7D 7N Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Kobe Itinerary

I would like to get feedback on our planned itinerary for 7 nights & 7 days in Osaka from April 4-11.

Day 1 (Thursday, April 04) - Arrival at 8pm KIX.

Day 2 (Friday, April 05) ,

(1) Osaka Castle + Osaka Castle Park,

(2) Japanese Mint

(3) Osaka Museum of Housing & Living (is this worth going to?)

(4) Dinner and Shopping in Namba-Dotombori-Shinsaibashi.



Day 3 (Saturday, April 06) -
(1) Kaiyukan Aquarium;
(2) Pokemon Center;
(3) Umeda's Yodobashi, Yuzawaya, Uniqlo, Hanshin/Hankyu/Isetan Dept Stores
(4) Nippombashi walk. Namba-Dotombori-Shinsaibashi in the evening. (Nipponbashi/Namba/Shinsaibashi – all in same area)

Day 4 (Sunday, April 07) -
(1) Mass in Osaka
(2) Himeji Castle / lunch
(3) Kobe Tower/Harbourland Mosaic


Day 5 (Monday, April 08) - Nara Visit
(1) Todaiji in Nara City + Deer Park.
(2) Horyuji in Ikaruga-cho in the morning (lunch), then
(3) Asuka-mura (haven’t been here but maybe you can do in the afternoon),
(4) Namba-Dotombori-Shinsaibashi in the evening, if time permits Nara,
Shukugawa Park in Nishinomiya (this is FAR from Nara, nearer Kobe)

Day 6 (Tuesday, April 09) - Kyoto Visit:
(1) Fushimi Inari – an hour only
(2) Kiyomizu-Kodaiji-Nanzenji-Gion (lunch),
(3) Heian Shrine Garden


Day 7 (Wednesday, April 10) - Kyoto Visit:
(1) Arashiyama. bamboo bush in Arashiyama, Tenryuji. 500 Rakan at Otagi Nembutusji in the hills of Arashiyama down to the city. Or Sagano scenic train. Or Iwatayama Monkey Park.
(2) Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion)- if have time
(3) Nijo Castle- if have time

Day 8 (Thursday, April 11) - Whole day at leisure. Shopping in Doguya Suji, Nipponbashi, Umeda underground shopping area. Preparation for return flight in the evening. Train to Kansai International Airport.


I just noticed that our Day 3 is mostly shopping and would like to maximize the day by going to see cherry blossoms or museums or other must-see's.

Also, is the Umeda Sky worth going to? How about Kema Sakuranomiya Park? I read that it also gives a good view of the cherry blossom trees.

Would appreciate your inputs.

You have a good idea to visit many places in Nara as they are truly of historical importance to Japanese people and history.

But Day5 is impossible to do. You need 2 days.