Japan Trip: Osaka & Nagoya (April 3–10, 2026)

Day 1 (April 3) – Arrival in Osaka & Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Kansai International Airport and take the rapid train to central Osaka. Check into your hotel near Dotonbori and freshen up.

Afternoon: Stroll through the vibrant Dotonbori district, savoring takoyaki and exploring the iconic neon sign of the Glico man.

Evening: Enjoy a river cruise on the Dotonbori Canal, then dine on local specialties at a riverside izakaya.

Day 2 (April 4) – Osaka Highlights

Morning: Visit the historic Osaka Castle, explore its museum and enjoy panoramic views from the top.

Afternoon: Head to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest, and marvel at the marine life exhibits.

Evening: Head up to the Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory for sunset over the city, followed by dinner in the Umeda district.

Day 3 (April 5) – Osaka to Nagoya

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at a local café and visit the historic Shitennoji Temple.

Afternoon: Board the Shinkansen to Nagoya (≈ 50 min). Check into your hotel near Sakae and settle in.

Evening: Explore the lively Sakae district, sample Nagoya’s famous miso katsu, and enjoy the city’s nightlife.

Day 4 (April 6) – Nagoya City Exploration

Morning: Tour the grand Nagoya Castle, exploring its historic towers and beautiful gardens.

Afternoon: Visit the Atsuta Shrine, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant and try the regional specialty “hitsumabushi” (grilled eel) in the Nagoya Station area.

Day 5 (April 7) – Pre‑Conference Exploration

Morning: Discover the automotive heritage at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through the Osu Shopping District, browsing unique boutiques and snack stalls.

Evening: Prepare for the conference: pick up registration materials and attend a welcome reception at the conference venue.

Day 6 (April 8) – Manufacturing World Conference – Day 1

Morning: Attend opening keynote and panel sessions at the Manufacturing World Conference (Main Hall).

Afternoon: Attend breakout workshops on Industry 4.0 and visit the exhibition hall.

Evening: Network with industry professionals at the conference networking dinner.

Day 7 (April 9) – Manufacturing World Conference – Day 2

Morning: Participate in technical sessions and live demos at the conference.

Afternoon: Continue with panel discussions and a tour of the nearby Port of Nagoya exhibition area.

Evening: Explore local nightlife in the Fukuromachi area and try Nagoya’s famous “tenmusu” (rice ball with shrimp).

Day 8 (April 10) – Conference Day 3 & Departure

Morning: Attend final conference sessions, awards ceremony, and closing remarks.

Afternoon: Pack and check out of the hotel. Take the Shinkansen to Kansai International Airport for your flight home.

Evening: Depart from Nagoya (via Osaka) back home, concluding an enriching blend of culture and industry.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Osaka Castle – 2 hrs, ¥1,000 (admission)
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – 3 hrs, ¥2,300 (admission)
• Umeda Sky Building – 2 hrs, ¥1,500 (admission)
• Shitennoji Temple – 1.5 hrs, ¥300 (admission)
• Shinkansen (Osaka–Nagoya) – 1 hr, ¥4,500 (round‑trip)
• Nagoya Castle – 2 hrs, ¥500 (admission)
• Atsuta Shrine – 1.5 hrs, free
• Toyota Museum – 2 hrs, ¥500 (admission)
• Manufacturing World Conference – 3 days, ¥60,000 (registration, includes meals)
• Meals (average) – 8 days × ¥1,500/day, ¥12,000
• Accommodation (Nagoya 6‑10 Apr) – 4 nights × ¥12,000/night, ¥48,000
• Accommodation (Osaka 3‑5 Apr) – 3 nights × ¥11,000/night, ¥33,000
• Local Transport (cards, buses, subways) – ¥4,000
• Miscellaneous (souvenirs, etc.) – ¥5,000
• Total Estimated Cost: ¥185,800

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a day trip to Kobe from Osaka for its scenic harbor and the renowned Kobe beef. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 1 and Day 2 in Osaka by reducing the Osaka Aquarium visit, and skip the Osaka Castle visit in favor of a quick walk through Umeda before heading to Nagoya. The conference schedule is flexible, allowing you to leave after the closing ceremony on the 10th for a direct flight home from Nagoya. Adjust accommodation nights accordingly to meet your desired duration.