3-Day Cultural and Entertainment Tour of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Himeji, and Universal Studios Japan

Day 1: Nara and Osaka Highlights

Nara and Osaka, Japan on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou in Nara

Start your day in Nara with famous mochi from Nakatanidou, open from 8am. This local spot is known for its freshly pounded mochi that energizes your morning.
JPY500, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue (Daibutsu), one of Japan's most famous landmarks. The temple opens at 8am and closes at 5pm, giving ample time for a peaceful walk.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk through Nara Park

Enjoy strolling among freely roaming deer in Nara Park, a serene environment perfect for photos and feeding the friendly deer.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya in Osaka

After traveling to Osaka (about 45 minutes by train), have lunch at Maguro Koya, famous for fresh and affordable tuna dishes, open from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit the historic Osaka Castle, an iconic symbol with beautiful grounds and a museum. Opens at 9am and closes at 5pm (last entry 4:30pm).
JPY600, 1h30m

4:00pm

Dotonbori Street Exploration

Explore the lively Dotonbori district with its neon signs, street food stands, and canals. Perfect for shopping and people watching. Open all day.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kani Doraku Dotonbori

Enjoy dinner specializing in crab dishes at Kani Doraku, an iconic restaurant in Dotonbori, open till late evening.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural Kyoto Day

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with traditional Kyoto style coffee and breakfast at Inoda Coffee, open from 7am, a local favorite known for its cozy atmosphere.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Open 24/7 so you can enjoy the trails uncrowded in the morning.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of fresh local foods and snacks at Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen. Open 9am to 6pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Tour Kinkaku-ji, the stunning golden temple surrounded by gardens. Open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h

3:00pm

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the serene bamboo forest in Arashiyama, ideal for photos and peaceful walks. Open all day.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

Try the delicious gyukatsu (fried beef cutlet) at this popular Kyoto spot, open till 9pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Himeji and Universal Studios

Himeji and Osaka, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Convenience Store

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel or grab some fresh pastries and coffee from a convenience store for an early start.
JPY700, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Himeji, which takes about 1 hour for a smooth and fast trip.
JPY1500, 1h

9:45am

Visit Himeji Castle

Tour the spectacular Himeji Castle, Japan's best-preserved feudal castle, open from 9am to 5pm (last entry 4pm).
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Otemae Yakitoritei near Station

Enjoy savory yakitori dishes served near Himeji Station. Open from 11am to 3pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:00pm

Return to Osaka for Universal Studios Japan

Travel back to Osaka for Universal Studios, about 1 hour by train.
JPY1500, 1h

2:15pm

Universal Studios Japan Admission

Spend the afternoon enjoying attractions and shows at Universal Studios Japan. Park open from 8:30am to 9pm; plenty of time left this afternoon.
JPY8200, 6h

8:30pm

Dinner inside Universal CityWalk Osaka

After a fun day, dine at one of the many restaurants in Universal CityWalk, including Teppanyaki or Italian options, open late to relax after the park.
JPY2500, 1h
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