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Kansai Tourism
[Ultimate Osaka & Kyoto Travel Plan] Explore Osaka, Kyoto, and Universal Studios Japan! Enjoy a 4-day, 3-night itinerary.
If you’re coming to the Kansai region, you definitely want to visit both Osaka and Kyoto! However, with only 4 days and 3 nights, you might be wondering if it’s possible to see it all. Don’t worry! Here’s a recommended 3-night, 4-day itinerary that allows you to visit the famous spots in both Osaka and Kyoto.
If you’re planning a trip to Kansai soon, this guide is a perfect reference for you!
For accommodation near Universal Studios Japan (USJ), we recommend It’ ta de JPN. It offers great access to Osaka’s main attractions and is also conveniently located for trips to Kyoto. If you haven’t decided on where to stay yet, consider It’ ta de JPN for your visit!
A Must-See Osaka and Kyoto Travel Plan!
Be sure to check it out for inspiration!
Contents
Day 1: Explore the Dotonbori Area in Osaka
From Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Namba: about 60 minutes
From JR Shin-Osaka Station to Namba: about 15 minutes
※There are many lockers and luggage storage services around the Namba area, so it’s convenient to check these in advance!
If you’re arriving in Osaka, the first day is perfect for visiting the famous Dotonbori area! Known as the “Nation’s Kitchen,” Dotonbori is celebrated as a food lover’s paradise. Here, you can indulge in Osaka’s soul food like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and more—such as udon, sukiyaki, ramen, yakitori, and yakiniku. Beyond food, you can snap photos in front of the iconic Glico sign, ride the Ferris wheel at Don Quijote, or hop on a cruise boat to fully enjoy this bustling area.
Osaka’s Soul Food: Takoyaki
Dotonbori is home to many famous and delicious takoyaki shops! Here are three highly recommended places to try:
●Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka Dotonbori
At Wanaka, you can enjoy takoyaki with Osaka’s unique texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They also offer an eat-in space, so you can enjoy the piping hot takoyaki right there. A notable point is their tasting menu, which allows you to try different flavors like the classic sauce, soy sauce, salt, and mentaiko mayo. Why not step out of the usual and give them a try?
※For more details, visit the official site of Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka.
●Tako-ya Dotonbori Kukuru Main Store
Kukuru is known for its long lines and the famous “Surprise Takoyaki,” which features giant octopus legs sticking out of the takoyaki! It’s hearty and popular for a reason—definitely worth a try. They also offer a wide variety of unique flavors, including mochi, cheese, tuna, pork, and bacon. You can even opt for a tasting menu if you’re in the mood to sample multiple flavors!
※For more details, visit the official site of Tako-ya Dotonbori Kukuru.
●Takoyaki Juuhachiban Dotonbori
A popular choice among international visitors, Juuhachiban’s takoyaki is known for its crunchy texture, thanks to the abundant tempura bits inside. The salt flavor comes highly recommended and is a favorite among customers! Their popular “Half & Half” menu lets you enjoy both the sauce-mayo and salt flavors in one order. You can get either an 8-piece or 10-piece set, perfect for sharing with friends!
※For more details, visit the official site of Takoyaki Juuhachiban Dotonbori.
Don’t Forget to Snap a Photo with the Glico Sign!
When in Dotonbori, Osaka, you can’t miss the iconic Glico sign! First installed in 1935, this sign has long been a famous photo spot representing Osaka. The classic shot is taken from Ebisu Bridge, but since it’s a well-known location, it can get crowded. If that’s the case, consider taking your photo from the walkway just below Ebisu Bridge or from the opposite side at the Tombori Walk!
You can also capture a different angle from the Korean cosmetics and organic cosmetics specialty store, nanohana Ebisu bashi Store! Just be sure to follow the store’s rules when taking your photos!
※For more details, visit the official site of nanohana Ebisu bashi Store.
Explore Osaka’s Streets by Boat! Cruise Tours
Osaka was once known as the “City of Water,” making the leisurely sightseeing boats a unique experience in the city! With various cruise options available, be sure to choose one that piques your interest and enjoy a journey on the water.
In addition to Dotonbori, you can also cruise towards Nakano Island or Universal Studios Japan (USJ), providing an alternative mode of transportation compared to other public transit options!
※For more details, please contact the individual cruise companies.
From Namba, where Dotonbori is located, you can reach It’ ta de JPN at the nearest station, JR Anjigawaguchi Station, in about 20 to 30 minutes (depending on the route you take). The convenient access makes it easy to get there, so be sure to use this option!
A recommended route is as follows:
Hankyu Namba Line, Osaka Namba Station ⇒ Hankyu Namba Line / JR Nishikujō Station ⇒ JR Anjigawaguchi Station.
