7-Day Comprehensive Kansai JR Pass Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji & Kobe

Day 1: Universal Studios Japan & Osaka Intro

Osaka, Japan

7:30AM

Travel to Universal Studios Japan

Take JR Yumesaki Line from Osaka Station to Universal City Station (15-20 minutes) using the JR Pass.
Included with JR Pass, 15 minutes

8:30AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day enjoying rides and shows. Park hours are 8:30AM–9:00PM.
¥8200, 10.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch inside Universal Studios

Dine at park-themed restaurants offering variety of foods.
¥1500–¥2500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Universal Citywalk

Try various dining options outside the park in the lively Citywalk area.
¥2000, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to Osaka Central

Use JR Yumesaki Line back to Osaka Station.
Included with JR Pass, 15 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Kyoto Historic Temples

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Train Osaka to Kyoto

Take JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station (30 minutes), covered by JR Pass.
Included with JR Pass, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning gold-leaf-covered temple open 9:00AM–5:00PM.
¥400, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Ryoan-ji Temple

Explore the famous Zen rock garden; open 8:00AM–5:00PM.
¥500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample Kyoto specialties in the vibrant market setting.
¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gion District

Walk through historic streets to see traditional architecture and possibly spot Geishas.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Hike through thousands of iconic Torii gates; open 24 hours.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Osaka

Take the JR Special Rapid back to Osaka (30 minutes).
Included with JR Pass, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner near Osaka Station

Enjoy sushi or izakaya dining near the hotel.
¥3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Kyoto Cultural Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Travel Osaka to Kyoto

JR Special Rapid Service (30 minutes).
Included with JR Pass, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Nijo Castle

Tour the impressive castle open 8:45AM–5:00PM.
¥1000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Stroll the grounds; tours inside require reservation. Open 9:00AM–4:30PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kyoto Station

Casual dining with various options.
¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Philosopher’s Path & Ginkaku-ji

Walk through scenic route leading to Silver Pavilion; open 8:30AM–5:00PM.
¥500, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Osaka

JR train back (30 minutes).
Included with JR Pass, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner in Dotonbori

Enjoy Osaka’s famous street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
¥3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nara Temples and Parks

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Nara

JR Yamatoji Rapid (45 minutes).
Included with JR Pass, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Famous for the Great Buddha statue; open 7:30AM–5:30PM.
¥600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Nara Deer Park

Meet and feed freely roaming deer; expansive scenic park.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Nara-machi

Try local cafes and restaurants in the historic district.
¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Renowned shrine with thousands of bronze and stone lanterns; open 6:30AM–5:00PM.
¥500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

JR Yamatoji Rapid to Osaka (45 minutes).
Included with JR Pass, 45 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Shinsekai

Enjoy kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in a lively Osaka neighborhood.
¥2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Kobe City Sights

Kobe, Japan

8:00AM

Travel Osaka to Kobe

JR Special Rapid to Sannomiya Station (30 minutes).
Included with JR Pass, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Kobe Harborland

Visit shopping, harbor views, and attractions on the waterfront.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Nunobiki Herb Gardens Ropeway

Ride scenic cable car to the lush herb garden; open 9:30AM–5:00PM.
¥1150, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Chinatown (Nankinmachi)

Diverse Asian cuisine in Kobe's vibrant Chinatown.
¥1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kitano-cho District

Explore western style mansions and interesting museums.
¥300, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Osaka

JR train back to Osaka (30 minutes).
Included with JR Pass, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner in Osaka

Try teppanyaki or fresh seafood in local restaurants.
¥3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Himeji Castle & Gardens

Himeji, Japan

7:30AM

Train Osaka to Himeji

JR Special Rapid Service (1 hour) covered by JR pass.
Included with JR Pass, 1 hour

8:30AM

Himeji Castle

Renowned Japan’s most spectacular castle open 9:00AM–5:00PM.
¥1000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch nearby

Casual dining options near the castle area.
¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kokoen Garden

Stroll peaceful Japanese garden adjacent to the castle; open 9:00AM–5:00PM.
¥300, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Himeji Station Area

Shopping and small museums around the station.
Free/optional small entrance fees, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Osaka

JR Special Rapid back to Osaka (1 hour).
Included with JR Pass, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner near hotel

Relax and enjoy a comforting meal at local izakaya or restaurant.
¥2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Osaka Highlights & Farewell

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at local cafe

Enjoy coffee and a light meal to start your day.
¥1000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Visit one of Osaka’s oldest shrines with unique architecture; open 6:00AM–5:00PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in Tennoji

Enjoy varied dining options in the bustling Tennoji shopping district.
¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Abeno Harukas Observatory

Visit Japan’s tallest building for panoramic city views; open 9:00AM–10:00PM.
¥1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Abeno Q's Mall or Namba Parks

Spend your last hours browsing modern shopping malls.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Farewell Kaiseki Dinner

Celebrate your trip with exquisite multi-course Japanese cuisine.
¥6000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability