10-Day Immersive Japan Journey: Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Himeji, Universal Studios & Osaka Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Kyoto Introduction

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

3:00pm

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive in Kyoto in the afternoon and settle into your accommodation to rest and prepare for sightseeing.
Varies, 1h

4:30pm

Fushimi Inari Shrine Visit

Explore the iconic thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a must-see cultural landmark open until 6:00pm to 7:00pm depending on season.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy authentic Kaiseki cuisine in Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, featuring seasonal delicacies highlighting Kyoto’s culinary heritage.
JPY6000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kyoto Cultural Gems

Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your morning with traditional Japanese-style coffee and pastries at Inoda Coffee, a beloved Kyoto institution open from 7:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the breathtaking Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen Buddhist temple with a top floor covered entirely in gold leaf.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Discover the famous rock garden at Ryoan-ji, a tranquil site offering insight into Zen philosophy and aesthetics.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy Kyoto-style udon noodles with fresh vegetables in a cozy setting near Kiyomizu Temple.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the famous wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera with panoramic views of Kyoto, open until 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Walk

Stroll through these charming preserved streets lined with shops, cafes and traditional architecture.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Nishiki Warai

Sample local okonomiyaki in the bustling Nishiki Market area for a casual dinner experience.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 3: Half-Day Nara Excursion

Kyoto/Nara, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Onibus Coffee

Grab a light breakfast and quality coffee at this popular roastery before heading out.
JPY800, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line or Kintetsu Railway from Kyoto Station to Nara, a 45-minute journey.
JPY710, 45m

9:15am

Todai-ji Temple

Visit Todai-ji, home to the giant Daibutsu (Great Buddha), one of Japan's most famous and impressive temples, open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h

10:30am

Nara Park

Enjoy a relaxing walk in Nara Park where you can interact with freely roaming friendly deer, considered messengers of the gods.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this beautiful shrine known for its hundreds of lanterns, offering peaceful wooded surroundings.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Taste freshly made mochi from a famed local shop known for its traditional pounding method.
JPY600, 30m

1:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto to continue afternoon sightseeing or rest.
JPY710, 45m

2:00pm

Afternoon Free Time or Visit Philosopher's Path

Spend your afternoon walking the scenic Philosopher's Path lined with cherry trees, or relax at your hotel.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Enjoy unique burnt miso ramen in an atmospheric setting to end your day in Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 4: Hiroshima Exploration

Hiroshima, Japan on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Travel to Hiroshima

Have breakfast at your Kyoto hotel before boarding the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, approximately 2 hours.
JPY1000 breakfast + JPY10000 train, 3h

10:00am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park including the A-Bomb Dome and museum open 8:30am to 6:00pm, reflecting on history and hope.
JPY200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Savor Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this famous food theme park with multiple vendors.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Miyajima Island Visit

Take a ferry (approx. 10 minutes) to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating Torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine, open until 5:30pm.
JPY200 ferry + JPY300 shrine, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Hiroshima City

Ferry back to mainland to head towards your accommodation.
JPY200 ferry, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nagata-ya

Enjoy a warm meal of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki featured prominently here.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 5: Himeji Castle Visit

Himeji, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Travel to Himeji

Early breakfast in Hiroshima then take the Shinkansen to Himeji, a roughly 1-hour journey.
JPY1000 breakfast + JPY6200 train, 2h

9:30am

Himeji Castle

Explore Japan’s most spectacular and best-preserved samurai castle, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

11:30am

Koko-en Garden

Stroll the beautifully landscaped traditional Japanese gardens adjacent to the castle.
JPY300, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Engyo Ramen

Enjoy a hearty bowl of Himeji’s famous local ramen specialty nearby.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Osaka

Head onward to Osaka, roughly 1 hour by train to begin Universal Studios visit the next day.
JPY1600, 1h

3:30pm

Check-in and Relax in Osaka

Settle into your accommodation and take rest before the busy Universal Studios day.
Varies, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Street

Experience vibrant nightlife and street food such as takoyaki and kushikatsu along Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 6: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading to Universal Studios Japan.
JPY1000, 30m

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan Full Day

Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions across various themed zones like Harry Potter, Minions, and Jurassic Park, open 9:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY8800, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner Inside Universal Citywalk

Eat at one of the many restaurants offering various international cuisines in the Universal Citywalk after park closing.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 7: Osaka City Exploring

Osaka, Japan on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start with specialty coffee and light bites at this well-rated Osaka cafe.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Castle

Visit the prominent Osaka Castle and its extensive grounds, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tsuruhashi Fugetsu

Try Osaka’s famous okonomiyaki in this popular local chain.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Experience vast shopping and entertainment options in Osaka’s largest shopping district.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Umeda Sky Building

Head to the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic city views, open until 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try Osaka’s signature fried skewers in a lively atmosphere.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 8: Osaka Leisure & Departure

Osaka, Japan on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fazenda Coffee Roasters

Enjoy premium coffee and breakfast to start your final full day in Japan.
JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Visit one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines with unique architecture, open all day.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Endo Sushi (Osaka Central Market)

Experience fresh sushi near the famous market for an authentic Osaka seafood meal.
JPY2500, 1h

1:00pm

Tempozan Ferris Wheel and Marketplace

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon ride on the Ferris wheel for harbor views and explore the nearby aquarium or shopping.
JPY800, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Hotel and Prepare for Departure

Use the late afternoon to collect your belongings, relax, and prepare for your journey home or next destination.
Varies, Evening

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Toki Sushi

Have a memorable last dinner enjoying fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine at a highly rated local restaurant.
JPY3000, 1h
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