Day 2: Enjoy the Ancient Capital of “Kyoto” from Morning
Travel from JR Anjigawaguchi Station to JR Kyoto Station in about 50 minutes.
★You can find the recommended route for visiting Higashi Hongan-ji Temple → Kiyomizu-dera Temple → Yasaka Shrine → Kennin-ji Temple in this article!
If you're coming all the way to Osaka, why not include a trip to ...
Nijo Castle (Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 3 hours)
From JR Kyoto Station, take city bus number 9, and you’ll arrive in about 20 minutes!
Nijo Castle was used as a lodging place by Tokugawa Ieyasu and is a valuable historical structure featuring the National Treasure of Ninomaru Palace, various cultural assets, and scenic spots. In 1994, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the Cultural Heritage of Ancient Kyoto.
The highlight of Nijo Castle is undoubtedly the National Treasure, Ninomaru Palace! It has 33 rooms and spans approximately 800 tatami mats, making it a very spacious area.
The palace features wall paintings by a renowned group of Japanese artists active from the Azuchi to the Edo period, brilliant-colored sculptures, and luxurious gold decorations—truly a sight worth seeing! Additionally, the corridors of the palace are designed with “uguisu-bari,” which makes a sound resembling a chirping bird when walked upon, providing a delightful auditory experience.
The gardens, which change with the seasons, are also highly recommended! In particular, the special scenic spot, Ninomaru Garden, adjacent to Ninomaru Palace, is said to recreate the mountain of Hōrai, where immortals reside, featuring a shoin-style garden. You can enjoy the beauty of the garden from every angle, making it one of the most popular gardens in Kyoto.
※For more details, please check the official website of Nijo Castle.
Kyoto Imperial Palace (Approx. 1 hour)
From Nijo Castle, you can reach the Kyoto Imperial Palace by bus or train. This building has a long history, having served as the imperial residence for over 500 years. The vast grounds, measuring 250 meters east to west and 450 meters north to south, contain many elegant buildings, making it a valuable historical site.
Currently, admission is free, and visitors can tour the palace without prior reservation. However, please note that guided tours are conducted by staff members, and there is a designated route for public access.
One of the highlights of the Kyoto Imperial Palace is the gisyu-mon, which you pass through to see the okuruma-yose. This entrance was used exclusively by those permitted to ascend to the palace. Afterward, you’ll find the Shodai no Ma, a waiting area for official visitors. This area includes the Tora no Ma, Tsuru no Ma, and Sakura no Ma, which served as waiting rooms for individuals of varying status.
The sinmi-kuruma-yose, built during the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Taisho in 1915, is designed to accommodate both horse-drawn carriages and automobiles, making it a more modern structure.
Another must-see is the Shishinden, the most prestigious building in the Kyoto Imperial Palace! Shishinden is a raised-floor palace where very important ceremonies, such as enthronement, take place. It features a spacious room with wooden flooring, home to the Takamikura, the throne for the emperor, which stands about 5 meters high, and the mityou-dai, the throne for the empress.
There are still many more highlights to discover. The otune-goten, the largest building within the palace grounds, is visited toward the end of the guided tour. This area has served as the emperor’s residence for daily life since the Muromachi period.
With its rich history, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a spot you should definitely visit when in Kyoto!
※For more details, please check the official website of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Two Must-Try Lunch Spots Near Kyoto Imperial Palace
After exploring Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace in the morning, you’ll likely be ready for a delicious lunch. Luckily, there are many fantastic restaurants around the area. Here are two highly recommended spots!
●Hachidaime Gihey
A very popular spot for lunch in Kyoto, so reservations are essential—but it’s definitely worth it! The specialty at Hachidaime Gihey is their rice. Only rice chosen by a certified rice master is used, and they are dedicated to serving rice that has been cooked within 10 minutes of preparation. Each lunch set looks incredibly appetizing, and you might have trouble deciding which one to choose. Plus, rice refills are free, and for an additional charge, you can even switch to a tamago kake gohan (rice topped with raw egg).
※For more information, check out the official Hachidaime Gihey website.
●Steakhouse Pound Main Store
If you’re in the mood for aged wagyu steak, Steakhouse Pound Main Store is the place to go. Located just a 2-minute walk from Marutamachi Subway Station, it’s a convenient stop after visiting Kyoto Imperial Palace. Their lunch menu offers reasonably priced options for delicious aged beef. The most popular dish is the Aged Wagyu Steak Bowl, which is limited in quantity but worth the reservation. Don’t miss this spot during your visit to Kyoto Imperial Palace!
※For more information, check out the official Steakhouse Pound Main Store website.
