Osaka, Japan
Day 1 - Arrival and Namba Nights
Morning: Settle into your hotel near Namba and drop off your luggage. Then walk to the Dotonbori canal to see the famous Glico running man sign and the giant crab restaurant.
Afternoon: Explore the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade and the nearby American Village, all within a short walk. Stop at a street stall for hot takoyaki.
Evening: Enjoy kushikatsu skewers in Shinsekai, a short subway ride away, then return to Dotonbori to see the lights reflected on the river.
Day 2 - Castle and Umeda
Morning: Take the subway to Osaka Castle and stroll through the grounds. Climb the main tower for views over the moats and the city.
Afternoon: Walk to Nakanoshima Park along the river, then visit the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, which is right beside it. Take your time and enjoy the calm green space.
Evening: Head to Umeda and ride the open-air escalator at the Umeda Sky Building. Watch the sunset over the city from the rooftop observatory.
Day 3 - Day Trip to Kyoto
Morning: Take the JR Special Rapid train from Osaka to Kyoto, which takes about 30 minutes. Start early at Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk up the mountain through the thousands of red torii gates.
Afternoon: Take a bus or taxi to Kiyomizu-dera temple and wander the preserved Higashiyama streets. Stop for matcha sweets and browse the traditional shops along the way.
Evening: Return to Osaka by train and have a relaxed dinner in Namba, sharing dishes with good company before resting.
Day 4 - Tennoji and Shinsekai
Morning: Walk through Tennoji Park to Shitennoji, one of Japan's oldest temples, which is only a short distance from Tennoji Station.
Afternoon: Visit Tsutenkaku Tower and explore the retro streets of Shinsekai nearby. Look for the lively shops and old-fashioned arcades.
Evening: Eat dinner at a Shinsekai izakaya, then enjoy the neon glow of the district before heading back to your hotel.
Day 5 - Market and Bayside
Morning: Start your day at Kuromon Ichiba Market, sampling fresh seafood, grilled wagyu skewers, and seasonal fruit from the stalls.
Afternoon: Take a short train ride to Sumiyoshi Taisha, a shrine known for its arched bridge and peaceful grounds. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
Evening: Travel to the Osaka Bay area and visit the Kaiyukan aquarium, then ride the Tempozan Ferris wheel for a view of the harbor at night.
Day 6 - Last Day and Departure
Morning: Enjoy a slow breakfast near your hotel, then pick up last-minute souvenirs from the shops in Namba or Shinsaibashi.
Afternoon: Visit a local department store for snacks and regional treats, then return to your hotel to pack your bags and rest.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner of okonomiyaki in Dotonbori, then take the train or limousine bus to Kansai International Airport for your flight home.