Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

11-Day Westbound Loop: Nagoya → Nara → Kobe → Osaka — Detailed Japan Itinerary (2025-11-13 to 2025-11-23)

Viewed by 102 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Landmarks

Nagoya, Japan on November 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Komeda's Coffee (Sakae or Osu branch)

Classic Nagoya coffee-shop chain famous for thick toast and ‘shiro-noir’ pastry — great low-key breakfast and open early (typically from 7:00am).
JPY900, 0h45m

9:30am

Nagoya Castle & Honmaru Palace

Explore the reconstructed castle and newly restored Honmaru Palace; main facilities usually open 9:00am–4:30pm (confirm seasonal hours) — excellent intro to Owari history and city views.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll Osu Shopping District and light lunch

Osu is a lively arcade of shops, street food and temples — pick kushikatsu or a tebasaki lunch; many vendors open from late morning.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tokugawa Art Museum & Tokugawa Garden

Houses samurai artifacts and a beautiful garden; museum generally open 9:30am–5:00pm (check Mondays/holidays) — great for samurai / tea-culture context.
JPY1,200, 2h0m

5:30pm

Sakae district & Oasis 21

Evening shopping and the glass 'Spaceship-Aqua' roof at Oasis 21 — open into the evening with illuminated sights and eateries nearby.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Yabaton (miso katsu specialty)

Try Nagoya’s signature miso-katsu at a reliable chain with long local tradition (open into the evening) — hearty local flavor.
JPY1,800, 1h30m

Day 2: Museums & Tech

Nagoya, Japan on November 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a train-station café (Nagoya Station)

Grab a quick on-the-go breakfast and coffee before museums; stations open early and have varied options.
JPY700, 0h30m

10:00am

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Interactive museum dedicated to Japan’s railway and maglev history; open typically 10:00am–5:30pm (closed Tuesdays) — excellent for tech and transport fans.
JPY1,000, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch: Yamachan (Nagoya tebasaki chicken)

Try Nagoya’s famous fried chicken wings at this local chain — casual and widely loved.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Hands-on displays about textile machinery and Toyota’s evolution into cars; open roughly 9:30am–5:00pm (closed Mondays) — great for industrial history.
JPY1,000, 2h0m

5:30pm

Sky Promenade or Nagoya TV Tower

Head up for city views and sunset photos; check seasonal lighting hours but towers usually open into evening.
JPY800, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner: Hitsumabushi at Atsuta Horaiken (reservation recommended)

Nagoya’s famous grilled eel served in multi-step style — a must-try local specialty (restaurant hours generally 11:00am–9:00pm).
JPY2,500, 1h30m

Day 3: Inuyama Daytrip

Nagoya → Inuyama, Japan on November 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or station

Quick hotel breakfast or train-station sandwich before the 30–40 minute rail journey to Inuyama.
JPY700, 0h30m

9:30am

Inuyama Castle

One of Japan’s oldest original wooden castles (open about 9:00am–5:00pm) with river views; compact but historically rich.
JPY550, 1h0m

11:00am

Urakuen Garden & Jo-an Teahouse

Traditional Japanese garden and tea-house close to the castle; open daytime (approx 9:00am–5:00pm) — calm cultural experience.
JPY300, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch: Local soba or river-side set meal

Enjoy a riverside restaurant or soba house serving local ingredients near the castle.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Meiji-mura open-air museum (optional)

Large open-air park of historic buildings from the Meiji era; typically open 9:30am–5:00pm — allow extra travel time but rewarding if you like architecture.
JPY1,700, 2h30m

5:30pm

Return to Nagoya and evening walk

Return by local train (30–40 minutes), rest and stroll around Sakae or Nagoya station area.
JPY600, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at a local izakaya (Nagoya)

Sample small plates (yakitori, local veg, sashimi) in a convivial setting — many izakayas open until late.
JPY2,000, 1h30m

Day 4: Transfer to Nara

Nagoya → Nara, Japan on November 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & check-out

Early breakfast and check-out; pick an ekiben or quick café if you want to eat on the train.
JPY700, 0h30m

9:00am

Train to Nara (recommended: JR or Kintetsu via Kyoto)

Travel time ~2 hours depending on connection; scenic approach into Kansai plain — cost varies (approx JPY2,500).
JPY2,500, 2h0m

