14-Day Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kobe and Back to Tokyo (Part 3)

🔖 12 min readDay 10: Universal Studios Japan – Full-Throttle Fun

Theme park days are always a rollercoaster (figuratively and literally), but if there’s one thing you should know before heading to Universal Studios Japan (USJ), it’s this: locker space inside the park is a blood sport.

Most visitors don’t realise just how limited and finicky USJ’s in-park lockers are until they’re already through the gates. While there are some small coin lockers near the entrance, the larger, all-day options are few and in high demand—especially if you’re arriving even a minute past rope-drop. By mid-morning, they’re usually full. And unless you fancy lugging your bag onto roller coasters or babysitting your souvenirs all day, you’re in for a frustrating start.

We weren’t about to let locker roulette derail our day of thrill rides and wizardry, so we planned ahead. Bounce to the rescue.

Just across the road from USJ, tucked behind a convenience store and hiding in plain sight, we found the Yamato Osaka Konohana Store (Universal) Bounce partner. Booking it on the app while en route was easy as usual – it took under a minute. We dropped our bags, grabbed our QR code, and were on our way. No lines, no locker stress, no coin fumbling. Just smooth, seamless storage that let us dive into the fun without missing a beat.

We waltzed straight into the park like pros and hit the ground running. First stop? The Flying Dinosaur. This ride doesn’t just lift you—it launches you. Suspended face-down, we soared above the park, arms flailing, lungs screaming, hearts racing. It’s the kind of ride that resets your adrenaline clock in the best way possible.

Next, we got absolutely drenched on Jurassic Park River Adventure, just in time to dry off under the blazing Osaka sun. Then came Hollywood Dream: The Ride, which let us pick our soundtrack as we soared backwards (yes, backwards) through a cloud of pure euphoria. Mine? A BTS anthem. No regrets.

But if we’re being honest, the crown jewel of USJ is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. From the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade to the towering silhouette of Hogwarts Castle, it was spellbinding. We bought interactive wands at Ollivanders, chugged frothy Butterbeer like sugar-deprived house elves, and screamed like kids through Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey—a mind-bending, motion-simulated masterpiece that made us feel like we were dodging Dementors in real time.

For lunch, we went full chaos mode with Minion-themed curry and Takoyaki Pizza, which might sound like a fever dream but somehow worked. That’s Osaka for you—chaotic, clever, and delicious in the weirdest ways.

By 6 p.m., our feet were toast, our camera rolls full, and our hearts pounding with joy. We picked up our bags from Bounce with zero hassle and hopped back to our hotel feeling like theme park legends. If we’d wasted even 30 minutes stressing about in-park lockers, that precious Harry Potter window might’ve been gone—and that’s not a gamble we were willing to take.

Pro Tip: Don’t rely on park lockers at USJ. Book a Bounce spot just outside the gates and make your day truly magical.

Image Credit: Osaka Tickets

Day 11: Kobe – Wagyu, Waterfronts, and Stylish Surprises
Morning: Scenic Sips and Sea Breezes

For our last day in Kansai, we set off for a full day in Kobe—an underrated coastal gem that effortlessly blends elegance, history, and culinary fame. The short train ride swept us from the energy of Osaka into Kobe’s ocean-kissed calm, where sleek architecture met mountain backdrops.

We began at Harborland, where glassy shopfronts reflect the sea and the iconic Kobe Port Tower rises like a modern lighthouse. The boardwalk buzzed gently with café chatter and families cycling by. But beneath the beauty lies a sobering history.

Image Credit: Trip To Japan

Our next stop brought that history to life: the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake Memorial. Preserved in peaceful solemnity, this site remains a moving tribute to the nearly 6,500 lives lost during the devastating quake. Cracked pavements, warped lampposts, and photos of the aftermath offer a poignant reminder of the fragility of cities and the resilience of the people who rebuild them. We lingered in silence, humbled by the scale of loss – and strength.

From there, we took a short uphill stroll to the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan District, a neighbourhood steeped in the legacy of international influence. These former foreign residences, built during Kobe’s opening as an international port, sit tucked into the hillside, their red brick facades and European flourishes a reminder of the city’s cosmopolitan roots. Wandering past grand colonial homes with names like “Weathercock House” and “Moegi House,” we felt like time travelers navigating the overlap of East and West.

Afternoon: The Main Event – Kobe Beef Feast

You can’t visit Kobe without indulging in the delicacy that put the city on the global food map: Kobe beef. We chose the storied Mouriya Honten, and from the moment we stepped into its refined wooden interiors, we knew we were in for something extraordinary.

At the counter, the chef’s every move was a performance—graceful, precise, and intoxicating to watch. Marbled A5 Wagyu sizzled softly on the teppan grill, the aroma wafting like a culinary siren song. We tried it every way possible: sashimi-style slices that melted like butter, seared cubes served with a dusting of sea salt, and paper-thin shabu-shabu in a delicate dashi broth.

Each bite was its own revelation—silky, rich, umami-laden, with a depth of flavour that stayed on your tongue long after you’d swallowed. We were euphoric. We waddled out in a blissed-out haze, Kobe beef now permanently etched into our souls (and taste buds).

Image Credit: ANtonio V (from Tripadvisor)

Evening: Osaka Redux – Beats, Vibes & One More Night to Remember

Back in Osaka with bellies full of Kobe beef babies, the sun dipped low as we headed to America-mura (Amemura), the city’s eclectic hub of youth culture, vintage treasures, and alt-cool energy. Think punk rock fashion, tattoo parlours, moody cafés, and record shops that feel like secret lairs. Even after Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa and Koenji, Amemura held its own.

