Ultimate 9-Day Osaka Winter Getaway: December 24 to January 1 for Groups

Day 1: Arrival & Explore

Osaka, Japan on December 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start your day with premium artisan coffee and fresh pastries at this cozy café in Osaka's Namba district.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:30am

Osaka Castle

Explore the historic and iconic Osaka Castle, a stunning landmark with beautiful grounds and a museum about Osaka's history.
JPY600, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy traditional Osaka deep-fried skewers famous in the Shinsekai area, a must-try local specialty.
JPY1500, 1h15m

2:00pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Walk through this famous shopping street, perfect for browsing boutiques, souvenir shops, and local fashion stores.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Experience classic Osaka street food, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, at this fun hands-on eatery and museum.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Aquarium & Bay Area

Osaka, Japan on December 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Green Bench Coffee

Relish fresh coffee and light breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere near Osaka Bay.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:00am

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Visit one of the world's largest aquariums showcasing marine life from the Pacific Rim with engaging large tanks including whale sharks.
JPY2400, 3h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Sample a variety of Japanese and international dishes at this vibrant shopping and dining complex near the aquarium.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Get panoramic views of Osaka Bay and surrounding areas from this iconic giant Ferris wheel, open until 10pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

4:00pm

Leisure time at Tempozan Harbor Village

Explore shops, street performances, and relax by the waterfront around the harbor area.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ajinoya Okonomiyaki

Enjoy authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki at this highly rated establishment near the bay area.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Osaka

Osaka, Japan on December 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mel Coffee Roasters

Kick off your day with specialty coffee and fresh baked goods in a modern café atmosphere.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Visit one of Japan’s oldest shrines known for its distinctive Japanese architecture and tranquil garden grounds.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Lunch at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Taste unique and delicious udon dishes in a stylish setting popular among locals and tourists alike.
JPY1800, 1h0m

1:00pm

National Bunraku Theatre

Attend a Bunraku puppet theater show or explore the museum, perfect to experience traditional Japanese puppet drama.
JPY3500, 2h0m

3:30pm

Explore Namba Yasaka Shrine

Discover this unique shrine famous for its distinctive lion-head-shaped stage, a great photo spot.
Free, 0h45m

5:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Enjoy premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku, a luxurious dining treat to experience Osaka’s local wagyu style.
JPY5000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on December 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or near Osaka Station

Grab a quick and energizing breakfast before heading to Kyoto by train.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Kyoto (JR Special Rapid Service)

Take a comfortable 30-minute train ride from Osaka to Kyoto station.
JPY560, 0h30m

9:15am

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Walk through thousands of vibrant red torii gates in this famous Kyoto shrine, a must-see cultural site.
Free, 2h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Momoyama

Savor traditional Kyoto Kaiseki cuisine in an authentic setting, nearby Fushimi area.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the majestic UNESCO World Heritage temple with panoramic views of Kyoto.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:45pm

Higashiyama District

Stroll the historic lanes filled with traditional shops, tea houses, and cultural sites.
Free, 1h15m

5:30pm

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka to prepare for evening activities.
JPY560, 0h30m

6:15pm

Dinner at Umeda Sky Building

Dine with a view at one of the restaurants inside the iconic Umeda Sky Building and enjoy New Year's ambiance.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Nara City Excursion

Nara, Japan on December 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near Osaka Station

Quick breakfast in Osaka before heading on the train to Nara.
JPY800, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel to Nara (JR Yamatoji Line)

Reach Nara city in about 45 minutes to start sightseeing early and avoid crowds.
JPY800, 0h45m

9:15am

Todai-ji Temple

Explore the impressive Great Buddha Hall, one of Japan's most famous temples with giant wooden architecture.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Park

Enjoy walking and feeding friendly deer roaming freely in this scenic park.
Free, 1h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try famous mochi rice cakes freshly pounded in front of customers, an iconic Nara experience.
JPY1200, 0h45m

1:15pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this beautiful shrine known for its stone and bronze lanterns and spiritual atmosphere.
JPY500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Nara National Museum

Explore Japanese Buddhist art, especially during seasonal exhibitions.
JPY520, 1h30m

4:15pm

Return to Osaka

Relax and head back to Osaka for dinner and rest.
JPY800, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Endo Sushi Osaka Station

Enjoy fresh sushi at this highly acclaimed sushi counter located in Osaka station’s market.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Osaka Museums & Parks

Osaka, Japan on December 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bread, Espresso &

Start the day with trendy coffee and artisan bread in a beloved local café near Nakanoshima.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:00am

Osaka Museum of History

Dive into the rich history of Osaka with interactive exhibits and panoramic views of Osaka Castle from the top floors.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:45am

Nakanoshima Park

Stroll this riverside park known for seasonal flowers and elegant western-style architecture nearby.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kitashinchi district

Pick from a variety of sophisticated restaurants serving Japanese and international cuisine in this upscale entertainment area.
JPY2500, 1h15m

2:30pm

National Museum of Art, Osaka

View groundbreaking contemporary art exhibitions housed underground in the striking architectural building.
JPY430, 1h30m

4:15pm

Relax at Utsubo Park

Enjoy leisure time at this spacious park famed for rose gardens and open green spaces.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hozenji Yokocho

Dine near the quaint traditional alley full of izakayas and small restaurants offering authentic local flavors.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Shopping & Entertainment

Osaka, Japan on December 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Gram Café & Pancakes

Treat yourself to fluffy Japanese pancakes in a bright and friendly café setting.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:45am

Amerikamura (American Village)

Explore this youth culture hotspot full of trendy shops, street art, and cafés – the Harajuku of Osaka.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Absinthe

Enjoy seasonal and organic dishes in a cozy café inside Amerikamura, perfect for lunch with friends.
JPY1800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Nipponbashi Den Den Town

Browse through electronic gadgets, anime, manga shops, and collectible stores for fun souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Spa World

Enjoy Japan’s giant hot springs complex featuring various themed baths and relaxation areas, open until 12 midnight.
JPY1200, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Tanaka

Have a lively group dinner with authentic kushikatsu and local beers at this popular chain restaurant.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 8: New Year's Eve Festivities

Osaka, Japan on December 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe de L'Ambre

Savor expertly roasted coffee and fresh morning fares to start the last day of the year.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine for Hatsumode

Experience the traditional New Year's visit to this historic shrine to pray for good fortune, relatively less crowded early in the day.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Lunch at Imanishi

Enjoy Kyoto-style soba noodles in a refined atmosphere close to the shrine.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Relax and Explore Osaka Station City

Shop and explore the extensive complex including rooftop garden and seasonal winter illuminations.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax and prepare for the New Year's Eve celebrations later at night.
Free, 2h0m

8:00pm

Countdown event at Namba Yasaka Shrine or Dotonbori

Participate in one of Osaka's popular countdown events with fireworks, street parties, and lively atmosphere to welcome 2026.
Free, 4h0m
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Day 9: New Year & Departure

Osaka, Japan on January 1, 2026

9:00am

New Year's Day Brunch at Eggs ‘n Things

Celebrate the first day of the year with Hawaiian-style brunch and fresh fruit pancakes in a cheerful atmosphere.
JPY2000, 1h30m

11:00am

Stroll through the Osaka Bay area or relax in hotel

Take a peaceful morning walk by the bay or enjoy amenities at your accommodation before departure.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Prepare for departure and transit to airport

Gather luggage and head to Kansai International Airport or your next destination.
Transport costs vary, Varies
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