12:00pm

Check in & lunch near Nara Station

Drop bags, then enjoy lunch in the station area — many cafes and soba shops serving set lunches.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Nara Park & Todai-ji (Daibutsuden)

Home of the Great Buddha; Todai-ji usually opens from early morning to around 5:00pm (times vary seasonally) — iconic and must-see.
JPY600, 2h0m

4:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Lantern Walk

Historic Shinto shrine with thousands of lanterns; shrine grounds open from early morning to late afternoon (often ~6:00pm), magical at dusk.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner: Nara specialty or sushi

Try local kakinoha-zushi (persimmon-leaf sushi) or a cozy sushi restaurant near Nara-machi — many dinner venues open until 9pm.
JPY1,800, 1h30m

Day 5: Horyu-ji & Naramachi

Nara, Japan on November 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at ryokan or café

Fuel up before the Horyu-ji visit; Japanese breakfasts vary by lodging, but cafés near the station open early.
JPY800, 0h30m

9:00am

Horyu-ji Temple (Ikaruga)

One of the world’s oldest wooden temples and a UNESCO site; temple hours usually ~8:30am–4:30pm — important early-Buddhist architecture.
JPY1,000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Naramachi

Historic merchant quarter with narrow streets, teahouses and cafés offering set lunches — relaxed atmosphere.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Isuien Garden & Nara-machi stroll

Beautiful landscaped gardens (Isuien open ~9:00am–5:30pm) and craft shops in Naramachi — ideal afternoon wandering and tea.
JPY900, 1h30m

4:00pm

Deer Park exploration and snacks

Feed and photograph the famous free-roaming deer; park access is open daylight hours.
JPY200, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner: Local izakaya or specialty restaurant

Enjoy small plates and sake in a Naramachi izakaya — atmospheric and local.
JPY2,000, 1h30m

Day 6: Move to Kobe

Nara → Kobe, Japan on November 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Quick breakfast and prepare luggage for the ~1–1.5 hour train journey to Kobe (depending on route).
JPY700, 0h30m

9:30am

Train to Kobe

Rail transfer (JR/Kintetsu + local lines); travel time ~1–1.5 hours and scenic approach to Kobe port and harbor.
JPY1,500, 1h30m

11:30am

Check in & Kobe beef lunch (Mouriya or similar)

Split a Kobe beef lunch course or a teppanyaki set; many steakhouses take reservations and serve midday courses (11:30am onward).
JPY4,000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Meriken Park & Kobe Harborland walk

Harborfront area with art, the iconic Kobe Port Tower nearby and relaxed seaside promenades — open all day and free to stroll.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Kitano-cho (Ijinkan) neighborhood

Historic foreign residences from the Meiji era; many houses open ~9:00am–5:00pm for tours — great for architecture and photos.
JPY500, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nankin-machi (Kobe Chinatown)

Bustling Chinatown with many street-food stalls and restaurants; enjoy ramen, buns or Chinese dishes — lively nighttime atmosphere.
JPY1,500, 1h30m

Day 7: Arima Onsen Day

Kobe (Arima Onsen), Japan on November 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before heading up into the Rokko mountain area toward Arima Onsen — trains/cable car run from central Kobe.
JPY700, 0h30m

10:00am

Arrive Arima Onsen & explore

Historic hot-spring town north of Kobe; walk the streets, sample local snacks and book a public bath or ryokan experience. Town walking is open all day.
JPY0, 1h0m

11:30am

Public bath: Taiko-no-yu or Gin no Yu

Relax in a famous public bath — Taiko-no-yu often open from 10:00am into the evening (confirm seasonal hours); small fee applies.
JPY1,000, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at an onsen ryokan or local soba shop

Enjoy a set meal featuring local mountain ingredients or tempura near the hot-spring streets.
JPY1,800, 1h0m

4:00pm

Stroll souvenir shops & try local sweets

Arima is known for 'kin no yu' and local confections; enjoy a relaxed late afternoon before returning to Kobe.
JPY500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Return to Kobe & dinner (yakiniku or izakaya)

Back in Kobe for dinner; try a yakiniku or local izakaya to end the onsen day.
JPY3,500, 1h30m

Day 8: Himeji Daytrip

Kobe → Himeji, Japan on November 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & train to Himeji

