Osaka to Kyoto: A 1-night, 2-day travel itinerary

Exploring three cities in just one and a half days Day 1: Osaka Castle + Universal Studios 08:30 Arrive at Osaka Castle Park • Take a leisurely stroll → Enter the main keep • Enjoy the gardens, bridges, cherry blossom paths, or autumn foliage within the park • Plenty of great photo spots! 10:30 Depart Osaka Castle → Head to Universal Studios • Train route: Tanimachi Yonchome Station → Transfer at Nishikujo Station → Universal City Station 11:30 Enter Universal Studios • Suggested route: Harry Potter Zone → Minions → Jurassic World → Mario World • Lunch: Food court or a reserved restaurant within the park • Allocate at least 6 hours, including shopping time 18:00 Exit the park → Dinner (restaurants around Universal CityWalk recommended) 19:00 Travel to Kyoto • Route: Universal City Station → Nishikujo Station → Osaka Station → Take JR Special Rapid Service to Kyoto Station (approx. 1 hour) 20:30 Check-in at Kyoto accommodation • Recommended: Stay in a charming place around Gion/Higashiyama • After check-in: Night stroll nearby or enjoy a beer from a convenience store Day 2: Kyoto's charming stroll 08:30 Stroll around Gion district • Quiet and peaceful in the early morning • Consider booking a kimono experience if interested 10:00 Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple • Take your time exploring the alleys, tea houses, and shops along the way • Don’t miss taking photos at the temple’s observation deck 12:00 Stroll through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka alleys • Explore traditional tea houses, souvenir shops, and pottery stores 13:00 Lunch: Matcha specialty café or tofu cuisine restaurant • Examples: Iori Café, Yudofuya Okamura 14:30 Head to Kyoto Station → Airport or return to Osaka Travel Summary • Day 1: Osaka Castle → Universal Studios → Travel to Kyoto • Day 2: Kyoto stroll → Kyoto Station → Departure