10-Day Japan Itinerary with Universal Studios: Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka & Tokyo

Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 12, 2025

2:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Settle at your hotel. Recommended: Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo for its central location and comfort.
JPY15000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic vermilion torii gates that form mesmerizing walking paths uphill, a must-visit Kyoto experience.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on authentic Kyoto cuisine in the charming historic Gion district.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Kyoto Temples & Nature

Kyoto, Japan on April 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Katsu Coffee

Start with fluffy Japanese pancakes and flavorful coffee.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Philosopher's Path Walk

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along this scenic canal path lined with cherry trees and temples.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Savor customizable savory pancakes unique to Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning gold-leaf covered pavilion reflecting on the pond.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Togetsukyo Bridge

Walk through ethereal bamboo groves and cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner near Togetsukyo Bridge

Dine on traditional tofu dishes at Yudofu Sagano with scenic views.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Tenryuji & Kyoto Castle

Kyoto, Japan on April 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before your sightseeing.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Tenryuji Temple

Visit this UNESCO-listed temple with memorable landscaped gardens.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Nijo Castle Tour

Step into the historic shogun residence with beautiful architecture and gardens.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy an array of local delicacies at the bustling food market.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping & Exploring Downtown Kyoto

Visit Teramachi Street for local shops and souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience delicious Kyoto cuisine in this atmospheric alley along the Kamo River.
JPY4000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on April 15, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Buffet breakfast before your early train journey.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Travel by bullet train for approximately 1.5 hours.
JPY11000 (one-way), 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Reflect on history in this solemn and moving park and museum.
Free (park), JPY200 (museum), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this food theme building with multiple vendors.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Tour Hiroshima Castle

Visit the rebuilt castle with museum and lovely gardens.
JPY370, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Head back to Kyoto relaxing on the bullet train.
JPY11000 (one-way), 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Kyoto Station Area

Enjoy light dinner at Kyoto Station’s many eateries, such as Isetan depachika food hall.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on April 16, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Kyoto Hotel

Fuel up early for a full day of excitement.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Universal Studios Osaka

Short train ride from Kyoto to Universal Studios, arriving before park opening.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend a fun-filled day enjoying thrilling rides, shows, and themed zones including Harry Potter, Minions, and Jurassic Park. Opens at 9 AM and closes at 9 PM.
JPY8500, 10 hours

9:30PM

Dinner near Universal City Station

Relax after the park with dinner at Kamakura Pasta for casual Italian food.
JPY2000, 1 hour

10:30PM

Travel back to Hotel in Osaka

Return to hotel and rest.
JPY800, 30 min
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Day 6: Osaka & Nara

Osaka & Nara, Japan on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy hotel breakfast to recharge.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dotonbori Street Walk

Explore lively Dotonbori with its bright neon signs, street food, and shopping.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki specialties in this interactive setting.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Travel to Nara

30-40 minute train ride to Nara from Osaka.
JPY600 (one-way), 40 min

2:15PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple & Nara Park

See the giant Buddha statue and enjoy the friendly deer roaming the park.
JPY600, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to your Osaka hotel for overnight stay.
JPY600, 40 min

7:30PM

Dinner at Matsusaka Gyu Yakiniku

Treat yourself to premium Matsusaka beef grilled at this acclaimed restaurant.
JPY5000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relax with the hotel breakfast before departing.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Experience a smooth 2-hour bullet train ride to Tokyo.
JPY14000 (one-way), 2 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Modern hotel located in the heart of Tokyo’s lively Shinjuku district.
JPY20000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and seafood in a vibrant market environment.
JPY3000, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Ginza District

Window shop and wander through upscale stores and boutiques.
Free, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Savour izakaya dishes in a trendy setting famous for its cinematic vibe.
JPY4000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before a busy day.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Witness the famous scramble crossing and see the statue of loyal dog Hachiko.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Explore quirky shops and pop culture in Tokyo’s youth fashion district.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at L'OCCITANE Cafe

Dine on French-inspired dishes with a charming ambiance.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Meiji Shrine

Find tranquility in the forested grounds of this important Shinto shrine.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Omotesando

Enjoy boutique shopping in a fashionable tree-lined avenue.
Free, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Ramen Nagi

Delight in Tokyo’s rich and savory ramen dishes in a popular spot.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Tokyo & Departure Prep

Tokyo, Japan on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast at your hotel to start the day refreshed.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple and explore Nakamise shopping street.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy sukiyaki and traditional Japanese flavors in an iconic restaurant.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Return to Hotel, Checkout & Shopping

Pack and get last-minute souvenirs in Shinjuku or local department stores.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Depart for Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight home with wonderful memories.
Varies, Variable
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