Comprehensive 8-Day Japan Itinerary: Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Osaka, Universal Studios, and Himeji

Day 1: Arrival & Kyoto Evening

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

3:00pm

Arrive in Kyoto and Check-in

Arrive in Kyoto in the afternoon and check into your hotel to freshen up and relax after your journey.

VARIES, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine in the historic Gion district, offering authentic kaiseki-style meals in a serene setting. Open from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

JPY4000-6000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Evening walk in Gion District

Explore the atmospheric streets of Gion, famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and chance sightings of geisha. A wonderful introduction to Kyoto's cultural ambiance.

Free, 1h

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Day 2: Kyoto Sightseeing

Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day at Inoda Coffee, a beloved Kyoto cafe known for its rich coffee and classic Japanese-Western breakfast sets. Open from 7:00am.

JPY1000-1500, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the iconic Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf surrounded by beautiful gardens. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

JPY400, 1h

10:30am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Visit the famous rock garden of Ryoan-ji, renowned for its minimalist landscape design, a short trip from Kinkaku-ji.

JPY500, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kyoto

Enjoy a traditional tofu-based meal at Okutan, a historic restaurant specializing in yudofu (boiled tofu) near temples. Open 11:00am to 3:00pm.

JPY2000-3000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates leading to the sacred Mount Inari. Open 24 hours, but daytime is best for photography.

Free, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Nishiki Market

Stroll through Kyoto’s bustling food market famous for street food, souvenirs, and local delicacies. Open until 6:00pm.

Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of Pontocho Alley’s atmospheric restaurants featuring Kyoto-style cuisine with views of the Kamogawa River. Many open until 10:00pm.

JPY3000-6000, 1h30m

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Day 3: Half-day Trip to Nara

Kyoto & Nara, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Have a quick Japanese or Western-style breakfast at your hotel or nearby cafe before heading out early to Nara.

Varies, 30m

8:30am

Travel to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara (about 45 minutes).

JPY710, 45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha and explore one of Japan’s most famous temples with its giant cedar gate. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm.

JPY600, 1h

10:45am

Nara Park & Deer Feeding

Enjoy the park’s calm atmosphere while feeding and interacting with free-roaming sacred deer.

JPY150 for deer crackers, 1h

11:45am

Lunch at Kamameshi Shizuka

Taste traditional kamameshi (rice pot dish) at this local restaurant near Nara Park, open around 11:00am to 3:00pm.

JPY1500-2500, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore Kasuga Taisha, the famous shrine known for its many stone and bronze lanterns. Open 6:30am to 5:30pm.

Free to enter main grounds; museum has fee, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Take the train back to Kyoto to rest and prepare for the next day’s travel.

JPY710, 45m

5:00pm

Light dinner at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Try one of several ramen shops in Kyoto Station’s famous Ramen Street, open until 10:00pm.

JPY900-1500, 1h

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Day 4: Hiroshima Visit

Hiroshima, Japan on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Kyoto Hotel

Have a filling breakfast at your hotel before the bullet train trip to Hiroshima.

Varies, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Hiroshima by Shinkansen

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

JPY10000, 1h40m

9:30am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Explore the poignant park and museum dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing. Museum open 8:30am to 6:00pm.

JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Enjoy Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki at this multi-floor okonomiyaki food theme park. Open 11:00am to 10:00pm.

JPY1000-2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Tour the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and its grounds. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.

JPY370, 1h

3:00pm

Shukkeien Garden

Relax in this beautifully landscaped Japanese garden in central Hiroshima before evening travel.

JPY260, 1h

5:00pm

Travel to Osaka

Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Osaka, about 1 hour 30 minutes.

JPY9000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Area

Enjoy vibrant nightlife and street food including takoyaki and kushikatsu in Dotonbori, Osaka. Many restaurants open until late.

JPY1500-3000, 1h30m

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Day 5: Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start with high quality specialty coffee and light breakfast at this well-reviewed Osaka cafe. Opens 8:00am.

JPY800-1200, 1h

9:00am

Osaka Castle

Visit the famous Osaka Castle and museum to learn about its history and enjoy park views. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.

JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Explore the Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic city views. Open 10:00am to 10:30pm.

JPY1500, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Enjoy Osaka’s famous kushikatsu fried skewers near Tsutenkaku Tower. Open 11:30am to 9:00pm.

JPY1500-2500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Walk through this lively shopping district with local boutiques and international stores.

Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax in Namba Parks

Enjoy urban park space with rooftop gardens and shopping center for coffee or snack.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Experience premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku, a luxurious Osaka specialty. Open 5:00pm to 11:00pm.

JPY5000+, 1h30m

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Day 6: Osaka Leisure Day

Osaka, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brooklyn Roasting Company Osaka

Enjoy excellent coffee and pastries in a stylish cafe. Opens 8:00am.

JPY800-1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the largest aquariums in the world with diverse marine life displays. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm.

JPY2400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Casual food options near the aquarium including sushi and ramen. Open 10:00am to 9:00pm.

JPY1000-2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

One of Japan’s oldest shrines, known for unique architecture. Open daily.

Free, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Tennoji Park and Abeno Harukas

Walk in Tennoji Park and visit Japan’s tallest skyscraper with an observation deck. Abeno Harukas open 10:00am to 8:00pm.

JPY1500 for observation deck, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Endo Sushi at Osaka Central Fish Market

Renowned sushi restaurant offering fresh seafood, perfect for a memorable last dinner in Osaka. Open until 9:00pm.

JPY4000-6000, 1h30m

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Day 7: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Have a quick breakfast to fuel up for a full day at the park.

Varies, 30m

8:30am

Arrive at Universal Studios Japan

Enter the park right when it opens at 8:30am to maximize your time exploring rides, shows, and attractions including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

JPY8800 (1-day ticket), 8h