7-Day Cultural Journey from Manila to Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara

Day 1: Arrival and exploration

Osaka, Japan on May 29, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Manila to Osaka

Depart early from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Kansai International Airport (KIX), travel time approx. 4 hours.
PHP10000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive at Osaka, check-in at your centrally located hotel in the Namba area for easy access to main attractions.
JPY15000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Dotonbori

Explore the lively Dotonbori district, famous for neon lights, street food, and cultural vibes.
Free entry, personal expenses for food and shopping, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy authentic Osaka-style kushikatsu, a popular fried skewered delicacy, open until 10 pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

8:30pm

Evening Walk along the Dotonbori Canal

End your first day with a relaxing walk along the illuminated canal to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m
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Day 2: Osaka cultural tour

Osaka, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and street snacks at this lively food market, open from 9 am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle and its museum; opening hours are 9 am to 5 pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Enjoy large bowls of udon noodles with various toppings in a modern setting.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden

Visit this iconic observatory for panoramic views of Osaka, open 10 am to 10:30 pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Tennoji and Shitennoji Temple

Discover one of Japan’s oldest temples and the lively Tennoji neighborhood.
JPY300, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Taste Osaka’s famous okonomiyaki in this popular restaurant, open until 10 pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Transfer to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before checkout and transfer.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Train from Osaka to Kyoto

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station in about 30 minutes.
JPY560, 0h30m

10:15am

Check-in and settle in Kyoto

Check-in at a traditional ryokan or hotel near Gion district.
JPY15000, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic thousands of red torii gates open 24/7 for an immersive cultural experience.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Try Kyoto-style sushi bento near the shrine for a local flavor.
JPY1200, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Higashiyama and Kiyomizudera Temple

Discover historic streets and visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, open until 6 pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy traditional kaiseki dining in Gion, reservation recommended.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Kyoto temples and culture

Kyoto, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Coffee Kyoto Higashiyama

Have a quality coffee and light breakfast at this famous local cafe.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Tour one of Kyoto's most stunning landmarks, open 9 am to 5 pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Admire the world-renowned rock garden nearby, open 8 am to 5 pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Try Kyoto-style okonomiyaki in a cozy local setting.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Enjoy walking the peaceful bamboo grove and visiting the historic temple, open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
JPY500, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Savor soba noodles with a scenic view of the Katsura River.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kyoto Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for an active day trip to Nara.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Train from Kyoto to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line rapid service, about 45 minutes journey.
JPY710, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Home to the giant Buddha statue, a UNESCO World Heritage site open 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:15am

Nara Park with Deer Viewing

Relax and interact with the famous free-roaming deer within this large public park.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nara Mahoroba Sweets Cafe

Try local Japanese sweets and light meals near the park.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this revered shrine adorned with hundreds of lanterns, open 6 am to 6 pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka for your last evening in the city.
JPY800, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie in Osaka

Enjoy a comforting bowl of udon to end your day, open until 10 pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Osaka last day leisure

Osaka, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Tsumugi

Start your day with delicious bakery items with a view of the river in Osaka Castle Park.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Osaka Museum of History

Explore exhibits showcasing Osaka’s past, open 9:30 am to 5 pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping and wandering at Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Enjoy the unique shops and boutiques featuring local products and souvenirs.
Free to browse, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Taste Osaka street food like takoyaki and learn how it’s made, open 11 am to 9 pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Nakanoshima Park

Enjoy a serene break by the riverside with seasonal flowers and sculptures.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, Hozenji Yokocho

Savor premium Matsusaka beef grilled to perfection, reservation recommended.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Departure

Osaka, Japan on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have your last meal in Japan at the hotel before checkout.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the train or airport limousine bus to Kansai International Airport for your flight back to Manila.
JPY1000, 1h0m

11:00am

Flight from Osaka to Manila

Depart Kansai International Airport and arrive in Manila after approx. 4-hour flight.
PHP10000, 4h0m
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