14-Night Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo Highlights with Universal Studios and Hiroshima Day Trip

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Osaka, Japan on May 22, 2025

6:10PM

Arrive at Kansai International Airport

Land at Kansai International Airport, Osaka. Proceed through immigration and baggage claim.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:30PM

Check-in at The OneFive Osaka Namba Dotonbori

Check into your hotel located in the vibrant Namba Dotonbori area, ideal for evening exploring.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

8:00PM

Currency Exchange and Rail Pass Purchase

Visit a nearby currency exchange counter to convert money and purchase a Japan Rail Pass for seamless train travel throughout your trip. Most exchange counters are open until 9 PM.
Varies, 1h0m

9:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy dinner at Ichiran Dotonbori, famous for its delicious ramen, open until midnight, perfect for a comforting first meal in Osaka.
JPY1200-1800, 1h0m
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Day 2: Universal Studios Adventure

Osaka, Japan on May 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start early with a Japanese breakfast at the hotel or try LiLo Coffee Roasters nearby for fresh coffee and light fare.
JPY800-1200, 1h0m

8:30AM

Travel to Universal Studios Japan

Take the train to Universal City Station which takes about 15 minutes from Namba Station.
JPY180, 0h30m

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day enjoying rides and attractions including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minions Park, and many thrilling rides. Park hours generally 9 AM to 9 PM.
JPY8800, 10h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Universal Citywalk Osaka

After the park, dine at T.G.I. Friday’s or Kua`Aina for casual Hawaiian burgers and drinks, open until 10 PM.
JPY1500-2500, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Osaka City Exploration

Osaka, Japan on May 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kitahama Retro

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast in a stylish café offering fresh pastries and coffee from 8 AM.
JPY1000-1500, 1h0m

9:00AM

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of Osaka city. Open 9 AM to 10:30 PM.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:00AM

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Explore Japan's largest shopping district offering everything from high fashion to souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M

Indulge in premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku nearby Shinsaibashi. Reservations recommended.
JPY4000-6000, 1h30m

2:30PM

Dotonbori & Amerikamura Walk

Stroll through the lively Dotonbori canal area and trendy Amerikamura district known for street art and youth culture.
Free, 2h0m

4:30PM

Osaka Castle

Visit the historic castle and surrounding park. The castle opens 9 AM–5 PM; entry fee applies.
JPY600, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try Osaka’s famous style of deep-fried skewers in Dotonbori, known for casual local cuisine.
JPY1500-2500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Hiroshima & Miyajima Day Trip

Hiroshima & Miyajima, Japan on May 25, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel or nearby convenience store before the day trip.
JPY600-1000, 0h30m

7:00AM

Train to Hiroshima

Catch a Shinkansen bullet train from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima (approx 1.5 hours).
Covered by JR Pass, 1h30m

9:00AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Visit the park and museum dedicated to the history of the atomic bombing in 1945. Open 8:30 AM to 6 PM.
JPY200, 2h0m

11:30AM

Travel to Miyajima Island

Take a local train and ferry to Miyajima Island, famous for Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii gate.
JPY290 ferry, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch on Miyajima

Eat fresh oysters or Momiji manju sweets at local eateries on Miyajima Island.
JPY1500-2500, 1h0m

1:30PM

Explore Itsukushima Shrine & Mount Misen

Walk through the famous shrine and, if time allows, hike or take ropeway up Mount Misen for views.
Shrine free, Ropeway JPY1800, 3h0m

4:30PM

Return to Osaka

Take ferry and the Shinkansen back to Osaka, arriving in the evening.
Covered by JR Pass, 2h30m

7:30PM

Dinner near hotel

Relax with a casual dinner at Ajinoya Okonomiyaki, Osaka’s famous savory pancakes spot, open until 10 PM.
JPY1000-2000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Kyoto & Explore

Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before checkout.
Included, 0h45m

9:00AM

Checkout and travel to Kyoto by Bullet Train

Take a short train ride from Osaka to Kyoto via bullet train (Shinkansen, about 15 mins).
Covered by JR Pass, 0h30m

10:00AM

Check-in at Kyoto hotel

Check in and freshen up in your Kyoto accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

11:00AM

Explore Kyoto City

Visit landmarks like Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley for a traditional Kyoto vibe, ideal for your first afternoon.
Mostly Free, 3h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste local delicacies such as tofu dishes and fresh sushi at various stalls at Nishiki Market.
JPY1000-2000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit Gion District

Walk through Gion, famous for traditional wooden machiya houses and chance to see Geisha.
Free, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy a kaiseki dining experience featuring seasonal Kyoto cuisine in a refined setting.
JPY6000-9000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Nara and Arashiyama Day

Kyoto/Nara, Japan on May 27, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the day tour.
Included, 0h30m

8:30AM

Travel to Nara

Take train from Kyoto to Nara (approx 45 minutes).
JPY710 one-way, 0h45m

9:15AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Deer Park

See the Great Buddha Hall and roam around the park with friendly free-roaming deer. Open 7:30 AM - 5 PM.
JPY600, 2h30m

11:45AM

Lunch in Nara

Try local cuisine at Maguro Koya, specializing in tuna dishes, open for lunch until 2 PM.
JPY1500-2500, 1h0m

1:00PM

Travel back to Kyoto and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Head back to Kyoto and visit the iconic thousands of torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. Open 24 hours, free entry.
Free, 1h30m

2:30PM

Travel to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Reach Arashiyama district and walk through the serene bamboo forest and nearby Tenryu-ji Temple (9 AM–5 PM).
JPY500, 2h0m

4:30PM

Explore Arashiyama area

Optionally visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park or scenic Katsura River area before returning to Kyoto.
JPY550 monkey park, 1h30m

6:30PM

Dinner at Shoraian Arashiyama

Dine on tofu cuisine in a peaceful riverside setting in Arashiyama. Advance booking recommended.
JPY3000-5000, 1h30m
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