How many days do you need in osaka, kyoto, nara himeji\?

This itinerary covers 8 days in osaka, kyoto, nara himeji\, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for osaka, kyoto, nara himeji\?

Plan your perfect 8 days trip to osaka, kyoto, nara himeji\. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

8-Day Kansai Tour with Hiroshima Day Trip: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji & Hiroshima

Day 1: Arrival & Osaka Evening

Osaka, Japan

2:00PM

Arrive Kansai International Airport

Land at Kansai International Airport, then take the Nankai or JR train to Osaka city center, approximately 45-60 minutes journey.

¥920 - ¥1060, 45-60 minutes

4:00PM

Check-in & Refresh

Check into your hotel and relax after your flight.

Varies, 1 hour

5:30PM

Visit Osaka Castle Park

Enjoy an evening stroll around Osaka Castle Park featuring illuminated views; the park closes at sunset.

Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Savor authentic Osaka street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki amid vibrant Dotonbori district atmosphere.

¥2000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 2: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast Near Hotel

Start bright with a hearty breakfast close to your accommodation.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Take the JR train to Universal-City Station and enjoy a full day at Universal Studios, open from 8:30AM to 9:00PM.

¥8200 + ¥180, 11 hours

8:30PM

Return to Hotel

Return by train to your hotel to rest after a fun-packed day.

¥180, 15 minutes

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 3: Osaka Culture & Shopping

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Osaka Castle Museum

Explore the museum housed within Osaka Castle to learn about regional history, open 9AM–5PM.

¥600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Osaka Station City

Wide food options at Osaka Station City for a casual lunch.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic city views; open 10AM–10PM.

¥1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

National Museum of Art, Osaka

Discover contemporary and modern art; open 10AM–5PM, closed Mondays.

¥430, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi

Shop and enjoy the vibrant streets in these popular districts.

Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savor Osaka's famous deep-fried skewers (kushikatsu) in Shinsekai.

¥2000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 4: Kyoto Eastern Highlights

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Train Osaka to Kyoto

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

¥560, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Breakfast near Kyoto Station

Enjoy breakfast at a café near the station to start your cultural day.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Tour the famous thousand vermilion torii gates; the shrine is open 24 hours.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Kyoto

Dine on authentic Kyoto cuisine at a local restaurant.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Higashiyama

Visit the historic temple and walk the traditional Higashiyama streets; open 6AM–6PM.

¥400, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka, a 30-minute trip.

¥560, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Osaka Izakaya

Enjoy local dishes and sake at a casual izakaya in Osaka.

¥2500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto Western Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Train Osaka to Kyoto

Travel again by train from Osaka to Kyoto Station, about 30 minutes.

¥560, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast near the train station before sightseeing.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore the bamboo forest and nearby temple open from 8:30AM to 5:30PM.

¥500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Arashiyama

Enjoy riverside dining with tofu or noodle specialties.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning golden temple and its gardens; open 9AM–5PM.

¥400, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Osaka

Train ride back to Osaka city center.

¥560, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Try kushikatsu or other local specialties to finish your Kyoto visit days.

¥2500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Nara Tranquil Day

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Nara

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

¥800, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit Japan’s largest wooden structure and giant Buddha, open 7:30AM–5:30PM.

¥600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Nara Park

Interact with the friendly deer roaming freely in this scenic park.

¥200 optional for deer food, 1 hour

12:45PM

Lunch in Nara-machi

Local traditional dishes served in historic old town area.

¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the Shinto shrine famous for lantern-lined paths; open 6:30AM–5PM.

¥500, 1.5 hours

3:45PM

Nara National Museum

View Buddhist art and artifacts; open 9:30AM–5PM, closed Mondays.

¥520, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka, approximately 45 minutes.

¥800, 45 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Relax and enjoy your evening meal near the hotel.

¥2500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Nara

Day 7: Hiroshima Day Trip

Hiroshima, Japan

6:30AM

Shinkansen Osaka to Hiroshima

Travel by Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes).

¥10,500 (one-way), 1h30m

8:00AM

Breakfast near Hiroshima Station

Quick breakfast at a local café near the station.

¥1000, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and visit the museum, open 8:30AM–6PM.

¥200, 2.5 hours

11:15AM

Atomic Bomb Dome

See the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site located within the park area.

Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch - Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki

Taste the famous layered okonomiyaki at a local restaurant such as Okonomimura.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:15PM

Miyajima Island Trip

Travel to Miyajima by train and ferry (approx. 1 hour total). Explore Itsukushima Shrine; shrine open 6:30AM–6PM.

Train/ferry ¥600, Shrine ¥300, 3 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hiroshima Station

Ferry and train back to Hiroshima Station.

¥600, 1 hour

5:30PM

Shinkansen Hiroshima to Osaka

Return to Osaka by Shinkansen, about 1.5 hours journey.

¥10,500, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel area after the long day.

¥2500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 8: Departure & Last-minute Shopping

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast

Leisurely breakfast at hotel or nearby café.

¥1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shinsaibashi & Namba Shopping

Spend your final morning shopping in Osaka’s top shopping districts for souvenirs and gifts.

Varies, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch

Enjoy one last meal of Osaka specialties before departure.

¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the Nankai or JR train to Kansai Airport, allowing 45-60 minutes.

¥920 - ¥1060, 45-60 minutes

3:00PM

Depart Japan

Complete airport procedures and board your flight home.

Varies, Flexible

Find Hotels in Osaka

Step 1 Outline Preview:

8-Day Kansai Tour with Hiroshima Day Trip: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji & Hiroshima

Day 1: Arrival & Osaka Evening

2:00PM

4:00PM

5:30PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Universal Studios Japan

8:00AM

9:00AM

8:30PM

Day 3: Osaka Culture & Shopping

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 4: Kyoto Eastern Highlights

7:30AM

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Kyoto Western Temples & Gardens

7:30AM

8:30AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Nara Tranquil Day

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

12:45PM

2:00PM

3:45PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Hiroshima Day Trip

6:30AM

8:00AM

8:30AM

11:15AM

12:00PM

1:15PM

4:30PM

5:30PM

7:00PM

Day 8: Departure & Last-minute Shopping

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:00PM

More About osaka, kyoto, nara himeji\

Plan Your osaka, kyoto, nara himeji\ Trip