8-Day Kansai & Hiroshima Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Himeji, Universal Studios & Hiroshima

Day 1: Discover Osaka

Osaka, Japan on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Start your journey with fresh sushi and local street foods as the market bustles from 9:00am, an ideal introduction to Osaka cuisine.
JPY5000, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Castle & Park

Explore the historic Osaka Castle, open 9:00am to 5:00pm, and enjoy beautiful castle grounds and city views.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Savor takoyaki and okonomiyaki in Dotonbori, an iconic dining destination open throughout the day.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Browse trendy boutiques and traditional shops in this lively covered arcade.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Umeda Sky Building Observatory

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for sunset panoramas, welcoming visitors until 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Delight in crispy fried skewers, a local specialty, at this beloved eatery open until 10:00pm.
JPY2000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Osaka Cultural Gems

Osaka, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day rich with cultural experiences.
JPY700, 0.5h

9:00am

Osaka Museum of History

Discover Osaka’s past with exhibits tracing history from ancient to modern times, open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

11:00am

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Visit one of Japan’s oldest shrines known for its unique architecture, open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Enjoy premium udon noodles in a stylish setting, open until 11:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world’s largest aquariums, open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY2400, 3h

6:00pm

Tempozan Marketplace

Browse shops and enjoy evening entertainment near the aquarium.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Harukoma Sushi

Savor fresh sushi at one of Osaka’s top sushi restaurants, open until 10:00pm.
JPY4000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Nara Day Trip

Osaka, Japan / Nara, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast to start your day trip to Nara.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:00am

Train to Nara

Travel approximately 45 minutes by rapid train to Nara.
JPY800, 1h

9:15am

Todaiji Temple

Visit the massive Great Buddha Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Nara Park

Enjoy interactions with friendly deer roaming the park near Todaiji, always open.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Taste various tuna dishes served fresh in this local favorite, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this lantern-lit shrine, open 6:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

4:00pm

Naramachi Historic District

Stroll through this charming area filled with traditional merchant houses and shops.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Return to Osaka

Train ride back to Osaka for dinner.
JPY800, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Savor Osaka’s famous savory pancakes in the vibrant Dotonbori district, open until 10:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 4: Kyoto Day Trip

Osaka, Japan / Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to maximize your Kyoto exploration.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:00am

Train to Kyoto

Approximately 30-45 minutes by train to Kyoto city center.
JPY600, 0.75h

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates, open 24/7.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this historic temple with stunning views, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy Kyoto-style udon noodles near temple districts, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Relax with a stroll through the bamboo forest and visit the temple, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 2h

5:30pm

Train to Osaka

Return trip back to Osaka for dinner and rest.
JPY600, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa (Osaka)

Delight in refined Kyoto cuisine in Osaka, open until 9:00pm.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Himeji Day Trip

Osaka, Japan / Himeji, Japan on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a light breakfast before the trip to Himeji.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Train to Himeji

Board the Shinkansen or JR train for a quick 1-hour journey.
JPY3500, 1h

9:45am

Himeji Castle

Tour Japan’s most spectacular castle, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Otemae Gyoza no Ohsho

Enjoy savory gyoza close to the castle, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Kokoen Garden

Relax in the beautifully maintained Japanese gardens next to the castle, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY300, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for a relaxing evening.
JPY2500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Relish premium udon in a modern setting, open until 11:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h
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Day 6: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for an exciting day at the theme park.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy a full day of rides, shows, and entertainment, open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY8500, 10h

12:30pm

Lunch Inside Park

Choose from many themed dining options to keep your energy up.
JPY2000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at CityWalk Osaka

After park hours, dine at CityWalk’s diverse restaurants for a relaxing end of day.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 7: Hiroshima Visit

Osaka, Japan / Hiroshima, Japan on May 21, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Begin early for your long but rewarding journey to Hiroshima.
JPY700, 0.5h

7:15am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Travel about 2.5 hours to reach Hiroshima swiftly.
JPY13000, 2.5h

9:45am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

An essential visit to memorials and exhibits, open 8:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in a bustling multi-floor food complex, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Miyajima Island Excursion

Ferry over to the island to see the iconic floating torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine, ferry runs frequently all day.
JPY2000, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at Hassei

Enjoy fresh oysters and Hiroshima specialties before overnight stay, open until 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h

8:00pm

Stay Overnight in Hiroshima

Relax at a local hotel to rest for the next day.
JPY10000, Overnight
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Day 8: Hiroshima to Osaka & Departure

Hiroshima, Japan / Osaka, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast and prepare for return to Osaka.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Shinkansen to Osaka

Return to Osaka in approximately 2.5 hours by train.
JPY13000, 2.5h

11:15am

Leisure at Osaka Station Area

Spend remaining time shopping or relaxing at Osaka Station City before departure.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Granvia Osaka

Enjoy a final meal with great city views inside Granvia Osaka, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

3:00pm

Departure

Head to airport or next destination with plenty of memories from your Kansai & Hiroshima adventure.
Varies, Travel
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