8-Day Family-Friendly Adventure Itinerary in Osaka and Kyoto

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Arrive in Osaka

After checking into your hotel, get ready to explore the bustling streets of Osaka.
From Kansai International Airport, take the Nankai Airport Line to Namba Station.
JPY300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Indulge in fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and seasonal fruits at this famous food market.
Walk from Namba Station to Kuromon Ichiba Market.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Osaka Castle

Explore the historical castle and take in views of the surrounding gardens.
Take the subway from Namba to Osakajokoen Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

3:00PM

Dotonbori District

Stroll along the vibrant streets, sample street food, and catch the iconic Glico Man sign.
Return to Namba Station and walk to Dotonbori.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Taste Osaka's famous Takoyaki and try making your own!
Stay in the Dotonbori area.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure Day

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for a day of fun.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Universal Studios Japan

Experience thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions in this renowned theme park.
Take the JR Yumesakisen Line from Osaka Station to Universal City Station.
JPY7800, 7 hours

5:30PM

Evening Stroll at Tempozan Harbor Village

Wind down with a relaxed walk along the waterfront and enjoy views of the Ferris wheel.
Take the subway from Universal City back to Osakako Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kani Doraku

Savor the delicious crab dishes that the restaurant is famous for.
Walk from Tempozan to Kani Doraku in Dotonbori.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Day

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de Lune

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with a selection of pastries and coffee.
Located in Osaka's Namba district.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shitennoji Temple

Visit one of Japan's oldest temples and immerse yourself in its serene atmosphere.
Take the subway from Namba to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Tsuruhashi Taiko

Sample delicious Korean BBQ for lunch at this popular spot.
Nearby Shitennoji Temple, a short walk.
JPY2500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Osaka Museum of History

Learn about Osaka's rich history through immersive exhibits and displays.
Take the subway from Tsuruhashi to Tanimachi 4-chome Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Namba Yasaka Shrine

Visit this unique shrine famous for its lion-head stage.
Return to the Namba area by subway.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy a panoramic view of the city while dining at this atmospheric location.
Take the subway to Umeda Station.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: A Day in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take a short and scenic train ride to Kyoto.
Ride the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station.
JPY560, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the breathtaking golden temple surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Take bus 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hiiragiya

Enjoy exquisite Kyoto cuisine in a historic ryokan setting.
A short bus ride back to Kyoto Station.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the picturesque bamboo forest and capture stunning family photos.
Take the JR Sanin Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Togetsukyo Bridge

Enjoy spectacular views of the river and mountains at this iconic bridge.
A short walk from the bamboo grove.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Savor hand-made soba noodles while overlooking the river.
Near the Togetsukyo Bridge.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Immersion

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nakamura

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring grilled fish and miso soup.
Local café in Kyoto.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the enchanting paths lined with thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Feast on Yudofu (tofu hot pot), a local delicacy near the temple.
Bus or taxi from the shrine.
JPY2500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gion District

Stroll through Kyoto's traditional geisha district, filled with tea houses and historic streets.
Take the bus from Yudofu to Gion.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic temple for breathtaking views of the city and vibrant maple trees in fall.
Walk to Kiyomizu-dera from Gion.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shikikyo

Indulge in a multi-course kaiseki dinner, experience the flavors of Kyoto.
Walk from Kiyomizu-dera to nearby restaurant.
JPY6000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Nature and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before a nature day.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Katsura Imperial Villa

Take in the beautifully manicured gardens and traditional architecture.
Take a bus or taxi to Katsura Village.
Free (but reservation may be required), 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Hoshinoya Kyoto

Experience a unique riverside meal at this luxury resort.
Take a taxi to Hoshinoya.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Philosopher's Path

Walk along the beautiful cherry blossom-lined canal, offering serenity and peaceful surroundings.
Take a taxi from lunch to start of the Philosopher's Path.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Nanzen-ji Temple

Visit this stunning temple complex and its picturesque gardens.
Walk from Philosopher's Path.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Delight in another kaiseki dinner, immersed in the heart of Gion.
Travel back to Gion from Nanzen-ji by taxi.
JPY7500, 2 hours
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Day 7: Back to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a tasty breakfast at your hotel in Kyoto.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for your next adventures.
Take the JR Special Rapid Service back to Osaka.
JPY560, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore this impressive aquarium, one of the largest in the world.
Take the subway from Osaka Station to Osakako Station.
JPY2300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Abeno Harukas

Dine in the tallest building in Japan while enjoying stunning city views.
Take the subway to Abenobashi Station.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Spend the afternoon exploring vibrant shopping streets filled with fashion, souvenirs, and unique finds.
Take the subway from Abeno Harukas to Shinsaibashi.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Matsusaka Steak House

Savor some of Japan's finest wagyu beef for an unforgettable meal.
Walk from Shinsaibashi to the restaurant.
JPY10000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Departure

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast before your journey home.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

10:30AM

Last-minute Shopping

Pick up any last-minute souvenirs or treats at Namba.
Take the subway to Namba Station.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsuruhashi

Enjoy one last delicious meal of Korean BBQ before departure.
Visit Tsuruhashi area by walking.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Travel to Kansai Airport

Make your way to Kansai Airport for your flight home.
Take the Nankai Airport Line from Namba Station.
JPY300, 1 hour
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