Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
discover Discover

Osaka & Nara, Japan — Perfected First-Timer Itinerary
Flag: Japan emoji 23 items
By
kasie (approved) profile picture
kasie (approved)
EVERYTHING I did after weeks of research to maximize my two week first-timer Japan group trip to Osaka/Nara → Kyoto → Tokyo (Each location has its own itinerary) 🇯🇵 Every stop is listed in the exact order — so you can follow along step-by-step ♥
Sections
6
 
Prep Your Trip
 
DAY 1
 
DAY 2
 
DAY 3
 
DAY 4 — NARA
 
Next Stop, Kyoto & Tokyo?

Prep Your Trip

Before you even step on the plane, essentials that made my Japan trip so much smoother

 
kasie (approved) profile picture
I've used this for multiple travels/trips • Perfect for long trips when you're out all day
Portable Battery Power Bank, Dual USB-C + USB port
placeholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
If you're going during cold season (which we did, January) I used vacuum seal travel packs for puffers/jackets to increase space
Vacuum Travel Bags Combo — 6 Pack
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Reused for multiple travels/trips • Opens from the back & SO spacious — I never used my purse in Japan, I would also place a tote bag inside so save for shopping/buys
molshine — Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Digital tap metro card • Cannot travel in Japan without it!
Suica | Digital Metro Card
placeholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Review for extra notes + tips ♡
READ: My Extra Tips
placeholderplaceholder

DAY 1

Half-day which gives you time to travel from Haneda Airport → Shinkansen Bullet train + check into Airbnb

 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Modern stay • FREE Luggage Storage • Convenient location & walkable to nearby restaurants • Filtered water downstairs • Washer only, balcony avail to dry • 7-11 across the street!
Airbnb: Aparthotel in Chuo Ward · 2 bedroom/4 beds /1 bath
placeholderplaceholder

DAY 2

Full day ◡̈ Quick & easy breakfast/coffee at Yoshinoya or 7-11 or local → Get exploring!

 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Famous landmark & Osaka Must-See • Tully's Coffee in Park for coffee, matcha, & pastries
Osaka Castle Park
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Owner: Toyoji Chikumoto • Featured chef on Netflix • Check IG @izakayatoyo for daily updates • Opens at ~1pm, get in line!
Izakaya Toyo
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Sumiyoshi Taisha, established in the 3rd century, is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines!
Sorihashi Bridge - Sumiyoshi Taisha
placeholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Admission $17 •Tallest building in all of Japan • 60th floor, panoramic view • Reserve sunset • Closed window so not windy/cold at top
Harukas 300 Observatory
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
The Glico Running Man — based Filipino Sprinter from Tolosa, Leyte • Mascot for Glico candy company
Dotonbori - Glico Man Sign
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
$7 INCREDIBLE tonkotsu ramen (rich, creamy pork-based broth)
Ichiran Ramen - Dotonbori
placeholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Famous Japanese arcade chain • Enjoy karaoke, bowling alleys, & entertainment • Walkable back to Airbnb!
Round One Osaka Arcade
placeholderplaceholder

DAY 3

Full day ◡̈ Quick & easy breakfast/coffee at Yoshinoya or 7-11 or local → Get exploring!

 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Namba Yasaka Jinja is renowned for its iconic lion-shaped stage, which stands 12 meters high & 11 meters wide.
Namba Yasaka Jinja
placeholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Free admission • Make your own custom noodle cup along with flavor + toppings
Cup Noodles Museum
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Admission ~3,000 ($20) • Hours: 10:30am - 8pm
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Walkable from Airbnb • Endless shopping ◡̈
Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
No-Face Spirited Away & Totoro photo op • 6th floor of Shinsaibashi Parco • Right on the shopping street!
Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Store)
placeholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Upstairs from Studio Ghibli Store, 12th floor!
Pokemon Center Osaka
placeholderplaceholderplaceholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
~ $100 omakase dinner • Michelin Bib Gourmand • Reserve tickets prior!
Sushi Chiharu - Omakase
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder

DAY 4 — NARA

OSAKA 大阪 ➡ NARA DEER PARK • My group used the Airbnb's free luggage storage (free for the day, just do not leave overnight!) • Metro: Osaka Station → Nara Deer Park ( ~ 1 hour)

 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Buy crackers 200 yen ($1.5) • They actually bow! • Feed crackers & stroll around park ◡̈
Nara Bowing Deer Park
placeholderplaceholderplaceholderplaceholder

Next Stop, Kyoto & Tokyo?

My group did two weeks in Japan by going Osaka/Nara → Kyoto → Tokyo 🇯🇵 Each location has its own itinerary!

 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Visit this link for FULL itinerary
CLICK LINK 🔗 Kyoto, Japan — Perfected First-Timer Itinerary
placeholder
 
kasie (approved) profile picture
Visit this link for FULL itinerary
CLICK LINK 🔗 Tokyo, Japan — Perfected First-Timer Itinerary
placeholder