Exploring the Culinary and Cultural Gems of Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Nara

Day 1: Fun in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Start your day at this vibrant market, where you can sample fresh seafood, fruits, and traditional Japanese breakfast items.
Walk around the market to explore various food stalls.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Osaka Castle

After breakfast, head to Osaka Castle, a beautiful historical site surrounded by serene gardens.
Take the JR train to Osakajokoen Station, then walk 15 minutes.
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Visit Dotonbori for a lively atmosphere and indulge in local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take the subway from Osakajokoen to Namba Station (15 mins).
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Exploring Dotonbori

After lunch, enjoy strolling along the canal and see the famous Glico running man sign.
Walk around the Dotonbori area.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Visit one of the largest aquariums in the world and marvel at the diverse marine life.
Take the subway from Namba to Osakako Station (30 mins).
JPY 2,400, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savor some delicious kushikatsu, deep-fried skewers, at this famous restaurant.
Walk from the aquarium to the restaurant (10 mins).
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggs 'n Things

Enjoy a fluffy pancake breakfast at this Hawaiian-style cafe.
Take the subway to Shinsaibashi Station (15 mins).
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shitennoji Temple

Visit Japan's oldest Buddhist temple and stroll through its peaceful gardens.
Take the subway to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station (20 mins).
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Abeno Harukas

Head to the tallest building in Japan, and enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck.
Subway ride to Tennoji Station (15 mins).
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tenkaippin

Dig into a hearty bowl of ramen at this popular chain known for its rich broth.
Walk to the restaurant (5 mins).
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Osaka Museum of History

Explore Osaka's history exhibits, from ancient times to modern-day.
Take the subway to Tanimachi 4-chome Station (15 mins).
JPY 600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Stroll through the bustling Shinsaibashi shopping district for souvenirs and local merchandise.
Subway to Shinsaibashi Station (10 mins).
Free, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Treat yourself to premium Matsusaka beef at this sophisticated yakiniku restaurant.
Walk from Shinsaibashi (10 mins).
JPY 5,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto breakfast experience at this historic coffee shop.
Take the JR train to Kyoto Station (30 mins).
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, a must-see for any visitor to Kyoto.
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station (10 mins).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various Japanese street foods at Nishiki Market, the food market of Kyoto.
Take the JR train back to Kyoto Station, then walk to the market (15 mins).
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Zen temple, Kinkaku-ji, adorned in gold leaf and beautifully surrounded by a lake.
Take bus 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station (40 mins).
JPY 400, 2 hours

4:00PM

Gion District

Stroll through Gion, the famous geisha district known for its traditional wooden machiya houses.
Take the bus back from Kinkaku-ji (30 mins).
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner that highlights the seasonal ingredients of Kyoto.
Walk to the restaurant in Gion (5 mins).
JPY 7,000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Historical Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at % Arabica

Start your day with a delicious cup of Kyoto-brewed coffee in a chic café.
Walk to the nearby café (10 mins).
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the breathtaking bamboo forest and take in its tranquil atmosphere.
Take the JR train to Saga Arashiyama Station (20 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens.
Walk from the Bamboo Grove to Tenryu-ji (10 mins).
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with a riverside view at this charming restaurant.
Walk to restaurant nearby (15 mins).
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Visit this unique park where you can observe monkeys in their natural habitat.
Walk to the park entrance (15 mins).
JPY 600, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chao Chao Gyoza

Try hand-made gyoza dumplings at this cozy spot popular among locals.
Take the train back to Kyoto Station and walk to the restaurant (30 mins).
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 172

Start your day at this cozy café known for its creative breakfast dishes.
Take the Kintetsu Line to Nara Station (45 mins).
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple

Visit the iconic Todai-ji Temple and enjoy the friendly deer roaming in Nara Park.
Walk to the park (10 mins).
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor fresh tuna dishes in a casual setting at this beloved spot.
Walk to the restaurant (15 mins).
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Wander through the lush forest to this sacred Shinto shrine adorned with hundreds of lanterns.
Walk to the shrine (20 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Naramachi

Explore the preserved historic district filled with traditional townhouses and quaint shops.
Take a bus to Naramachi (15 mins).
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kameya

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Take a cab to the restaurant (15 mins).
JPY 6,000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Nagoya Adventure

Nagoya, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Komeda's Coffee

Start your morning with a fluffy cinnamon toast at this popular chain.
Take the JR train to Nagoya (1 hour).
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Nagoya Castle

Explore the majestic Nagoya Castle and its beautiful gardens.
Take the subway to Sengen-Cho Station (15 mins).
JPY 500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hitsumabushi Atsuta Honsen

Savor Nagoya's famous grilled eel dish in a traditional atmosphere.
Take the subway (15 mins).
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Osu Shopping District

Wander through the vibrant Osu shopping area, where you'll find everything from vintage shops to trendy boutiques.
Take the subway to Osu Kannon Station (10 mins).
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Toyota Commemorative Museum

Learn about the history of Toyota in this engaging museum that showcases automotive innovations.
Take the subway to Nagoya Station (15 mins).
JPY 1,000, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Yabaton

Try the famous Nagoya-style miso katsu at this well-loved restaurant.
Take the subway back to Sakae Station (15 mins).
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: More of Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sankyu

Enjoy a delicious and traditional Japanese breakfast with local ingredients.
Walk to the café (10 mins).
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art

Explore the stunning collection of artworks including classical and modern pieces.
Take the subway to Sakae Station (15 mins).
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Naritaya

Relish a delicious bowl of chicken ramen, a specialty in Nagoya.
Take the subway to Hisaya-odori Station (10 mins).
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Nagoya City Science Museum

Enjoy hands-on exhibits and the impressive planetarium in this family-friendly museum.
Take the subway to Tsuruma Park (15 mins).
JPY 1,000, 3 hours

4:30PM

Shopping at Midland Square

Shop in this upscale shopping center connected to Nagoya Station, perfect for souvenirs.
Take the subway to Nagoya Station (15 mins).
Free, 2.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Seafood Grill Katsu

Indulge in a variety of fresh seafood grilled to perfection.
Take the subway back to Sakae Station (15 mins).
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Departure from Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Marugame Seimen

Start your last day with a hearty serving of udon, custom-made to your liking.
Walk to the restaurant (15 mins).
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Nagoya City Art Museum

Admire an impressive collection of contemporary and classic art before you leave.
Take the subway to Nagoya City Art Museum (15 mins).
JPY 500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yabaton - Miso Katsu

Relive the flavors of Nagoya with a final delicious meal of miso katsu from this famous spot.
Take the subway back to Sakae (15 mins).
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Souvenir Shopping at Sakae

Take some time for last-minute souvenir shopping in Sakae shopping district.
Walk around Sakae area.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Head to Nagoya Station

Catch your train to your next destination or journey home.
Free, 1 hour
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