Ultimate 11-Day Southern Japan Journey: Hiroshima to Osaka & Cultural Highlights

Day 1: Hiroshima Arrival

Hiroshima, Japan on August 24, 2025

7:00AM

Depart Toyama via Shinkansen

Travel from Toyama to Hiroshima efficiently by Shinkansen, enjoying scenic views en route. Journey takes approximately 4.5 hours.
JPY10000, 4h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Savor authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a popular multi-floor food theme park specializing in this savory pancake.
JPY1000, 1h

1:30PM

Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Explore this poignant park and museum commemorating the atomic bombing, open daily from 8:30AM to 6:00PM.
JPY200, 2h

4:00PM

Shukkeien Garden Walk

Enjoy a tranquil stroll through Shukkeien Garden, a beautifully landscaped historic garden open until 6:00PM.
JPY260, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner in Hiroshima City Center

Dine at a local izakaya featuring fresh seafood and regional specialties.
JPY1500, 1.5h
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Day 2: Miyajima Excursion

Miyajima & Hiroshima, Japan on August 25, 2025

8:00AM

Train and Ferry to Miyajima

Take the JR train plus ferry to Miyajima Island, home to iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Total travel about 1 hour round trip fare is around ¥2,000.
JPY2000, 1h

9:15AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Tour the famous floating torii gate shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site open from 6:30AM until sunset.
JPY300, 1h

10:30AM

Mount Misen Ropeway

Ride the scenic ropeway up Mount Misen to enjoy panoramic views and hiking trails. Operating hours from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
JPY1800, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at an Island Café

Enjoy local seafood and sweets at a charming café near the shrine.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00PM

Explore Island & Return to Hiroshima

Stroll around the island, visit shops and small temples before the ferry brings you back to Hiroshima by evening.
Included, 3h

6:30PM

Dinner in Hiroshima

Relax with a casual dinner featuring Hiroshima oysters or other specialties.
JPY1500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Hiroshima Leisure

Hiroshima, Japan on August 26, 2025

9:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the reconstructed castle and gardens, open from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
JPY370, 1.5h

11:00AM

Walk to Mitaki-dera Temple

Enjoy peaceful gardens and autumn foliage at this temple, free admission and quiet surroundings.
Free, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Restaurant

Another chance to taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a different renowned spot like Nagataya.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Mazda Museum (Reservation Required)

Book a guided tour of the Mazda factory and museum to experience Japan's automotive innovation.
Free with reservation, 1h

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Try Hiroshima-style sake paired with seasonal small dishes.
JPY1500, 1.5h
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Day 4: Himeji Highlights

Himeji, Japan on August 27, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Himeji, a quick and comfortable 2-hour ride.
JPY9000, 2h

10:30AM

Visit Himeji Castle

Explore one of Japan's most spectacular castles, with towering keeps and extensive grounds. Open 9:00AM–5:00PM.
JPY1000, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch near Station

Enjoy a hearty lunch of Himeji specialties at a nearby restaurant offering soba or tempura.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00PM

Koko-en Garden

Relax in these beautiful Edo-style gardens right next to the castle, open until 5:00PM.
JPY300, 1h

4:00PM

Explore Otokoyama Hachimangu Shrine & Shopping Street

Experience local culture with some light shopping and a visit to this historic shrine.
Free, 1.5h

6:30PM

Dinner in Himeji

Dine on fresh seafood or izakaya-style dishes at a cozy local spot.
JPY1500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Kurashiki Day Trip

Kurashiki & Himeji, Japan on August 28, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Kurashiki

Catch a local train from Himeji for about one hour to Kurashiki, famous for its preserved canal area.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30AM

Bikan Historical Quarter

Wander the picturesque traditional merchant district with charming canals and heritage buildings.
Free, 1.5h

11:30AM

Ohara Museum of Art

Visit Japan’s first museum for Western art, housing masterpieces from the 19th and 20th centuries.
JPY1000, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch at Ivy Square Café

Enjoy a relaxing lunch within a historic red brick complex converted into cafés and shops.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30PM

Explore Kurashiki's Cultural Sites

Visit local craft shops, museums, and stroll along the canal before heading back.
Free, 2h

5:30PM

Return to Himeji

Head back via train to Himeji for overnight stay.
Included, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner in Himeji

