Comprehensive 10-Day Japan Itinerary from Osaka: Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Exploration

Osaka, Japan on June 18, 2025

6:00pm

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Arrive in Osaka at Kansai International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city. Settle in and prepare for your adventure.
JPY0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dotonbori Night Walk and Dinner

Explore the vibrant Dotonbori district with its neon lights and lively atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at 'Kani Doraku' famous for fresh and delicious crab dishes.
JPY4000 approx, 2h0m
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Day 2: Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start your day with artisan coffee and freshly baked pastries at LiLo Coffee Roasters, known for quality and a relaxing ambiance.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Osaka Castle Visit

Tour the iconic Osaka Castle and its grounds, learning about its history and enjoying panoramic city views from the observation deck.
JPY600, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample a variety of local street foods such as takoyaki, fresh sushi, and grilled seafood at the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Umeda Sky Building for its Floating Garden Observatory, offering spectacular views over Osaka.
JPY1500, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try Osaka’s famous kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at this popular and authentic eatery in Shinsekai district.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Kyoto Temples & Tradition

Kyoto, Japan on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kyoto

Take a 30-minute train ride from Osaka to Kyoto to begin exploring the historic city.
JPY560, 0h30m

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese-Western style breakfast at this longstanding Kyoto café, known for its rich coffee and elegant atmosphere.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousand red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, a stunning and spiritual experience.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Wander Nishiki Market and sample Kyoto specialities like yuba (tofu skin) and traditional sweets.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, the stunning golden temple set beside a serene pond reflecting its beauty.
JPY400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Gion District Walk

Stroll through Kyoto’s famous geisha district, taking in historic wooden machiya houses and possibly spotting geiko and maiko.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy kaiseki cuisine, a traditional multi-course dinner, in an intimate setting in Gion.
JPY6000, 2h0m
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Day 4: More Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start with specialty coffee and light pastries at a popular, stylish café in a historic Kyoto street.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk through the breathtaking bamboo forest and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple nearby.
JPY500, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu (inside Tenryu-ji)

Enjoy shojin ryori, a Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, in the tranquil temple setting.
JPY3500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Nijo Castle

Tour the well-preserved Nijo Castle, known for its nightingale floors and beautiful gardens.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony at a Kyoto teahouse, learning about the rituals and cultural significance.
JPY2500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the romantic restaurants in Pontocho Alley, offering both traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Nara

Take a 45-minute train ride from Kyoto to Nara, the ancient capital with rich heritage.
JPY720, 0h45m

8:30am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Enjoy famous mochi rice cakes freshly pounded on-site at Nakatanidou in Nara.
JPY600, 0h30m

9:00am

Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple

Visit Todai-ji Temple housing the huge Great Buddha statue, and enjoy interacting with friendly deer in Nara Park.
JPY600, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Savour local freshwater eel dishes in a traditional Japanese setting in the historic Naramachi district.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit Kasuga Taisha, renowned for its many bronze and stone lanterns along enchanting forest paths.
JPY500, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk through Naramachi District

Explore the traditional merchant district with charming shops, cafes, and preserved historic buildings.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka in about one hour by train to rest or explore local dining options.
JPY800, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno in Dotonbori

Try hearty okonomiyaki at Mizuno, a famed local eatery with a casual atmosphere in vibrant Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hiroshima Peace & History

Hiroshima, Japan on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Take the high-speed bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima, which takes around 2 hours.
JPY10500 (one way, reserved seat), 2h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Café Ponte

Enjoy local Hiroshima-style breakfast and coffee near the station.
JPY1000, 1h0m

11:00am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Explore this moving park dedicated to the memory of the atomic bombing and strive for peace worldwide.
JPY200, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima’s famous layered okonomiyaki at Okonomimura building with multiple stalls serving this specialty.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shukkeien Garden

Visit this beautiful, historic Japanese garden offering tranquil walks with tea houses and ponds.
JPY260, 1h0m

5:00pm

Explore Hondori Shopping Street

Browse shops and cafés on this lively pedestrian street, perfect for souvenirs and a relaxed stroll.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nagataya

Dine on Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in a cozy restaurant near Peace Park.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Miyajima Island Adventure

Miyajima, Japan on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Take a short ferry ride from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, famous for its floating torii gate.
JPY360, 0h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Island Café

Enjoy a light breakfast with sea views at a café near the ferry dock on Miyajima.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its iconic red torii gate that appears to float on water.
JPY300, 1h30m

11:30am

Mount Misen Hiking

Hike or take the ropeway up Mount Misen for panoramic views and visit historic temples on the way.
JPY1800 (ropeway return), 3h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Momiji Manju Honpo

Taste the island’s famous maple leaf shaped pastries and light meals at this well-known shop.
JPY1000, 0h45m

4:00pm

Explore Local Shops and Deer Park

Stroll the charming streets, meet friendly deer roaming freely, and browse souvenirs.
JPY0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry back to Hiroshima to rest or dine locally.
JPY360, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Koba

Enjoy local Hiroshima cuisine in a comfortable setting.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Kanazawa Traditional Arts

Kanazawa, Japan on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Train to Kanazawa

Take the train from Hiroshima to Kanazawa (via transfer - approx 4hrs).
JPY14000 approx, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Savour fresh seafood and local delicacies at this popular Kanazawa market.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kenrokuen Garden

Visit one of Japan’s top three gardens, renowned for its beauty and seasonal flowers.
JPY320, 1h30m

4:00pm

Kanazawa Castle Park

Explore the impressive grounds and historic architecture of Kanazawa Castle.
JPY0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Experience traditional kaiseki cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients in Kanazawa.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 9: Takayama Old Town

Takayama, Japan on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Takayama

Take the train from Kanazawa to Takayama, approximately 2.5 hours.
JPY6000, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at a local café

Enjoy a light breakfast featuring local pastries and coffee in Takayama's old town area.
JPY1000, 1h0m

11:30am

Takayama Old Town Exploration

Walk through the beautifully preserved Edo-period streets showcasing traditional merchant houses and shops.
JPY0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Ajikura Tengoku

Savour Hida beef, a regional specialty, grilled to perfection at this well-regarded restaurant.
JPY3500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Hida Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall

See the elaborately decorated festival floats used during the famous Takayama festival.
JPY700, 1h0m

4:30pm

Takayama Jinya Visit

Explore the historical government building offering insight into Takayama's Edo period administration.
JPY430, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Heianraku

Enjoy Chinese-inspired Hida cuisine in a cozy restaurant famous locally.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return to Osaka & Departure

Osaka, Japan on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Train back to Osaka

Head back to Osaka from Takayama by train, taking about 4.5 hours. Prepare for departure.
JPY9000, 4h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Umeda Sky Building area

Have a relaxing lunch near Umeda, choosing from various restaurants offering Japanese and international cuisine.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Last-minute shopping at Shinsaibashi

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade for souvenirs and gifts before heading to the airport.
JPY0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Transfer to Kansai International Airport

Arrive at Kansai Airport for your international departure flight, allowing adequate time for check-in.
JPY1000 (train), 1h0m
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