7-Day Itinerary Featuring Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji and Universal Studios

Day 1: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan

7:30AM

Travel to Universal Studios Japan

Take JR Yumesaki Line from Osaka Station to Universal City Station in about 15 minutes.

¥180, 15 minutes

8:30AM

Universal Studios Japan Entrance

Spend the full day enjoying thrilling rides and themed attractions, including Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Park open from 8:30AM to 9:00PM.

¥8200, 10.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Universal Studios Japan

Choose from various themed restaurants and eateries within the park offering quick service options.

¥1500–¥2500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Universal Citywalk Osaka

Enjoy an early dinner after full day of activities at the Citywalk area just outside the park.

¥2000, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to Osaka central

Train back to Osaka Station on JR Yumesaki Line.

¥180, 15 minutes

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Day 2: Kyoto Day Trip

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Travel Osaka to Kyoto

Take JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka to Kyoto Station, 30 minutes travel.

¥570, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion, mosaic of gold leaf surrounded by serene gardens, open 9:00AM–5:00PM.

¥400, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Ryoan-ji Temple

Experience the famous Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji, open 8:00AM–5:00PM.

¥500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample Kyoto delicacies and street snacks at vibrant Nishiki Market.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gion District Walk

Stroll through traditional Gion, possibly spotting Geisha in evening light. Free to walk anytime.

Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the thousands of Torii gates on this iconic shrine, open 24 hours.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Osaka

JR train back to Osaka Station (30 minutes).

¥570, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner near Osaka Station

Dine at an izakaya or sushi bar close to the station.

¥3000, 2 hours

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Day 3: Kyoto Cultural Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Travel Osaka to Kyoto

Ride JR Special Rapid Service (30 minutes).

¥570, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Nijo Castle

Tour the historic castle with ornate interiors, open 8:45AM–5:00PM.

¥1000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Wander palace gardens, free admission; guided tours may require prior sign up, open 9:00AM–4:30PM.

Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kyoto Station

Eat at station restaurants featuring local specialties.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Philosopher’s Path and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Leisurely walk and visit the tranquil temple, open 8:30AM–5:00PM.

¥500, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka (30 minutes).

¥570, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner in Dotonbori

Enjoy Osaka’s vibrant food scene with okonomiyaki or kushikatsu.

¥3000, 2 hours

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Day 4: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Travel Osaka to Nara

Take JR Yamatoji Rapid Service (45 minutes).

¥800, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

See the giant Buddha statue in this famous temple, open 7:30AM–5:30PM.

¥600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Nara Deer Park

Enjoy walking among friendly deer in spacious parkland.

Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Nara-machi

Eat in traditional district with charming cafes and restaurants.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit the historic shrine known for its lanterns, open 6:30AM–5:00PM.

¥500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka (45 minutes).

¥800, 45 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner in Shinsekai

Try kushikatsu, a local specialty in this nostalgic district.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 5: Himeji Castle & Garden

Himeji, Japan

7:30AM

Travel Osaka to Himeji

Train: JR Special Rapid (1 hour).

¥1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Himeji Castle

Tour Japan’s finest castle, open 9:00AM–5:00PM.

¥1000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Otemae Street

Relax with a meal near the castle.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kokoen Garden

Visit this beautiful garden adjacent to the castle, open 9:00AM–5:00PM.

¥300, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Himeji City Museum of Art or Shopping

Explore local art or shops near Himeji Station.

Free–¥300, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka station (1 hour).

¥1500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Casual dining near hotel or station.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 6: Himeji & Mount Shosha

Himeji, Japan

8:00AM

Travel Osaka to Himeji

Morning train ride (1 hour).

¥1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple

Reach this historic mountaintop temple via ropeway; open 8:40AM–5:00PM.

¥1500 (incl. ropeway), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch near Ropeway Station

Enjoy scenic lunch with local cuisine.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Himeji City Zoo

Visit small but charming zoo, open 9:00AM–5:00PM.

¥800, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Evening train to Osaka (1 hour).

¥1500, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner in Osaka

Try a yakiniku restaurant to enjoy grilled meat specialties.

¥3000, 2 hours

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Day 7: Osaka Local Highlights & Shopping

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at local cafe

Start leisurely with coffee and morning pastries near your accommodation.

¥1000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Visit one of Japan’s oldest shrines with unique architecture, open 6:00AM–5:00PM.

Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in Tennoji

Eat at one of the many food courts or restaurants in Tennoji area.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Abeno Harukas Observatory

Enjoy panoramic views from Japan’s tallest building, open 9:00AM–10:00PM.

¥1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Abeno Q's Mall or Namba Parks

Spend afternoon and early evening shopping in these popular malls.

Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy fine dining with Kaiseki style or sushi to conclude your trip memorably.

¥6000, 2 hours

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