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

Day 1: Kyoto Cultural Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with traditional Japanese-style coffee and light pastries at this classic Kyoto cafe, open from 7:30am.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore this iconic gold-leaf covered Zen Buddhist temple surrounded by stunning gardens, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Stroll through Ryoan-ji Temple

Famous for its rock garden, Ryoan-ji offers a serene atmosphere and insight into Japanese gardening aesthetics. Open 8:00am–5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste various Kyoto delicacies at this bustling market street known as the kitchen of Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Kiyomizu-dera Temple visit

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its famed wooden stage and panoramic city views. Open 6:00am–6:00pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Enjoy traditional shops and tea houses in this historic district, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Sushi

Savor affordable conveyor belt sushi in the historic Gion district, open until 9:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 2: Nara Half Day & Kyoto Temples

Nara and Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your accommodation to start your day early.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara (approx 45 mins).
JPY710, 0.75h

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue inside this massive wooden temple, a UNESCO site open 7:30am–5:30pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

11:15am

Nara Park Stroll & Deer Feeding

Enjoy walking through Nara Park and feeding the friendly freely roaming deer.
JPY150 (deer crackers), 1h

12:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Take the train back to Kyoto to continue your afternoon.
JPY710, 0.75h

1:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy udon noodles with seasonal vegetables near Kodai-ji Temple.
JPY1600, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk famous torii gate tunnels. Open 24 hours, great in afternoon light.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Musashi Sushi

Have casual sushi at this conveyor belt spot near Kyoto Station, open until midnight.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 3: Kyoto to Osaka

Kyoto & Osaka, Japan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto

Enjoy excellent specialty coffee and light snacks before heading out.
JPY800, 0.5h

9:00am

Checkout and Travel to Osaka

Take JR Shinkansen or express train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station (approx 15-30 minutes).
JPY560, 0.5h

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the iconic castle and its museum, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Try famous street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in this vibrant area.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Enjoy various shops and cafes in this covered shopping street.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Head to the rooftop observatory for panoramic views of Osaka. Open 10:00am–10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy Osaka specialty kushikatsu (fried skewers) at the popular Dotonbori location, open till 11:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 4: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Convenience Store

Grab a quick and convenient breakfast to energize for a full day at Universal Studios.
JPY700, 0.5h

8:30am

Arrive at Universal Studios Japan

Park opens at 9:00am; enter early to beat lines and enjoy rides and attractions.
JPY8800, 8h

12:00pm

Lunch Inside Park

Try themed dining options such as Mel’s Drive-In or Jurassic Park Restaurant.
JPY2000, 1h

5:00pm

Shopping & Evening Shows

Explore shops and enjoy evening parades and shows until park closes at 8:00pm.
Included in ticket, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner near Hotel

Try local izakaya to relax after a long day.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 5: Travel & Explore Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Osaka Hotel

Enjoy a buffet or breakfast set to start your journey.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel from Osaka to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station (approx 1.5 hours).
JPY10040, 1.5h

10:00am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Explore the Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome showcasing history and hope for peace. Open 8:30am–6:00pm.
JPY200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this famous multi-floor okonomiyaki building.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Shukkeien Garden

Walk this beautiful historic garden open from 9:00am–6:00pm, a peaceful break in the city.
JPY260, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Hiroshima Castle

Learn about samurai history inside this reconstructed castle with open grounds. Open 9:00am–5:30pm.
JPY370, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Nagata-ya

Delicious authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki spot, open until 9:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 6: Himeji Castle Visit

Himeji, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hiroshima Hotel

Simple breakfast to prepare for travel day.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Himeji (approx 1 hour 40 mins).
JPY8000, 1.5h

10:30am

Visit Himeji Castle

Tour the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site and Japan’s most spectacular castle. Open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at Engyo-ji Cafe

Enjoy a light meal near the castle grounds.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Kokoen Garden

Relax in this traditional Japanese garden adjacent to Himeji Castle, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY300, 1h

3:30pm

Travel to Mt. Fuji Area

Begin travel toward Mt. Fuji (consider Shinkansen to Mishima or Fuji Five Lakes area, approx 3-4 hours).
JPY7000, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner near Mt. Fuji accommodation

Enjoy local cuisine featuring fresh mountain ingredients.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 7: Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi

Mt. Fuji Area, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty Japanese or Western-style breakfast with views of Mt. Fuji.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station

Drive or take a bus to the 5th Station for close views and hiking opportunities. Open depending on season; check before travel.
JPY2000 (bus roundtrip), 2h

11:00am

Cruise on Lake Kawaguchi

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the lake with scenic views of Mt. Fuji.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hasshokuka Restaurant

Taste local Hoto noodles, a hearty noodle soup from the region.
JPY1600, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

Explore this small theme park and museum focused on automated musical instruments. Open 9:30am–5:30pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Oishi Park

Stroll this lakeside park with stunning views perfect for photos.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fuji Tempura Idaten

Enjoy tempura dishes made with fresh local ingredients, open until 8:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 8: Travel to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before traveling.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Travel to Tokyo

Take Shinkansen from Mishima or Shin-Fuji Station to Tokyo Station (approx 1.5 hours).
JPY7000, 1.5h

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch in Shinjuku

Check in to your hotel then enjoy lunch at Omoide Yokocho, famous for yakitori and small izakayas.
JPY1800, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

Peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by forest, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Famous for youth fashion and quirky shops, great for souvenir shopping.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Experience one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings and take photos with the loyal dog statue.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Famous for delicious solo dining ramen booths, open till late.
JPY1500, 1h
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