8-Day Kansai Journey with Full-Day Himeji Castle Exploration: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and More

Day 1: Afternoon Arrival & Osaka Intro

Osaka, Japan

2:00PM

Arrive at Kansai International Airport

Arrive in Osaka and take the Nankai or JR train to central Osaka (Namba or Osaka Station), approximately 45-60 minutes journey.

¥920 - ¥1060, 45-60 minutes

4:00PM

Check into hotel

Settle into your accommodation and relax after your journey.

Varies, 1 hour

5:00PM

Osaka Castle Park

Explore the park and enjoy views of the illuminated Osaka Castle before it closes at 6PM.

Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Experience lively Dotonbori with vibrant neon lights and try local street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

¥2000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening stroll or rest

Wind down with a leisurely walk or return to your hotel for rest.

Free, Flexible

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Day 2: Full-Day Universal Studios

Osaka, Japan

8:30AM

Universal Studios Japan

Board the JR train to Universal City Station (15 minutes) and enjoy the park’s popular attractions open from 8:30AM to 9:00PM.

¥8200 + ¥180, 12 hours

9:00PM

Return to hotel

Take the train back to central Osaka after park closure.

¥180, 15 minutes

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Day 3: Osaka City Highlights

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Enjoy traditional Japanese or Western breakfast in a nearby café.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Osaka Castle

Tour the castle museum and grounds (open 9AM to 5PM) to learn about Osaka's history.

¥600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Osaka Station City

Try sushi or ramen at one of the many restaurants inside the station complex.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the observatory for panoramic views over Osaka (open 10AM–10PM).

¥1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

National Museum of Art

Explore the contemporary art museum (10AM–5PM, closed Mondays).

¥430, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dotonbori Exploration

Wander the bustling entertainment district and shop for souvenirs.

Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Sample authentic kushikatsu fried skewers in the Shinsekai area.

¥2000, 1.5 hours

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Day 4: Kyoto Cultural Day 1

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Kyoto

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

¥560, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates; open 24 hours for a serene morning visit.

Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch near Kyoto Station

Enjoy Kyoto-style cuisine close to the station.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the historic temple with stunning views over Kyoto (open 6AM–6PM).

¥400, 2 hours

3:15PM

Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka

Wander traditional preserved streets with shops and tea houses.

Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka (30 minutes).

¥560, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Dine at an izakaya enjoying local dishes.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 5: Kyoto Nature & Temples Day 2

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Kyoto

Travel by JR Special Rapid (30 minutes).

¥560, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion

See the iconic golden temple and its beautiful gardens (9AM–5PM).

¥400, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Ryoanji Temple

Explore the famous Zen rock garden (8AM–5PM).

¥500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Arashiyama

Lunch near the river for a peaceful setting.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk through the bamboo path and visit temple gardens (8AM–5PM).

¥500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Optional Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Seasonal scenic cruise, check availability beforehand.

¥620 - ¥4100, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka (30 minutes).

¥560, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Relax with dinner at a local restaurant.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 6: Nara Cultural Day Trip

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Nara

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

¥800, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

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

¥600, 2 hours

11:15AM

Nara Park

Walk among freely roaming deer and scenic park areas.

¥200 optional deer food, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Nara-machi

Dine in the charming historic district with local specialties.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit the shrine famed for thousands of lanterns (6:30AM–5PM).

¥500, 1.5 hours

3:45PM

Nara National Museum

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

¥520, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Take train back to Osaka (45 minutes).

¥800, 45 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Enjoy dinner near your hotel or a favorite restaurant.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 7: Full-Day Himeji Castle & Surroundings

Himeji, Japan

7:30AM

Train Osaka to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen or Special Rapid Service to Himeji Station (40 minutes).

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

8:30AM

Breakfast near Himeji Station

Enjoy breakfast at a café offering local specialties.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Himeji Castle

Explore Japan’s finest original castle, marveling at its architecture and museum exhibits (9AM–5PM).

¥1000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at nearby restaurant

Try regional cuisine such as Himeji oden or fresh seafood.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:45PM

Koko-en Gardens

Stroll the serene, beautifully landscaped gardens adjacent to the castle (9AM–5PM).

¥300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Engyo-ji Temple at Mount Shosha

Take the cable car up Mount Shosha to explore the historic temple and forest trails (9AM–5:30PM).

¥700 plus cable car fare ¥640 round trip, 2.5 hours

5:45PM

Return to Himeji Station

Cable car down from Mount Shosha and walk back to station.

Included above, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Train back to Osaka

Travel via Shinkansen or Rapid Service to Osaka (40 minutes).

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

7:15PM

Dinner in Osaka

Dine at your choice of restaurant to end your day.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 8: Final Shopping & Departure

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hearty breakfast close to your hotel.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last-minute shopping in Shinsaibashi or Namba

Pick up final souvenirs and gifts in Osaka’s premier shopping districts.

Varies, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch

Have an early lunch near the shopping area or station.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take either the Nankai or JR train to the airport (45-60 minutes).

¥920 - ¥1060, 45-60 minutes

3:00PM

Airport check-in and departure

Prepare for your flight home with plenty of time for security and boarding.

Varies, Varies

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