11-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and USJ

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

10:00AM

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

After landing, take the Nankai Airport Line to Namba Station in Osaka to kick-start your Japan adventure.
Nankai Airport Line
JPY 1,190, 1 hour

12:00PM

Check-In at Hotel

Check into your family-friendly hotel in Namba, allowing some time to refresh.
Walking
Varies, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Indulge in Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at Daruma in Dotonbori.
Walking
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Glico Man Sign & Dotonbori Canal

Take a family photo at the iconic Glico Man sign and stroll along the vibrant Dotonbori Canal.
Walking
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world's largest aquariums featuring diverse marine life.
Subway to Osakako Station
JPY 2,400, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kani Doraku

Savor delicious crab dishes at this famous restaurant known for its giant crab sign.
Walking
JPY 5,000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Stroll at Osaka Bay

Relax by the waterfront and enjoy the night view of the city.
Walking
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel for an exciting day at USJ.
Walking
Varies, 1 hour

9:30AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day exploring thrilling rides and attractions at USJ, including Harry Potter World!
Train to Universal City Station
JPY 7,400 (entrance fee), 8 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at CityWalk

Grab a quick dinner at one of the many restaurants at Universal CityWalk.
Walking
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Show at USJ

Catch the evening light and sound show to wrap up your fun-filled day.
Walking
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at Komeda's Coffee

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Komeda's Coffee, renowned for its fluffy pancakes.
Walking
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Osaka Castle

Visit the magnificent Osaka Castle, where you can enjoy picturesque gardens and fascinating history.
Subway to Osakajokoen Station
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy delicious street food like grilled seafood and takoyaki at Kuromon Market for an authentic taste of Osaka.
Subway to Nippombashi Station
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Shitennoji Temple

Visit one of Japan's oldest temples and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Subway to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Experience shopping and trendy fashion in Shinsaibashi's covered shopping street.
Subway to Shinsaibashi Station
Free - depending on purchases, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Treat yourself to Matsusaka beef at this popular Yakiniku restaurant.
Walking
JPY 6,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savour the last breakfast in Osaka before heading to Nara.
Walking
Varies, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nara

Ride the Kintetsu Nara Line to Nara Station for your first venture into this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kintetsu Train
JPY 560, 1 hour

10:30AM

Nara Park and Deer

Visit Nara Park, where you can feed and interact with friendly deer roaming freely.
Walking
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Maguro-koya

Enjoy fresh sushi at this popular sushi shop near Nara Park.
Walking
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Todai-ji Temple

Explore the magnificent Todai-ji Temple and marvel at the Great Buddha statue.
Walking
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Naramachi District

Wander the traditional streets of Naramachi and browse local shops.
Walking
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hiraso

Savor traditional Japanese dishes in a homely atmosphere.
Walking
JPY 4,000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka to rest for the night.
Kintetsu Train
JPY 560, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Exploring Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Ten

Start your day with an amazing breakfast at Café Ten known for its fluffy pancakes.
Walking
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kasuga-taisha

Explore Kasuga-taisha Shrine known for its stunning stone lanterns.
Bus to Kasuga-taisha
JPY 200, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Nara National Museum

Discover Japanese art and history at the Nara National Museum.
Walking
JPY 520, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kisaragi

Enjoy traditional soba noodles at Kisaragi, best known for its home-made dishes.
Walking
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Shinto Shrines

Visit other nearby Shinto shrines in the area, including the smaller ones in Nara Park.
Walking
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Nakatanidou

End your day with delicious mochi and desserts from this famous shop.
Walking
JPY 500, 1 hour

6:30PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for the night.
Kintetsu Train
JPY 560, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Discovering Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before heading to Kyoto.
Walking
Varies, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the JR train to Kyoto Station.
JR Train
JPY 560, 1 hour

10:30AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning Golden Pavilion, a must-see in Kyoto.
Bus to Kinkaku-ji
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Savour local specialties at Nishiki Market, trying a variety of delicacies.
Bus to Nishiki Market
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous shrine with thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Train to Fushimi Inari Station
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Gion District

Stroll through the historic Gion district known for Geishas and traditional wooden machiya houses.
Train to Gion Shijo Station
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner for an exquisite dining experience.
Walking
JPY 6,500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka and rest.
JR Train
JPY 560, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Kyoto Cultural Day

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, preparing for another day in Kyoto.
Walking
Varies, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting bamboo forest and visit the nearby Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Train to Arashiyama
JPY 560, 2 hours

11:30AM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this beautiful Zen temple and its stunning gardens.
Walking
JPY 500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Okochi Sanso

Experience a traditional Kaiseki lunch with a spectacular view.
Walking
JPY 3,000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Explore Kiyomizu-dera

Visit the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its wooden stage and stunning views.
Bus to Kiyomizu-dera
JPY 400, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gogyo

Delight in rich ramen at this famous ramen shop in Kyoto.
Train to Karasuma Station
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Evening Stroll in Pontocho

Enjoy a picturesque evening walk in the Pontocho Alley, known for its lantern-lit charm.
Walking
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Historical Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before setting for another adventure.
Walking
Varies, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the historical castle known for its stunning architecture and gardens.
Train to Nijojo-mae Station
JPY 600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Stroll through the Kyoto Imperial Palace and its expansive gardens.
Walking
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy delicious tofu dishes in a tranquil setting among nature.
Bus to Arashiyama
JPY 2,500, 2 hours

3:00PM

Heian Shrine and Garden

Visit the Heian Shrine known for its beautiful gardens in full bloom.
Bus to Heian-jingu
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tofuya Ukai

Experience an exquisite dining experience featuring seasonal ingredients and tofu specialties.
Bus to Nanzen-ji
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka to rest.
JR Train
JPY 560, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Relax and Leisure in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a day of leisure in Osaka.
Walking
Varies, 1 hour

10:00AM

Spa World

Unwind at Spa World, a large onsen theme park perfect for family relaxation.
Subway to Dobutsuen-mae Station
JPY 1,600, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Osaka Ohsho

Savor a casual yet delightful lunch featuring gyoza and Chinese dishes.
Walking
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Osaka Museum of History

Explore the history of Osaka in a fun, engaging museum setting.
Subway to Tanimachi 4-chome Station
JPY 600, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Fugu-ya

Experience dining on fugu (pufferfish) with utmost care and tradition.
Subway to Namba Station
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening Cruise on Osaka Bay

Cap off your day with a scenic evening cruise showcasing the beautiful skyline.
Walking to the port
JPY 2,500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Final Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relish a final breakfast at your hotel before wrapping up your adventures.
Walking
Varies, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-Minute Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Peruse boutiques and enjoy some last-minute shopping before your journey concludes.
Subway to Shinsaibashi Station
Free - depending on purchases, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Chibo

Enjoy a final taste of Osaka with delicious okonomiyaki.
Walking
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Baika Senjojiki

Before leaving, visit Baika Senjojiki, a serene area perfect for relaxation.
Walking
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel & Pack

Head back to the hotel for packing and final preparations for your departure.
Walking
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sushiro

Enjoy a casual farewell dinner with conveyor belt sushi before you leave Japan.
Walking
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Departure

Osaka, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor one last breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport.
Walking
Varies, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-Out and Travel to Airport

Check out from your hotel and take the train back to Kansai International Airport.
Nankai Airport Line to Namba Station then Airport Line
JPY 1,190, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Departure from Kansai International Airport

Board your flight back home with unforgettable memories of Japan.
Walking to the gate
Varies, Free
View Hotel Availability