9-Day Kansai & Hiroshima Day Trip: Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Himeji, Universal Studios & Hiroshima Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Fun

Osaka, Japan on May 15, 2025

2:00pm

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Settle in after arrival in Osaka and prepare for a light introduction to the city.
Varies, 1h

3:30pm

Stroll Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi

Explore vibrant shopping streets and iconic neon signs along Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, great for photos and street food.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Taste authentic Osaka style okonomiyaki at this popular restaurant, open until 10:00pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h

7:45pm

Evening Walk at Hozenji Yokocho

Wander the quaint cobblestone alley filled with classic eateries and lanterns for a traditional night vibe.
Free, 1h
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Day 2: Osaka Cultural Tour

Osaka, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Indulge in fresh seafood and local produce at this lively market starting from 9:00am.
JPY3000, 1h

9:45am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the iconic castle and surrounding park, open 9:00am - 5:00pm, with panoramic city views.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street Food Stalls

Sample takoyaki and kushikatsu among other street food favorites.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Osaka Museum of History

Explore Osaka’s past through engaging interactive exhibits, open 9:30am - 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

3:30pm

Umeda Sky Building

Catch sunset and cityscape views from the Floating Garden Observatory open until 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma in Shinsekai

Enjoy Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in the festive Shinsekai district, open until 10:00pm.
JPY2000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Nara Full Day

Nara, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a light hotel breakfast before exploring Nara.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:00am

Train to Nara

Quick 45-minute ride to this historic city.
JPY800, 0.75h

9:00am

Todaiji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha and expansive grounds open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

10:45am

Nara Park Deer Feeding

Interact with friendly deer roaming freely throughout the park.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor fresh, quality tuna dishes in a cozy setting, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit the atmospheric lantern-lined paths of this shrine open 6:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

3:00pm

Naramachi Old Town Exploration

Wander through Nara’s preserved merchant district for shops and tea houses.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Train back to Osaka

Return to Osaka to rest and dine.
JPY800, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Relish premium udon noodles in a modern setting open until 11:00pm.
JPY1800, 1.5h
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Day 4: Kyoto East & South

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for an immersive Kyoto day.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Train to Kyoto

45-minute journey to Kyoto city center.
JPY600, 0.75h

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Hike the iconic 10,000 torii gates on this shrine trail, accessible anytime.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this historic temple with panoramic views, open 6:00am - 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

1:15pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy traditional Kyoto udon near picturesque Kodai-ji Temple, open 11:00am - 3:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Walk around Higashiyama District

Browse quaint streets filled with traditional shops and tea houses.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

Enjoy some downtime in Kyoto’s famous cherry blossom park.
Free, 1h

5:15pm

Train back to Osaka

Return comfortably to your Osaka hotel.
JPY600, 0.75h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa (Osaka)

Dine on Kyoto cuisine favorites in Osaka, open until 9:00pm.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Kyoto West & North

Kyoto, Japan on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for another cultural day with hotel breakfast.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Train to Kyoto

Travel 45 minutes to explore the western side of Kyoto.
JPY600, 0.75h

9:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the serene bamboo forest early for fewer crowds, open 24/7.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage temple with beautiful gardens, open 8:30am - 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at Saga Tofuya Ukai

Try exquisite tofu cuisine in a traditional setting near Arashiyama, open 11:30am - 2:30pm.
JPY3500, 1.5h

2:00pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire this stunning gold-leaf covered temple open 9:00am - 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

3:15pm

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Contemplate the famous Zen rock garden near Kinkaku-ji, open 8:00am - 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Osaka

Head back to your Osaka accommodation resting up for the next day.
JPY600, 0.75h

7:00pm

Dinner at Umeda Sky Building Restaurant

Dine with a view at one of the building’s high-rise restaurants, open till 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Himeji & Kobe Day Trip

Osaka, Japan / Himeji & Kobe, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to set off for an exciting double-city day trip.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:00am

Train to Himeji

1 hour train journey to visit the famous castle.
JPY3500, 1h

9:15am

Himeji Castle

Explore the spectacular castle grounds, open 9:00am - 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Otemae Gyoza no Ohsho

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

1:30pm

Train to Kobe

Travel approximately 30 minutes from Himeji to Kobe.
JPY1500, 0.5h

2:00pm

Kobe Harborland & Meriken Park

Explore Kobe’s waterfront area famous for shopping, views, and the Kobe Port Tower.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Kobe Beef Dinner at Mouriya Honten

Savor premium Kobe beef at this highly rated steakhouse, open till 9:00pm.
JPY8000, 1.5h

6:00pm

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for the evening.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 7: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before a day packed with thrills.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend a full day enjoying rides, shows, and themed attractions, open 9:00am - 9:00pm.
JPY8500, 10h

12:30pm

Lunch Inside Universal Studios

Choose from various onsite eateries for convenience and themed food.
JPY2000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at CityWalk Osaka

After park closing, enjoy diverse dining options at Universal CityWalk.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 8: Hiroshima Day Trip

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

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Eat an early breakfast before departing for the Hiroshima day trip.
JPY700, 0.5h

6:30am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Board the early bullet train to Hiroshima, approx 2.5 hours.
JPY13000, 2.5h

9:00am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Visit the iconic memorial site and museum to reflect on history, open 8:30am - 6:00pm.
JPY200, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Okonomimura

Sample various okonomiyaki stalls in this famous food theme building, open 11:00am - 9:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

12:45pm

Shukkeien Garden

Take a stroll in this beautifully landscaped traditional garden, open 9:00am - 6:00pm.
JPY260, 1h

2:00pm

Hiroshima Castle

Tour the historical castle grounds and restored main keep, open until 5:30pm.
JPY370, 1h

3:15pm

Return to Osaka by Shinkansen

Board afternoon bullet train back to Osaka.
JPY13000, 2.5h

6:00pm

Dinner in Osaka at Dotonbori

Finish your day trip with casual dinner at street stalls or restaurants, open late.
JPY2000, 1.5h
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Day 9: Return & Departure

Osaka, Japan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and pack before departure.
JPY700, 0.5h

10:00am

Osaka Station City Shopping

Shop for souvenirs and last-minute items in the large station complex.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Granvia Osaka

Have a final memorable meal at this popular station restaurant, open 11:00am - 9:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Departure

Head to the airport or train station for onward travel, concluding your memorable Kansai and Hiroshima trip.
Varies, Travel
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