Comprehensive 11-Day Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo Highlights with Theme Parks and Cultural Experiences

Day 1: Arrival, Nara & Osaka Highlights

Osaka & Nara, Japan on June 6, 2025

10:00AM

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Arrive at Kansai International Airport and begin your exciting Japan journey.
Free, 1h0m

12:00PM

Hotel Check-in and Freshen Up

Drop your bags and freshen up at your Osaka hotel before heading out.
Included in stay, 1h0m

1:00PM

Nara Day Trip: Nara Deer Park

Visit Nara Deer Park to see free-roaming deer revered in Japanese culture in a serene park setting.
Free, 1h30m

2:30PM

Todai-ji Temple (Optional)

Explore Todai-ji Temple, home to a giant Buddha statue, a must-see cultural icon in Nara.
JPY600, 1h0m

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka for evening activities.
Covered by Osaka Amazing Pass, 1h0m

5:00PM

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic city views.
JPY1500 (covered by Osaka Amazing Pass), 1h0m

6:30PM

Osaka Castle (Outer Grounds)

View Osaka Castle illuminated at night from the outer grounds, a beautiful photo opportunity.
Free, 0h45m

7:30PM

Dinner at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy dinner at Dotonbori — try takoyaki or okonomiyaki at Mizuno, open 11:00AM–10:00PM.
Approx JPY1000-1500, 1h0m

8:30PM

Explore Nipponbashi & Shinsaibashi

Walk through Nipponbashi’s Den-Den Town for electronics/anime culture and Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade.
Free, 1h30m

Day 2: Retro Streets, Local Flavors & Sunset Views

Osaka, Japan on June 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and street food at Kuromon Ichiba Market, open around 9:00AM–6:00PM.
Approx JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00AM

Namba Yasaka Shrine

Visit the unique lion-head shaped stage at Namba Yasaka Shrine, a peaceful cultural visit.
Free, 0h30m

10:00AM

Shinsekai Neighborhood

Explore the retro atmosphere of the Shinsekai area with its nostalgic shops and eateries.
Free, 1h0m

11:00AM

Tsutenkaku Tower

Ride up Tsutenkaku Tower to get views of the city and learn about its history, open 9:00AM–9:00PM.
JPY800 (included in Osaka Amazing Pass), 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy Osaka-style kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at Kushikatsu Daruma, open 11:00AM–10:00PM.
Approx JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00PM

Relax and Return to Hotel

Return to hotel for a short rest or explore nearby areas.
Free, 1h0m

4:00PM

Sunset Experience Option 1: Harukas 300 Observation Deck

Visit Japan’s tallest building for stunning sunset views (9:00AM–10:00PM).
JPY1500, 1h0m

4:00PM

Sunset Experience Option 2: Osaka Bay Area

Enjoy the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and Santa Maria Twilight Cruise for sunset.
Aquarium: JPY2500, Ferris Wheel: JPY800, Cruise: JPY1500, 3h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Tempozan Marketplace

Dine at Tempozan Marketplace with various seafood and casual Japanese dining options.
Approx JPY1500, 1h0m

Day 3: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on June 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast Near Hotel

Grab a light breakfast near your hotel before heading to Universal Studios Japan.
Approx JPY800, 0h30m

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend a full day enjoying rides, including timed-entry for Mario Kart with an Express Pass (recommended). Park opens 8:30AM–9:00PM.
JPY8200 + Express Pass approx JPY7000, 9h0m

6:00PM

Optional Wonder Cruise or Hotel Relaxation

Enjoy a relaxing evening cruise or unwind at the hotel after a full day of fun.
Cruise JPY1500 approx, 2h0m

Day 4: Transfer to Kyoto & Explore Temples

Kyoto, Japan on June 9, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Osaka hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before checkout and transfer to Kyoto.
Included with stay, 0h30m

10:00AM

Check out and travel to Kyoto

Checkout Osaka hotel and take train to Kyoto (around 1.5 hrs).
Train: Approx JPY1500, 1h30m

12:00PM

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check-in at Kyoto hotel and have lunch. Try Nishiki Market for lunch options like yakitori or sushi, open 9:00AM–6:00PM.
Approx JPY1200, 1h0m

1:00PM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit iconic torii gate pathway at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Spend around three hours to beat crowds.
Free, 3h0m

4:00PM

Nishiki Market

Browse Nishiki Market for local foods and crafts, open until around 6:00PM.
Free entry, 1h0m

5:00PM

Gion District and Hanamikoji Street

Stroll historic Gion District, famous for Geisha sightings and traditional teahouses.
Free, 1h0m

6:00PM

Optional Nijo Castle Visit

If time permits, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Nijo Castle (opens until 5:00PM weekdays; skip if late).
JPY1000, 1h0m

7:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple at Sunset

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for beautiful sunset views, open until 6:00PM (check seasonal times).
JPY400, 1h0m

8:00PM

Yasaka Shrine Night Visit

End your day at lit Yasaka Shrine (open 24hrs), enjoying its serene night atmosphere.
Free, 0h30m

Day 5: Kyoto Scenic Beauty & Zen

Kyoto, Japan on June 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Café

Begin your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast or café treat in Kyoto.
Approx JPY1000, 0h45m

9:00AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h0m

10:00AM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit beautiful Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with lovely gardens.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:00AM

Optional Yusai-Tei Gallery

Explore Yusai-Tei art gallery for Zen-influenced artworks and serene space.
JPY700, 0h45m

12:00PM

Lunch in Arashiyama

Lunch at a local restaurant, such as Arashiyama Yoshimura, serving soba and tempura with river views.
Approx JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic Golden Pavilion with its shimmering gold leaf facade and lovely gardens.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:00PM

