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9-Day Kyoto & Universal Studios Japan Family Trip with Cultural, Nature & Theme Park Experiences

Viewed by 148 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Universal Studios

Osaka, Japan on December 14, 2025

5:40am

Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Arrive early morning at KIX, complete immigration and collect luggage.
JPY0, 1h

6:40am

Travel to Universal Studios Japan by JR Train

Take JR Haruka Express to Osaka Station then transfer to JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station (approx. 50 mins total).
JPY1500, 50m

7:30am

Breakfast at Studio Cafe near Universal City

Grab a quick and light breakfast to fuel up for a fun day at the theme park.
JPY800, 30m

8:00am

Universal Studios Japan Full Day Visit

Enjoy all the exciting attractions and entertainment including Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Park open from 8:30am to 9:00pm.
JPY8800, 10h

6:00pm

Dinner inside Universal Citywalk Osaka

Eat at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie, a popular spot with large bowls of udon, open until 10pm.
JPY2000, 1h

8:00pm

Travel to Kyoto Hotel

Take JR train from Universal City to Kyoto Station to check in and rest (approx. 1h).
JPY1000, 1h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 2: Kyoto Cultural Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on December 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Kyoto Station

Enjoy a classic Kyoto-style breakfast with coffee and pastries close to your hotel.
JPY900, 1h

8:30am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Visit

Explore the iconic temple with panoramic views of Kyoto, open 6:00am-6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:15am

Walk Higashiyama District

Stroll traditional streets filled with shops and teahouses on the route towards Gion.
JPY0, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Nishiki Warai

Taste Kyoto-style okonomiyaki and local delicacies near Nishiki Market, open 11:00am-9:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

12:45pm

Nishiki Market Exploration

Browse and sample fresh foods and regional treats at the lively market.
JPY0, 1h

2:00pm

Gion District Walk

Explore the historic geisha district with charming wooden machiya houses.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Relax and prepare for the evening.
JPY0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy exceptional Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in an inviting family setting, open until 9:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 3: Arashiyama Nature & Temples

Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan on December 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Arashiyama

Begin your day with a fresh breakfast near Arashiyama station.
JPY900, 1h

8:45am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Visit the iconic bamboo forest early to avoid crowds.
JPY0, 1h

10:00am

Tenryu-ji Temple & Garden

Explore this World Heritage temple and its stunning garden, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy delicate shojin ryori vegetarian cuisine inside the temple grounds, open 11:00am-2:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

1:00pm

Okochi Sanso Villa

Tour beautifully landscaped villa gardens with sweeping views, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Sagano Scenic Railway

Ride the picturesque sightseeing train through forest and riverside areas.
JPY620, 25m

3:15pm

Hozugawa River Walk

Enjoy an easy walk along the river back to Arashiyama station.
JPY0, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Katsukura

Taste authentic tonkatsu near Kyoto Station, open until 9:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Arashiyama

Day 4: Uji Tea & Temples

Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan on December 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for Uji day trip.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Uji

Take JR Nara Line approximately 30 minutes to Uji.
JPY240, 30m

9:15am

Byodo-in Temple

Visit this famous UNESCO heritage temple featuring the Phoenix Hall, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h

10:30am

Traditional Tea Ceremony & Shop

Participate in a tea ceremony and browse specialty Uji green tea shops.
JPY1500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakamura Tokichi Honten

Sample exquisite green tea infused meals and desserts, open 10:00am-6:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Walk Uji River & Ujigami Shrine Visit

Enjoy riverside scenery and visit Japan’s oldest shrine (free entry).
JPY0, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back by JR train.
JPY240, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yakiniku Hiro

Feast on delicious grilled meats in a warm family atmosphere, open till 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Uji

Day 5: Kurama-Kibune Onsen & Nature

Kurama, Kyoto, Japan on December 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the mountain trip.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Kurama via JR and Eizan Railways

Travel north to the Kurama area for temple hikes and onsen relaxation.
JPY400, 1h15m

10:00am

Kurama-dera Temple Hike

Explore temple grounds amid ancient forests, entry JPY300.
JPY300, 1h30m

11:45am

Lunch in Kurama Village

Sample fresh soba or local seasonal dishes at a village eatery.
JPY1500, 1h

1:00pm

Hike Kurama to Kibune

Gentle hike through scenic woodland trail linking the two villages.
JPY0, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kibune Shrine & Riverside

Enjoy quaint shrine and peaceful riverside ambiance.
JPY0, 1h

4:30pm

Soak & Stay at Kurama Onsen

Relax in rejuvenating hot springs and enjoy traditional dinner, onsen open late.
JPY6000, 3h
Find Hotels in Kurama

Day 6: Return & City Museums

Kyoto, Japan on December 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Onsen

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at Kurama Onsen.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Return to Kyoto City

Travel back by rail and prepare for cultural afternoon.
JPY400, 1h15m

11:00am

Lunch at Izuju Sushi

Delight in Kyoto-style sushi near Gion, open 11:30am-2:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h

12:30pm

Kyoto National Museum

View exhibitions of Japanese art and culture, open 9:30am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

3:00pm

Shopping & Leisure at Sanjo/Shijo Streets

Explore shops, cafes, and traditional goods in vibrant shopping districts.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Nishiki Izakaya

Try seasonal Japanese pub-style dishes with sake or soft drinks.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Philosopher’s Path & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on December 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Cafe

Taste matcha drinks and Japanese-style breakfast near Gion.
JPY900, 1h

8:45am

Philosopher’s Path Walk

Walk this famous path with temples like Honen-in and small museums, open all day.
JPY0, 2h

11:00am

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy flavorful udon noodles with seasonal ingredients, open 11:00am-3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Ginkaku-ji Temple Visit

Discover the Silver Pavilion’s historic garden, open 8:30am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

2:00pm

Nanzen-ji Temple

Stroll in the Zen temple grounds with their iconic aqueduct, open 8:40am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:15pm

Return & Rest at Hotel

Relax after an active day.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tempura Endo Yasaka

Dine on seasonal tempura in an elegant Kyoto environment.
JPY4000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 8: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on December 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with hotel breakfast for an efficient Nara trip.
Included, 1h

8:00am

JR Train to Nara

Travel 45 mins to Nara city, famous for temples and deer park.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the grand wooden temple housing the Great Buddha, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Nara Park Deer Feeding

Interact with sacred deer roaming the park freely.
JPY0, 1h

11:45am

Lunch at Nakatanidou Mochi

Taste freshly pounded mochi at this popular local shop.
JPY700, 45m

12:45pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the historic shrine famed for thousands of lanterns.
JPY0, 1h

2:00pm

Isuien Garden

Relax in lovely traditional gardens, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY900, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Train back to Kyoto for evening activities.
JPY710, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Torito Yakitori

Enjoy tasty grilled chicken skewers in casual atmosphere, open till 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 9: Farewell Kyoto & Departure

Kyoto, Japan on December 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final relaxed breakfast before your journey home.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine Visit

Walk through the iconic thousand red torii gates; open 24/7 for early low crowd visit.
JPY0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Vermillion Cafe

Light meal near Fushimi Inari to recharge for travel, open 10:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

12:30pm

Hotel Checkout & Transfer to Kansai Airport

Collect luggage and board JR Haruka Express direct to Kansai International Airport (approx. 75 mins).
JPY2850, 1h15m
Find Hotels in Kyoto
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