One Month Itinerary in Kansai: Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe & Hiroshima

Day 1: Explore Osaka

Osaka, Japan on April 7, 2025

9:00AM

Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle, a historical landmark with beautiful gardens and a museum. Don't miss the panoramic views from the top.
JPY600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Dotonbori District

Explore the vibrant Dotonbori district filled with neon lights, street food, and shops. It's a lively area perfect for a casual stroll.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Try the famous Osaka-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with various toppings. This spot also hosts cooking classes!
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shitennoji Temple

Visit Japan's oldest temple, dating back to 593 AD. This serene place is deeply rooted in history and architecture.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Umeda Sky Building

Head to the Umeda Sky Building for breathtaking views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory.
JPY1500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Indulge in high-quality Matsusaka beef at this top-rated restaurant where you can grill your own meat at the table.
JPY8000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Visit Nara

Nara, Japan on April 8, 2025

8:00AM

Travel to Nara

Catch a train to Nara; the journey takes about 45 minutes. Enjoy the scenic view during your ride.
JPY720, 1 hour

9:30AM

Nara Park

Stroll through Nara Park, where you can interact with free-roaming deer and enjoy nature in this lovely area.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the famous Todai-ji Temple, home to a giant statue of Buddha. The architecture is awe-inspiring.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor fresh sashimi and sushi at this renowned restaurant, which has been a local favorite for years.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Explore Kasuga-taisha Shrine, famous for its stone lanterns and lush surroundings. It's a tranquil spot to learn about Shinto culture.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Day trip to Naramachi

Wrap up your visit with a walk through the historical district, where traditional Edo-period buildings are being restored.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for dinner.
JPY720, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

End your day with some delicious kushikatsu, deep-fried skewered meat and veggies, at this famous chain.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Discover Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 9, 2025

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take a train from Osaka to Kyoto, which takes about 30 minutes. Enjoy the comfort of the ride.
JPY560, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji, a Zen temple covered in gold leaf, set in beautiful gardens.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the magical bamboo groves of Arashiyama, providing a unique experience of nature.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sagano-yu

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki lunch, an elaborate multi-course meal, in a serene setting.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens and impressive temple architecture.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. A hike up the mountain is rewarding.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ippudo

Enjoy a famous bowl of tonkotsu ramen at Ippudo, a renowned ramen chain known for its rich broth and simple yet delicious toppings.
JPY1200, 1 hour
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Day 4: Kobe Adventure

Kobe, Japan on April 10, 2025

8:30AM

Travel to Kobe

Take an easy train ride to Kobe in about 30 minutes. Relax and enjoy the scenic views.
JPY420, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kobe Harborland

Enjoy the waterfront area of Kobe Harborland, featuring shopping, dining, and a beautiful park area.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Visit this unique park where animals roam freely, and you can interact with them in an engaging environment.
JPY2500, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Steakland

Savor exquisite Kobe beef at this renowned restaurant, famous for its melt-in-your-mouth steaks served with fresh vegetables.
JPY7000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

Learn about the history of sake-making and enjoy free samples at this informative museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kobe Plaisir

Wrap up your visit with a dining experience that offers a full-on kaiseki meal, showcasing seasonal ingredients.
JPY6000, 2 hours
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Day 5: History in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on April 11, 2025

7:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Head to Hiroshima by train; the journey will take you about 1.5 hours. Get ready to immerse yourself in history.
JPY10000, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Visit this poignant park dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb, featuring monuments and a museum.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Atomic Bomb Dome

Explore the remains of the building that symbolizes the devastation caused by the atomic bomb. It's a must-see historical site.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this food hall with a variety of stalls showcasing their specialties.
JPY1300, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hiroshima Castle

Visit Hiroshima Castle, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture and full of history and beautiful grounds.
JPY370, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shukkeien Garden

Relax and unwind in this stunning Japanese garden, perfect for a peaceful stroll among trees and ponds.
JPY260, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Zizake

Enjoy local sake and a delightful menu featuring rustic Japanese dishes at this intimate eatery.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Leisure in Osaka

Osaka, Japan on April 12, 2025

9:00AM

Tsutenkaku Tower

Start your day with a visit to Tsutenkaku Tower for amazing views over Osaka from the observation deck.
JPY900, 1 hour

10:30AM

Spa World

Visit Spa World, an onsen and water park, for relaxation and fun. It's a unique experience capturing Japanese culture.
JPY1500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hozen-ji Yokocho

Dine in this nostalgic alleyway filled with traditional eateries and try some kushikatsu.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

TeamLab Botanical Garden

Experience the beautiful art installations in this unique botanical garden, blending nature and technology.
JPY1500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Stroll through this bustling shopping district known for its trendy shops and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tsuruhashi Fugetsu

Finish your day with some delicious Osaka-style okonomiyaki, made to order right in front of you!
JPY1800, 1.5 hours
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