Family Adventure in Osaka and Kyoto: 8-Day Itinerary for April 2025

Day 1: Explore Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Osaka Castle Park

Start your adventure at the iconic Osaka Castle, surrounded by beautiful parklands that are perfect for families to explore.
Take the Osaka Metro to Tanimachi 4-chome Station and walk for 10 minutes.
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Head to Dotonbori for a vibrant lunch experience, indulging in local street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take the Osaka Metro from Tanimachi 4-chome to Namba Station, a 10-minute ride.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Discover marine wonders at one of the world's largest aquariums, where kids can marvel at whale sharks and colorful fish.
Take the Osaka Metro to Osakako Station and walk for 5 minutes.
JPY 2400, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner sampling various deep-fried skewers that Osaka is famous for.
Take the Osaka Metro to Namba Station and walk for 5 minutes.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tenkaippin

Start your day with a hearty bowl of rich, creamy ramen at this beloved chain that caters to families.
Take a short bus ride or walk to the restaurant nearby.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shitennoji Temple

Visit one of Japan's oldest temples where the kids can learn about Japanese history and culture in a peaceful setting.
Take the Osaka Metro to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station and walk for 10 minutes.
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample various fresh foods at this lively market, perfect for adventurous eaters and kids alike.
Take the Osaka Metro to Nippombashi Station, a 5-minute ride.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the afternoon enjoying rides and attractions suitable for all ages, assuring fun for the entire family.
Take the JR train from Namba Station to Universal City Station, about 15 minutes.
JPY 8200, 5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at CityWalk

End the day at CityWalk for various dining options, from American burgers to Asian cuisine, ensuring there's something for every palate.
Stay within Universal CityWalk.
JPY 2500, 2 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Kyoto

Osaka to Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at your hotel before a fun-filled day.
Walk to the hotel restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Check out and take the JR train from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, a quick 30-minute ride.
Simply walk to Osaka Station and catch the train.
JPY 560, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Kyoto Tower

Spend some time at Kyoto Tower where you can get a panoramic view of the city—great photo opportunities!
Walk 5 minutes to the tower from Kyoto Station.
JPY 770, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Delight in Kyoto's culinary delights at the famous Nishiki Market, exploring different food stalls with the family.
Walk 15 minutes to Nishiki Market.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the serene Kinkaku-ji, a stunning zen temple where the kids will love the beauty of its shimmering gold facade.
Take a bus from Nishiki Market to Kinkaku-ji, around 30 minutes.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto udon noodle dinner in an atmosphere the family will find cozy and welcoming.
Take a bus back to Kyoto Station and walk to the restaurant.
JPY 1800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful hotel breakfast, recharging for your adventure.
Walk to the hotel restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the stunning bamboo forest, an enchanting experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Take the JR train to Saga-Arashiyama Station, a 30-minute ride, followed by a 10-minute walk.
JPY 470, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Arashiyama

Discover local flavors with a riverside lunch at a mountain-view restaurant in Arashiyama.
Nearby walking distance after the bamboo grove.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Iwatayama Monkey Park

Make connections with wildlife as you hike up to Iwatayama Monkey Park, where monkeys roam free—an adventure children will love!
Walk for 15 minutes from your lunch spot.
JPY 600, 2 hours

4:30PM

Sagano Scenic Railway

Enjoy a scenic ride on this charming train taking you through picturesque landscapes of Arashiyama.
Return walk to the station you came from.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor a delightful dinner of traditional Yudofu (tofu hot pot) at a quaint restaurant by the riverside.
Short 10-minute walk from the train station.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Prep for a historic day with a filling breakfast at the hotel.
Walk to the hotel restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari, providing both beauty and exploration opportunities.
Take the JR train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station, about 5 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen

Feast on a delicious bowl of tonkotsu ramen at one of Kyoto's most popular ramen shops.
Take the train back to Kyoto Station, then walk to the restaurant.
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kyoto National Museum

Engage with Japan's rich history as you explore the exhibits at this kid-friendly museum.
Take the bus from the restaurant to the museum, approximately 15 minutes.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Nanzen-ji Temple

Gaze at the impressive structure of Nanzen-ji, where the family can explore its beautiful gardens and pathways.
Take a short 10-minute bus ride.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience traditional Kyoto cuisine in an atmospheric setting along Pontocho Alley, offering various options sure to please everyone.
Walk from Nanzen-ji Temple back to the restaurant in Pontocho.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Nature and Relaxation

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a great breakfast, preparing for a leisurely day in nature.
Walk to the hotel restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Philosopher's Path

Stroll along the Philosopher's Path, a serene canal-side walk adorned with cherry blossoms in bloom during April.
Take a 15-minute bus ride to the starting point of the path.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Grab lunch at a cozy spot known for its savory okonomiyaki, a hit with both adults and kids.
Walk to the restaurant while taking in the surroundings.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Heian Shrine

Visit the beautiful gardens of Heian Shrine where kids can run about and enjoy the nature at play.
Take a bus from the restaurant, around 10 minutes.
JPY 600, 2 hours

4:30PM

Nanzen-ji Temple

Return to explore more of this stunning temple or relax in its green gardens.
Take a 10-minute bus ride back.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kyo Yasai Shokudo

Experience a healthy dinner featuring Kyoto’s seasonal vegetables; a delightful refreshment after a day of exploring!
Short bus ride after Nanzen-ji.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Leisure in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast at the hotel to fuel up before your trip back to Osaka.
Walk to the hotel restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Osaka

Check out of your hotel and take the JR train back to Osaka Station, ready for a day of leisure.
Take the JR train from Kyoto Station to Osaka, a 30-minute ride.
JPY 560, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Osaka Science Museum

Explore hands-on exhibits at the Osaka Science Museum where kids can learn and play simultaneously.
Take the Osaka Metro to Nakanoshima Station and walk for 10 minutes.
JPY 600, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tsuruhashi Fugetsu

Enjoy savory dishes with a view at this well-loved okonomiyaki restaurant nearby.
Short walk from the museum.
JPY 1800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Osaka Bay Area

Head over to the Osaka Bay area for strolling and beachfront enjoyment.
Take the subway to Osakako Station, about 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tempozan Marketplace

Finish with a casual dinner at the Tempozan Marketplace featuring several family-friendly dining choices.
Short walk from the Bay Area.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Farewell Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, reflecting on an incredible trip together.
Walk to the hotel restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last-minute Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Finalize your trip with a stroll through Shinsaibashi, finding souvenirs and memories to take home.
Take the subway to Shinsaibashi Station, a quick ride.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chibo

Enjoy one last meal savoring okonomiyaki at this popular eatery before heading to the airport.
Walk back to the restaurant from Shinsaibashi.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Check out and make your way to Kansai International Airport for your departure.
Take the Nankai Train from Namba Station directly to Kansai Airport.
JPY 1600, 45 minutes
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