8-Day Osaka-Centered Itinerary: Nara, Kyoto, Himeji, Kobe, Universal Studios Japan and Shopping Day

Day 1: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters, Osaka

Start with freshly brewed coffee and pastries at this popular café open from 7:30am to 6pm, preparing for the day ahead.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:15am

Travel to Nara

Take the Kintetsu limited express for a 35-45 minute ride to Nara quickly and comfortably.
JPY620, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore this historic temple featuring the massive Great Buddha statue, open 8am–5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Stroll Nara Park

Enjoy interacting with the friendly deer and taking in the peaceful surroundings of this expansive park.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Discover one of Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrines, adorned with countless lanterns, open 6:30am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Relish grilled eel, a local specialty, at this well-known restaurant open 11:30am–2pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Naramachi District

Wander through traditional merchant houses and charming shops in historic Naramachi.
Free, 1h15m

3:15pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka to rest and prepare for the evening.
JPY620, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Sample 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

7:45am

Breakfast at Granny Smith Apple Pie & Coffee, Osaka

Enjoy delicious apple pie and coffee, open from 8am, ideal for starting your Kyoto day trip.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Kyoto

Take the JR Special Rapid or Hankyu train to Kyoto in about 40 minutes.
JPY560, 0h40m

9:15am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic thousand red torii gates early to beat the crowds; shrine open 24/7.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Explore Nishiki Market

Savor local snacks and shop at this bustling market, open 9am to 6pm.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Honke Daiichiasahi

Taste authentic Kyoto tofu dishes in a respected establishment, open 11am–2pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:45pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO site with panoramic views, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 1h

3:00pm

Walk Philosopher’s Path

Enjoy a scenic stroll along this cherry-lined canal, free and refreshing.
Free, 1h30m

4:45pm

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for dinner and rest.
JPY560, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno Dotonbori

Savor authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki in vibrant Dotonbori, open until 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

Start with a light breakfast before your day trip to Himeji.
JPY700, 0h30m

7:30am

Travel to Himeji

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

8:30am

Visit Himeji Castle

Tour Japan's majestic white castle with its impressive architecture, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1000, 2h

11:00am

Kokoen Garden

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

12:00pm

Lunch at Otemae Yakitoritei

Enjoy tasty grilled yakitori near Himeji station, open 11am to 3pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka to relax and enjoy the evening.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Tennoji Area

Visit Tennoji Park and Shitennoji Temple for culture then shop at Abeno Harukas, Japan’s tallest skyscraper.
Varies, 2h30m

6:15pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Savor creative udon dishes in a stylish setting, open until 10pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Kobe Day Trip

Kobe, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or cafe

Have a filling breakfast in Osaka before heading to Kobe.
JPY700, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Kobe

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

8:45am

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

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

11:00am

Explore Kitano-cho District

Wander historic Western-style mansions and enjoy quaint cafes in this charming neighborhood.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Steakland Kobe

Feast on authentic Kobe beef at a renowned local restaurant, open 11am to 10pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

1:45pm

Meriken Park & Kobe Harborland

Stroll scenic waterfront parks, enjoy modern architecture, and visit shopping and entertainment areas.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka for a relaxed evening.
JPY410, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at local Izakaya in Osaka

Experience lively Japanese pub cuisine for dinner in a cozy izakaya.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or convenience store

Grab a light breakfast to prepare for the full day at Universal Studios Japan.
JPY700, 0h30m

8:00am

Arrive at Universal Studios Japan

Enter when the park opens at 8:30am to enjoy all major attractions.
JPY8200, 12h

8:30am–8:30pm

Explore Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy thrilling rides like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, and more.
Included with admission, 12h

8:30pm

Dinner at Universal CityWalk

Dine at numerous restaurants in CityWalk, open late to relax after the park.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 6: Osaka Culture & Museums

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Taste fresh seafood and street food at the lively Osaka market, open from 8am.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Museum of History

Learn about Osaka’s past in a modern museum with views of Osaka Castle, open 9:30am–5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:15am

Nakanoshima Park Walk

Relax and stroll in this picturesque riverside park, open 24/7.
Free, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at Cafe English Garden

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

1:30pm

Visit National Museum of Art, Osaka

Explore contemporary art exhibitions in this underground museum, open 10am–5pm, closed Tuesdays.
JPY430, 1h30m

3:15pm

Coffee break at LiLo Coffee Roasters

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

5:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open till 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hozenji Yokochō

Experience traditional alleyway dining with local specialties, a true Osaka experience.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Full Shopping Day

Osaka, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brooklyn Roasting Company, Osaka

Savor premium coffee and fresh pastries to start your shopping day, open from 8am.
JPY900, 0h45m

9:00am

Shopping at Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Explore Osaka’s largest shopping area with international brands, local boutiques, and cafes.
Varies, 3h

12:15pm

Lunch at ELK Café Dotonbori

Enjoy hearty brunch-style meals and delicious desserts in the heart of Dotonbori, open till 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Americamura (America Village) Exploration

Discover youthful fashion, street art, and unique shops in Osaka’s vibrant trendsetting district.
Free, 2h

3:45pm

Visit Namba Parks

Shop in this multi-level complex adorned with rooftop gardens, open 10am–9pm.
Varies, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Doutonbori Street Food Stalls

Savor beloved street foods like takoyaki and kushikatsu while enjoying lively nightlife.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Leisure & Farewell

Osaka, Japan on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy excellent coffee and fresh pastries for a relaxed start on your final day.
JPY800, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Osaka Castle and Park

Spend the morning exploring Osaka Castle’s museum and the surrounding scenic park, open 9am–5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Walk through Nishinomaru Garden

Relax in this beautiful garden near Osaka Castle with lovely views, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY200, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bills Osaka

Enjoy a leisurely farewell lunch featuring ricotta pancakes and fresh seasonal dishes, open 8am to 10pm.
JPY2200, 1h

1:30pm

Last-minute shopping or stroll in Dotonbori

Pick up any souvenirs or enjoy the vibrant riverside neighborhood one last time.
Varies, 2h

3:30pm

Return to hotel to pack and prepare for departure

Relax and organize before your trip home or next destination.
Free, Rest of the day
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