Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Kyoto, Japan

Day 1: Arrival in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 6, 2024

Afternoon

Check into Hotel

Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Kyoto and leave your luggage to start your exploration.
N/A, 1 hour

Late Afternoon

Nishiki Market

Sample local delicacies and street food at the lively Nishiki Market.
Cost of food purchases, 2 hours

Evening

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, for stunning views of the city.
Entrance fee, 2 hours

Night

Kaiseki Dinner in Gion

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner in Gion, Kyoto's geisha district.
Cost of dinner, 2 hours

Day 2: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Nara

Kyoto and Nara, Japan on April 7, 2024

Morning

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Take a scenic train ride to the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a walk amidst towering bamboo stalks.
Train fare, 2 hours

Late Morning

Tenryuji Temple

Visit the beautiful Zen temple, Tenryuji Temple, and explore its serene gardens.
Entrance fee, 1.5 hours

Afternoon

Todai-ji Temple

Travel to Nara and explore Todai-ji Temple, home to a giant bronze statue of Buddha.
Entrance fee, 2 hours

Late Afternoon

Nara Park

Interact with the friendly sika deer roaming freely in Nara Park.
N/A, 1 hour

Day 3: Day Trip to Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on April 8, 2024

Full Day

Universal Studios Japan

Dedicate the day to experiencing the thrills and excitement of Universal Studios Japan, including themed areas like Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Minion Park.
Entrance fee, 6-8 hours

Throughout the Day

Express Pass

Consider purchasing Express Pass tickets to avoid long lines at popular attractions.
Additional cost, N/A

Day 4: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Gion District

Kyoto, Japan on April 9, 2024

Morning

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Hike up the iconic torii gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine for a visually stunning experience.
N/A, 2 hours

Evening

Gion District

Stroll through the traditional Gion district in the evening, admiring wooden buildings and geisha culture.
N/A, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Osaka Castle and Dotombori District

Osaka, Japan on April 10, 2024

Morning

Osaka Castle

Visit the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city's history and architecture.
Entrance fee, 2 hours

Afternoon

Dotombori District

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dotombori district, known for its street food and neon lights.
Cost of food purchases, 2 hours

Evening

Dinner in Osaka

Enjoy a delicious dinner of Osaka specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Cost of dinner, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Day Trip to Hiroshima or Kobe

Hiroshima or Kobe, Japan on April 11, 2024

Full Day

Hiroshima or Kobe

Choose either Hiroshima or Kobe for a day trip, visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park or enjoying Kobe's harbor views and Kobe beef.
N/A, 8 hours

Day 7: Free Day in Kyoto or Osaka

Kyoto or Osaka, Japan on April 12, 2024

Full Day

Exploration

Spend the day exploring more of Kyoto or Osaka based on your interests, visiting attractions like Kinkaku-ji or Osaka Museum of History.
Varies, Full day