7-Day Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji Itinerary with Universal Studios Japan

Day 1: Arrival and Evening in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

2:00PM

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Arrive in Osaka, collect luggage, and activate your Japan Rail Pass if applicable.

N/A, 1h

3:00PM

Transfer to Hotel in Osaka

Take the airport limousine bus or JR train to your accommodation in central Osaka, about a 1-hour journey.

¥1000-¥1500, 1h

4:30PM

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your hotel and rest before an evening exploration.

N/A, 1h

6:00PM

Dotonbori Evening Stroll

Experience Osaka’s famous Dotonbori district with its colorful neon lights, street food, and lively atmosphere.

Street food ¥500-¥1500, 2h

8:30PM

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Enjoy authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki at this beloved restaurant in Dotonbori. Reservations recommended.

¥1500-¥2500, 1.5h

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Day 2: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast near Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at a nearby café to fuel your day at Universal Studios.

¥800, 1h

8:30AM

Travel to Universal Studios Japan

Take the JR Yumesaki Line from Osaka Station to Universal City Station. The ride is about 15 minutes.

¥180, 15m

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy a fun-filled day exploring rides, shows, and attractions in this world-famous theme park. Opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 9:00 PM (check seasonal hours).

¥8200 (1-day ticket), 10h

7:00PM

Return to Hotel

Take the train back to your hotel or enjoy dinner near Universal City if preferred.

¥180, 30m

8:00PM

Dinner at Universal CityWalk

Dine at one of the many restaurants or cafes in Universal CityWalk such as Mel’s Drive-In for American diner-style food or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

¥1500-¥3000, 1.5h

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Day 3: Osaka Castle and City Life

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy a specialty coffee and breakfast to start your day refreshed.

¥800, 1h

9:30AM

Osaka Castle

Visit the stunning Osaka Castle and its museum to learn about Japanese history and enjoy beautiful gardens surrounding the castle.

¥600, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsuruhashi Fugetsu

Taste local favorites including okonomiyaki and yakisoba in a casual atmosphere.

¥1200, 1h

1:30PM

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Spend the afternoon exploring the bustling shopping streets for souvenirs, fashion, and street food.

Cost varies, 2h

4:00PM

Umeda Sky Building

Ascend to the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape.

¥1500, 1.5h

6:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savor Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in a friendly local spot.

¥2000, 1.5h

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Day 4: Kyoto Temples and Culture

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Kyoto

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, about 30 minutes ride.

Covered by JR Pass, 30m

9:00AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the magnificent Golden Pavilion, a shining Zen temple surrounded by tranquil gardens.

¥400, 2h

11:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk the picturesque bamboo forest and visit nearby Tenryu-ji Temple if time permits.

Free (Temple ¥500 optional), 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy a peaceful and authentic tofu-based Buddhist vegetarian meal near Arashiyama.

¥1800, 1h

3:00PM

Gion District

Stroll through the traditional streets of Gion, spotting tea houses and possibly Maiko or Geisha.

Free, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa Sushi

Experience fresh and flavorful sushi in the atmospheric Gion area.

¥3500, 1.5h

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Day 5: Kyoto Highlights Continued

Kyoto, Japan

8:30AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Explore the famous thousands of vermillion torii gates on the mountain trails of this shrine.

Free, 2h

11:00AM

Nijo Castle

Discover the historical home of the Tokugawa shoguns with beautiful gardens and palace buildings.

¥600, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample an array of Kyoto’s local specialty foods and snacks at this vibrant market.

¥1500, 1h

2:30PM

Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Relax in the spacious and beautiful grounds of the imperial palace park.

Free, 1.5h

5:00PM

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Participate in a cultural tea ceremony to learn the etiquette and enjoy matcha tea.

¥2000, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner in Pontocho Alley

Dine in a historic alley featuring traditional eateries and a charming atmosphere.

¥3000, 2h

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Day 6: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan

8:30AM

Travel to Nara

Board the JR Nara Line Rapid from Kyoto Station to Nara Station, approx 45 minutes.

Covered by JR Pass, 45m

9:30AM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the Great Buddha housed inside the giant wooden temple building in Nara Deer Park.

¥600, 2h

11:30AM

Nara Deer Park

Walk among and feed the friendly wild deer roaming freely in the park.

¥150 for deer crackers, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy fresh and delicious tuna dishes near Nara center.

¥1800, 1h

2:30PM

Horyu-ji Temple

Visit one of the oldest wooden structures and an important Buddhist complex, a UNESCO site.

¥1000, 2h

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka for a restful evening.

Covered by JR Pass, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Tengu Sushi

Enjoy a popular sushi dinner near your hotel in Osaka.

¥3000, 1.5h

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Day 7: Himeji Castle and Departure Preparation

Himeji, Japan

7:30AM

Travel to Himeji

Board the Shinkansen or JR Special Rapid from Osaka Station to Himeji; about 1 hour travel time.

Covered by JR Pass, 1h

9:00AM

Himeji Castle

Explore Japan’s finest castle renowned for its architecture and historical significance.

¥1000, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch on Otemae Street

Dine at local restaurants offering traditional and modern Japanese cuisine near Himeji Castle.

¥1500, 1h

2:00PM

Kokoen Garden

Enjoy a visit to the adjacent Kokoen Garden featuring Edo period style landscaping and tea houses.

¥300, 1h

3:30PM

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka to prepare for your onward journey or flight departure.

Covered by JR Pass, 1h

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Osaka Hotel Restaurant

Relax with a final meal reflecting on your journey in Japan at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

¥3500, 2h

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