Easy on the Pocket 5-Day Cebu-Osaka-Cebu DIY Itinerary

November 13, 2024 Andrew "Doyzkie" Buenaviaje

Did you know that Cebu Pacific Air now flies direct from Cebu to Osaka? This exciting new route makes it easier for Cebuanos to explore South Central Japan, turning a long weekend into a perfect opportunity for an unforgettable adventure! In less than 5 hours, you’ll step into the vibrant city of Osaka, ready to dive into its rich culture, lively streets, historic temples, and incredible food scene. This itinerary is designed to help first time visitors make the most of a long weekend, with seamless connections and easy access to Kyoto and Nara as well!

In this five-day itinerary, I’ll take you through Osaka’s must-see spots, a full day at Universal Studios Japan, a serene escape to Kyoto, and a visit with the friendly deers in Nara. From bustling markets to peaceful temples, this journey packs in the best of Japan’s Kansai region – all perfect for a long weekend away!

Day 1	Arrival & Explore Osaka
12:00AM	Check in for 5J Flight	via Cebu Pacific Air. Book tickets now via CebuPacificAir.com
2:40AM	Departure CEB-KIX
8:15AM	Arrive in Kansai Intl. Airport
9:00AM	Clear Immigration, grab quick breakfast at the train	Suggestion: Zetteria for the branch exclusive Okonomiyaki Burger? It’s at Aeroplaza, on the left side of the train station from the airport. https://maps.app.goo.gl/QMAfAWRro5MfrYUBA
9:45AM	Hop on the Train to Namba via Nankai Limited Express Rapid Ticket Price: P486 1-Day Unli Osaka Metro Pass : P312 (Keihan and Metro Train lines + Metro Buses) 3-day Unli JR Kansai Mini Pass: P1142 (bus, shinkansen and limited express trains are not included)	Save by prebooking via Klook. https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=54579&aff_adid=949082&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F599-kansai-airport-namba-train-ticket-osaka%2F%3Fspm%3DSearchResult.SearchResult_LIST%26clickId%3D7764b19776 Also, you may get the Osaka Metro pass for unlimited rides on Metro Osaka trains and buses for 1 Day: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=54579&aff_adid=949082&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F11515-osaka-metro-1-2-day-pass-osaka%2F%3Fspm%3DSearchResult.SearchResult_LIST%26clickId%3D99e58f356d Get the 3 day Unli JR Kansai Mini Pass here: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=54579&aff_adid=949082&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F18356-jr-kansai-mini-pass%2F%3Fspm%3DSearchResult.SearchResult_LIST%26clickId%3D8fd96a4dc2 Use Code DOYZKIEKLOOK to save even more!
10:30AM	Drop off luggage at hotel Price per night for 2 person: Starts at P2,000	if possible, check in early, or store bags. If hotel does not allow baggage drop off, coin lockers are available in Osaka Station. Hotel: Book here to save: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=54579&aff_adid=949082&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F696176-koko-hotel-osaka-namba%2F%3Fspm%3DSearchResult.SearchResult_LIST%26clickId%3D3517c4e1e8 Use Code DOYZKIEKLOOK to save more!
12:00PM	Lunch
12:30PM	Head to Osaka Castle Admission per person: P228	Book here to save: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=54579&aff_adid=949082&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F30110-osaka-castle-ticket%2F%3Fspm%3DSearchResult.SearchResult_LIST%26clickId%3D144a4b9346M Use Code DOYZKIEKLOOK to save more!
2:30PM	Shinsaibashi Street
5:00PM	Dotonbori
7:00PM	Dinner at Dotonbori	Yakiniku Kitan for the Combined multi-tieared Food box of seared and Sukiyaki Style Japanese Black Wagyu Aged Aitchbone Google map here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ESrP8BHKdK8UokQKA Price: 1,580Yen after tax (prices may change without prior notice. Note: you may also reserve a table ahead to skip the line
9:00PM	Check in at Hotel

Day 2	Universal Studios Japan
6:00AM	Breakfast	Beef bowl at Matsuya, Sukiya or Yoshinoya?
7:00AM	Head to Universal Studios Ticket price starts at P3232 per person	Book here to save: https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=54579&aff_adid=949082&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry%2F%3Fspm%3DSearchResult.SearchResult_LIST%26clickId%3D48063f7aec Use Code DOYZKIEKLOOK to save more!
8:00AM	Arrive at Universal Studios
6:00PM	Dinner Outside USJ, Tempozan Harbor Village near Osaka Aquarium or Dinner and shopping at Dotonbori
8:00PM	Return to the Hotel

