Osaka & Kyoto, Japan 11-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrival & Essentials

Arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT).

After clearing customs, exchange currency and purchase a Suica card for convenient public transportation.

Look for currency exchange counters in the arrivals hall. Suica cards can be purchased at JR ticket machines or counters.

Narita Express to Tokyo

Take the Narita Express (N'EX) for a comfortable and direct journey to Tokyo Station.

The N'EX is covered by the Japan Rail Pass if you have one. Otherwise, purchase tickets at the JR ticket office.

Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka

From Tokyo Station, board a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Shin-Osaka Station.

Grab some ekiben (train bento) for lunch to enjoy on the journey.

The Nozomi is the fastest but not covered by the JR Pass; Hikari and Kodama are covered. Purchase ekiben at Tokyo Station.

Hotel Check-in

Arrive at your hotel in Osaka, karaksa hotel Osaka Namba (suggested alternative to R Hotel Namba), and check in.

Dotonbori Exploration & Dinner

Immerse yourselves in the vibrant nightlife of Dotonbori.

Wander through the neon-lit streets, admire the Glico Man sign, and enjoy authentic Osaka street food like Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki from local stalls.

Dotonbori is famous for its energetic atmosphere and delicious local cuisine. Try different stalls to find your favorite Takoyaki!

Travel to Universal Studios

Take the metro from Namba Station to Universal City Station, followed by a short walk to Universal Studios Japan.

Full Day at Universal Studios Japan

Spend a full day enjoying the thrilling rides, shows, and themed areas, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. Grab lunch within the park at one of its many themed restaurants.

Book tickets online in advance to save time and ensure entry, especially for Super Nintendo World. Consider an Express Pass if visiting during peak season.

Dinner & Free Time

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Universal CityWalk Osaka before heading back to your hotel for some free time and relaxation.

Universal CityWalk offers a variety of dining options, from casual to themed restaurants. Alternatively, head back to Dotonbori for more local flavors.

Breakfast & Luggage Delivery

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe.

Arrange for luggage delivery service (Taqbin) from Osaka to your Kyoto hotel for convenience.

Luggage delivery services are highly efficient in Japan and allow for hands-free travel between cities. Ask your hotel front desk for assistance.

Osaka Castle & Gardens

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

Wander through its impressive grounds and enjoy the panoramic city views from the main keep.

Entry to the castle tower requires a fee. The surrounding Nishinomaru Garden is beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season.

Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class

Learn to make authentic Japanese ramen and gyoza in a hands-on cooking class.

Enjoy your delicious creations for lunch.

Experience a popular Japanese culinary art and impress your friends back home!

Free Walking Tour in Spanish

Join a free walking tour of Osaka in Spanish with BO JAPON to learn about the city's culture, history, and hidden gems from a local perspective.

These tours are usually tip-based, so be prepared to show your appreciation to the guide.

Travel to Kyoto

Take a short train ride from Osaka to Kyoto, preparing for the next leg of your adventure.

Kyoto Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation, Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium, and settle in.

Dinner in Pontocho

Enjoy dinner along the atmospheric Pontocho alley, known for its traditional wooden restaurants and teahouses, some offering views of the Kamo River.

Pontocho offers a wide range of dining experiences, from casual eateries to high-end kaiseki. Keep an eye out for geiko and maiko.

Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion, walking around its serene pond and beautiful gardens.

Consider an optional matcha tea ceremony.

Early morning is best to avoid crowds. The temple is one of Kyoto's most iconic sights.

Ryoan-ji & Zen Garden

Walk to Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its enigmatic rock garden, a prime example of dry landscape (karesansui) Zen gardening.

Spend time contemplating the meaning of the rock garden, designed for meditation.

Ninna-ji Temple Complex

Explore Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a beautiful pagoda, traditional gardens, and imperial living quarters.

Known for its late-blooming Omuro cherry trees in spring. The Goten (former imperial residence) is a highlight.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Ninna-ji or before heading to Arashiyama.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji

Stroll through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, marveling at the towering bamboo stalks.

