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

Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 12, 2025

2:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Settle into Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo located centrally for easy access to main sights.
JPY15000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Fushimi Inari Shrine Visit

Explore the iconic torii gate pathways that wind up Mount Inari, an unforgettable Kyoto experience.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine in the historic Gion district.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Kyoto Temples & Nature

Kyoto, Japan on April 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Katsu Coffee

Start your day with fluffy Japanese pancakes and freshly brewed coffee.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Philosopher's Path Walk

Stroll along this scenic path lined with cherry trees and small temples for a peaceful morning.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Relish delicious okonomiyaki, a savory pancake specialty loved by locals.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kinkakuji Temple

Admire the stunning golden pavilion reflecting beautifully in its surrounding pond.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge

Experience the magical bamboo forest and cross the iconic wooden bridge.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor traditional Kyoto tofu dishes near Arashiyama in a serene setting.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Tenryuji & Nijo Castle

Kyoto, Japan on April 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a morning meal before exploring more sights.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tenryuji Temple Visit

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exquisite gardens and architecture.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Nijo Castle

Explore the historic residence of the shogun, renowned for its beautiful grounds and nightingale floors.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample diverse fresh and prepared foods at Kyoto’s vibrant market.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Teramachi Street Shopping

Explore a bustling arcade of shops and artisan boutiques.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine beside the Kamo River with views and an ambient atmosphere.
JPY4000, 2 hours

Day 4: Travel to Hiroshima & Overnight

Kyoto to Hiroshima, Japan on April 15, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early meal preparing for your journey to Hiroshima.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Take a 2-hour bullet train ride to Hiroshima for your overnight stay.
JPY13000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Catch the ferry to Miyajima and explore the famous floating torii gate.
JPY1180, 1 hour

11:30AM

Itsukushima Shrine and Island Walk

Visit the UNESCO site and enjoy peaceful island scenery.
JPY300, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch on Miyajima

Savor fresh oysters and local delicacies at island eateries.
JPY2500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Return to Hiroshima City

Ferry and train back to Hiroshima to explore the city.
Included above, 1 hour

4:30PM

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Visit the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, open until 6PM.
Free (park), JPY200 (museum), 2 hours

7:00PM

Check-in Hotel & Dinner

Stay overnight at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima and enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant featuring local cuisine.
Hotel JPY15000, Dinner JPY3500, 2 hours

Day 5: Return to Kyoto & Relax

Hiroshima to Kyoto, Japan on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto by bullet train for approximately 2 hours.
JPY13000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Kyoto

Grab a casual lunch near your hotel—recommend Café Kissa Sakaiki for light Japanese sandwiches and tea.
JPY1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Free Afternoon in Kyoto

Use this time to relax or do light sightseeing at your own pace.
Varies, Afternoon

7:00PM

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Experience unique roasted miso ramen, a local culinary delight.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on April 17, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare with an early meal before heading to Universal Studios Japan.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Universal Studios Japan

Short train ride from Kyoto to Universal City Station in Osaka (about 1 hour).
JPY800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy a full day at the theme park with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Park is open 9:00AM to 9:00PM.
JPY8800, 10 hours

7:00PM

Dinner Near Universal City

Dine at Sakura Dining Osaka with casual Japanese dishes after your park visit.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto hotel by train.
JPY800, 1 hour

Day 7: Travel to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departing for Tokyo.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Take a 2.5-hour bullet train ride from Kyoto to Tokyo.
JPY14000, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Check-in Shinjuku Hotel

Settle into your accommodation in bustling Shinjuku.
JPY20000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and seafood delights at the lively market.
JPY3000, 2 hours

3:30PM

Ginza Shopping

Explore upscale shopping and cultural spots in Ginza.
Free, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the iconic izakaya known for its ambience and movies.
JPY4000, 2 hours

Day 8: Tokyo City Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the world-famous pedestrian scramble and visit the loyal dog statue.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Discover the eclectic fashion and pop culture of Takeshita Street.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at L'OCCITANE Cafe

Enjoy elegant French-Japanese fusion cuisine in Harajuku.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Meiji Shrine

Visit the serene shrine enveloped by a lush forest within Tokyo.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Omotesando Shopping

Browse fashionable boutiques and enjoy the stunning architecture.
Free, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Ramen Nagi

Taste rich, authentic ramen in a highly rated local shop.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Tokyo & Departure

Tokyo, Japan on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Tokyo.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple and stroll the lively shopping street of Nakamise.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Delight in traditional sukiyaki dishes in a culturally rich neighborhood.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Return to Hotel & Pack

Prepare for departure and do any last-minute shopping nearby.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Depart for Airport

Head to the airport timely for your flight home.
Varies, Variable