7-Day Osaka-Centered Itinerary: Nara, Kyoto, Himeji, Universal Studios Japan, and Regional Exploration

Day 1: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters, Osaka

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and light pastries, open from 7:30am to 6pm, to fuel your Nara excursion.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:15am

Travel to Nara

Take the Kintetsu limited express for a 35-45 minute journey to Nara for quick and convenient access.
JPY620, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Visit the iconic Todai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha and appreciate ancient Japanese Buddhist architecture, open 8am–5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Stroll Nara Park

Interact with freely roaming deer and enjoy beautiful park scenery, perfect for photos and relaxation.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Marvel at the thousands of stone and bronze lanterns decorating this tranquil shrine, open from 6:30am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Enjoy exquisite grilled eel, a Nara specialty, at this well-known restaurant open 11:30am to 2pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Naramachi District

Discover traditional merchant houses and local shops in Nara’s historic district.
Free, 1h15m

3:15pm

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka by train for some rest and evening plans.
JPY620, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Taste Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in a lively atmosphere, open 5pm to 11pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kyoto Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Granny Smith Apple Pie & Coffee, Osaka

Enjoy a delicious apple pie with coffee before your trip, open from 8am, so arrive slightly after opening.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Kyoto

Ride the JR Special Rapid Service or Hankyu line for approximately 40 minutes to Kyoto.
JPY560, 0h40m

9:15am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic thousand red torii gates at this open 24/7 shrine, best enjoyed early to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Explore Nishiki Market

Shop and snack at Kyoto’s vibrant food market, open 9am to 6pm.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Honke Daiichiasahi

Taste authentic Kyoto tofu cuisine at this respected eatery, open 11am to 2pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:45pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring panoramic views, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h

3:00pm

Walk Philosopher’s Path

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along this cherry-tree-lined canal pathway, free and scenic year-round.
Free, 1h30m

4:45pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka city center for dinner and rest.
JPY560, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno Dotonbori

Savor Osaka-style okonomiyaki in the lively Dotonbori district, open till 10pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Himeji

Himeji, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or convenience store

Quick breakfast to prepare for the day trip to Himeji.
JPY700, 0h30m

7:30am

Travel to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen or JR Special Rapid train for about 60 minutes to Himeji.
JPY1500, 1h

8:30am

Visit Himeji Castle

Explore Japan’s most spectacular white castle, open 9am to 5pm, noted for stunning architecture and history.
JPY1000, 2h

11:00am

Stroll Kokoen Garden

Relax in this beautifully landscaped traditional garden next to the castle, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY300, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Otemae Yakitoritei

Enjoy freshly grilled yakitori near the station open from 11am to 3pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka for afternoon and evening relaxation.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Tennoji Area

Visit Tennoji Park, Shitennoji Temple, and Abeno Harukas building for views, shopping, and cultural experience.
Varies, 2h30m

6:15pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Try creative udon dishes in a stylish setting, open until 10pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or convenience store

Light breakfast to start your theme park adventure fresh and energized.
JPY700, 0h30m

8:00am

Arrive at Universal Studios Japan

Enter at opening time 8:30am to maximize your day enjoying popular rides and shows.
JPY8200, 12h

8:30am–8:30pm

Explore Universal Studios

Experience attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, and thrilling rollercoasters throughout the day.
Included with admission, 12h

8:30pm

Dinner at Universal CityWalk

Refuel with various dining options at CityWalk, open late for after-park meals.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 5: Osaka Culture & Shopping

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Taste fresh seafood and a variety of street foods at Osaka’s vibrant market, open from 8am.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Museum of History

Discover Osaka’s fascinating history in a modern museum with panoramic views, open 9:30am–5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk through Nakanoshima Park

Relax in this riverside park with beautiful gardens and museums around, open 24/7.
Free, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at Cafe English Garden

Enjoy Western-style lunch with a cozy atmosphere near Nakanoshima, open till 5pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Explore Osaka’s premier shopping street featuring international brands and local boutiques.
Varies, 3h

4:30pm

Coffee break at Lilo Coffee Roasters

Recharge with quality coffee and light snacks in Dotonbori area.
JPY800, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hozenji Yokochō

Experience traditional alleyway dining with local specialties in an atmospheric setting, open till 10pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kobe Day Trip

Kobe, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Grab a filling breakfast in Osaka before traveling to Kobe.
JPY700, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Kobe

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka to Kobe, about 30 minutes.
JPY410, 0h30m

8:45am

Visit Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Ride the ropeway and explore beautiful gardens with city views, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1500, 2h

11:00am

Explore Kitano-cho District

Wander through historical Western-style mansions and unique cafes.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Steakland Kobe

Treat yourself to authentic Kobe beef in a popular local restaurant, open 11am to 10pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

1:45pm

Visit Meriken Park & Kobe Harborland

Enjoy harbor views, modern architecture, and shopping complexes at these scenic waterfront areas.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka for evening plans.
JPY410, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at a local Izakaya in Osaka

Experience lively Japanese pub dishes and drinks in a nearby cozy izakaya.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Leisure & Shopping

Osaka, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brooklyn Roasting Company, Osaka

Enjoy premium coffee and fresh baked goods, open from 8am for a relaxed start.
JPY900, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Osaka Castle Park

Spend the morning exploring the picturesque castle grounds and museum, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Shopping at Grand Front Osaka

Discover modern shopping, dining, and entertainment in this large complex near Osaka Station.
Varies, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bills Osaka

Enjoy a fusion-style lunch with famous ricotta pancakes and fresh ingredients, open 8am to 10pm.
JPY2200, 1h

2:30pm

Explore America-mura

Experience Osaka’s trendiest youth culture district with shops, cafes, and street art.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee and chill at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Unwind with excellent coffee before evening activities.
JPY800, 0h45m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Dotonbori Street Food Stalls

Savor local favorites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki amidst vibrant nightlife to end your trip memorably.
JPY2500, 2h
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