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12-Day Family Adventure in Osaka, Kyoto, and USJ

Viewed by 236 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

10:00AM

Check into Hotel

Arrive and settle into your family-friendly hotel, ideally located close to public transport and attractions.
Hotel options include Family-friendly hotels near Namba Station.
JPY20000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Enjoy your first meal at Dotonbori, where you can try the famous street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take a 10-minute walk from the hotel to Dotonbori.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore the stunning exhibits and marvel at the diverse marine life, making it a hit with the kids.
Take the subway from Namba Station to Osakako Station (30 mins).
JPY2300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Tempozan Harbor Village

Wander around the waterfront, allowing kids to play at the nearby park while adults enjoy the views.
Walking distance from the aquarium.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Experience the delicious skewered deep-fried food, a local favorite the whole family will enjoy.
Take a taxi or subway back to Namba Station (30 mins).
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Stroll Dotonbori at Night

After dinner, enjoy a lively stroll along the iconic Dotonbori Canal to see the neon lights and the famous Glico Man.
Continue walking in Dotonbori.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 2: Explore Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for the day ahead.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Discover the history of Osaka while walking through the beautiful castle grounds that the kids will enjoy exploring.
Take the subway to Tanimachi 4-chome Station (30 mins).
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Market

Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies at this bustling market while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Take a taxi or subway to Kuromon Market (15 mins).
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at Osaka Children’s Museum

A perfect stop for younger children to enjoy interactive and educational exhibits.
Take the subway to Semba Station (10 mins).
JPY500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Shitennoji Temple

Explore one of Japan’s oldest temples and its tranquil gardens.
Take the subway to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station (20 mins).
JPY300, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Delight in a high-quality yakiniku experience, where the whole family can grill their own meat.
Take a taxi from the temple (10 mins).
JPY5000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 3: Osaka Fun Day

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at a nearby café to energize for a day of fun.
Walk to a nearby café.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day at USJ, enjoying the thrilling rides and attractions suitable for the whole family!
Take the train from Namba to Universal City Station (30 mins).
JPY8200, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner inside USJ

Grab dinner at one of the themed restaurants to keep the day exciting.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Continue Enjoying the Park

Stay in the park to enjoy night-time shows and attractions.
Included in park ticket, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at the hotel before checking out and traveling to Kyoto.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the train to Kyoto, enjoying a scenic ride.
JR from Osaka to Kyoto Station (30 mins).
JPY560, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check into Hotel in Kyoto

Settle into your family-friendly hotel in Kyoto.
Choose hotels near Kyoto station for convenient access.
JPY20000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Experience the vibrant food stalls offering local specialties and snacks as you explore the market.
Walk to Nishiki Market from the hotel (10 mins).
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning reflection of the golden temple in the surrounding pond.
Take bus number 101 or 205 (30 mins).
JPY400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the picturesque bamboo forest, a beautiful spot for family photos.
Take the train to Arashiyama Station (30 mins).
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Enjoy delicious okonomiyaki made fresh right in front of you.
Return to city center via train (30 mins).
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto Cultural Day

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel to kick-start the day.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Discover Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic torii gates leading up the mountain, a memorable experience for the whole family.
Take the train to Fushimi Inari Station (30 mins).
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Ramen Shop

Savor a warm bowl of ramen at a popular local shop.
Return to Kyoto Station (30 mins).
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Nijo Castle

Step back in time and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring to enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Take the subway to Nijojo-mae Station (15 mins).
JPY600, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Gion District

Stroll through the historic streets of Gion, spotting geishas and enjoying traditional tea houses.
Take the bus (15 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience a kaiseki meal, a traditional multi-course dinner showcasing seasonal ingredients.
Walk through Gion (10 mins).
JPY8000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Kyoto Nature and Relaxation

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel to prepare for a day in nature.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Take a Day Trip to Arashiyama

Head back to Arashiyama for a fun day of activities including the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Take the train to Arashiyama Station (30 mins).
JPY600, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sagano-yu

Relax with lunch in a tranquil setting overlooking the river.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Sagano Scenic Railroad

