5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, Japan

Day 1: Explore Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Market

Start your day with delicious local street food at Kuromon Market, where you can find fresh seafood and grilled delicacies.
Take the subway to Namba Station, then walk to Kuromon Market.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Osaka Castle

After breakfast, head to Osaka Castle, a stunning historical site with beautiful gardens perfect for family photos.
Take the subway to Tanimachi 4-chome Station and walk to the castle.
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Enjoy a lively lunch in Dotonbori, famous for its street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Walk from Osaka Castle to Dotonbori, approximately 20 minutes.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the afternoon having fun at Universal Studios Japan, where you can enjoy thrilling rides and shows.
Take the JR Yumesaki Line from Osaka Station to Universal City Station.
JPY 8,400, 5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

End the day with a satisfying meal at Ichiran Ramen, known for its delicious tonkotsu ramen and private dining booths.
Take the train back to Namba Station and walk to Ichiran.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at Boulangerie le Rustique

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee for breakfast at this delightful French bakery.
Take the subway to Honmachi Station, a short walk away.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore the wonders of the ocean at one of the largest aquariums in the world, which is great for kids and adults alike.
Take the subway to Osakakō Station.
JPY 2,400, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Head to Tempozan Marketplace for lunch, where you can find various restaurants offering Japanese cuisine.
Walk to Tempozan Marketplace, just a few minutes away.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Visit Osaka Tenmangu Shrine to experience traditional Japanese culture and perhaps catch a local festival if you're lucky.
Take the subway to Nakazakicho Station, then a short walk.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Savor a delicious meal with premium Matsusaka beef prepared right in front of you at this famous yakiniku restaurant.
Take the train to Namba Station and walk to the restaurant.
JPY 6,000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Tsujiri Tea House

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsujiri, known for its matcha delicacies.
Take the train from Osaka to Kyoto Station.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that make for great family photos.
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Continue your cultural journey at the stunning Kiyomizu-dera, where spectacular views of Kyoto await.
Take a bus from Inari to Kiyomizu Temple.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Omen

Lunch at Omen for delicious udon noodles in a charming atmosphere, sure to please the whole family.
Walk from Kiyomizu-dera to Omen, about a 15-minute stroll.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; a breathtaking experience that the kids will love.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Try a unique hot pot dinner at Yudofu Sagano, a soothing, vegetarian meal that's easy for families.
Walk from the Bamboo Grove to Yudofu Sagano, about 10 minutes.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nara Cafe

Enjoy a simple, hearty breakfast at Nara Cafe, a cozy spot favored by locals.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Nara Station.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Nara Park

Spend the morning at Nara Park, where you can feed and interact with the friendly deer roaming freely.
Walk from Nara Cafe to Nara Park, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor delicious seafood at Maguro Koya, known for their generous servings of sashimi and sushi.
Walk to Maguro Koya, just 10 minutes from the park.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the magnificent Todai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha statue, an impressive sight that captivates all ages.
A short walk from Maguro Koya to Todai-ji Temple.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Naramachi

Explore the charming streets of Naramachi, filled with traditional wooden houses and shops to browse souvenirs.
Walk to Naramachi from Todai-ji Temple, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sushitama

End your day with a delightful sushi dinner at Sushitama, known for its fresh selections right from the sea.
Take the train back to Nara Station and walk to Sushitama.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Kyoto Wrap-Up

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at this charming cafe, known for its organic and creative dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Take a train to Kyoto Station and walk to the cafe.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Nijo Castle

Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to learn about its rich history and stroll through the gardens.
Take the subway from the cafe to Nijo-jo-mae Station.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, a vibrant food market, and enjoy lunch from various stalls offering local specialities.
Walk from Nijo Castle to Nishiki Market, about 25 minutes.
JPY 1,500, 2 hours

3:00PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, the breathtaking Golden Pavilion, where you can enjoy the serene surroundings and take wonderful photos.
Ride the bus from Nishiki Market to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kasumi

Conclude your trip with a wonderful kaiseki dinner at Kasumi, showcasing a variety of seasonal dishes that encapsulate Japanese cuisine.
Take a bus back to downtown Kyoto and walk to Kasumi.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours
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