7-Day Kansai Itinerary Based in Osaka: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Himeji Day Trips

Day 1: Arrival & Osaka Intro

Osaka, Japan

2:00PM

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Arrive and activate your JR Pass if applicable, then take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Osaka Station (approx 65 minutes).
Covered by JR Pass or standard fare ¥1170, 65 minutes

4:00PM

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Check into your Osaka hotel near Osaka Station or Umeda area to stay well connected.
Varies, 1 hour

5:30PM

Visit Osaka Castle Park

Explore Osaka Castle grounds and gardens, a perfect introduction to the city’s history (free entry to park, castle museum ¥600).
¥600, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Savor takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the lively Dotonbori street lined with neon lights and street vendors.
Approx ¥2000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Osaka Universal Studios

Osaka, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast near Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at a café near your accommodation.
Approx ¥1000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Universal Studios Japan

Take JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station (15 minutes). Spend the day enjoying rides, shows, and themed zones at USJ (8:30AM–9:00PM).
¥8200, 11 hours

9:15PM

Return to Hotel

JR train back to Osaka Station to rest after a fun-filled day.
Covered by JR Pass, 15 minutes
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Day 3: Osaka Cultural Highlights

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a leisurely Japanese-style breakfast near your hotel.
Approx ¥1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Osaka Castle Museum

Tour the historical castle with panoramic city views from the top floor (9AM–5PM).
¥600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Osaka Station City

Choose from an array of dining options located inside Osaka Station City Mall.
Approx ¥1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

National Museum of Art, Osaka

Explore contemporary art exhibits in this underground museum (10AM–5PM, closed Mondays).
¥430, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of Osaka, open till 10PM.
¥1500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping & Walking in Dotonbori

Enjoy souvenir shopping and strolling along the vibrant riverside.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner in Shinsekai

Try crispy kushikatsu at Daruma, a renowned spot in this nostalgic district.
Approx ¥2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip to Kyoto

Osaka & Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Train Osaka to Kyoto

Take JR Special Rapid Service to Kyoto Station (approx 30 minutes).
Covered by JR Pass, 30 minutes

8:15AM

Breakfast near Kyoto Station

Enjoy breakfast at a café close to the station.
Approx ¥1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Experience the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates on the mountainside trails (open 24/7).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch near Fushimi Inari

Try local specialties such as kitsune udon at nearby eateries.
Approx ¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Historic Streets

Visit Kiyomizu-dera temple (9AM–6PM, ¥400) and stroll along nearby Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets.
¥400, 3 hours

4:30PM

Return to Osaka

Take JR train back to Osaka Station (30 minutes).
Covered by JR Pass, 30 minutes

5:15PM

Relax and Dinner near Hotel

Dine at izakaya near the hotel offering local dishes and drinks.
Approx ¥2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Osaka & Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Nara

Take JR Yamatoji Rapid Service to Nara Station (approx 45 minutes).
Covered by JR Pass, 45 minutes

8:45AM

Breakfast in Nara

Start with a light breakfast near the station.
Approx ¥1000, 1 hour

9:45AM

Todai-ji Temple

Admire the Great Buddha in Todai-ji, open 7:30AM–5:30PM (¥600 admission).
¥600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Walk Nara Park

Enjoy the scenic park and friendly deer roaming freely (free).
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch in Naramachi

Dine in the traditional merchant district with local specialties.
Approx ¥1500, 1 hour

2:15PM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit the famous lantern-lined Shinto shrine (6:30AM–5PM, ¥500).
¥500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Take JR train back to Osaka Station (45 minutes).
Covered by JR Pass, 45 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner in Osaka

Enjoy dinner at a casual restaurant near your hotel.
Approx ¥2500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day Trip to Himeji

Osaka & Himeji, Japan

8:00AM

Train Osaka to Himeji

Take Shinkansen or Special Rapid Service to Himeji (approx 1 hour).
Covered by JR Pass, 1 hour

9:00AM

Himeji Castle

Explore Japan’s best-preserved castle (9AM–5PM, last admission 4PM, ¥1000).
¥1000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch near Castle

Try local cuisine around Himeji Station or nearby cafes.
Approx ¥1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kokoen Garden

Relax in the beautiful adjacent Japanese garden (9AM–5PM, ¥300).
¥300, 1 hour

2:45PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka Station for evening arrivals.
Covered by JR Pass, 1 hour

4:00PM

Rest & Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing dinner in Osaka, selecting from countless dining options near your hotel.
Approx ¥2500, 2 hours
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Day 7: Explore Osaka & Depart

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast near Hotel

Start your last day with a hearty breakfast close to your hotel.
Approx ¥1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Visit one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines featuring unique architecture (6AM–5PM).
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower

Explore the nostalgic Showa-era district and ascend Tsutenkaku Tower (9AM–9PM, ¥800).
¥800, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in Shinsekai

Enjoy a kushikatsu lunch at local favorites in the area.
Approx ¥1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping & Last Minute Souvenirs

Spend your afternoon shopping in Umeda or Namba areas.
Varies, 3 hours

5:00PM

Early Dinner near Hotel

Enjoy your final meal in Osaka with favorite local dishes.
Approx ¥2500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service from Osaka Station (approx 65 minutes) for your departure.
Covered by JR Pass or standard fare ¥1170, 65 minutes
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