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8-Day Kansai & Hiroshima Itinerary with Afternoon Arrival in Osaka: Explore Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Himeji, Universal Studios & Hiroshima

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Day 1: Arrival & Intro

Osaka, Japan on May 15, 2025

2:00pm

Arrival & Check-in

Arrive in Osaka in the afternoon and check into your hotel to settle in and relax after your journey.
Varies, 1h

3:30pm

Walk around Dotonbori

Begin your exploration with a stroll along Dotonbori's lively canal area filled with neon lights, shops, and street food vendors.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit Hozenji Yokocho Alley

Experience a charming traditional alleyway nearby with small eateries and old-world atmosphere, perfect for photos and light exploring.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Enjoy Osaka’s famous savory pancake, Okonomiyaki, at this renowned spot open until 10:00pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 2: Osaka Cultural Gems

Osaka, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh sushi and street foods at the bustling market, which opens at 9:00am, so arrive slightly after to enjoy the full experience.
JPY3000, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Castle & Park

Explore the iconic castle and beautiful grounds open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, soaking up historical insights and city views.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street Food Stalls

Taste classics like takoyaki and kushikatsu at various stalls along the vibrant streets.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Osaka Museum of History

Dive deeper into Osaka’s rich history through engaging exhibits, open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

3:30pm

Umeda Sky Building Observatory

Head to this architectural landmark’s observatory open until 10:30pm for panoramic sunset views.
JPY1500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Finish the day with tasty fried skewers, open until 10:00pm, enjoying classic Osaka flavors.
JPY2000, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 3: Nara Day Trip

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a filling breakfast before traveling to nearby Nara for a day of temples and nature.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Train to Nara

Enjoy a roughly 45-minute journey by rapid train.
JPY800, 1h

9:45am

Todaiji Temple

Visit the Great Buddha Hall and appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage site open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h

11:45am

Nara Park

Spend time feeding and observing the deer freely roaming this expansive park.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Taste fresh tuna dishes at this popular eatery, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Discover the beauty of this lantern-lit sacred site, open 6:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

4:00pm

Naramachi Historic District

Enjoy strolling historic streets lined with shops and traditional merchant houses.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka for dinner and evening relaxation.
JPY800, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Relish premium udon noodles at this stylish restaurant open until 11:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 4: Kyoto Day Trip

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to start your day visiting Kyoto’s famous cultural sites.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Train to Kyoto

Travel by train approximately 30-45 minutes to the city center.
JPY600, 0.75h

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk the iconic vermillion torii gate path, accessible 24/7 and perfect for morning tranquility.
Free, 2h

11:45am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

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

1:15pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy Kyoto-style udon noodles in a heritage atmosphere, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk through the serene bamboo forest and visit the UNESCO temple open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 2h

5:30pm

Train back to Osaka

Return to Osaka for dinner.
JPY600, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa (Osaka)

Experience the flavors of Kyoto cuisine in Osaka, open until 9:00pm.
JPY3500, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 5: Himeji Day Trip

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for your day trip with a satisfying breakfast.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Train to Himeji

Take a fast train about 1 hour to visit Japan’s most famous castle.
JPY3500, 1h

9:45am

Himeji Castle

Tour the spectacular white castle open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Otemae Gyoza no Ohsho

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

1:30pm

Kokoen Garden

Relax in the beautiful gardens next to Himeji Castle, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY300, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka to rest.
JPY2500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Enjoy premium udon noodles at this modern eatery, open until 11:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 6: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast before an exciting day at Universal Studios Japan.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the whole day enjoying thrilling rides and entertainment, open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY8500, 10h

12:30pm

Lunch Inside Universal Studios

Choose from various themed restaurants to recharge during the day.
JPY2000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at CityWalk Osaka

After the park closes, enjoy dining at the adjacent CityWalk with diverse cuisines.
JPY2500, 1h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 7: Hiroshima Experience

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

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Eat early before the trip to Hiroshima to maximize sightseeing time.
JPY700, 0.5h

7:15am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Travel approximately 2.5 hours on the Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
JPY13000, 2.5h

9:45am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Visit the moving memorial and museum open 8:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Miyajima Island

Ferry to Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine; ferry operates all day.
JPY2000, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at Hassei

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

8:00pm

Overnight in Hiroshima

Rest overnight at a comfortable hotel for your return journey.
JPY10000, Overnight
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Day 8: Return to Osaka & Departure

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your last day with breakfast before heading back to Osaka.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Shinkansen to Osaka

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

11:15am

Shopping and Leisure at Osaka Station City

Use your remaining time for shopping or relaxing before departure.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Granvia Osaka

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

3:00pm

Departure

Head to the airport or next destination with wonderful memories from your Kansai & Hiroshima trip.
Varies, Travel
Find Hotels in Hiroshima
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