Itinerary Check – 1 week in Osaka/Kobe/Himeji

Hi Senpais, would like to get your thoughts on the below itinerary. I am a 30+ female travelling solo in the middle of June to Osaka, Kobe and Himeji.

I have toured Osaka before so I am mainly focusing on Kobe and Himeji for this trip. Are there any places in Kobe or Himeji a must see? Also, I am not sure about Day 5. Is Mount Rokko a must go? Is my itinerary to tight or too loose? Are there any other places that i should visit in Kobe, Arima Onsen and Himeji?

Would also like to know your suggestions on Made in Japan souvenirs (preferably practical, I am not really into decorations).

Day 1 (June 12, Wed): Osaka

* Upon arrival, travel by train from Kansai airport station to Namba station.
* Hotel is at exit 7. But use exit 5 or 10 for escalator

Morning: Arrive in Osaka, check-in, and freshen up.

Afternoon: Visit grounds of Osaka Castle and Kema Sakuranomiya Park

Evening: Explore Dotonbori district for dinner and vibrant nightlife.

Day 2 (June 13, Thu): Osaka

* Day tour: Miyama thatched village and amanohashidate (need to book)
* If cancelled consider go
* Shopping (Shin Osaka / Umeda
* Daiso (Shin Osaka)
* ABC mart
* Kobe Sanda Premium Outlet.

Evening: Explore the nightlife in Namba district.

Day 3 (June 14, Fri): Osaka

Morning: Visit the Shitenno-ji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan

-Buy Sukajan

Lunch

Afternoon: Explore the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and nearby Tempozan Harbor Village.

Dinner at Tempozan Harborland

Day 4 (June 15, Sat): Kobe

Morning: Travel to Kobe (Umeda to Kosoku Kobe station in Kobe)

Visit Maiko Marine Promenade (Near: Maiko STN) – 1.5 to 2hrs

 Minatogawa Jinja

*  Visit Chinatown, have breakfast there.
* try the Peking Duck Wrap.
* Pan fried Gyoza at Gyoza Gansoen

Dessert – Try Mont Blanc at Kurimatsu. Get the premium Tamba if avail.

 Afternoon: Explore

* Kobe Harborland and Meriken Park.
* Umie & Mosaic Shopping Mall
* Kobe port museum
* Ikuta Jinja

 Evening: Try Kobe beef at a local restaurant.

* Tor Aoyama Steakhouse, Reservations at 7pm (reserve done)

Day 5 (June 16, Sun): Kobe

Morning: Travel to Shin Kobe Station.        

– Take the Cable car to Nunobiki Herb Garden and Ropeway for panoramic views. (Round Trip Cable Car) – 2 hrs

– Travel to Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum (Shin Kobe Station)

 Afternoon:

 Dinner

Day 6 (June 17, Mon): Kobe

 Travel to arima onsen

Afternoon: Explore Arima Onsen

Evening: dinner Arima Onsen (Soba dosanjin)

Day 7 (June 18, Tue): Himeji

Morning: Travel to Himeji.

* Brunch Himeji Oden at Himeji station (food court) – in souvenir shop
* Snack: takoyaki @ tokopia in b1 Himeji Grand fiesta-

 Afternoon, Evening:

Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site & Explore the charming surroundings of Himeji Castle.

• Visit the beautiful Kokoen Garden near Himeji Castle.

* see hydrangeas

○ Adjacent to Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden has a dedicated hydrangea garden that’s especially picturesque in June.

Food: Isomarusuisan Himejimiyukidoriten – grill seafood (near Himeji station)

Snack: jokamachi-dog @ Yamasa Kamaboko Otemae

Day 8 (June 19, Wed): Osaka

* Depending on your departure time, you might have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploration.

* Brunch at Kuromon
* Travel to Namba Ocat for bus limo (maybe)

by KilokiPaw