Welcome to the Kansai region, a captivating corner of Japan where ancient history, culinary excellence, and modern vibrancy converge. This 10-day itinerary is your ultimate guide to the Kansai Triangle, a journey that will take you through the serene temple gardens of Kyoto, into the electric, food-fueled streets of Osaka, and among the sacred, bowing deer of Nara. Using Osaka as our primary base, we will embark on a comprehensive exploration that balances iconic landmarks with local discoveries, from the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine to the thrilling rides of Universal Studios Japan, with delicious detours for world-class wagyu in Kobe and exquisite matcha in Uji.

This plan is designed for deep immersion, allowing you to spend several days in each key location to truly soak in the atmosphere. Prepare for an adventure that will engage all your senses, from the quiet contemplation of a Zen garden to the sizzle of an okonomiyaki griddle and the neon glow of Dotonbori's famous Glico Man. Pack your most comfortable shoes and an empty stomach—your unforgettable journey through Japan's cultural heartland begins now.

Your journey begins in Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital. Dedicate your first two days to the city's eastern and southern highlights. Start at the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on a hillside with stunning views. From there, wander down the atmospheric stone-paved lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, lined with traditional shops. Continue to Yasaka Shrine and the famous Gion district, where you might catch a glimpse of a geisha in the evening.

On the second day, head south to the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that create a mesmerizing tunnel up the mountainside. Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds. In the afternoon, return to central Kyoto to explore Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," before taking a relaxing stroll along the banks of the Kamo River (Kamogawa).

For meals, Kyoto offers a wealth of options. Consider trying Kyoto Katsugyu for its delicious fried beef cutlets, which you can sear to your liking on a personal hot stone. For a unique drink, stop by GOKAGO near Kiyomizu-dera for their famous matcha latte. A fantastic dinner option is Yakiniku Hiro in the Pontocho alley, a spot highly recommended by locals for its exquisite wagyu sets.

Spend your third day exploring the scenic Arashiyama district in western Kyoto. Walk through the famous Bamboo Grove and visit the serene gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple. While in Arashiyama, be sure to sample some local treats. Kyozuan is famous for its rich tofu-flavored ice cream, and Nakamura-ya serves up a delicious meat-filled croquette that is juicy and satisfying.

On day four, take a half-day trip to Uji, a small city renowned for producing some of Japan's finest green tea. Visit the stunning Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured on the 10-yen coin. The main event for any foodie is indulging in the local matcha. Head to the famous Nakamura Tokichi for their legendary matcha parfait, served in a bamboo tube, or visit Ito Kyuemon's main store to try unique dishes like matcha curry noodles. After your matcha pilgrimage, return to Kyoto. For dinner, treat yourself to a luxurious sukiyaki meal at Okutan, located near Nanzen-ji Temple. They are known for their delicious and comforting hot pot.

Today, take a day trip to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, before moving your base to Osaka for the remainder of your trip. The journey from Kyoto is quick and easy. The main attraction is the expansive Nara Park, which is free to enter and home to hundreds of wild sika deer. These deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods and have become a symbol of the city. You can purchase special deer crackers (shika senbei) from vendors to feed them, and many have famously learned to bow their heads to ask for a treat. Be mindful that they are wild animals and can be quite assertive when they know you have food!

While in the park, visit the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant bronze Buddha statue inside one of the world's largest wooden buildings. Also, explore the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns. After a full day of history and nature, take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Osaka. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for the next leg of your adventure.

Dedicate a full day to the thrills and fantasy of Universal Studios Japan (USJ). To get there, take the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal-City Station. While some swear by the 'top-door rush'—arriving hours before opening to be first in line—others find that a more relaxed start preserves energy. If you arrive after the initial rush, your first priority upon entering should be to open the official USJ app and secure a timed-entry ticket for Super Nintendo World.