Sample kushikatsu or other regional delights at a traditional Japanese eatery.
JPY1500, 1.5h
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Day 6: Kyoto Arrival & Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on August 29, 2025

8:00AM

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Travel by Shinkansen to historic Kyoto in about 1 hour, comfortably and efficiently.
JPY5000, 1h

9:30AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine Visit

Explore the iconic thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, open 24 hours and free entrance.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch near Fushimi Inari

Try local Inari sushi or a comforting bowl of ramen at a nearby eatery.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30PM

Stroll Gion & Yasaka Shrine

Walk through Kyoto’s famous geisha district and visit Yasaka Shrine, soaking in traditional culture.
Free, 2h

5:30PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Sample diverse street food delicacies and fresh seafood in this vibrant market marketplace.
JPY1500, 1.5h
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Day 7: Kyoto Cultural Gems

Kyoto, Japan on August 30, 2025

8:30AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Start the day visiting the stunning golden temple set beside a reflective pond, open 9AM–5PM.
JPY400, 1h

10:00AM

Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Contemplate the elegant rock garden at this peaceful temple nearby, open 8:00AM–5:00PM.
JPY500, 1h

11:30AM

Lunch Bento or Udon

Enjoy a traditional bento box meal or a warm bowl of udon noodles at a local restaurant.
JPY800, 1h

1:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge

Walk amidst towering bamboo stalks and admire scenic views from Togetsukyo Bridge, open all day.
Free, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner in Kyoto

Savor kaiseki or other refined Kyoto cuisine at a well-reviewed restaurant.
JPY1500, 2h
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Day 8: Osaka & World Expo

Osaka, Japan on August 31, 2025

7:30AM

Train to Osaka

Travel a short 45-minute train ride from Kyoto to Osaka for the World Expo.
JPY600, 0h45m

9:00AM

World Expo 2025

Spend the day exploring the Expo on Yumeshima Island, discovering global innovations and exhibits, open 10AM–8PM.
JPY2000+, 7h

6:00PM

Dotonbori Street Food Dinner

End the day enjoying vibrant street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in lively Dotonbori.
JPY1500, 2h
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Day 9: Nara Day Trip

Nara & Osaka, Japan on September 1, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Nara

Take a one-hour train ride from Osaka to the historic city of Nara.
JPY600, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the giant Buddha statue in Todai-ji, open 7:30AM to 5:30PM.
JPY600, 1.5h

10:45AM

Nara Deer Park & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Interact with friendly deer roaming freely and visit the striking Kasuga Taisha Shrine, open 6:30AM to 6PM.
Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch - Kakinoha Sushi

Try the regional specialty of leaf-wrapped pressed sushi at a local eatery in Nara.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30PM

Return to Osaka & Umeda Sky Building Optional

Take a train back to Osaka and optionally visit Umeda Sky Building for panoramic city views (open 10AM-10:30PM).
JPY1500, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner in Osaka

Enjoy casual dining with Osaka-style dishes such as takoyaki or kushikatsu.
JPY1200, 1.5h
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Day 10: Osaka Exploration

Osaka, Japan on September 2, 2025

9:00AM

Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle with museum exhibits, open 9AM-5PM.
JPY600, 2h

11:30AM

Kuromon Market Visit

Wander through food stalls at Kuromon Market, sampling fresh seafood and local treats.
Free, 1.5h

1:30PM

Lunch in Namba area

Dine at a ramen or okonomiyaki restaurant in vibrant Namba.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00PM

TeamLab Osaka or Shinsekai District

Experience digital art at TeamLab Arena if open, or explore retro Shinsekai with nostalgic charm.
JPY2000 approx or Free, 2h

7:00PM

Kushikatsu Dinner

Enjoy deep-fried skewers, a local specialty, at a lively kushikatsu restaurant.
JPY1500, 1.5h
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Day 11: Return Home

Osaka to Toyama, Japan on September 3, 2025

9:00AM

Morning Free Time

Spend the morning at leisure for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Osaka.
Free, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori or Kuromon Market

Relish one last meal of Osaka street food favorites before departure.
JPY1000, 1h

4:00PM

Train back to Toyama

Return by train from Osaka to Toyama, approximately 3.5 hours ride.
JPY9000, 3h30m
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