Can I have your insights and comments about my planned itinerary. I would really appreciate if you can point me to a good local souvenir shops and place to eat around the area. I love curry and yakiniku.
Any suggestion for revisions or must-try places would be nice. Thank you!
For context: I am a male solo traveler in my early 20s.
Oct 6 (Sun) – Kyoto Central
Mt. Kurama and Kifune
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Explore Downtown and Nishiki Market
Dinner: Pontocho Alley (yakitori or kaiseki)
Oct 7 (Mon) – Kyoto East
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Kiyomizudera Temple
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka stroll
Gion District
Yasaka Shrine at night
Oct 8 (Tue) – West Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Tenryu-ji Temple
Sagano Train or Monkey Park
Kinkaku-ji
Oct 9 (Wed) – Nara + Transfer to Osaka
Morning train to Nara (Kintetsu or JR)
Visit Nara Park + Tōdaiji Temple
Try viral mochi (Nakatanidou)
Afternoon: Head to Osaka (check in)
Namba Yasaka Shrine
First walk in Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi
Oct 10 (Thu) – Osaka Amazing Pass Day
Osaka Castle + Museum + Castle cruise
HEP Five Ferris Wheel
Umeda Sky BuildingTsutenkaku Tower + Slider
Tombori River Cruise
Dinner in Dotonbori
Oct 11 (Fri) – Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Arrive early
Explore Super Nintendo World
The Flying Dinosaur, Hollywood Dream: Backdrop, Jaws, Spider-Man
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Oct 12 (Sat) – Pop Culture & Shopping
BIC Camera
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
PARCO Mall
Explore Amerikamura
Visit Shinsekai (street food & retro vibes)
Oct 13 (Sun) – Departure Day
Brunch in Namba
Last-minute shopping (Don Quijote, Uniqlo, GU)
Head to Kansai Airport by 4:30–5:00 PM
by canonjunk