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8-Day Osaka Itinerary: Day Trips to Nara, Kyoto, Himeji, Kobe, Hiroshima and Universal Studios Japan

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Day 1: Arrival & Evening Osaka

Osaka, Japan on May 15, 2025

2:00pm

Arrival in Osaka

Arrive in Osaka, transfer to your hotel, check-in and freshen up for an exciting trip ahead.
Varies, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Dotonbori Area

Enjoy the lively atmosphere, neon lights, and famous Glico Man sign along the Dotonbori Canal.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Coffee Break at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Recharge with quality coffee and pastries, open until 6pm.
JPY800, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Taste Osaka’s iconic deep-fried skewers (kushikatsu) in a lively traditional setting, open 5pm–11pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m

8:45pm

Evening Walk along Osaka Riverwalk

Enjoy peaceful nighttime views and ambiance along the river near Namba.
Free, 1h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 2: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start your morning with fresh coffee and pastries, open from 7:30am.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:15am

Travel to Nara

Take the Kintetsu limited express train, about 40 minutes to Nara.
JPY620, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

View the impressive Great Buddha statue at one of Japan’s most famous temples, open 8am–5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Walk in Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer roaming freely in a large scenic park.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this beautifully lantern-lined shrine, open 6:30am–5pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Delight in grilled eel, a local specialty, in a traditional setting, open 11:30am–2pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Naramachi District

Wander streets lined with historic merchant houses and charming shops.
Free, 1h15m

3:15pm

Return to Osaka

Relax on your train back to Osaka.
JPY620, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno Dotonbori

Sample Osaka’s famous okonomiyaki in this renowned restaurant, open until 10pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 3: Kyoto Day Trip

Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:45am

Breakfast at Granny Smith Apple Pie & Coffee

Enjoy apple pie and coffee before your journey, open from 8am.
JPY900, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Kyoto

Take JR or Hankyu train for about 40 minutes.
JPY560, 0h40m

9:15am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk the famous torii gates path, open 24/7 to avoid crowds early.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Explore Nishiki Market

Taste local foods and browse stalls, open 9am–6pm.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Honke Daiichiasahi

Relish Kyoto-style tofu cuisine in a refined setting, open 11am–2pm.
JPY1800, 1h

1:45pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Take panoramic views and historic atmosphere, open 6am–6pm.
JPY400, 1h

3:00pm

Philosopher’s Path Walk

Enjoy a tranquil walk along the canal lined with cherry trees.
Free, 1h30m

4:45pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back for rest after a full day.
JPY560, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Sample creative udon dishes in stylish surroundings, open until 10pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 4: Hiroshima Day Trip

Hiroshima, Japan on May 18, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel or convenience store

Grab a quick and energizing breakfast to prepare for the long day ahead.
JPY700, 0h30m

7:00am

Travel to Hiroshima via Shinkansen

Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station; approx. 1.5 hours journey.
JPY10,000, 1h30m

8:30am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect at this poignant park dedicated to the atomic bombing victims, open 24/7.
Free, 1h30m

10:00am

Tour Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Learn about the history and impact of WWII events in a moving museum experience, open 8:30am–6pm.
JPY200, 1h30m

11:45am

Visit Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome)

View the preserved dome as an iconic symbol of peace and resilience.
Free, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this multi-floored food complex, open 11am–10pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:45pm

Travel to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island

Take train and ferry (total ~1h) to Miyajima for visiting the famous floating torii gate.
JR Ferry included with JR Pass, Shrine entry JPY300, 1h30m

3:15pm

Explore Itsukushima Shrine & Island

Walk through this scenic shrine and enjoy the island’s natural beauty, open until sunset.
JPY300, 1h30m

4:45pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back by ferry, train, and Shinkansen to Osaka, approximately 2.5 hours.
JPY10,000, 2h30m

7:30pm

Light Dinner or Snack near hotel

Opt for a light meal after your long day, such as a comforting ramen or sushi snack nearby.
JPY1000, 1h
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 5: Himeji Day Trip

Himeji, Japan on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or convenience store

Fuel up quickly before your day trip to Himeji.
JPY700, 0h30m

7:30am

Travel to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen or JR train approximately 1 hour to Himeji station.
JPY1500, 1h

8:30am

Visit Himeji Castle

Explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage castle, open 9am–5pm with last entry 4pm.
JPY1000, 2h

11:00am

Visit Kokoen Garden

Walk through the adjacent beautiful traditional garden, open 9am–5pm.
JPY300, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Otemae Yakitoritei

Savor grilled chicken skewers near the station, open 11am–3pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka and relax.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Tennoji Area

Visit Tennoji Park, Shitennoji Temple, and shop at Abeno Harukas skyscraper.
Varies, 2h30m

6:15pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Savor exquisite udon noodle dishes in a modern setting, open till 10pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Himeji

Day 6: Kobe Day Trip

Kobe, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Prepare with a nutritious breakfast before your Kobe day trip.
JPY700, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Kobe

Take JR Special Rapid train approx. 30 minutes to Kobe.
JPY410, 0h30m

8:45am

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Ropeway up to gardens with panoramic city views, open 9am–5pm.
JPY1500, 2h

11:00am

Kitano-cho District

Explore western-style historic mansions and boutiques.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Steakland Kobe

Experience authentic Kobe beef in a casual friendly setting, open 11am–10pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

1:45pm

Meriken Park & Harborland

Relax at waterfront parks and enjoy shopping at Harborland.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka to conclude your day.
JPY410, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Enjoy tasty small plates and lively atmosphere at an Osaka izakaya.
JPY2500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kobe

Day 7: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast to energize for a full-day at the theme park.
JPY700, 0h30m

8:00am

Arrive at Universal Studios Japan

Arrive early before the 8:30am opening to maximize your visit.
JPY8200, 12h

8:30am–8:30pm

Enjoy Universal Studios Japan

Explore popular attractions including Harry Potter world, Minion Park, and thrilling rides.
Included, 12h

8:30pm

Dinner at Universal CityWalk

Choose from a variety of restaurants to relax after the park closes.
JPY2500, 1h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 8: Osaka Shopping & Farewell

Osaka, Japan on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brooklyn Roasting Company

Enjoy great coffee and fresh baked goods to start your last day, open from 8am.
JPY900, 0h45m

9:00am

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Explore Osaka’s premier shopping street offering boutiques, brands, and souvenirs.
Varies, 3h

12:15pm

Lunch at ELK Café Dotonbori

Savor brunch dishes and desserts in a popular café open till 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit America Mura

Discover trendy shops, street art, and a youthful vibe in this cultural district.
Free, 2h

3:45pm

Namba Parks Shopping & Rooftop Garden

Enjoy shopping and unwind at the rooftop garden, open till 9pm.
Varies, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Street Food Stalls

Finish your trip savoring takoyaki, kushikatsu and other Osaka street foods.
JPY2000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Osaka
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