Day 3	Kyoto Day Trip
7:30AM	Take a morning train to Kyoto (approx 15-30mins from Osaka via JR Line)	Start using the 3 day unli JR Kansai Mini pass Bus fares in Kyoto are excluded. Flat rate of 230yen per ride. Prepare exact amount. You may also get the 1-day unlimited Kyoto pass for 1,100yen per adult. 550Yen for children. Prices may change without prior notice.
8:30AM	Visit Fushimi Inari (Tori Gates)
10:30AM	Travel to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and enjoy views over Kyoto. You may also chill at Chill at Starbucks Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya (Starbucks in a traditional Japanese House) Gmaps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Po8YzspYPnuP5UdL9	Fees at the gate: 500Yen
12:30PM	Lunch in Gion District	Suggestion: My secret, favorite spot, a ramen place with no name. 😉 Unnamed Ramen! Check on google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bU95RCeyV7zWqCf66 Open from 11:30am-3:00pm, 6:00pm -9:00pm (time may change without prior notice)
2:00PM	Head to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple
3:00PM	Coffee at % Arabica
6:00PM	Kyoto Station for dinner	Suggestion: Katsukura Porta or Coco Ichibanya Katsukura Porta Tonkatsu Set – 1,800Yen +Tax Gmaps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oGu9V2wTYCDMvo1D9 Coco Ichi: https://maps.app.goo.gl/izvxqS4rXh27UGve9 Pork Cutlet Curry – 1,000Yen + Tax
7:00PM	Leave for Osaka	Use JR Line to make use of the Kansai Mini Pass. Be reminded that limited express and shinkansen trains are NOT INCLUDED in the pass. So ride the local, regular train.
8:00PM	Arrive at Hotel

Day 4	Nara & Osaka
7:00AM	Breakfast	Try Family Mart’s Famichiki and Tuna Onigiri. Have the Famima Iced Coffee too! 🙂
8:00AM	Take the train to Nara (About 45 minutes from Osaka Station)	Use JR Line to make use of the Kansai Mini Pass. Be reminded that limited express and shinkansen trains are NOT INCLUDED in the pass. So ride the local, regular train.
9:00AM	visit Nara Park to see deers and Todai-ji Temple	Bus rides are NOT INCLUDED in the Kansai Mini Pass. You may use your ICOCA or cash to pay for bus fares. Bus fare is at 210Yen per ride per person. Prepare exact amount. 1-day Unli Bus pass is also available at 500Yen ( 250 Yen for Children) and can be purchased at JR and Kintetsu Bus information Center. This covers the central locations around Nara Park, Naramachi, Yakushiji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and the Heijo Palace Site.
12:00PM	Lunch in Nara	Try the family restaurant, Gusto at Nara Station: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3FmjRpzaPDtGghMm6 Order their Hamburg Steak + the Unli Drink Bar
2:00PM	Return to Osaka	Use JR Line to make use of the Kansai Mini Pass. Be reminded that limited express and shinkansen trains are NOT INCLUDED in the pass. So ride the local, regular train.
3:00PM	Umeda Sky Building
5:00PM	Dinner
7:00PM	back at hotel

Day 5	Departure
4:30AM	Early Check out
5:00AM	Catch Train to KIX Airport Hop on the Train to Namba via Nankai Limited Express Rapid Ticket Price: P486 First train leaves at 5:19am from Osaka Station. Next leaves at 5:30am	Book here to save: Use Code DOYZKIEKLOOK to save more!
6:00AM	Arrive in KIX
9:00AM	Depart from Osaka

With Osaka now just a direct flight away, a long weekend is all you need to explore the highlights of South Central Japan. Whether it’s the iconic lights of Dotonbori, the tranquil beauty of Kyoto, or the thrill of Universal Studios, this itinerary brings together the best experiences for an unforgettable mini get-away. So book that roundtrip Cebu Pacific Air Cebu to Osaka flight now and get ready to discover the charm of Japan!