Rest or Explore Local Kyoto Shops

Relax or explore local shops and tea houses near your hotel.
Free, 2h0m

5:30PM

Walk along the Kamo River

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Kamo River as the sun sets and locals gather.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner in Pontocho Alley or Gion

Dine in atmospheric Pontocho Alley or Gion; options range from casual izakayas to fine dining.
Approx JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 6: Transfer to Tokyo & Explore Old Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 11, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Kyoto Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast, then checkout for Shinkansen trip to Tokyo.
Included, 0h30m

8:00AM

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Take the fastest Shinkansen to Tokyo, approximately 2.5 hours ride.
Approx JPY13500 (purchase non-JR pass ticket), 2h30m

12:00PM

Check-in & Lunch

Check into Tokyo hotel and have lunch nearby, possibly trying sushi or ramen.
Approx JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30PM

Sensoji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple and explore shopping at Nakamise Street.
Free, 1h30m

3:00PM

Ueno Park & Ameyoko Market

Explore Ueno Park’s green spaces then shop or snack at lively Ameyoko Market.
Free, 2h0m

5:00PM

Akihabara Anime & Electronics

Dive into anime culture and electronics shopping in Akihabara area, consider visiting a themed Maid Café.
Free (cafe ~JPY1500 if attended), 2h0m

Day 7: Tokyo DisneySea Full Day

Tokyo, Japan on June 12, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast Near Hotel

Light breakfast before heading out early to Tokyo DisneySea.
Approx JPY800, 0h30m

8:30AM

Tokyo DisneySea Park

Arrive at park opening to enjoy rides and shows; purchase tickets in advance to skip lines.
JPY8200 approx, 8h0m

4:30PM

Relax and Dinner Near Hotel

Return to hotel area for dinner after a fun day at DisneySea.
Approx JPY1500, 1h0m

Day 8: Odaiba Futuristic & Fun

Tokyo, Japan on June 13, 2025

9:00AM

teamLab Planets

Experience immersive digital art at teamLab Planets; booking tickets in advance is essential.
JPY3200, 1h30m

11:00AM

Small Worlds Tokyo

Visit Small Worlds for intricate miniature exhibits of cities and cultures.
JPY2400, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Try Japanese or international cuisine at DiverCity food court or restaurants.
Approx JPY1200, 1h0m

1:30PM

Unko Museum

Enjoy the quirky and interactive Unko Museum, a fun spot for all ages.
JPY1600, 1h0m

3:00PM

Unicorn Gundam Statue & Light Show

See the impressive Gundam statue and its night light show, starting around 7PM.
Free, 1h0m

4:00PM

Statue of Liberty Replica & Odaiba Shopping

Stroll around Odaiba’s shopping and entertainment areas, including the Statue of Liberty replica.
Free, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner in Odaiba

Dine at a restaurant in Odaiba with views of the Rainbow Bridge.
Approx JPY2000, 1h0m

Day 9: Trendy Tokyo: Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku

Tokyo, Japan on June 14, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast

Grab breakfast to energize for a busy day visiting popular Tokyo neighborhoods.
Approx JPY800, 0h30m

8:00AM

Meiji Shrine

Visit peaceful Meiji Shrine early before crowds build, open from sunrise.
Free, 1h0m

9:00AM

Takeshita Street

Explore colorful Takeshita Street’s shops and cafes before it gets busy, best early morning.
Free, 1h0m

10:00AM

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the famous Shibuya scramble crossing and visit the Hachiko statue.
Free, 1h0m

11:00AM

Shibuya Sky Observation Deck

Pre-book tickets for Shibuya Sky to enjoy skyline and sunset views, open till 10:00PM.
JPY1800, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch on Dogenzaka Street

Enjoy trendy cafes and eateries on Dogenzaka Street in Shibuya.
Approx JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00PM

Mario Karting Experience

Book in advance to enjoy real-life Mario Karting around Tokyo streets.
JPY10000 approx, 1h30m

4:00PM

Omoide Yokocho Drinks/Snacks

Relax with drinks and snacks in this charming Shinjuku alleyway, open afternoon onward.
Approx JPY1200, 1h0m

5:30PM

Explore Kabukicho

Sightsee the lively and colorful entertainment district, remains safe during early evening.
Free, 1h0m

6:30PM

Golden Gai Bars

Visit Golden Gai's unique tiny bars for drinks and atmosphere.
Approx JPY1000-2000, 2h0m

Optional

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

If time allows visit this beautiful garden open until 6:00PM.
JPY500, 1h0m

Day 10: Mt. Fuji Day Trip

Day trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji on June 15, 2025

6:00AM

Early Departure

Leave Tokyo early via bus or rail to Mt. Fuji area for a full day exploring.
Transport Approx JPY4000-5000, 1h30m

8:00AM

Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station

Experience stunning views and walking trails at Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station.
Free, 2h0m

11:00AM

Lake Kawaguchi

Relax by the picturesque Lake Kawaguchi, with boat rides and cafes.
Boat ride approx JPY1200, 2h0m

3:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo by evening.
Included in transport cost, 2h30m

6:30PM

Optional: Daikoku Car Meet

If accessible, visit this famous car meet spot for automotive enthusiasts.
Free, 1h0m

Day 11: Departure

Tokyo, Japan on June 16, 2025

4:30AM

Hotel Checkout

Checkout early from Tokyo hotel to prepare for airport transfer.
Free, 0h30m

8:00AM

Flight Departure from Narita Airport

Depart from Narita International Airport ending your memorable Japan trip.
Flight ticket cost varies, n/a