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, another UNESCO site, with its beautiful Zen garden.

The bamboo grove can get crowded; going later in the afternoon might offer a slightly quieter experience. Tenryu-ji has separate entry fees for the temple hall and garden.

Gion & Pontocho Evening Stroll

Return to central Kyoto and take a leisurely evening walk through the historic Gion district, known for its geisha houses, and the charming Pontocho alley.

Respect the privacy of geiko and maiko if you encounter them. Enjoy the traditional atmosphere.

Dinner

Have dinner at a restaurant in Gion, Pontocho, or near your hotel.

Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before a day of exploring Eastern Kyoto.

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Visit Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, known for its unique dry sand garden and beautiful moss gardens.

Climb to the top for views of the city.

Often less crowded than Kinkaku-ji, it offers a more understated beauty. The sand garden, 'Sea of Silver Sand,' is particularly striking.

Philosopher's Path Walk

Stroll along the picturesque Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku-no-Michi), a stone path beside a canal lined with cherry trees, connecting Ginkaku-ji with Eikan-do. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and discover small temples and shrines along the way.

Best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Stop at quaint cafes or shops.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

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

Drink from the Otowa Waterfall for good fortune.

The path leading to Kiyomizu-dera (Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka) is charming with traditional shops and eateries.

Lunch in Higashiyama

Have lunch in the charming Higashiyama district, offering many traditional restaurants and cafes.

Nishiki Market Exploration

Wander through Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen.

' Sample local snacks, fresh produce, and unique Japanese delicacies. Observe daily life and traditional culinary practices.

A great place for souvenir shopping, especially for food-related items. Try takago (egg skewers) or various pickles.

Miyagawa-cho Stroll

Take a leisurely walk through Miyagawa-cho, another traditional geisha district with beautiful wooden townhouses and lanterns.

It's often quieter than Gion.

Look for okiya (geisha houses) and chaya (teahouses).

Wagyu Dinner Experience

Indulge in a premium Wagyu beef dinner, a culinary highlight in Japan.

Many restaurants in Kyoto offer high-quality Wagyu in various preparations.

Research restaurants in advance, as Wagyu can be expensive and popular establishments require reservations.

Breakfast in Kyoto

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe to fuel up for a day of exploration.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates.

Arriving early helps avoid the larger crowds.

Wear comfortable shoes as there's a good amount of walking uphill. Entrance is free.

Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple

Arrive in Nara and explore Nara Park, famous for its friendly, free-roaming deer.

Visit Todai-ji Temple, housing a massive bronze Buddha statue.

Lunch in Nara

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in Nara, perhaps trying local specialties.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the ancient Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its many bronze and stone lanterns, nestled in a sacred forest.

Kurama Onsen Experience

Travel by Eizan train to Kurama and enjoy a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs of Kurama Onsen, surrounded by nature.

Dinner

Have dinner either in Kurama after your onsen or back in Kyoto city center.

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and complete check-out procedures.

Shinkansen to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto to Himeji.

This is a quick and efficient way to travel.

Himeji Castle Tour

Explore Himeji Castle, Japan's largest and most magnificent original castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning white exterior.

Grab Lunch

Pick up a quick lunch, such as a bento box, before your journey to Tokyo.

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Board the Shinkansen for your journey to Tokyo, enjoying the Japanese countryside.

Hotel Check-in Asakusa

Check into your hotel in Asakusa and settle in after your travel day.

Senso-ji Temple at Night & Asakusa

Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll around the illuminated Senso-ji Temple and explore the surrounding traditional Nakamise-dori shopping street.

The temple grounds are open 24/7, and the evening illumination offers a magical atmosphere.

Dinner in Asakusa

Savor dinner in the historic Asakusa district, choosing from various local eateries.

Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast to start your busy day exploring Tokyo.