Shimogamo Shrine (Time Required: About 2 Hours)
You can easily reach Shimogamo Shrine from Kyoto Imperial Palace by bus. This shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also famous for hosting one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, the Aoi Matsuri. Shimogamo Shrine is surrounded by the Tadasu no Mori, a beautiful forest that offers a refreshing nature-filled atmosphere as you walk through the grounds. The shrine is believed to provide various blessings, such as protection from illness, safe childbirth, and warding off evil. There are also many smaller shrines on the grounds that focus on blessings for women, including protection, beauty, and good fortune in relationships.
One highly recommended spot is Kawai Shrine, a sub-shrine of Shimogamo, known for its “Beauty Prayers.” Here, you can find an ema (votive plaque) in the shape of a mirror with a face drawn on it. Visitors are encouraged to decorate the ema to resemble their own face using the pens provided or even their personal makeup products. It’s said that by doing so, your outer beauty will be enhanced. Additionally, if you write your wish and name on the back and offer it at the shrine, it is believed to bring not only physical beauty but also inner beauty.
Make sure to stop by Kawai Shrine when you visit Shimogamo Shrine!
※For more information, check out the official Shimogamo Shrine website.
●Kamo Mitarashi Chaya
After visiting Shimogamo Shrine, make sure to stop by Kamo Mitarashi Chaya, a must-visit spot! This traditional teahouse, established in 1922, is famous for its delicious mitarashi dango (rice dumplings with sweet soy glaze). Interestingly, the origin of mitarashi dango is said to be Shimogamo Shrine itself. The dango’s shape is inspired by the bubbles that form in the water of Mitarashi Pond in the Tadasu no Mori forest within the shrine grounds.
The freshly made mitarashi dango is absolutely exquisite, and the shop is always bustling with customers. While there is often a line, it’s well worth the wait to enjoy these tasty treats. For those short on time, they also offer takeout, so you can grab some to enjoy on the go!
※For more details, check out the Kamo Mitarashi Chaya page on Tabelog.
Dinner Recommendations Near Kyoto Station
After visiting Shimogamo Shrine, it’s likely close to dinner time. From Shimogamo Shrine, it takes about 40 minutes to reach JR Kyoto Station. How about a plan where you enjoy a delicious dinner near the station and then head back to It’ ta de JPN? Here are two great places near JR Kyoto Station for a satisfying dinner:
●Kyoryori Eiju-an
Located in the station building, Kyoryori Eiju-an offers a true taste of Kyoto’s culinary culture with a view of the city at night. The open kitchen provides a lively atmosphere where you can watch the chefs in action, adding a special touch to the dining experience. Their set meals include dishes like miso-marinated and oak-leaf wrapped delicacies, accompanied by rice cooked in an earthenware pot. You can also enjoy classic Japanese sides like simmered vegetables, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), and miso soup.
※For more details, visit the Kyoryori Eiju-an official website.
●Manzara Ekiyoko Kushi to Sake
Hidden in a quiet alley next to Kyoto Station, Manzara Ekiyoko Kushi to Sake is a Kyoto-style townhouse offering a cozy, secretive dining experience. As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in skewers and sake. You can enjoy both standard and seasonal skewers, along with unique combinations of meat and vegetables. Each skewer is carefully prepared, with the perfect balance of flavors from the ingredients. The warm, traditional atmosphere makes this spot a perfect way to wrap up your day in Kyoto.
※For more details, visit the Manzara Ekiyoko Kushi to Sake official website.
Day 3: Have a Blast at USJ!
From JR Ajikawaguchi Station to JR Universal City Station, it’s just one stop—1 minute!
That’s how close Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is to It’ ta de JPN. In Osaka, locals affectionately call it “Univa.” You can enjoy an entire day at USJ, from the moment it opens in the morning to when it closes at night.
As one of the world’s most famous theme parks, it attracts countless visitors from Japan and abroad. Packed with attractions that immerse you in the world of movies, USJ offers endless fun for both kids and adults alike! Plus, with seasonal events throughout the year, it’s a place you can enjoy no matter when you visit. The recent opening of Super Nintendo World has boosted the excitement, featuring attractions based on classic games like Super Mario, beloved by both kids and adults. In late 2024, a new Donkey Kong area is set to open, making this section even more popular!
Seasonal events make each visit special. In spring, there are Easter celebrations and collaborations with famous anime. Summer brings energetic parades, featuring many fan-favorite characters, and in 2024, a night event with global artists’ music had everyone dancing and singing.
For fall, USJ’s Halloween event is a massive hit! During the day, there’s a fun Pokémon Halloween show that’s perfect for kids. But as the night falls, the streets of USJ are swarmed with zombies, and the dance shows with collaborations from popular singers are a Halloween favorite. During Halloween, you’re welcome to wear costumes (as long as you follow the rules). Whether you’re coordinating outfits with friends or dressing as your favorite anime character, it’s a unique way to enjoy the park!
