7-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara

Day 1: Arrival and Osaka Exploration

Osaka, Japan on May 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and street food at this lively market, known as 'Osaka's kitchen'. Experience local flavors like takoyaki and fresh sashimi.
JPY2000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore one of Japan's most famous landmarks, featuring a museum inside a restored castle with beautiful surrounding park areas.
JPY600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Savor the iconic Osaka street food such as kushikatsu and okonomiyaki in the vibrant Dotonbori district.
JPY1500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Walk through this extensive shopping street with shops ranging from luxury brands to quirky boutiques, perfect for picking up souvenirs.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Teppanyaki Misono

Enjoy a traditional Japanese teppanyaki dinner, where the chef cooks meals right in front of you, offering delicious local beef and seafood.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 2: Osaka Modern and Historical Mix

Osaka, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy fresh artisan coffee and light pastries at this popular café in Osaka’s Umeda district.
JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Experience panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory on top of this iconic modern skyscraper.
JPY1500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables, a local favorite.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world's largest public aquariums showcasing marine life from the Pacific Rim, open 10:00am-8:00pm.
JPY2400, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along Tempozan Harbor Village

Relax and explore the shopping mall and entertainment area nearby the aquarium with beautiful views along the waterfront.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Okonomiyaki Chibo Dotonbori

Taste Osaka’s savory pancake specialty with multiple toppings in a traditional style restaurant located in lively Dotonbori.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Start early with a light breakfast to prepare for a full day at Universal Studios Japan.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan Visit

Enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and anime; park opens 8:30am, best to arrive early for shorter lines.
JPY8800, 8h

5:30pm

Dinner at Mel's Drive-In at Universal Citywalk

Casual American-style diner serving burgers and shakes, perfect for a relaxed dinner after a busy day.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 4: Transfer to Kyoto and Historical Immersion

Kyoto, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Osaka

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing Osaka for Kyoto by train.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Travel Osaka to Kyoto by JR Special Rapid Service

Take the efficient train ride from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, approximately 30 minutes.
JPY560, 30m

10:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of red torii gates winding through wooded trails, open 24 hours for a spiritual start in Kyoto.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kyoto Gogyo

Taste the unique burnt miso ramen, a Kyoto specialty with rich flavors.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning views of Kyoto city and a beautiful temple complex open 6:00am-6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in Gion district at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine in the atmospheric historical geisha district.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 5: Classic Kyoto Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start with a classic Japanese café breakfast at this historic Kyoto coffee shop.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk through the famous bamboo forest and visit the nearby UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple and its serene gardens; open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu in Tenryu-ji Temple

Enjoy authentic shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) in a peaceful temple setting.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning gold-leaf covered temple and its reflective pond, a must-see in Kyoto; open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Philosopher's Path

Take a leisurely stroll along this scenic canal-side path lined with cherry trees and small shops.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Sample diverse street foods and local specialties at the vibrant Nishiki Market area, which closes around 7:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cultural Experience and Nijo Castle

Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Relax at this cozy café with great coffee and western-style breakfast options.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the beautiful historical castle famous for its polished floors and elaborate interiors; open 8:45am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen

Taste hand-cut udon noodles and fresh seasonal vegetables in a traditional Kyoto setting.
JPY1800, 1h

1:30pm

Tea ceremony experience at En

Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony to learn about this cultural tradition.
JPY2500, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Walk the gardens surrounding the grounds of the Imperial Palace, a tranquil urban escape.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ganko Sushi near Kyoto Station

Enjoy a variety of fresh sushi and Japanese dishes in a casual dining environment near the station.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Nara Day Trip and Return

Nara, Japan on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kyoto hotel

Have a quick breakfast before heading out for the day trip to Nara.
JPY1500, 45m

8:15am

Travel Kyoto to Nara by JR or Kintetsu Line

Take a short train ride to Nara, about 45 minutes from Kyoto Station.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the grand Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues; open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Stroll in Nara Park

Encounter freely roaming deer and enjoy beautiful park scenery surrounding key landmarks.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor fresh tuna dishes and Japanese seafood specialties at this well-known Nara restaurant.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Walk through this UNESCO World Heritage Shinto shrine famous for its numerous lanterns; open 6:30am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:00pm

Travel back to Osaka for departure

Return to Osaka by train to conclude your trip, approximately 45 minutes journey.
JPY800, 45m

4:00pm

Final shopping or relaxing in Osaka

Use any available time for last-minute shopping or resting near the airport area depending on your flight time.
Varies, Variable
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