Ride the charming train through scenic valleys on one of the most picturesque routes in Japan.
Walk to the station from the restaurant (10 mins).
JPY600, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore the beautiful gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take the train to the temple (10 mins).
JPY500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with beautiful river views to conclude your day.
Return to Kyoto city center by train (30 mins).
JPY4000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: USJ Adventure Day

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Have breakfast to gear up for excitement at Universal Studios.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend a thrilling day at USJ, focusing on the must-see attractions and rides suitable for all ages.
Take the train to Universal City Station (30 mins).
JPY8200, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mel’s Drive-In

Dine at this fun American-style diner within the park before heading out.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening rides at USJ

Catch some last rides and enjoy the evening atmosphere in the park before closing.
Included in park ticket, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 8: Another Day at USJ

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up with another breakfast at the hotel to prepare for another adventurous day.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Revisit your favorite rides and explore any attractions you missed on the first day.
Take the train to Universal City Station (30 mins).
JPY8200, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Jurassic Park Restaurant

Enjoy a themed dinner at Jurassic Park, where the décor and menu are family-friendly.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Nighttime Show at USJ

Experience the spectacular nighttime show, concluding your memorable time at USJ.
Included in park ticket, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 9: Free Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast routine at the hotel before planning your day.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Osaka Museum of History

Explore the exhibits illustrating Osaka's rich past, including fun activities for kids.
Take the subway to Tanimachi 4-chome Station (15 mins).
JPY600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Shopping at Shinsaibashi-Suji

Enjoy shopping in Osaka's shopping arcade, with various shops catering to different interests.
Walk from the museum (15 mins).
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Tsuruten

Rejuvenate with a delightful meal of chilled udon noodles at this local favorite.
Walk to the restaurant (5 mins).
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Osaka Science Museum

Spend the afternoon engaged with interactive science exhibits, sure to excite kids and adults alike.
Walk or take a bus (15 mins).
JPY600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cezar Marugame Seimen

Dine on delicious handmade udon noodles for a comfort meal.
Take the subway to Namba Station (20 mins).
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 10: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy your morning meal at the hotel before heading to Nara.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Embark on a journey to Nara to see the free-roaming deer and beautiful parks.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka (45 mins).
JPY620, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Nara Park

Meet the friendly deer and walk through this expansive park, letting kids enjoy the openness.
Walking distance from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Enjoy delicious mochi and local food items during lunch at this renowned spot.
Walk from Nara Park (15 mins).
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Todai-ji Temple

Visit this iconic temple housing a massive Buddha statue that dazzles visitors of all ages.
Walk from lunch (15 mins).
JPY600, 1 hour

3:30PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for an evening of relaxation.
Walk back to Nara Station and take the train (45 mins).
JPY620, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Umeda Sky Building

Dine with an incredible view at the Umeda Sky Building’s restaurants on the top floor.
Take the subway to Umeda (30 mins).
JPY4000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 11: Final Day in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, enjoying the last day in Kyoto.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this historic temple and its stunning views over Kyoto, perfect for family photos.
Take a bus to Kiyomizu-michi (20 mins).
JPY400, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Walk through the picturesque streets filled with shops and traditional homes, ideal for souvenirs.
Walking from Kiyomizu-dera.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Try the unique yudofu (tofu hot pot) experience in a relaxing atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant (15 mins).
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace

Tour the Imperial Palace and its beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse of Japan's regal history.
Take the bus or a taxi (20 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to the Hotel

Gather your belongings and enjoy some free time to relax before the trip.
Take a taxi or bus back home (20 mins).
JPY1000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Hyotei

End your journey with a beautiful kaiseki dinner, celebrating the time spent in Kyoto.
Take a taxi to the restaurant (20 mins).
JPY10000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 12: Departure

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before check-out.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-out and Souvenir Shopping

Check out of your hotel and spend the morning picking up last-minute souvenirs.
Explore the nearby shopping areas.
Variable, 2 hours

11:00AM

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight, reflecting on wonderful memories.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Kansai (1 hour).
JPY2800, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Kyoto
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