How many days do you need in afternoon arrival?

This itinerary covers 8 days in afternoon arrival, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for afternoon arrival?

Plan your perfect 8 days trip to afternoon arrival. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

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

Find Hotels in Kyoto

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

Find Hotels in Nara

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

Find Hotels in Kyoto

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

Find Hotels in Osaka

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

Find Hotels in Osaka

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

Find Hotels in Hiroshima

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

Find Hotels in Himeji

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

Find Hotels in Osaka

Step 1 Outline Preview:

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

Day 1: Arrival & Kyoto Afternoon

3:00pm

4:00pm

6:00pm

Day 2: Nara half-day trip

8:00am

9:00am

10:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 3: Kyoto Full Day

8:00am

9:00am

10:00am

11:30am

1:00pm

3:30pm

5:30pm

Day 4: Travel to Osaka & Explore

8:00am

9:30am

10:30am

11:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Osaka Full Day

8:00am

9:30am

11:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

Day 6: Hiroshima Day Trip

7:00am

8:00am

10:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:30pm

Day 7: Himeji Day Trip

8:00am

9:00am

10:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

Day 8: Universal Studios Japan

7:30am

8:00am

9:00am

12:30pm

6:00pm

9:30pm

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