osaka.

Evening: Experience nightlife in Namba district.

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Day 9: Koyasan Sacred Sites

Morning: Travel to Mount Koya (Koyasan), start exploring Okunoin Cemetery.

Afternoon: Visit Kongobu-ji Temple and surroundings.

Evening: Stay overnight in a traditional temple lodging (shukubo).

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Day 10: Koyasan & Return to Osaka

Morning: Participate in morning prayers or explore more temples.

Afternoon: Return to Osaka and relax.

Evening: Free evening to explore local districts.

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Day 11: Osaka Modern Attractions

Morning: Visit Universal Studios Japan or Tempozan Harbour Village.

Afternoon: Enjoy rides or visit the Osaka Aquarium.

Evening: Dinner at local restaurants or shopping at nearby malls.

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Day 12: Day Trip to Wakayama

Morning: Travel to Wakayama and visit Wakayama Castle.

Afternoon: Explore Kimiidera Temple and relax at local parks.

Evening: Return to Osaka.

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Day 13: Cultural & Artistic Exploration

Morning: Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine or National Museum of Art.

Afternoon: Walk through Tennoji Park and visit Abeno Harukas observation deck.

Evening: Enjoy traditional cuisine in local eateries.

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Day 14: Farewell Osaka & Shopping

Morning: Final shopping at Shinsaibashi or Den Den Town.

Afternoon: Pack and prepare for departure.

Evening: Enjoy your last dinner in Osaka.

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Day 15: Departure

Morning: Check out from hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport for your flight home.

Afternoon & Evening: Flight back or onward travel.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Osaka Castle: 2 hours, €10
  • Dotonbori District: 2 hours, €0
  • Nara Park & Todai-ji: 4 hours, €15
  • Kinkaku-ji & Ryoan-ji: 3 hours, €12
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Miyajima: 6 hours, €30
  • Himeji Castle: 2 hours, €10
  • Kobe Harbor & Beef Tasting: 3 hours, €40
  • Universal Studios Japan: 6 hours, €70
  • Koyasan Temples & Cemetery: 4 hours, €20

Total Estimated Cost: €227

Tips

If you wish to extend your trip, consider adding more days in Kyoto or exploring other regions like Tokyo or Hokkaido. To reduce your overall budget, focus on fewer paid attractions and utilize JR Passes for transportation. Keep in mind that early booking can secure better rates for accommodation and travel.

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