Ultimate 12-Day Osaka and Kyoto Adventure Itinerary

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Fire Cafe before heading to Universal Studios Japan for a day of thrilling rides and family-friendly entertainment.

Enjoy a wide range of cuisines at the park, or take a short break and have a meal at The Hearth Board Game Bar and Café. ザ・ハース ボードゲームバーとカフェ, where you can enjoy both food and fun board games.

After an exciting day at the park, unwind with a sophisticated dinner at 40 Sky Bar & Lounge, offering stunning views of the city skyline.

Begin with a serene visit to Shitenno-ji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Then, take a walk through the traditional Hozenji Yokocho alley, lined with small shops and eateries.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at Kushi-dining Sol, known for its exquisite skewers. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the unique shops and otaku culture of Den Den Town (Nipponbashi).

For a memorable evening, join the Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area, where you can experience the vibrant nightlife of Osaka and sample a variety of local drinks.

Start your day with a visit to the serene Sumiyoshi-taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine), one of Japan's most important shrines. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful Nakanoshima island, enjoying the greenery and riverside views.

Have a casual lunch at Little Long Beach, a beach-themed restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere. Afterward, visit the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living to learn about the city's history and culture.

Dine at Bar Twenty Three, a sophisticated bar and restaurant with a wide selection of drinks. After dinner, take in the panoramic views of the city from the Osaka Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket, a perfect way to end the day.

Take a day trip to Himeji Castle (Himeji-Jo), a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's most beautiful castles. Explore the castle grounds and enjoy the surrounding cherry blossoms or fall foliage, depending on the season.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at Kizuna, known for its elegant atmosphere and authentic cuisine. After lunch, you can visit the nearby Engyo-ji Temple (Shoshazan), which was featured in the movie "The Last Samurai."

Return to Osaka and have a relaxing dinner at The Blarney Stone Shinsaibashi, an Irish pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can enjoy a pint of Guinness and hearty pub fare to end the day.

Start your day with a visit to Tsutenkaku Tower and the nearby Shinsekai area. Take a walk through the retro streets and enjoy the local shops and eateries.

Have a delightful lunch at L&L, a restaurant known for its fusion cuisine. Afterward, take a cooking class at the Osaka Sushi Class in Dotonbori to learn the art of making sushi from a professional chef.

For dinner, experience the vibrant atmosphere of HUB Nakanoshima Festival Plaza, where you can find a variety of food stalls offering both local and international dishes. After dinner, take a stroll along the Midosuji Avenue, known for its luxury shops and beautiful city lights.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at Abeno Harukas (Osaka Harukas), where you can visit the observation deck for stunning views of the city. Have breakfast at the Coolabah Sports Cafe クーラーバースポーツカフェ, a laid-back spot with a wide menu.

After taking in the views, head to Tennoji Park for a relaxing walk and some time in nature. For lunch, try Brew pub Tetard Vallee, a cozy spot with a great selection of beers and pub food.

Spend your evening at the Osaka teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket, an immersive art and light exhibition. For dinner, enjoy the elegant atmosphere and delicious food at Restaurant Bar Flyway (レストランバー フライウェイ).

Begin your day with a visit to the National Bunraku Theater, where you can learn about and watch the traditional Japanese puppet theater. Then, take a short walk to the Osaka Museum of History to explore the city's past.

For lunch, head to Irish pub Shamrock 'N' Roll Star シャムロックンロールスター for a lively atmosphere and a menu of Irish and international dishes. Afterward, take a guided walking tour of the Osaka Main Sights and Hidden Spots to discover the city's lesser-known attractions.

Dine at Bar Española La Bodega, a Spanish bar and restaurant with a wide selection of tapas and drinks. After dinner, take a relaxing evening cruise on the Okawa River Sakura Cruise, where you can enjoy the city's beautiful night lights.

Take a day trip to nearby Nara and visit the famous Nara Park (Nara Koen), where you can see the friendly deer and visit iconic landmarks such as the Todai-ji Temple (Nara) and the Kasuga Taisha (Kasuga Grand Shrine).

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at Highball Bar Umeda 1923, a restaurant with a nostalgic atmosphere. After lunch, explore the quaint streets of Naramachi, where you can find traditional shops and cafes.

Return to Osaka and have a relaxing dinner at The Hearth Board Game Bar and Café. ザ・ハース ボードゲームバーとカフェ, where you can enjoy both food and a variety of board games to end the day.

Begin your Kyoto journey with a visit to the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), where the stunning golden temple reflects on the tranquil pond. Then, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's most famous rock garden.

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style lunch at Ganko Sushi Kyoto Kiyamachi, known for its elegant ambiance and exquisite sushi. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of the Gion District, where you might spot a geisha or maiko.

Dine at Kyoto Gion Shinmonzen Kikunoi, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering kaiseki cuisine, the pinnacle of Japanese fine dining. After dinner, experience the enchanting world of traditional performing arts at the Gion Corner, where you can witness a maiko dance and other cultural performances.

Head to the scenic district of Arashiyama and visit the majestic Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a beautiful zen garden. Then, take a peaceful stroll through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, surrounded by towering bamboo.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Kyoto Gion Shinmonzen Kikunoi, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering kaiseki cuisine, the pinnacle of Japanese fine dining. Afterward, take a leisurely boat ride on the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, where you can admire the stunning natural scenery.

For dinner, experience the unique flavors of Kyoto Kaiseki Minokichi Kiyamachi, a renowned restaurant serving traditional kaiseki cuisine. Afterward, take a magical walk through the Arashiyama Hanatouro, a special illumination event where the entire district is lit up with thousands of lanterns and lights.

Take a day trip to nearby Nara and visit the famous Nara Park (Nara Koen), where you can see the friendly deer and visit iconic landmarks such as the Todai-ji Temple (Nara) and the Kasuga Taisha (Kasuga Grand Shrine).

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at Highball Bar Umeda 1923, a restaurant with a nostalgic atmosphere. After lunch, explore the quaint streets of Naramachi, where you can find traditional shops and cafes.

Return to Osaka and have a relaxing dinner at The Hearth Board Game Bar and Café. ザ・ハース ボードゲームバーとカフェ, where you can enjoy both food and a variety of board games to end the day.