7-Day Kansai Highlights: Day Trips to Kyoto, Nara, and Himeji from Osaka

Day 1: Arrival & Osaka Intro

Osaka, Japan

2:00PM

Arrive Kansai International Airport

Fly into Kansai International Airport and take the Nankai or JR train to Osaka city center (Namba or Osaka station), which takes about 45-60 minutes.

¥920 - ¥1060, 45-60 minutes

4:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Settle into your hotel and freshen up after your journey.

Varies, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Osaka Castle Park

Stroll the park around Osaka Castle and admire the illuminated castle exterior before it closes at 6PM.

Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner in Dotonbori

Enjoy Osaka specialties such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the lively Dotonbori area filled with neon lights.

¥2000, 2 hours

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Day 2: Osaka Amusement Park Day

Osaka, Japan

8:30AM

Universal Studios Japan

Take JR train to Universal-City Station (15 minutes) and spend the day enjoying rides and shows; park open 8:30AM–9:00PM.

¥8200 + ¥180, 12 hours

9:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel by train for rest after a fun-filled day.

¥180, 15 minutes

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Day 3: Osaka City Exploration

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast

Have a traditional Japanese or Western-style breakfast at a local café.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Osaka Castle Museum

Explore the museum and grounds of Osaka Castle, open 9AM–5PM.

¥600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Osaka Station City

Dine on sushi or ramen at diverse restaurants inside the station complex.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Umeda Sky Building Observatory

Admire panoramic views of Osaka from this iconic building (open 10AM–10PM).

¥1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

National Museum of Art

Visit the contemporary art museum (10AM–5PM, Closed Mondays).

¥430, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Dotonbori

Stroll the vibrant district for shopping and entertainment.

Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Sample deep-fried skewers enjoyed locally in Shinsekai area.

¥2000, 1.5 hours

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Day 4: Day Trip to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Train Osaka to Kyoto

Ride the JR Special Rapid Service train to Kyoto Station (approx. 30 minutes).

¥560, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Breakfast near Kyoto Station

Start your day with a light breakfast at a café near the station.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates, open 24 hours.

Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with panoramic views (open 6AM–6PM).

¥400, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch in Higashiyama area

Enjoy Kyoto cuisine at a local restaurant.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:45PM

Walk Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka Streets

Explore historic preserved streets filled with souvenir shops and tea houses.

Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka Station (30 minutes).

¥560, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Relax with an izakaya dinner near your hotel.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Nara

Take JR Yamatoji Rapid Service to Nara Station, approx. 45 minutes.

¥800, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the famous giant Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, open 7:30AM–5:30PM.

¥600, 2 hours

11:15AM

Nara Park

Interact with the friendly deer roaming the scenic park.

Optional ¥200 for deer food, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Nara-machi

Enjoy lunch in the historical town area offering traditional cuisine.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the famous lantern-lit shrine, open 6:30AM–5PM.

¥500, 1.5 hours

3:45PM

Nara National Museum

See Buddhist art and cultural 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

Have dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 6: Day Trip to Himeji

Himeji, Japan

7:30AM

Train Osaka to Himeji

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

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

8:30AM

Breakfast near Himeji Station

Have a local breakfast before sightseeing.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Himeji Castle

Explore the magnificent castle, open 9AM–5PM, one of Japan’s finest original castles.

¥1000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch nearby

Sample regional dishes such as Himeji oden or seafood.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:45PM

Koko-en Garden

Walk through the peaceful gardens adjacent to the castle (9AM–5PM).

¥300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Osaka

Take Shinkansen or Rapid train back to Osaka (approx. 40 minutes).

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

4:00PM

Relax back at hotel or explore local area

Rest or take an evening stroll around Osaka neighborhoods.

Free, Flexible

7:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

End your day with a meal at a local restaurant.

¥2500, 2 hours

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Day 7: Osaka Final Day & Departure

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a casual breakfast near your hotel.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping in Shinsaibashi or Namba

Use your last morning for souvenirs and gifts in Osaka’s vibrant shopping districts.

Varies, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Osaka

Have an early lunch before your departure.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take Nankai or JR train to the airport (45-60 minutes) allowing ample time for check-in and security.

¥920 - ¥1060, 45-60 minutes

3:00PM

Airport Check-in & Departure

Complete final preparations and board your flight home.

Varies, Flexible

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