Comprehensive 11-Day Osaka & Surrounding Cities First-Timer Japan Experience Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Dinner

Osaka, Japan on April 30, 2025

6:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy your first dinner in Osaka at the lively Dotonbori area, famous for takoyaki and okonomiyaki to start your culinary journey with local flavors.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 2: Kurashiki, Ōkunoshima & Hiroshima

Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Japan on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Explore the scenic canal area of Kurashiki, filled with preserved Edo-period buildings and museums, perfect for a stroll with a toddler and soaking Japan's history.
Free, 2h

10:30am

Drive to Ōkunoshima (Rabbit Island)

Visit Ōkunoshima, known for its friendly, free-roaming rabbits; ideal for toddler interaction and beautiful nature walks across the island.
Ferry approx JPY400 round-trip, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch in Tadanoumi near Ōkunoshima

Relax with a casual seafood lunch at a local eatery near the ferry terminal serving fresh catch from the Seto Inland Sea.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Hiroshima City & Check into Airbnb

Travel to Hiroshima city and check into your pre-booked Airbnb for a comfortable overnight stay.
Variable, 1h

3:30pm

Hiroshima Castle

Visit Hiroshima Castle, a historic feudal-era site with surrounding parks, suitable for a calm afternoon walk with your child.
JPY370, 1h

5:30pm

Dinner near Hiroshima Station

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a recommended local restaurant nearby, a savory pancake layered with noodles and fresh ingredients.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 3: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace

Miyajima Island & Hiroshima, Japan on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Catch an early ferry to Miyajima to visit Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy the floating torii gate, a scenic must-see with beautiful walks suitable for little ones.
JPY1800 round-trip ferry, 3h

11:30am

Lunch on Miyajima Island

Sample grilled oysters, a local specialty, or try momiji manju sweets while taking in island views.
JPY1200, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Spend the afternoon exploring the Peace Memorial Park and the museum for a profound historical experience reflecting on Hiroshima’s past; stroller-friendly paths available.
JPY200, 2h

3:30pm

Atomic Bomb Dome

Walk around the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of peace and resilience.
Free, 30m

5:00pm

Drive to Nara

Drive to Nara city to prepare for next day’s activities and overnight stay.
Variable, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner near Nara Station

Dine at a family-friendly izakaya offering Japanese comfort dishes suitable for toddlers as well.
JPY1800, 1h
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Day 4: Nara Deer & Temples

Nara, Japan on May 3, 2025

9:00am

Nara Park and Deer Feeding

Visit the famous Nara Park to interact and feed friendly deer that roam freely, a magical experience for young children and adults alike.
JPY150 for deer crackers, 2h

11:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore one of Japan's largest wooden buildings, housing the Great Buddha statue, surrounded by spacious grounds that are stroller accessible.
JPY600, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou (Mochi shop) or local restaurant

Enjoy freshly pounded mochi sweets or a light Japanese lunch suitable for all ages.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Kyoto

Travel by car to Kyoto to begin your two-day city experience, check into accommodation.
Variable, 1h

4:00pm

Kimono Rental and Photo Walk

Borrow kimonos from a rental shop and enjoy a leisurely walk in the historic streets of Gion or Higashiyama for memorable photos, child-friendly rental options available.
JPY4500 for rental and dressing, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner in Gion

Try Kyoto-style kaiseki or casual dining offering seasonal vegetables and gentle flavors perfect for children.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 5: Kyoto Full Day

Kyoto, Japan on May 4, 2025

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo grove early to avoid crowds; the peaceful environment is calming and stroller-friendly paths are available.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Visit this hilltop park with wild monkeys and panoramic views of Kyoto; a fun and educational spot for young families.
JPY550, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch near Arashiyama

Try local tofu cuisine or simple soba noodles at a child-friendly restaurant, refreshing for all ages.
JPY1800, 1h

3:00pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion and its surrounding gardens, a serene sight suitable for toddlers to explore outdoors.
JPY400, 1h

5:00pm

Return and Relax

Head back to lodging to rest or take a gentle walk around a nearby park.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the many family-friendly restaurants offering diverse Japanese dishes along the atmospheric Pontocho alley.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 6: Drive Kobe

Kobe, Japan on May 5, 2025

9:00am

Drive to Kobe

Drive to Kobe city, famous for its harbor and cosmopolitan atmosphere, a scenic 1.5 hour drive.
Variable, 1.5h

10:30am

Meriken Park and Kobe Harborland

Relax at the seaside Meriken Park and explore Kobe Harborland’s family-friendly atmosphere with toddler play areas and scenic views.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at a Kobe beef restaurant (child-friendly option available)

Taste world-renowned Kobe beef with options suitable for children and adults alike.
JPY4000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Nunobiki Herb Garden via ropeway

Take the ropeway up to Nunobiki Herb Garden for fresh air and stunning views, an easy adventure suitable for toddlers.
JPY900, 1.5h

4:00pm

Drive back to Osaka

Return to your Osaka accommodation to prepare for upcoming days.
Variable, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner in Osaka

Enjoy a casual dinner near your accommodation with options like ramen or sushi for a relaxed family meal.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 7: Osaka Public Transport Start

Osaka, Japan on May 6, 2025

9:00am

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world's largest aquariums featuring a wide variety of marine life, toddler friendly and stroller accessible.
JPY2400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Have lunch at the marketplace offering diverse food options, including kid-friendly meals.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Ride the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka Bay from this large Ferris wheel; enjoyable for all ages with stroller access.
JPY800, 30m

3:00pm

Relax at Nakanoshima Park

Spend a peaceful afternoon at this riverside park ideal for young children to run and play.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner near Nakanoshima

Try a teppanyaki restaurant offering interactive cooking experiences suitable for families.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 8: Osaka Cultural Day

Osaka, Japan on May 7, 2025

9:00am

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Explore one of the oldest shrines in Japan with beautiful traditional architecture and tranquil grounds perfect for a gentle stroll.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Visit Shitennoji Temple

Visit one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, well-maintained grounds and open spaces for your toddler to enjoy.
JPY300, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tennoji Area

Eat at a casual family restaurant in the nearby shopping arcade, offering a variety of Japanese dishes.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Relax in Tennoji Park & Visit Osaka Municipal Museum of Art

Enjoy the park and the adjoining museum for a calm cultural afternoon.
JPY400, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in the Shinsaibashi Area

Dine at a cozy family restaurant with a variety of Japanese and international menu options.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 9: Osaka Leisure Day

Osaka, Japan on May 8, 2025

9:00am

Visit the Osaka Science Museum

Interactive and engaging exhibits with hands-on activities designed to fascinate young children and adults alike.
JPY400, 2h

11:30am

Walk along the riverwalk at Nakanoshima

Take a pleasant stroll along the river and let your toddler enjoy the open parks and playgrounds.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at local café

Casual lunch featuring sandwiches and light Japanese fare suitable for all ages.
JPY1300, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Step back into the Edo period with interactive exhibits and recreated streets; stroller-friendly and enjoyable for families.
JPY600, 2h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood and street food delicacies in this lively market atmosphere to end the trip on a high note.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 10: Final Osaka Day

Osaka, Japan on May 9, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at local café

Start the day with a peaceful breakfast near your accommodation, choosing from Japanese or Western style menus.
JPY1000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Tennoji Zoo

Enjoy a morning at the zoo, a manageable and fun outing for your toddler to explore animals in a compact area.
JPY500, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch near Tennoji Station

Try a family-friendly restaurant offering Japanese curry or noodle dishes.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Pack and prepare for departure

Return to your accommodation for packing and preparations for your afternoon departure.
Free, Rest of day
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