Early breakfast, then ~1 hour JR train to Himeji — convenient for beating crowds at the castle.
JPY1,100, 1h0m

9:30am

Himeji Castle

Japan’s premier feudal castle and UNESCO site; usually open ~9:00am–5:00pm — allow 1.5–2 hours for full exploration and photos.
JPY1,000, 1h45m

11:30am

Koko-en Garden

Beautiful Edo-style gardens next to Himeji Castle; open approx 9:00am–5:00pm — a calm counterpoint to the castle tour.
JPY310, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch near Himeji Station

Try a local set meal or tendon near the station before returning to Kobe in the afternoon.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Kobe — free time in the evening

Relax at your hotel or explore more of Kobe neighborhoods like Sannomiya for shopping and cafés.
JPY600, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at a Kobe steakhouse (special occasion)

Reserve in advance if you want a high-end Kobe beef experience; many restaurants open evenings from 5:00pm.
JPY5,000, 1h30m

Day 9: Move to Osaka

Kobe → Osaka, Japan on November 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & check-out

Light breakfast and luggage ready for the short train hop (~20–40 minutes) into central Osaka.
JPY700, 0h30m

9:30am

Train to Osaka and check-in

Arrive in Osaka, leave luggage at hotel or station lockers if early; travel ~30–40 minutes depending on service (JR/Hanshin).
JPY700, 0h45m

11:00am

Osaka Castle & Park

Iconic landmark with museum inside and pleasant park grounds; the castle keep is typically open 9:00am–5:00pm — great for history and photos.
JPY600, 1h30m

1:00pm

Kuromon Market lunch

Vibrant food market offering fresh sushi, grilled seafood, takoyaki and more — ideal for a varied lunch and sampling local street foods (open from ~9:00am–6:00pm).
JPY1,500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi shopping

Famous neon-lit entertainment and shopping district; explore shops, photo spots (Glico sign), and local snack stalls — open late into the evening.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner: Okonomiyaki at Mizuno or similar

Try Osaka-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) in Dotonbori; many popular shops open from late morning through evening (arrive early or expect a queue).
JPY1,800, 1h30m

Day 10: Theme Park or City

Osaka, Japan on November 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & prep for full-day option

Quick breakfast and early departure if you choose Universal Studios Japan (buy tickets in advance) or a city day using Umeda and Aquarium.
JPY800, 0h30m

9:00am

Option A — Universal Studios Japan (full day)

Theme-park day with rides, shows and themed zones; park hours commonly start around 9:00am and close between 6:00pm–9:00pm depending on season — buy timed-tickets/Express Passes to reduce lines.
JPY8,400, 9h0m

9:30am

Option B — Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan & Tempozan

If you prefer a calmer day, visit the large aquarium (open ~10:00am–8:00pm) and Tempozan Marketplace, then Umeda Sky Building in the evening for sunset/night views.
JPY2,400, 7h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Namba or Umeda

After a full day, choose dinner in bustling Namba (ramen/izakaya) or high-rise dining in Umeda — many late-night options available.
JPY2,000, 1h30m

Day 11: Last-Minute & Departure

Osaka, Japan on November 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & pack

Final hotel breakfast and last checks on luggage and souvenirs; confirm airport transport times (Kansai KIX or Itami ITM).
JPY700, 0h30m

9:30am

Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku (optional)

Retro district with the Tsutenkaku tower and kushikatsu specialty restaurants; Tsutenkaku typically open ~10:00am–8:30pm (tower entry fee applies).
JPY800, 1h30m

11:30am

Last-minute shopping at Namba or Tennoji

Pick up final souvenirs, snacks (omiyage), and depart for the airport with plenty of time — allow 1.5–2.5 hours to reach Kansai Airport depending on method.
JPY0, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch: Kuromon revisit or sushi

Grab a final sushi set or bento to enjoy on the way to the airport.
JPY1,500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Transfer to airport (Kansai KIX or Itami)

Leave for the airport allowing time for check-in and security; Kansai Express trains take ~50 minutes from central Osaka to KIX, airport limousine buses and trains vary — confirm terminal and connection.
JPY1,600, 1h30m

6:00pm

Departure or final dinner (if staying overnight)

If departing tonight, complete check-in. If you have an evening flight or stay, sample one last meal in the airport or near your hotel.
JPY1,500, 1h0m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version