When winter arrives, the park transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland, with holiday decorations creating a warm and festive atmosphere. After Christmas, the New Year’s Countdown event kicks off, making USJ the perfect place to celebrate the end of the year. Imagine spending the day at USJ and returning to It’ ta de JPN for a cozy New Year’s break!
※Click here for information on nearby coin lockers and luggage storage near Universal Studios Japan.
Unwind After USJ: Head to the Hot Springs!
After a full day of fun at Universal Studios Japan, there’s no better way to relax than with a visit to Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu, a hot spring facility that prides itself on using 100% natural hot spring water. This facility offers not only hot springs but also a variety of restaurants serving Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, and even massage services to soothe your tired body.
To get there, simply take the free shuttle bus from Universal City Station to Ikkyu Onsen. After your relaxing bath, the shuttle can drop you off near Simple Heart Hotel, which is just a 4-minute walk from It’ ta de JPN. With your body refreshed and relaxed, you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest back at your accommodation.
※For more details on the free shuttle bus stops, visit the official site of Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu!
Day 4 (Final Day): Enjoy the Downtown Side of Osaka!
From JR Ajikawaguchi Station to JR Shin-Imamiya Station: Approximately 20 minutes
※There are plenty of lockers and luggage storage services around Shin-Imamiya Station. It’s helpful to check ahead for convenience!
On the final day, explore Osaka’s downtown district—Shinsekai! This area is home to iconic landmarks like Tsutenkaku Tower, delicious street food, and authentic Osaka souvenirs. Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of Osaka’s old town as a perfect way to wrap up your trip!
Tsutenkaku Tower
When you think of Osaka, Tsutenkaku Tower comes to mind! Situated in the heart of Shinsekai, this observation tower offers panoramic views of the city. Apart from the observation deck, there are displays showcasing the history of Shinsekai through dioramas, and a variety of souvenir shops to explore.
Recently, the new attraction “Dive & Walk” has gained popularity alongside the Tower Slider, attracting both locals and tourists from overseas!
※For more details, visit the official Tsutenkaku website.
Check out this article introducing Tsutenkaku! Stay updated with the latest information by reading it before you visit:
Tsutenkaku is a must-see when visiting Osaka. Situated in the hea...
Tasty and Cheap Street Food! Stroll through Janjan Yokocho
Just a short walk from Tsutenkaku, you’ll find the bustling shopping street known as Janjan Yokocho. The name comes from the sound of “shamisen” and drums that used to play during the post-war era to attract customers, with their “janjan” sounds echoing through the streets. While those sounds are gone, the energetic voices of the shopkeepers continue to fill the area.
Here, you can enjoy Osaka’s famous dishes like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), takoyaki, and even affordably priced sushi as you snack your way through the street. There are plenty of cheap and delicious places to eat, and many restaurants also serve alcohol during the day, making it a great spot for daytime drinks.
In recent years, the area has also become popular among younger crowds for its Instagram-worthy sweets and retro cafés.
This article provides more insight into the Shinsekai area. Be sure to check it out and use it as a guide for your trip!
● Enjoy the charm of the downtown area with the Hankai Tram! It t...
So Many Souvenirs in Osaka! Pick Something That Will Make Everyone Happy
The perfect way to end your trip is by choosing the right souvenirs! One of the most famous souvenirs from Osaka is the “Butaman” (pork bun) from 551 Horai. Each bun is handmade by skilled craftsmen at the store, committed to serving freshly made buns at all times.
Not only are the steaming hot pork buns delicious, but they also offer chilled versions that make perfect souvenirs. You can easily reheat them at home using a microwave or steamer and enjoy them as if they were freshly made!
Osaka also boasts a wide range of exclusive snacks and sweets. From takoyaki-flavored snacks to souvenirs themed after Tsutenkaku Tower or the iconic Billiken statue, there’s no shortage of fun and unique treats to take home!
You can also find plenty of Osaka-themed souvenirs not just in Shinsekai but at key transit hubs like Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Shin-Osaka Station. Be sure to take some time to browse through the many souvenir shops on your way back home!
This concludes our 3-night, 4-day ultimate travel guide through Osaka and Kyoto! We’ve also introduced other 3-night, 4-day itineraries packed with more Osaka experiences, so feel free to check them out. Additionally, you can explore our 2-night, 3-day or 4-night, 5-day plans. Tailor your journey to fit your schedule and enjoy every moment!
Check out the 3-night, 4-day itinerary to fully enjoy Osaka!
Let me introduce a 3-night, 4-day plan where you can fully enjoy...
