Ultimate 9-Day Japan Itinerary: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Universal Studios, Hiroshima, Himeji, Mt. Fuji & Tokyo Adventure

Day 1: Kyoto Explore

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Begin your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast and coffee at Inoda Coffee, a popular Kyoto cafe open from 7 AM.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning golden temple, a must-see historical site, open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk through Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Experience peaceful contemplation at the famous rock garden nearby Kinkaku-ji, open 8 AM to 5 PM.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample fresh local street food and delicacies at the bustling Nishiki Market, open 9 AM to 6 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the famous torii gate pathway open 24 hours, allowing a flexible visit to this iconic shrine.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine in the historic Gion district, perfect for ending day one, open until 10 PM.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Quick bite from bakery options inside Kyoto Station before heading to Nara by train (approx 45 mins).
JPY800, 30m

9:00am

Train to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara, cost effective and frequent services.
JPY720, 45m

10:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park

See the giant Buddha statue and interact with friendly roaming deer in Nara Park, temple open 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou Mochi Shop

Try famous freshly pounded mochi snacks at this renowned shop near Nara Park.
JPY700, 45m

1:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this historic Shinto shrine known for its lanterns, open from 6 AM to 6 PM.
JPY500, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return Train to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto to rest or explore further options.
JPY720, 45m

5:30pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy a traditional tofu meal near Arashiyama, perfect for a light and healthy dinner available until 8 PM.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 3: Kyoto & Transfer to Osaka

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Relax in a cozy atmosphere with Western style breakfast before departure, café opens at 8 AM.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Explore the famous bamboo forest early to avoid crowds, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Travel to Osaka

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto to Osaka Station, approx 30 mins travel.
JPY560, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Experience Osaka’s lively food scene, try takoyaki or okonomiyaki in this vibrant district, shops open throughout the day.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Osaka Castle and Park

Visit the iconic castle and surrounding park, open from 9 AM to 5 PM, for history and beautiful views.
JPY600, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savor Osaka’s signature deep-fried skewers, open until 11 PM.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 4: Osaka Leisure

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Melon de Melon

Enjoy sweet melon bread at this popular bakery, opens at 7:30 AM.
JPY600, 30m

9:00am

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Take in panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open from 10 AM to 10:30 PM.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Shopping and exploring Shinsaibashi

Discover boutiques, department stores, and cafés in this vibrant shopping area, shops generally open from 10 AM.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Endo Sushi

Enjoy fresh, high-quality sushi near Osaka Central Fish Market, open until 2 PM for lunch.
JPY3000, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Visit one of the world’s largest aquariums, open 10 AM to 8 PM.
JPY2400, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

End the day with hearty udon noodles in a modern setting, open until 11 PM.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 5: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby cafe

Fuel up before the busy day ahead, many options available close to the hotel.
JPY1000, 30m

8:30am

Universal Studios Japan Entry

Arrive before the 9 AM opening to maximize your time enjoying the thrilling rides and shows.
JPY8800, 9h

6:30pm

Dinner near Universal Studios

Relax with casual dining nearby, like Mel’s Drive-In, open until late.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 6: Hiroshima Day Trip

Hiroshima, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Osaka Station

Grab a quick meal before catching the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, station offers many fast options.
JPY800, 30m

7:45am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Take the fastest train to Hiroshima, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away.
JPY10200, 2h

9:45am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Explore the poignant site dedicated to peace, museum opens at 8:30 AM and closes 6 PM.
JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in this famous food complex, open 11 AM to 10 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Miyajima Island

Take a ferry from Hiroshima to see Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic floating torii gate, ferry runs till 6 PM.
JPY2000, 3h

5:00pm

Return Train to Osaka

Head back to Osaka by Shinkansen to rest for the next day.
JPY10200, 2h

7:30pm

Light Dinner or snack in Osaka

Relax with a casual meal or snacks at the hotel or nearby.
JPY1000, 30m
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Day 7: Himeji & Transfer Mt. Fuji

Himeji, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Osaka

Eat a hearty breakfast before travel, options available at hotel or nearby cafés.
JPY1000, 30m

8:00am

Train to Himeji

Take the JR Special Rapid Service to Himeji station, approximately 1 hour.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Himeji Castle

Visit Japan’s most spectacular castle, beautifully preserved and open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch near Himeji Station

Enjoy local soba or udon dishes at a nearby restaurant, many serving lunchtime specials.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Mt. Fuji area

Take the Shinkansen towards the Mt. Fuji region (e.g., Mishima or Fuji stations), approximately 4-5 hours with transfers.
JPY11000, 5h

7:00pm

Dinner near Mt. Fuji

Dine at a local ryokan or casual restaurant offering regional cuisine, available until 8 PM or later.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 8: Mt. Fuji Exploration

Mt. Fuji region, Japan on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with views of Mt. Fuji.
Included in accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Visit Fuji Five Lakes area

Explore the picturesque lakes offering spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, open all day.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at a lakeside café

Savor local trout or hearty noodle dishes with scenic views around the lake.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Climb or Shuttle to Mt. Fuji 5th Station

Visit the popular 5th Station for panoramic views or start a partial climb if desired, station is open all day.
Transport approx. JPY2000, 3h

5:30pm

Return to accommodation

Rest and freshen up after an active day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Enjoy a warm meal featuring regional ingredients, open until 8 PM or later.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 9: Tokyo City Tour

Tokyo, Japan on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Mt. Fuji Hotel

Have a final traditional Japanese breakfast with mountain views.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Tokyo

Take the train from Mt. Fuji region to Tokyo (approximately 2-3 hours).
JPY4000, 3h

11:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and lively Nakamise shopping street, open all day.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa

Eat tempura or soba at a traditional restaurant near Senso-ji, open around lunch hours.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Shibuya and Shinjuku

Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing and Shinjuku’s vibrant streets for shopping and entertainment.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

Experience traditional izakaya dining with a variety of grilled foods in a lively alley, open until late.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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