7-Day Kansai Region Tour Based in Osaka: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji & Kobe

Day 1: Arrival & Osaka Introduction

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Take the Nankai Airport Express or JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Namba or Osaka Station respectively. Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, convenient for Osaka city center hotels.
Approx. ¥920 - ¥1060, 45-60 minutes

11:00AM

Hotel Check-in in Osaka

Check into centrally located hotel near Namba or Umeda for easy access to attractions and transport.
Varies, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Enjoy Osaka’s famous street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki at iconic Dotonbori area eateries, open 11AM onwards.
¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Walk through lively shopping and entertainment district famous for neon lights and unique shops.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Hozenji Temple

Discover this small, atmospheric temple tucked among the bustling streets; open daily, free admission.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at a Kushikatsu Restaurant

Sample Osaka specialty fried skewers at a local kushikatsu restaurant in Shinsekai area, open until late.
¥2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Osaka City Tour

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle and museum, open 9AM–5PM with panoramic views from the top floor observation deck.
¥600, 2 hours

10:30AM

Walk through Osaka Castle Park

Enjoy a scenic stroll in the picturesque surrounding park, free access.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Osaka Station City

Choose from diverse restaurants in the modern Osaka Station City complex, open from 11AM.
¥1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory

Experience stunning views of Osaka at this unique architectural landmark, open 10AM–10PM.
¥1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the National Museum of Art, Osaka

Explore impressive collections of contemporary Japanese and international art, open 10AM–5PM, closed Mondays.
¥430, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore nearby Nakanoshima Park

Take a calm evening walk through this riverside green space and its rose garden, free entry.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Kitashinchi District

Discover upscale dining and izakayas in this busy entertainment area, open late.
¥3500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Kyoto

Take JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, approximately 30 minutes.
¥560 (covered by JR Pass), 30 minutes

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousand torii gates, open 24 hours, free entry.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Kyoto Station

Enjoy Kyoto specialties or Japanese bento boxes at restaurants in the station complex.
¥1500, 1 hour

12:45PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit this iconic golden temple and beautiful gardens, open 9AM–5PM.
¥400, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Ryoanji Temple

See the world-renowned Zen rock garden, open 8AM–5PM.
¥500, 1 hour

3:45PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the tranquil bamboo forest, open 24 hours, free entry.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return Osaka

Take JR train from Saga-Arashiyama Station to Osaka Station, about 60 minutes with one transfer.
¥800 (covered by JR Pass), 60 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Eat at a local izakaya or restaurant near your hotel.
¥2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:30AM

Train Osaka to Nara

Take the JR Yamatoji Line rapid train from Osaka Station to Nara Station, about 45 minutes.
¥800, 45 minutes

9:30AM

Todai-ji Temple

See the giant Buddha statue and temple grounds, open 7:30AM–5:30PM.
¥600, 2 hours

11:45AM

Nara Park & Deer Feeding

Relax and feed friendly deer roaming freely in this expansive park.
¥200 for deer crackers, 1 hour

12:45PM

Lunch in Nara-machi

Dine at traditional Japanese restaurants in the historical district.
¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this well-known Shinto shrine with its elegant lanterns, open 6:30AM–5PM.
¥500, 1.5 hours

3:45PM

Nara National Museum

View extensive Buddhist art collections, open 9:30AM–5PM, closed Mondays.
¥520, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return Osaka

Take JR train back to Osaka Station, about 45 minutes.
¥800, 45 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Enjoy a delicious dinner near your hotel to unwind after the day’s excursion.
¥2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Himeji

Himeji, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Himeji

Take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen or Special Rapid Service to Himeji Station, approximately 40 minutes.
¥1500 (rapid), ¥3500 (Shinkansen), 40 minutes

8:45AM

Himeji Castle

Tour Japan’s premier castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site open 9AM–5PM.
¥1000, 2-3 hours

11:30AM

Koko-en Garden

Visit adjacent traditional gardens offering scenic ponds and teahouses, open 9AM–5PM.
¥300, 1 hour

12:45PM

Lunch near Himeji Station

Eat at local establishments offering regional cuisine.
¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Himeji City

Visit the Engyo-ji Temple on Mount Shosha by ropeway or explore local museums and shops.
¥700 ropeway, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka Station, approximately 40 minutes.
¥1500 (rapid), ¥3500 (Shinkansen), 40 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Relax with a comforting dinner at a local restaurant near your hotel.
¥2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day Trip to Kobe

Kobe, Japan

8:30AM

Train Osaka to Kobe

Take JR Special Rapid Service to Sannomiya Station, Kobe, approximately 30 minutes.
¥410, 30 minutes

9:15AM

Kobe Harborland & Meriken Park

Walk the waterfront park with art and shops, enjoy early morning views.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Nankinmachi (Chinatown)

Sample delicious Chinese and fusion cuisine in Kobe’s Chinatown district.
¥1500, 1 hour

12:45PM

Nunobiki Herb Garden Ropeway

Take the ropeway for panoramic city views and stroll fragrant gardens, open 9:30AM–5PM.
¥1150, 2 hours

3:00PM

Kitano Ijinkan Western Houses

Visit the historic western-style mansions from the Meiji era, open 9AM–6PM.
¥300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return Osaka

Train back to Osaka Station, approximately 30 minutes.
¥410, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Enjoy a final delicious dinner near your hotel featuring favorite Kansai dishes.
¥3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Leisure & Departure

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world’s largest aquariums, open 10AM–8PM, check timing for last day.
¥2400, 2 hours

10:30AM

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Enjoy casual dining options near the aquarium with options like sushi and ramen.
¥1500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Last-minute shopping in Namba

Browse souvenir shops and local boutiques in the Namba area before heading to airport.
Varies, 2 hours

2:30PM

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take Nankai or JR train back to the airport in 45–60 minutes.
Approx. ¥920 - ¥1060, 45-60 minutes
View Hotel Availability