Must-do attractions include:

• Super Nintendo World: Step into a real-life video game. The must-do rides are Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge and the thrilling Donkey Kong's Crazy Mine Cart. Yoshi's Adventure offers a gentler, scenic tour.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: The main attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is an immersive flight through Hogwarts that has moved visitors to tears.
• Thrill Rides: For adrenaline junkies, The Flying Dinosaur and the reverse 'Backdrop' version of Hollywood Dream – The Ride are essential.

To maximize your time without an Express Pass, make use of the Single Rider Line, which is available for most major attractions. For lunch, the pizza set from the restaurant across from the Jaws attraction is a delicious and popular option.

Today is dedicated to a food lover's pilgrimage to the nearby city of Kobe. The main event, of course, is indulging in world-famous Kobe beef. For an authentic and high-quality experience, make a reservation at a renowned restaurant like Steak Ishida or Kobe Wagyu Yakiniku Need. The beef is described as incredibly tender and delicious, a melt-in-your-mouth experience that lives up to its legendary reputation. Opting for a lunch set can often be a more affordable way to enjoy this luxurious meal.

While beef is the star, Kobe has more to offer. For a more casual but equally satisfying meal, visit Grill Ippei. This spot is a local favorite, known for its authentic and delicious omurice (egg-wrapped rice) and fragrant curry rice. If you're traveling with children, a visit to the Anpanman Museum is a must. Here you can find an adorable bakery selling bread shaped like the beloved characters—a souvenir that's both fun and tasty.

Spend today exploring Osaka's historic landmarks and unique neighborhoods. Start your morning at Osaka Castle Park. While there's a fee to enter the main tower, the surrounding park is free to explore. Admire the majestic castle from the outside and take note of the immense stone walls, many of which are carved with the family crests of the feudal lords who helped build them.

In the afternoon, head to the Shinsekai district, a captivating time capsule of Showa-era charm. With the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower at its center, this area is famous for its colorful, larger-than-life signage and retro atmosphere. For dinner, stay in Shinsekai and indulge in kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), the area's signature dish. The streets are lined with old, famous, and affordable shops serving this quintessential Osaka comfort food. Just remember the golden rule: no double-dipping in the communal sauce pot!

Today is dedicated to exploring Umeda, Osaka's sophisticated northern hub. The area is a massive complex of interconnected department stores and malls, so a good strategy is essential. Stay on the ground level or use the 2nd-floor pedestrian walkways to navigate, using the major buildings as landmarks.

Start your shopping at luxury giants like the Hankyu Umeda Main Store or Daimaru Umeda. For contemporary Japanese fashion, LUCUA and LUCUA 1100 are the go-to spots. For lunch, explore the legendary basement food halls (depachika) of Hankyu or Hanshin department stores. A must-try is the viral fried chicken wings from CHICKEN DELI TORIYOSHI in Hankyu's B1 level.

In the afternoon, get a bird's-eye view of the city from the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory. The ascent via the suspended escalators is a thrill in itself. Umeda is also a pop culture paradise; the 13th floor of Daimaru Umeda houses the official Nintendo Store and a Pokémon Center. For dinner, the 8th floor of the Yodobashi Camera building has a great restaurant zone, including the popular yakiniku spot Gyuta Honjin.

Spend your final day immersed in the electric heart of southern Osaka. Start at the Namba Yasaka Shrine, famous for its giant, 12-meter-tall lion-head-shaped building. From there, dive into the Shinsaibashi-suji shopping arcade for last-minute souvenir hunting. Don't miss Shinsaibashi PARCO's 6th floor, a paradise of official character stores like Sanrio, Studio Ghibli, and Chiikawa.

For your farewell meal, Dotonbori offers the ultimate kuidaore experience. Grab some classic takoyaki (octopus balls) from a street vendor. For a final, memorable sit-down dinner, consider a high-quality yakiniku meal at a spot like Namba Kuromoge Wagyu Yakiniku Kasumi, known for its dramatic flame-grilled presentations and thick-cut beef tongue. As evening falls, take one last walk along the canal to see the iconic Glico Running Man sign in all its neon glory, a perfect send-off from Japan's Kitchen.