Family-Friendly Itinerary for Osaka Kyoto Japan - Including Disneyland and Universal Studios

  • Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
    From Kansai International Airport (KIX) to the hotel in Osaka (45 min, 50 km)

    After your arrival at Kansai International Airport, head to your hotel in Osaka. Take some time to rest and explore the city's vibrant food and shopping scene.

  • Day 2: Osaka Castle and Dotonbori
    From the hotel to Osaka Castle (30 min, 10 km) and then to Dotonbori (10 min, 2 km)

    Start your day by visiting the majestic Osaka Castle, which is a famous landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Afterwards, head to the lively and colorful Dotonbori district, known for its delicious street food and neon lights.

  • Day 3: Universal Studios Osaka
    From the hotel to Universal Studios Osaka (30 min, 13 km)

    Spend a fun-filled day with your family at Universal Studios Osaka, which features exciting rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows.

  • Day 4: Nara Day Trip
    From the hotel to Nara Park (1 hr, 40 km)

    Take a day trip to Nara Park, where you can see and feed adorable deer roaming around freely. You can also visit some of the city's famous temples and shrines, such as Todaiji temple and Kasuga-taisha.

  • Day 5: Kyoto
    From the hotel in Osaka to Kyoto (1 hr, 50 km)

    Head to Kyoto, a city full of historic temples, shrines, and gardens. Visit Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and then enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

  • Day 6: Arashiyama and Tenryuji Temple
    From the hotel in Kyoto to Arashiyama (30 min, 15 km)

    Visit the scenic district of Arashiyama, famous for its bamboo groves, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the Monkey Park and feed the adorable macaques.

  • Day 7: Saihoji Temple and Ryoanji Temple
    From the hotel in Kyoto to Saihoji Temple (30 min, 12 km) and then to Ryoanji Temple (10 min, 3 km)

    Visit Saihoji Temple, also known as Moss Temple, which features a beautiful garden filled with over 120 different types of moss. Afterwards, go to Ryoanji Temple, famous for its rock garden and tranquil atmosphere.

  • Day 8: Osaka Aquarium and Umeda Sky Building
    From the hotel in Kyoto to Osaka Aquarium (1.5 hr, 55 km) and then to Umeda Sky Building (20 min, 6 km)

    Begin the day visiting the Osaka Aquarium, one of the largest public aquariums in the world, with over 30,000 aquatic animals. Afterward, head to the Umeda Sky Building, a unique high-rise building consisting of two towers connected by a floating escalator. Enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck on the top floor.

  • Day 9: Universal Studios Osaka
    From the hotel to Universal Studios Osaka (30 min, 13 km)

    If you still have energy, return to Universal Studios for another day of fun and entertainment.

  • Day 10: Osaka Food Tour
    Within Osaka city limits all day

    Take a delicious food tour of Osaka and try various local specialties such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Ramen, and more. You can do this by joining a group tour or hire a private guide.

  • Day 11: Kobe Day Trip
    From the hotel in Osaka to Kobe (1 hr, 35 km)

    Take a day trip to Kobe, a charming city known for its premium beef and beautiful harbor views. Visit the stunning Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Kobe Harborland, and then enjoy some of the best Kobe beef in the world.

  • Day 12: Disneyland
    From the hotel in Osaka to Disneyland (1 hr, 40 km)

    Spend a magical day at Disneyland, filled with classic attractions, parades, and shows. Meet your favorite Disney characters and create unforgettable memories with your family.

  • Day 13: Kyoto - Gion and Higashiyama Districts
    From the hotel in Osaka to Kyoto (1 hr, 50 km)

    Explore the picturesque Gion and Higashiyama districts of Kyoto. Visit the famous Kiyomizudera temple, stroll along the colorful streets of Gion, and try some traditional Japanese sweets.

  • Day 14: Departure from Osaka
    From the hotel to Kansai International Airport (KIX) (1 hr, 50 km)

    Return to Kansai International Airport for your departure flight home. Say goodbye to Japan and all the unforgettable memories you have made.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Osaka Castle (2-3 hrs, $10)
  • Dotonbori (2-3 hrs, $25)
  • Universal Studios Osaka (1 day, $70)
  • Nara Park (2-3 hrs, $10)
  • Kinkakuji Temple (1 hr, $5)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (2-3 hrs, free)
  • Traditional Tea Ceremony (1-2 hrs, $30)
  • Arashiyama (2-3 hrs, $5)
  • Saihoji Temple (1-2 hrs, $25)
  • Ryoanji Temple (1-2 hrs, $5)
  • Osaka Aquarium (2-3 hrs, $30)
  • Umeda Sky Building (2-3 hrs, $15)
  • Food Tour (3-4 hrs, $50)
  • Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (1-2 hrs, free)
  • Kobe Harborland (2-3 hrs, free)
  • Disneyland (1 day, $80)
  • Gion District (2-3 hrs, free)
  • Higashiyama District (2-3 hrs, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs ($425)

Transportation

Japan has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including trains, subways, buses, and taxis. It is recommended to purchase a Japan Rail Pass if you plan on taking multiple long-distance trips by train. The estimated cost for transportation in this itinerary is around $150-$200 per person.

Useful Tips

If you have less time, consider skipping some of the cultural sightseeing destinations or theme parks. If you have more time, you can add more day trips to nearby cities like Hiroshima, Miyajima, or Himeji. We recommend booking attractions and activities in advance to avoid long lines and save time.

Airports

Osaka's main airport is Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. It is about 50 km from the city center and is accessible by train or bus. Other airports near Osaka include Itami Airport (ITM) and Kobe Airport (UKB), which mostly serve domestic flights.

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