5-Day Kansai, Kobe & Okayama Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto Day Trip, Himeji Castle and More

Day 1: Arrival and Rest

Osaka, Japan on April 21, 2025

9:55PM

Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Landing at Kansai International Airport late at night; ready to start your Kansai adventure.
JPY0, 0h30m

10:30PM

Travel to Osaka City Centre

Take the Nankai Line or JR Kansai Airport Rapid service to Osaka city, heading towards Namba or Shin-Osaka for convenient access to central areas.
JPY1000, 1h0m

11:30PM

Hotel Check-in near Namba Station

Check-in and rest at accommodation near Namba Station, optimal for next day’s transportation and sightseeing.
Varies, Overnight
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Day 2: Kyoto Day Trip

Kyoto, Japan on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Kyoto

Board the JR or Hankyu line towards Kyoto; the journey takes between 30 to 60 minutes offering scenic views en route.
JPY400, 1h0m

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates; open 24 hours with no admission fee.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:00AM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka

Visit the UNESCO world heritage Kiyomizu-dera Temple and stroll through the picturesque old streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
JPY400, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Kyoto Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine such as yuba, tofu, or a Kyoto-style kaiseki meal at a nearby local restaurant famous for authentic dishes.
JPY1500-3000, 1h0m

2:30PM

Explore Gion District and Yasaka Shrine

Walk through historic Gion district, visit Yasaka Shrine and relax in Maruyama Park, admired for its beauty and traditional atmosphere.
JPY0, 2h30m

5:00PM

Pontocho Alley & Kamo River Walk

Enjoy the charming Pontocho Alley’s dining and nightlife ambience and take a calm stroll by the scenic Kamo River as evening falls.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner in Pontocho or Gion

Dine in one of Pontocho or Gion’s traditional restaurants serving excellent Kyoto cuisine, perfect for an authentic culinary experience.
JPY2000-5000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Return to Osaka & Explore

Osaka, Japan on April 23, 2025

8:30AM

Train to Osaka

Catch a morning train back to Osaka for a day of city exploration; travel time approximately 30-60 minutes.
JPY400, 1h0m

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle and Park

Tour the iconic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s history, along with its sprawling park. Castle open 9AM-5PM, last entry 4:30PM.
JPY600, 2h0m

12:30PM

Explore Shinsekai & Lunch

Discover the nostalgic Shinsekai area and savour kushikatsu, a local fried skewer delicacy, at a popular eatery open 11AM-9PM.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:30PM

Dotonbori Shopping and Photos

Visit lively Dotonbori for shopping and iconic photo opportunities by the Glico neon sign, perfect for immersing in Osaka’s vibrant atmosphere.
JPY0, 2h0m

4:30PM

Shinsaibashi Shopping Street

Explore Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s premier shopping arcade filled with boutiques and department stores, great for souvenirs and fashion finds.
JPY0, 2h0m

6:30PM

Dinner — Okonomiyaki or Takoyaki

Savour Osakan comfort food at a recommended restaurant, trying either okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) or famous takoyaki balls.
JPY1500-2500, 1h30m

8:30PM

Optional: Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy an optional evening panoramic city view from the Floating Garden Observatory at Umeda Sky Building, open until 10:30PM.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Kobe, Himeji & Okayama

Kobe to Himeji to Okayama, Japan on April 24, 2025

8:30AM

Train to Kobe

Depart Osaka early morning for Kobe by train, approximately 30-minute journey to start your day exploring this port city.
JPY400, 0h30m

9:00AM

Explore Motomachi, Harborland, Chinatown

Visit Kobe’s downtown Motomachi, scenic Harborland and vibrant Chinatown offering cultural and shopping experiences; stroll freely between locations.
JPY0, 3h0m

12:00PM

Lunch — Kobe Beef Teppanyaki

Delight in authentic Kobe beef cooked teppanyaki style, an exquisite culinary highlight; recommend booking a restaurant in advance.
JPY5000-10000, 1h0m

1:00PM

Train to Himeji

Take the train for about 40 minutes from Kobe to Himeji to explore the famous castle.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden

Tour Himeji Castle, Japan’s stunning white castle and a UNESCO site; also explore the adjacent Kokoen Garden for serene landscapes. Castle open 9AM-5PM.
JPY1100, 2h30m

4:45PM

Train to Okayama

Board the train heading to Okayama; journey lasts approximately 1.5 hours to your evening destination.
JPY3000, 1h30m

6:30PM

Check-in & Dinner in Okayama

Check-in to your hotel in Okayama followed by dinner featuring local specialties such as barazushi or demi-katsudon.
JPY2000-4000, 1h30m

8:00PM

Optional Night Walk

Enjoy a gentle evening walk near Okayama Castle or downtown area to unwind and experience local nightlife.
JPY0, 1h0m
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Day 5: Okayama Morning & Departure

Okayama, Japan on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast

Have breakfast at your hotel or a local café to start the day comfortably.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00AM

Optional Stroll in Korakuen Garden

If time permits, enjoy a morning walk through Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens, open 7AM-6PM; ideal for a peaceful farewell.
JPY400, 1h0m

11:00AM

Transfer to Okayama Airport

Depart from Okayama city to the airport allowing 2-3 hours prior to flight for check-in and security.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00PM

Flight to Taipei

Fly back home to Taipei from Okayama Airport, concluding your memorable Kansai and surrounding region adventure.
Varies, Varies
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