8-Day Kansai Adventure: Full-Day Universal Studios & Explore Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji & Kobe

Day 1: Full-Day Universal Studios

Osaka, Japan

8:30AM

Arrive at Universal Studios Japan

Take JR train from Osaka Station to Universal City Station (about 15 minutes). Arrive early to maximize time in the park, which opens at 8:30AM.

¥180, 15 minutes

8:30AM

Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy a full day exploring attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, Jaws, and thrilling rides open until 9:00PM.

¥8200, 12 hours

8:00PM

Evening entertainment and shopping

After rides, enjoy evening parades, shows, and shopping in park stores before closing.

Variable, 1 hour

9:00PM

Return to hotel

Take the train back to Osaka Station or Namba for hotel rest.

¥180, 15 minutes

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Day 2: Osaka City Highlights

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at local café

Start the day with a fresh breakfast at a local café offering Japanese or Western-style options.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Osaka Castle

Visit the historic Osaka Castle museum and surrounding park (9AM–5PM).

¥600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Osaka Station City

Eat sushi or ramen at one of the many restaurants in Osaka Station City complex.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory (10AM–10PM).

¥1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

National Museum of Art

Explore the modern art exhibitions located underground (10AM–5PM, closed Mondays).

¥430, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dotonbori District

Stroll through the famous street featuring neon signs, street foods, and entertainment.

Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers (kushikatsu) in this popular Shinsekai area restaurant.

¥2000, 1.5 hours

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Day 3: Kyoto Historical Gems

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Kyoto

Take JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station (30 minutes).

¥560, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore iconic torii gate paths (open 24 hours) and admire the spiritual atmosphere.

Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Kyoto Station

Dine on Kyoto specialities like yuba or kaiseki near Kyoto station.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this historic temple with panoramic views (6AM–6PM).

¥400, 2 hours

3:15PM

Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka Streets

Walk quaint streets filled with traditional shops and teahouses.

Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka (30 minutes).

¥560, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner

Enjoy an Osaka city dinner at a local izakaya or noodle shop.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 4: Kyoto Nature & Temples

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Kyoto

Travel via JR Special Rapid to Kyoto Station (30 minutes).

¥560, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion

Admire the gleaming temple and gardens (9AM–5PM).

¥400, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Ryoanji Temple

Experience the peaceful Zen rock garden (8AM–5PM).

¥500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Arashiyama

Eat local specialties beside the scenic river.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk the majestic bamboo forest and visit the temple gardens (8AM–5PM).

¥500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Optional Hozugawa River Boat Ride or Scenic Railway

Enjoy seasonal scenic rides; confirm availability beforehand.

¥620 - ¥4100, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Osaka

Train back (30 minutes).

¥560, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner

Relax with a comforting meal in Osaka.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 5: Nara Cultural Highlights

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Nara

Take JR Yamatoji Rapid from Osaka Station to Nara (45 minutes).

¥800, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the Great Buddha Hall and temple grounds (7:30AM–5:30PM).

¥600, 2 hours

11:15AM

Nara Park

Walk among friendly deer and scenic parkland.

¥200 for deer crackers, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Nara-machi

Experience traditional cuisine in the historic merchant quarter.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this famous lantern-lined shrine (6:30AM–5PM).

¥500, 1.5 hours

3:45PM

Nara National Museum

Discover Buddhist art exhibits (9:30AM–5PM, closed Mondays).

¥520, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Train back from Nara to Osaka (45 minutes).

¥800, 45 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner

Enjoy a dinner near your Osaka hotel to finish the day.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 6: Himeji Castle Exploration

Himeji, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Himeji

JR Special Rapid or Shinkansen to Himeji Station (40 minutes).

¥1500 (Rapid), ¥3500 (Shinkansen), 40 minutes

9:00AM

Himeji Castle

Tour Japan’s most spectacular castle, open 9AM–5PM.

¥1000, 2-3 hours

11:30AM

Koko-en Gardens

Visit traditional Japanese gardens near the castle (9AM–5PM).

¥300, 1 hour

12:45PM

Lunch

Try local seafood dishes near Himeji Station.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Mt. Shosha & Engyo-ji Temple

Ride cable car (9AM–5:30PM) and explore historic temple complex.

¥700, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka Station (40 minutes).

¥1500 (Rapid), ¥3500 (Shinkansen), 40 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner

Have a relaxed dinner at a favorite Osaka spot.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 7: Kobe Highlights & Shopping

Kobe, Japan

8:30AM

Train Osaka to Kobe

Take JR Special Rapid from Osaka Station to Sannomiya Station (30 minutes).

¥410, 30 minutes

9:15AM

Kobe Harborland & Meriken Park

Explore waterfront shops, cafes, and art installations.

Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Nankinmachi (Chinatown)

Enjoy street foods and Chinese cuisine in vibrant Chinatown.

¥1500, 1 hour

12:45PM

Nunobiki Herb Garden Ropeway

Ride up for gardens and panoramic views (9:30AM–5PM).

¥1150, 2 hours

3:00PM

Kitano Ijinkan Western Houses

Visit historic foreign residences from the Meiji era (9AM–6PM).

¥300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka Station (30 minutes).

¥410, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Shopping and Dinner in Osaka

Evening shopping in Shinsaibashi or Dotonbori with dinner at local restaurants.

Varies, 3 hours

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Day 8: Departure & Final Activities

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast near your hotel.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Final shopping or sightseeing

Visit nearby markets, department stores, or parks for last-minute gifts and photos.

Free to ¥2000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch

Have an early lunch close to hotel or station.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Travel to Kansai Airport

Take Nankai or JR train from Osaka (Namba or Osaka Station) to Kansai Airport (45-60 minutes).

¥920 - ¥1060, 45-60 minutes

3:00PM

Airport procedures and departure

Arrive early for check-in and boarding procedures.

Varies, Variable

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