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

Day 1: Arrival & Kyoto Afternoon

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 settle in before starting your explorations.
CURRENCY0, 1h

4:00pm

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit Kiyomizu-dera, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site with a panoramic view of Kyoto, open until 6:00pm. A perfect spot to start your trip with culture and history.
JPY400, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy dinner at Pontocho Alley, offering an array of traditional kaiseki and modern Japanese cuisine in a historic setting. Options are numerous and many places open until 10:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nara half-day trip

Nara, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Kyoto

Start your day with a classic Japanese-style breakfast featuring coffee and light fare at Inoda Coffee, open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara Station, approximately 45 minutes.
JPY710, 45m

10:00am

Todaiji Temple and Nara Park

Explore Todaiji Temple, home to the giant Buddha statue, and enjoy a stroll in Nara Park where friendly deer roam freely. Open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Savor traditional Japanese eel cuisine at Edogawa Naramachi, known for fresh unagi dishes. Open from 11:30am.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit the famous Kasuga Taisha Shrine with stunning lantern-lined paths. Open from 6:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto by train for an evening at leisure.
JPY710, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy dinner in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, specializing in tofu kaiseki meals in a charming setting. Open until 9:30pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Kyoto Full Day

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Kyoto

Enjoy green tea and a Japanese-Western fusion breakfast in a calm café environment, open from 8:00am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the iconic bamboo groves in Arashiyama early before the crowds. Open 24/7.
CURRENCY0, 1h

10:00am

Tenryuji Temple

Visit Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Shigetsu

Dine on traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) inside Tenryuji Temple, open until 2:00pm on weekdays.
JPY3000, 1h

1:00pm

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visit the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, open 24/7 and free entry.
CURRENCY0, 2h

3:30pm

Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market for local food tastings and souvenir shopping, open until 6:00pm.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Izuju Sushi

Try Kyoto-style sushi at Izuju, a renowned sushi restaurant near Gion, open until 8:00pm.
JPY3500, 1h
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Day 4: Travel to Osaka & Explore

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a light breakfast before checking out and heading to Osaka.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station, about 30 minutes.
JPY570, 30m

10:30am

Check-in at Osaka hotel

Check in and drop off luggage.
CURRENCY0, 0h30m

11:00am

Osaka Castle

Visit the historic Osaka Castle exploring the museum inside and surrounding park, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy famous street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki in lively Dotonbori, many stalls open 11:00am to late night.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Take a stroll through Shinsaibashi for shopping and exploring local shops. Open 10:00am to 9:00pm.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden

Enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10:00am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try kushi-katsu, deep-fried skewers, at this popular Osaka chain, open until 10:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 5: Osaka Full Day

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Eggs ’n Things Osaka

Enjoy a hearty Western-style breakfast with pancakes and eggs, open from 7:30am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Visit one of Japan’s oldest shrines with unique architecture, open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

11:00am

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the largest public aquariums in the world, home to diverse marine life. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY2600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Enjoy casual dining options in the marketplace near Kaiyukan, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for scenic views of Osaka Bay, open 10:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY800, 30m

3:30pm

Explore Namba area

Explore the vibrant Namba district for entertainment and shopping. Open all day.
CURRENCY0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Enjoy premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku in Namba, open until 11:00pm.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hiroshima Day Trip

Hiroshima, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Osaka hotel

Start early with a hotel breakfast to prepare for the day trip to Hiroshima.
JPY1000, 1h

8:00am

Travel Osaka to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station, about 1.5 hours.
JPY10370, 1h30m

10:00am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum dedicated to the atomic bombing history, open 8:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Eat Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a multi-floor okonomiyaki food theme building, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Miyajima Island Visit

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine. Ferry operates frequently; shrine open 6:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY200 ferry + JPY300 shrine, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Osaka

Take the Shinkansen back to Osaka for overnight stay.
JPY10370, 1h30m
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Day 7: Himeji Day Trip

Himeji, Japan on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Osaka hotel

Enjoy breakfast to fuel up for the day's trip to Himeji.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Travel Osaka to Himeji

Take JR Special Rapid Service to Himeji, about 1 hour.
JPY1150, 1h

10:00am

Himeji Castle

Explore the stunning white Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Himeji Station area

Enjoy local specialty dishes such as kishimen noodles around Himeji Station, open 11:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Koko-en Garden

Visit the beautiful traditional Japanese garden adjacent to Himeji Castle, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY300, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka to relax for the evening.
JPY1150, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori or hotel

Enjoy a casual or formal dinner in Osaka's Dotonbori district or near your hotel.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for a fun day at Universal Studios Japan.
JPY1000, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Universal Studios Japan

Take the train from your hotel area to Universal City Station, about 15-30 minutes.
JPY180, 30m

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the full day enjoying thrilling rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios Japan, open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY8800, 10h

12:30pm

Lunch inside Universal Studios

Eat at one of the many themed restaurants or food stands inside the park.
JPY1500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner inside or near Universal Studios

Enjoy dinner within the park or nearby Universal Citywalk after a full day of fun.
JPY2500, 1h

9:30pm

Return to hotel

Head back to your hotel after the park closes to rest.
JPY180, 30m
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