11-Day Family Adventure in Osaka and Kyoto with Universal Studios Japan

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

10:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your family-friendly hotel for the upcoming adventure in Osaka.
Take the Nankai Airport Line from Kansai International Airport to Namba Station.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Indulge in street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the famous Dotonbori district.
Walk 10 minutes to Dotonbori from your hotel.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the impressive architecture and beautiful gardens of Osaka Castle perfect for family photos.
Take the subway from Namba to Osakajokoen Station (20 mins).
JPY 600, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M

Relish in high-quality beef and BBQ options for a delightful family meal.
Return to Namba Station using the subway (20 mins).
JPY 7,000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll at Namba Parks

Enjoy the beautiful landscaping and shops in the Namba Parks shopping area.
Walk 10 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a substantial breakfast buffet at the hotel.
N/A
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend an exciting day at Universal Studios enjoying rides, shows, and attractions themed around your favorite movies.
Take the JR train to Universal-City Station (15 mins).
JPY 8,400 (adults), JPY 5,400 (children), 8 hours

5:00PM

Dinner inside Universal Studios

Grab a family-friendly meal at one of the themed restaurants in the park while taking a break from the excitement.
Eat on-site at one of the restaurants.
JPY 4,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Explore Universal CityWalk

Stroll through the shopping and dining district right outside the park for souvenirs and snacks.
Walk over from the park entrance.
Free to walk around, shopping varies., 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ikari Sushi

Sample a sushi breakfast that's fun for kids and adults alike.
Walk 10 minutes from your hotel.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Osaka Museum of History

Learn about Osaka’s past through interactive displays that engage families.
Take the subway to Tanimachi 4-chome Station (15 mins).
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Taisho

Enjoy delicious ramen made fresh to satisfy everyone's appetite.
Walk 10 minutes to Taisho.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Afternoon at Osaka Science Museum

Engage with fun science exhibits and a planetarium that children will love.
Take the subway from Tanimachi 4-chome to Nishi-Umeda (15 mins).
JPY 1,000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy delicious and crispy kushikatsu in a child-friendly atmosphere.
Take a taxi back (15 mins).
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fill up on a hearty meal before heading to Kyoto.
N/A
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the train to Kyoto, enjoying the ride through scenic countryside.
Take the JR train from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station (30 mins).
JPY 560, 30 mins

10:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Experience the stunning beauty of this iconic temple and its beautiful gardens.
Take bus #101 or #205 from Kyoto Station (40 mins).
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Arashiyama

Discover a variety of local dishes along the scenic river, great for families.
Bus back to Kyoto Station then train to Arashiyama (60 mins).
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Take a stroll through the majestic bamboo groves and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Walk 10 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Enjoy an adventure uphill and meet wild monkeys in their natural habitat.
Walk 15 minutes from the grove.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Relax with a hot pot of tofu for a healthy family meal.
Walk back down to Arashiyama.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Experience in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a Japanese breakfast at your accommodation.
N/A
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through thousands of vibrant red torii gates for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Take the JR to Inari Station (5 mins).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Enjoy unique inari sushi rolls in a delightful setting near the shrine.
Walk 10 minutes from the shrine.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Marvel at the stunning views and traditional architecture of this historic site.
Take bus #100 from Inari (15 mins).
JPY 400, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Gion District

Wander along the historic streets and spot geisha while enjoying traditional tea ceremonies.
Walk 15 minutes from Kiyomizu-dera.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Experience kaiseki cuisine in a family-friendly ambiance while enjoying local delicacies.
Walk 10 minutes to Gion.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Kyoto’s Hidden Gems

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a nourishing breakfast served at your hotel.
N/A
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Arashiyama Park and Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Explore the beautiful park while enjoying stunning river views.
Take a train to Arashiyama (30 mins).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Dine in a peaceful atmosphere with hand-stretched soba noodles.
Walk 10 minutes from the park.
JPY 2,800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Witness the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site and its gardens.
10 minutes walk from your lunch spot.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a family-friendly tea ceremony that introduces Japanese culture.
Book a session nearby (5 mins walk).
JPY 3,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Onishi

Enjoy delicious grilled fish at a family-friendly izakaya.
Walk 5 minutes from the tea house.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your trip to Nara.
N/A
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nara

Take a scenic ride to Nara, known for its free-roaming deer.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line (45 mins).
JPY 1,200, 45 mins

10:30AM

Visit Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer and enjoy a picnic in the park.
Walk 10 minutes from the station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor a delicious sushi meal at this local favorite.
Walk 15 minutes from the park.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue at this historic and awe-inspiring temple.
Take a bus from Nara Park (10 mins).
JPY 600, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Naramachi

Wander through the charming historical district of Naramachi.
Walk back to the city center (15 mins).
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Naramachi Kyo, Kyoto

Enjoy traditional kaiseki with fresh local ingredients.
Return to Kyoto first, then head to Gion (45 mins).
JPY 7,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Cultural and Natural Highlights

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel.
N/A
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple

Admire the famous rock garden and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Take bus #50 from your hotel (30 mins).
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Philosopher's Path

Walk along this picturesque cherry-tree-lined path perfect for family photos.
Walk 15 minutes to the path starting point.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okanoue

Enjoy a hearty meal at this quaint spot serving local delicacies.
Walk along the path for 10 minutes.
JPY 2,300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore this expansive temple complex filled with beautiful gardens.
Walk 15 minutes from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Suminokura

Relax with an exquisite variation of sukiyaki in a family-friendly restaurant.
Walk 10 minutes from the temple.
JPY 4,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Adventure in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before venturing out for the day.
N/A
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Explore this historic shrine and its beautiful surroundings.
Take the subway to Tenmangu Station (30 mins).
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Experience Osaka's past in a life-like setting which engages children in history.
Walk 10 minutes from the shrine.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Savor delicious barbeque that the whole family can enjoy.
Take the subway back to Namba (15 mins).
JPY 7,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Enjoy a Day at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Have fun at this indoor park full of LEGO activities perfect for kids.
Walk back to the Namba area (10 mins).
JPY 2,600, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Shinsaibashi

Choose from numerous family-friendly restaurants in the bustling Shinsaibashi district.
Stroll down to Shinsaibashi (10 mins).
JPY 3,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Enjoying Local Culture

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the last day of exploration.
N/A
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha

Marvel at the oldest shrine in Japan, set in a serene setting.
Take the Nankai Main Line (20 mins).
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Osaka Science Museum

Engage in hands-on exhibits perfect for the entire family.
Take the subway to Nishi-Umeda (30 mins).
JPY 700, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Vegetarian Kitchen 7

Enjoy healthy vegetarian options suitable for everyone.
Walk 10 minutes from the museum.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Experience shopping and browsing various stores in this lively district.
Walk 15 minutes to Shinsaibashi.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Tsuruhashi Fugetsu

Indulge in savoury okonomiyaki in a friendly atmosphere to end your family adventure.
Take subway back to Namba and walk to the restaurant (35 mins).
JPY 4,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Departure

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast before checking out.
N/A
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-out and Departure

Check-out from your hotel and head to the airport.
Take the Nankai Airport Line from Namba Station to the airport (1 hour).
JPY 1,200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability