Ultimate Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo Highlights June 6-16, 2025

Day 1: Umeda & Nara Highlights

Osaka, Japan on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters, Namba

Start your day with rich Japanese-style coffee and freshly baked pastries at this cozy café open from 7:30am, the perfect energizer before heading out.

JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Nara Deer Park

Visit the serene Nara Deer Park where friendly deer roam freely among world heritage temples and gardens, ideal for nature and cultural immersion. Park is open from 7am to 6pm.

Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Enjoy authentic Kakiage tempura and river fish specialties in this traditional Japanese restaurant near Nara Park, open 11am to 3pm for lunch.

JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Umeda Sky Building

Experience panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory at Umeda Sky Building, open from 10am to 10:30pm.

JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Osaka Castle

Explore this iconic historic landmark and museum with beautifully restored grounds open 9am to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm).

JPY600, 1h30m

4:30pm

Nipponbashi (Denden Town)

Browse Osaka's popular electronics and anime shopping district with numerous specialty shops, cafés, and arcade centers. Shops typically open until 7pm.

Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno, Dotonbori

Savor iconic Osaka okonomiyaki at Mizuno, a famous and long-standing spot in Dotonbori operating until 10pm.

JPY2000, 1h0m

8:00pm

Evening Walk in Shinsaibashi

Wind down by strolling the vibrant Shinsaibashi shopping street illuminated beautifully at night, with many shops and cafés open until 9pm or later.

Free, 1h0m

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Day 2: Local Flavor & Retro Streets

Osaka, Japan on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Taiyo-no-Tamago, Namba

Enjoy coffee and traditional Japanese-style pancakes before exploring Namba. Open from 7am to 11am.

JPY900, 1h0m

9:00am

Namba Yasaka Shrine

Visit this uniquely shaped lion-head shrine that offers great photo opportunities in a peaceful neighborhood. Open 24/7, free admission.

Free, 0h30m

9:45am

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Explore the bustling market renowned for fresh seafood, local delicacies, and street food. Best visited early before noon. Open 9am to 6pm.

Varies, 1h15m

11:15am

Lunch at Endo Sushi, Kuromon Ichiba

Delight in fresh sushi at one of Osaka's most popular sushi spots located in the market, open 7am to 2pm.

JPY2000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower

Explore this nostalgic district with retro charm and visit Tsutenkaku Tower observation deck for a 360-degree view of the city. Tower open 9am to 9pm.

JPY800, 2h0m

3:30pm

Option 1: Harukas 300 Observation Deck

Head to Japan’s tallest skyscraper for sunset views over Osaka. Open 9am to 10pm, entry until 9:30pm.

JPY1500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Option 2: Tempozan Bay Area

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (open 10am to 8pm) and ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel with beautiful bay views, open until 10pm. Consider a relaxing Santa Maria Twilight Cruise from the nearby harbor.

Aquarium JPY2400, Ferris Wheel JPY800, Cruise JPY1100, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tempozan Marketplace

Dine on a variety of Japanese and international dishes in the lively market near the bay area, open until 9pm.

JPY1800, 1h0m

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Day 3: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Fuel up for a full day at USJ with a quick breakfast; many hotel cafés open from 7am.

JPY700, 1h0m

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day enjoying world-class rides, shows, and themed attractions at USJ. Park opens at 9am and closes between 7pm-9pm depending on the day.

JPY8480, 9h0m

6:00pm

Dinner inside USJ or nearby

Grab dinner at one of the many themed restaurants inside or around USJ before heading back to hotel.

JPY2000, 1h0m

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Day 4: Kyoto Temples & Traditional Streets

Kyoto, Japan on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee, Kyoto

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style breakfast and excellent coffee at this historic café open from 7am.

JPY1000, 1h0m

8:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates on this peaceful mountain trail. Open 24 hours, but best explored in daylight. Allocate 3 hours.

Free, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Vermillion Café near Fushimi Inari

Relax with light meals and drinks overlooking temple grounds. Open 9am to 5pm.

JPY1200, 1h0m

1:00pm

Nishiki Market

Explore this vibrant market known as Kyoto’s kitchen for fresh food, souvenirs, and crafts. Open from 9am to 6pm.

Varies, 1h0m

2:30pm

Gion District

Stroll through the historic geisha district featuring traditional wooden machiya houses. Best explored by walking around and visiting tea houses.

Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Nijo Castle (UNESCO Site)

Tour this historic castle with beautiful gardens and impressive architecture. Open 8:45am to 5pm (last entry 4pm).

JPY1030, 1h30m

5:00pm

Kiyomizu-dera & Yasaka Shrine Evening Visit

End your day with atmospheric evening visits to these famous illuminated landmarks; Kiyomizu-dera open until 6pm, Yasaka Shrine open 24 hours.

Kiyomizu-dera JPY400, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy Kyoto-style kaiseki or sushi in the charming Gion area, open until 9pm.

JPY3500, 1h30m

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Day 5: Kyoto Nature & Scenery

Kyoto, Japan on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee, Arashiyama

Enjoy specialty coffee by the river before exploring nature. Open 8am to 6pm.

JPY800, 0h45m

8:15am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Yusai-Tei Gallery

Morning walk through serene bamboo groves followed by a visit to Yusai-Tei Gallery showcasing local art. Bamboo Grove is open all day, gallery 10am to 5pm.

Gallery JPY500, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Savor tempura soba with river views at this well-regarded local restaurant. Open 11am to 3:30pm.

JPY1800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic golden temple surrounded by stunning gardens. Open 9am to 5pm.

JPY400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Philosopher’s Path Optional Walk (if time permits)

Leisurely stroll along the scenic canal flanked by cherry trees and temples, open anytime, free entry.

Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Kamo River

Enjoy an evening walk along the riverbanks with locals, perfect for sunset views.

Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Izakaya Yosaku

Traditional Kyoto izakaya serving local dishes and sake in a lively atmosphere, open until 10pm.

JPY2500, 1h0m

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Day 6: Tokyo Cultural Districts

Tokyo, Japan on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Try famous melon bread and Japanese coffee in this historic shop open from 7am.

JPY700, 0h45m

7:45am

Sensoji Temple & Nakamise Street

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and browse traditional stalls lining Nakamise Street, best visited early to avoid crowds. Open 6am to 5pm.

Free, 2h0m

10:00am

Ueno Ameyoko Market

Browse lively stalls selling everything from seafood to clothes. Open 10am to 8pm.

Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Ueno Park

Relax in this spacious park with museums and a zoo, a great cultural retreat. Park open from 5am to 11pm.

Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Innsyoutei in Ueno Park

Traditional kaiseki lunch specializing in seasonal dishes with park views. Open 11am to 3pm.

JPY2800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Akihabara Electronics and Anime Shopping

Spend the afternoon exploring shops for electronics, manga, and collectibles, plus unique maid cafés. Stores usually open 10am to 8pm.

Varies, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Maidreamin Maid Café

Experience pop culture dining with shows and themed service at this famous maid café in Akihabara.

JPY2500, 1h0m

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Day 7: DisneySea Full-Day Adventure

Tokyo, Japan on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Light Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast to prepare for a full day at DisneySea.

JPY600, 0h30m

8:00am

Tokyo DisneySea

Enjoy thrilling rides, themed shows, and gourmet snacks at this one-of-a-kind Disney park. Park opens at 8am and closes usually at 10pm.

JPY8200, 12h0m

8:00pm

Dinner in park or nearby Ikspiari

Choose from various dining options within DisneySea or at nearby shopping mall Ikspiari, both open until late.

JPY2000, 1h0m

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Day 8: Odaiba & Shinjuku Night

Tokyo, Japan on June 13, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at teamLab Planets Café

Begin your art immersion with a light breakfast before experiencing the digital art museum.

JPY1000, 0h30m

9:30am

teamLab Planets

Step into a mesmerizing interactive digital art museum known for immersive installations. Open 10am to 7pm.

JPY3200, 2h0m

11:30am

Small Worlds Tokyo

Explore a gigantic miniature world with detailed models showcasing famous cities and scenes. Open 10am to 6pm.

JPY2000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Choose from many restaurants including ramen, sushi, and international cuisines. Open 11am to 10pm.

JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Unko Museum

Visit this quirky museum dedicated to playful poop-themed art and exhibits, fun and very popular. Open 11am to 7pm.

JPY1800, 1h0m

3:30pm

Unicorn Gundam Statue & Statue of Liberty Replica

View the impressive life-size Gundam robot statue that transforms and the smaller Statue of Liberty along Odaiba’s waterfront.

Free, 0h30m

4:00pm

Shopping in Odaiba

Explore malls like Aqua City and Venus Fort with shops ranging from high fashion to quirky souvenirs.

Varies, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Odaiba Takoyaki Museum

Taste Osaka’s famous takoyaki in this fun food court styled as an old downtown street.

JPY1500, 1h0m

8:00pm

Shinjuku Evening Exploration

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Omoide Yokocho alley for drinks and food, then check out Kabukicho's neon streets, finishing in Golden Gai’s tiny themed bars. Open until midnight.

Drinks from JPY600, 3h0m

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Day 9: Harajuku & Shibuya Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Ron Ron, Harajuku

Enjoy colorful and Instagram-worthy pancakes at this trendy café open from 8am.

JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Meiji Shrine

Visit the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine surrounded by forest in central Tokyo. Open 6am to 6:30pm.

Free, 1h0m

10:15am

Takeshita Street

Explore this vibrant street known for youth fashion, sweets, and souvenirs. Shops open mostly from 11am, but open restaurants and stands possible earlier. Close around 8pm.

Free, 2h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Afuri Harajuku (ramen)

Savor refreshing yuzu-flavored ramen, open 11am to 9pm.

JPY1300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Leisure or optional visit to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in one of Tokyo’s largest green spaces, open 9am to 4:30pm.

JPY500, 1h30m

3:30pm

Rest or shopping

Free time before evening activities in Shibuya.

Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the iconic scramble crossing and snap photos with the famous Hachiko Dog Statue.

Free, 0h30m

6:15pm

Shibuya Sky Observation Deck

Enjoy stunning sunset views from above Shibuya. Open 10am to 11pm, entry until 10:30pm.

JPY2000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Uobei Sushi Shibuya

Experience fun conveyor belt sushi dining with fresh and affordable options. Open until midnight.

JPY2000, 1h0m

8:45pm

Explore Dogenzaka Street and Go-Karting

Visit popular shopping and entertainment spots, and if interested, go gokarting through the city streets with licenses. Gokarting providers open until 10pm.

JPY4000, 1h15m

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