Mori Art Museum & Roppongi Hills

Visit the Mori Art Museum for contemporary art exhibitions and enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the observatory at Roppongi Hills.

Check current exhibitions for Mori Art Museum. The Tokyo City View observation deck offers stunning views.

Lunch in Harajuku

Take the train to Harajuku and grab lunch in this trendy district, perhaps a famous crepe or other street food.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Find tranquility at Meiji Jingu Shrine, a peaceful oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set within a vast forest.

Takeshita Street & Omotesando

Experience the vibrant youth culture on Takeshita Street with its quirky shops, then stroll down Omotesando for high-end boutiques and impressive architecture.

Shinjuku Exploration

Head to Shinjuku and explore the bustling entertainment district, consider visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free panoramic city views.

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko

Witness the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, and visit the famous Hachiko statue.

Shibuya Sky Views

Ascend to Shibuya Sky for breathtaking 360-degree views of Tokyo at night.

Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Book online in advance, especially for sunset/night slots, as tickets sell out quickly.

Izakaya Dinner

Conclude your day with a relaxed dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) in Shibuya, enjoying small dishes and drinks.

Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before exploring the city's diverse districts.

Yanaka Ginza

Wander through Yanaka Ginza, a charming, nostalgic shopping street where you can experience the atmosphere of 'old Tokyo' with traditional shops and local snacks.

Try some local street food or visit a traditional cafe here.

Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum

Stroll through Ueno Park, home to several museums.

Visit the Tokyo National Museum to explore a vast collection of Japanese and Asian art and artifacts.

Entrance fee for Tokyo National Museum is typically around JPY 1000. Closed on Mondays.

Ramen Lunch in Akihabara

Head to Akihabara and enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen at one of the district's popular eateries.

Akihabara: Anime, Manga & Electronics

Immerse yourself in Akihabara, the electric town, known for its electronics, anime, manga, and gaming stores.

Explore multi-story shops and maybe visit a maid cafe or arcade.

Maid cafes offer a unique, themed dining experience. Entrance fees may apply for some themed cafes.

Evening Entertainment & Dinner

Experience a unique Japanese evening show, such as a traditional theatre performance, a captivating acrobatics show, or a themed dinner with entertainment.

Options include Kabuki, traditional dance, or modern themed shows. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Travel to Mitaka & Breakfast

Take the train to Mitaka and have breakfast near the Ghibli Museum area.

Ghibli Museum Visit

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli, featuring original artwork, short films, and exhibits inspired by their beloved animations.

Tickets MUST be purchased in advance, usually months ahead, and are not sold at the museum. Check the official website for details on how to purchase.

Lunch in Kichijoji

Enjoy lunch in the fashionable Kichijoji neighborhood, known for its bohemian vibe and diverse dining options, located close to Mitaka.

Odaiba Seaside Park & Views

Explore the futuristic island of Odaiba.

Enjoy the waterfront park, views of Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty replica, and perhaps visit a shopping mall or attraction.

Farewell Dinner in Tokyo

Enjoy a final memorable dinner in Tokyo, celebrating your incredible trip to Japan.

Hotel Check-out

Check out from The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa and prepare for your journey to Narita International Airport.

Ensure all your belongings are packed.

Confirm check-out procedures and any remaining payments with the hotel reception. For any luggage forwarding done previously, collect the delivery receipts.

Travel to Narita Airport

Take the Narita Express (N'EX) from a major station like Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, or Ueno directly to Narita International Airport.

This is generally the most convenient option.

Airport Check-in & Breakfast

Arrive at Narita International Airport, proceed with baggage check-in and security.

Grab a quick breakfast at one of the airport's cafes or restaurants before your flight.

Aim to arrive at the airport at least 2.5-3 hours before your international flight. Check your airline's specific recommendations for arrival time.

Departure to Madrid

Board your flight from Narita International Airport (NRT) to Madrid (MAD), concluding your unforgettable journey through Japan.

Have your boarding pass and passport ready. Enjoy your flight!