11-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, Shirakawago

Day 1: Exploring Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Start your day with delicious fresh seafood and local snacks at this famous market.
Take the subway to Namba Station; the market is a short walk from there.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Osaka Castle

Visit this iconic castle, stroll through the park, and learn about Japan’s history.
Take the subway to Osakajo Koen Station.
JPY 600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Savor Osaka’s famous street food, particularly takoyaki and okonomiyaki along this vibrant canal.
Take the subway to Namba Station.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Universal Studios Japan

Have a fun-filled afternoon exploring various themed attractions suitable for families.
Take the train to Universal City Station.
JPY 8200, 5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in a family-friendly setting.
Make your way back to Namba Station.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Grab a Croissant and coffee at a local bakery to fuel your day.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
JPY 800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Umeda Sky Building

Explore the Floating Garden Observatory for stunning views of the city.
Take the subway to Umeda Station.
JPY 1000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Enjoy delicious udon dishes in a family-friendly environment.
Short walk from the observatory.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Visit one of the largest aquariums in the world to see a diverse array of marine life.
Take the subway to Osakako Station.
JPY 2400, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M, Osaka

Indulge in Japanese BBQ with top-quality beef, perfect for the family.
Take the subway back to Namba Station.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for Kyoto.
Start your day early from your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the JR train from Osaka to Kyoto, a quick journey to start your adventure.
JR Special Rapid Service.
JPY 570, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji

Marvel at the stunning Golden Pavilion surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Take a bus from Kyoto station to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY 400, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Settle in for lunch amidst the serenity of the bamboo groves with local bentos.
Take a bus or tram to Arashiyama.
JPY 1800, 2 hours

2:30PM

Explore Arashiyama

Walk through the iconic bamboo grove, and maybe visit the monkey park if time permits.
Walking distance.
JPY 600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Experience traditional Kyoto-style tofu served in a family-friendly restaurant.
Short walk from the bamboo grove.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Kyoto Culture and History

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Traditional Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with grilled fish and rice.
Make plans the night before.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous shrine known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Nijo Castle

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about the history of the shogunate.
Take a bus or taxi to Nijo Castle.
JPY 1000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Katsukura

Savor a delicious tonkatsu meal, perfect for the whole family.
Short walk from Nijo Castle.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kyoto Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this iconic tower.
Take the subway from Kyoto Station.
JPY 770, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine along the charming alley famous for its traditional wooden buildings and cozy restaurants.
Short walk from Kyoto Tower.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Kobe Adventure

Kobe, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation in Kyoto before heading to Kobe.
Check-out and prepare for departure.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kobe

Take the JR train to Kobe, only a short distance from Kyoto.
JR Special Rapid Service.
JPY 1400, 1 hour

10:30AM

Kobe Harborland

Explore the shopping and entertainment area along the waterfront, enjoying views of the harbor.
Walk from Kobe Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kobe Beef Steak House

Indulge in the famous Kobe beef in an unforgettable dining experience.
Walking distance.
JPY 10000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Visit this unique petting zoo and botanical garden, perfect for the kids.
Take a bus from Harborland.
JPY 2200, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nankinmachi (Chinatown)

Choose from a variety of Chinese dishes and street food options in the vibrant Chinatown.
Walk back to Nankinmachi.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Day in Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Kobe hotel before taking the train to Nagoya.
Check-out and prepare for departure.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nagoya

Hop on the JR line to Nagoya, making travel easy.
JR Shinkansen or Special Rapid Service.
JPY 4500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Nagoya Castle

Visit this historic castle and explore its beautiful gardens and museum.
Take the subway to Shiyakusho Station.
JPY 500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hitsumabushi Restaurant

Try Nagoya’s famous grilled eel dish in a variety of ways.
Short walk from the castle.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

SCMaglev and Railway Park

Discover Japan's rail history and marvel at the Shinkansen trains.
Take the train from Nagoya to the park.
JPY 1000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sekai no Yamachan

Experience the local favorite, Nagoya-style chicken wings.
Take the subway back to city center.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Cultural Highlights in Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast before continuing your exploration of Nagoya.
Check-out.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Osu Kannon Temple

Visit this vibrant temple known for its shopping street and cultural atmosphere.
Take the subway to Osu Kannon Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Nagoya City Science Museum

Explore fascinating science exhibits, perfect for children of all ages.
Take the subway to Hisaya Odori Station.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yabaton

Savor Nagoya’s famous misokatsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce).
Take the subway back to Sakae Station.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Learn about the history of the Toyota company in this impressive museum.
Take a short train ride.
JPY 500, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gourmeth Night Market

Experience various local dishes and street food options in a lively atmosphere.
Short walk from the museum.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Traveling to Shirakawago

Shirakawago, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up at your hotel before checking out for Shirakawago.
Check-out promptly.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Shirakawago

Board an express bus to the UNESCO World Heritage site in the mountains.
Buy ticket at Nagoya station.
JPY 5000, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Shirakawago

Walk through the picturesque village, admire the gassho-zukuri houses, and enjoy nature.
Self-guided walking.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Wada’s Restaurant

Enjoy traditional mountain cuisine in a cozy eatery.
Walk to the local restaurant.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shirakawago Gassho-zukuri Farmhouses

Visit these traditional farmhouses, some of which are open to the public.
Walking distance.
JPY 300, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Try some local delicacies, such as Hida beef or fresh mountain vegetables.
Find a cozy spot nearby.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Shirakawago Exploration

Shirakawago, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before continuing your adventure in Shirakawago.
Included at the accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shirakawago Lookout

Climb to the lookout for postcard-perfect views of the village.
Hike a short trail to the viewpoint.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Local Crafts

Visit local craft shops to learn about traditional techniques and perhaps purchase souvenirs.
Walking distance.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Café in Village

Savor simple, delicious meals inspired by local ingredients.
Short walk from the craft shops.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Short Hike around Shirakawago

Explore the beautiful nature around Shirakawago; bring your family for some hiking.
Follow local trails.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Soba Restaurant

End your day with a comforting bowl of soba noodles in a cozy setting.
Find a recommended soba shop nearby.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Final Day in Shirakawago

Shirakawago, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before preparing to head back.
Get ready for check-out.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Local Museum

Learn more about the culture and history of the Shirakawago region.
Short walk to the museum.
JPY 300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Prepare for Departure

Check-out from your accommodation and prepare for your journey back.
Check-out process.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Return to Nagoya

Catch the bus back to Nagoya for your final evening.
Board the express bus.
JPY 5000, 2.5 hours

3:00PM

Check-In at Nagoya Hotel

Settle into your hotel and take some time to relax.
Walking distance from the bus station.
Included, 1 hour

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Nagoya

Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Nagoya’s renowned restaurants.
Make a reservation at a recommended spot.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
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Day 11: Departure from Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your Nagoya hotel.
Prepare for check-out.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the JR train back to Osaka for your departure.
JR Shinkansen or Special Rapid Service.
JPY 4500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Shopping at Namba

Spend your last moments shopping for souvenirs at Namba station.
Explore the shopping area.
Free (excl. purchases), 2 hours

12:30PM

Final Lunch in Osaka

Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local sushi spot before you leave.
Walking distance from Namba station.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Head to Kansai International Airport

Complete your journey by heading to the airport for your flight home.
Take the Nankai Airport Line to the airport.
JPY 1500, 1 hour
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