Osaka 7-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at KIX Airport

Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX), clear customs and immigration.

Transfer to your accommodation in central Osaka.

Ensure you have your Japan Rail Pass or IC card ready if purchased in advance.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel in Osaka.

Take some time to freshen up and relax after your journey.

The hotel is centrally located, offering easy access to major attractions and dining.

Dotonbori Street Food

Immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori.

Explore the iconic neon-lit street and try various local street foods like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and gyoza from street vendors.

A fantastic first culinary adventure! Don't miss the famous Glico Man sign for a photo opportunity.

Osaka Castle Visit

Explore the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of Osaka's history.

Climb to the top for panoramic city views and learn about its past in the museum.

Consider walking through the beautiful castle park beforehand. There's a small entrance fee for the castle tower. Easily accessible by JR Loop Line.

Lunch Near Osaka Castle

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the eateries around Osaka Castle Park or nearby Temmabashi station.

Explore Shinsekai District

Step back in time in the retro Shinsekai district.

Marvel at the Tsutenkaku Tower and soak in the unique, nostalgic atmosphere. Enjoy some Kushikatsu (fried skewers) from a local shop.

Tsutenkaku Tower offers great views. Look out for the Billiken statue for good luck!

Dinner in Namba

Enjoy a family dinner in the bustling Namba area, known for its diverse restaurant options, from ramen to izakayas.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Explore the 'Kitchen of Osaka,' Kuromon Ichiba Market.

Sample fresh seafood, local produce, and various street snacks. It's a fantastic sensory experience for the whole family.

Try fresh sushi, grilled scallops, and fruit. Many vendors offer samples.

All Star Osaka Food Walk

Join a small-group guided food tour to discover Osaka's hidden culinary gems and learn about the city's food culture.

This highly-rated tour will introduce you to authentic street food and local specialties beyond the main tourist spots.

This is a great way to taste a variety of local dishes and learn from an expert. Book in advance.

Okonomiyaki Dinner

Enjoy a classic Osaka dinner with Okonomiyaki (savory pancake) or Takoyaki (octopus balls).

Many restaurants offer a fun, interactive experience where you can cook your own at the table.

A must-try Osaka dish! Look for a local 'Okonomiyaki' restaurant.

Shitennoji Temple Visit

Visit Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, founded in 593.

Explore its beautiful pagoda, main hall, and serene garden.

Check for flea markets on the 21st and 22nd of each month, which are very lively.

Lunch in Umeda

Head to the Umeda district and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in Osaka Station City or a nearby department store food hall.

Umeda Sky Building & Garden

Visit the iconic Umeda Sky Building.

Take the escalator to the 'Floating Garden Observatory' for spectacular 360-degree views of Osaka, especially impressive in the late afternoon.

Great for photos. There's an open-air deck for an unobstructed experience.

Fine Dining Experience

Indulge in one of Osaka's fantastic 'fancy meals'.

Consider a traditional Kaiseki (multi-course) meal, high-end sushi, or Kobe beef dinner for a memorable family experience.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for Michelin-starred or popular restaurants. Dress code may apply.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most unique shrines, featuring architecture rarely seen elsewhere.

Walk across the iconic Sorihashi Bridge.

It's a beautiful and serene escape from the city bustle, showcasing traditional Japanese shrine design.

Lunch at Namba Parks

Enjoy lunch at Namba Parks, an architectural marvel with a multi-level shopping complex featuring a rooftop garden.

It offers various dining options.

Relaxed Namba Shopping

Spend the afternoon exploring the shops and department stores in the Namba area, perfect for souvenirs or browsing Japanese fashion and goods.

Consider visiting Namba CITY or Takashimaya for a wide range of shopping options.

Farewell Osaka Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Osaka, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or trying a new cuisine, reflecting on your experiences in the city.

Travel Osaka to Kyoto

Board a Shinkansen (bullet train) or JR Special Rapid Service from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. Enjoy the scenic journey as you transition from the bustling city of Osaka to the cultural heart of Japan.

Hotel Check-in & Settle In

Check into your hotel in Kyoto and drop off your luggage.

Take some time to freshen up before heading out to explore.

Your hotel is conveniently located directly above Kyoto Station, making it easy to access public transportation.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Higashiyama

Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto.

Afterward, stroll through the charming traditional streets of the Higashiyama District, browsing craft shops and food stalls.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking up the slopes of Higashiyama. Entrance fee: JPY 400 per person.

Yasaka Shrine & Gion Exploration

Explore the vibrant Yasaka Shrine, especially beautiful in the late afternoon.

Then, wander through Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, with its traditional wooden machiya houses and atmospheric lanes. Keep an eye out for geiko and maiko (apprentice geisha) on their way to engagements.

Gion is best explored on foot. Be respectful if you spot geisha and refrain from taking intrusive photos.

Kyoto Dinner at Torataro

Enjoy a casual but highly-rated dinner at Torataro, known for its authentic Japanese cuisine in a welcoming setting.

It's a great spot to experience local flavors in a comfortable atmosphere.

Torataro is a good option for a family-friendly meal with quality food. Reservations are recommended for groups.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk

Take an early morning trip to Arashiyama to explore its iconic bamboo forest.

The serene atmosphere and towering stalks create a truly unique experience. Consider a short rickshaw ride for a different perspective.

Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility. The bamboo grove itself is free to enter.

Tenryu-ji Temple & Garden

Visit Tenryu-ji, another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples.

Its beautiful landscape garden is particularly renowned and offers a peaceful retreat.

Entrance fee applies for the garden and temple buildings (separate tickets).

Lunch in Arashiyama

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes in the Arashiyama area, offering a variety of Japanese and international dishes.

Nishiki Market Culinary Exploration

Return to central Kyoto to explore Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen.

' This vibrant, narrow street is packed with stalls selling fresh seafood, local produce, traditional snacks, and unique kitchenware. Perfect for last-minute food souvenirs and tasting local treats.

Try various samples from the stalls, from pickles to skewers. It can get very crowded, especially on a Sunday afternoon.

Hotel Checkout & Departure Prep

Return to your hotel, gather your belongings, and check out.

Ensure all your souvenirs are packed and you're ready for your journey to Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Confirm your train schedule to KIX and allow ample time for travel.

Farewell Dinner in Kyoto

Enjoy a final casual dinner in Kyoto, perhaps near Kyoto Station, before heading to the airport.

Savor one last taste of Japanese cuisine.

Travel to Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Take the JR Haruka Limited Express train directly from Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your overnight or early morning international flight.