Image Credit: KKday Blog

But the true finale of our day awaited at Noon+Cafe—an edgy, art-driven venue that fuses gallery space, café culture, and nightlife into one effortlessly cool experience. Tucked into a quiet street in Nakazakicho beneath the elevated tracks, it felt like discovering a local secret. Inside, we sipped craft cocktails and let the ambient DJ set carry us through the evening, surrounded by Osaka’s creatives, travellers, and a few regulars who nodded to the beat like old souls.

As we walked back through the neon-lit streets of Osaka, with our hearts humming with jazz and techno, we couldn’t help but marvel at the rhythm of this journey. From earthquake memorials to melt-in-your-mouth steak, colonial villas to underground beats—Kobe had surprised us in all the right ways. And with Bounce keeping our day bag-free, we didn’t miss a single moment.

Day 12: Tokyo Again – Old Friends, New Corners

As we bid farewell to Kansai, there was a quiet thrill in returning to the capital. We said sayonara to Osaka’s warm chaos and Kyoto’s timeless charm—and konnichiwa again to the electric pulse of Kanto. The Shinkansen glided toward Tokyo like a silver arrow, and with every mile, we felt that familiar anticipation bubbling back up.

Before departure, we left our luggage with Bounce at our Osaka location and squeezed in a final snack raid at Eki Marché, stockpiling melon pan, karaage, and one last convenience store onigiri for the ride. The train, as ever, ran like a dream—on time, ultra-clean, and with Fuji flashing in the distance as if to wave goodbye.

When we arrived back at Tokyo Station, it was like seeing an old friend—you recognise the face but know there are still a thousand stories left to discover. We took a quick detour through the JR Rail gift store, emerging with Shinkansen keychains, miniature model trains, and exclusive merch we knew we’d regret not buying later.

First order of business: pick up the suitcase we’d stored at Big Echo Karaoke, that Bounce partner that had guarded our belongings while we were Osaka-bound with the kind of reliability that made us wish Bounce had been around for every trip we’ve ever taken.

Then we checked into our Tokyo hotel, tossed our luggage down, freshened up, and made a pact: today was for wrapping things up, tying loose ends, and giving Tokyo one last embrace.

Of course, there was the matter of our ever-growing pile of souvenirs…so in Osaka, we’d wisely bought a spare suitcase. This became our mission: cram every last gift, vintage gem, and convenience store snack into that new case before takeoff. A task? Yes. A joy? Absolutely.

Afternoon Meanderings: From Hipster Corners to Michelin Stunners

We kicked off with a stop at our favourite, Tsutaya Books, to pick up a few stylish, design-forward gifts—stationery, art magazines, and those beautiful Japanese photobooks that never seem to make it out of the country. From there, we made our way to Shimokitazawa, revisiting its funky side streets and digging up last-minute vintage steals.

Image Credit: Akulamatiau/Dreamstime | Shimokitazawa

Next came Kichijoji, where we drifted through Harmonica Yokocho, a nostalgic alley of lantern-lit izakayas and quirky shops, before stretching out in Inokashira Park. The swan boats drifted beneath cherry tree canopies, couples snacked on crêpes, and the air carried that golden-hour calm that only Tokyo can deliver after a long journey.

Image Credit: Medium

Then we wandered to Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s “Little Kyoto,” where cobbled lanes hide tucked-away temples and elegant eateries. We capped off the afternoon with a meal we still talk about: Kagurazaka Ishikawa, a Michelin-starred gem where the seasonal kaiseki menu gave Kyoto’s finest a run for their money. Every dish was plated with poetry.

But the day wasn’t over.

Evening: Akihabara After Dark – Neon Dreams and Nerdy Wonders

As dusk settled over the city, we made our way to Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric playground. Our first stop? The famous Don Quijote Akihabara. We shopped until we nearly dropped—scooping up everything from quirky souvenirs and character socks to discounted beauty gadgets and novelty snacks. It’s a chaotic wonderland where you go in for toothpaste and emerge with a Pikachu bathrobe, a portable fan, and ten flavours of Kit Kat you didn’t know existed. No regrets.

Quick tip: Don Quijote is a mega store chain found all over Japan that sells just about everything at budget-friendly prices. It’s a must-stop for souvenirs—especially if you’re shopping for colleagues, family, or friends. Think endless shelves of maneki neko figurines, daruma doll-inspired trinkets, Pokémon and anime merch, and all those wonderfully practical Japanese products you didn’t know you needed. Which is exactly why we saved our visit for the final leg of our trip—so we could fill every remaining inch of suitcase space in its hallowed halls.

Image Credit: Context Travel

With our shopping bags piling up, we ducked into a nearby Bounce partner, conveniently located right in the neighbourhood, and left our haul behind so we could explore Akihabara hands-free.

Freed from the weight of our impulse buys, we plunged into the heart of Tokyo’s otaku district. We weren’t hardcore gamers or anything, but Akihabara’s energy is uniquely irresistible—video game arcade lights pulsing, anime soundtracks spilling onto the streets, and the hypnotic hum of vending machines and claw games pulling you into their orbit.

We dipped in and out of the geek-laden buildings and climbed staircases into multi-story arcades, watching local players locked in laser-focused battles whilst streaming their achievements, pretty nuts. Every floor had its own personality—UFO catchers on one, rhythm games on another and competitive card games up top.

Akihabara is a unique insight into the Geeky gaming subculture that Tokyo wears with pride. And walking its streets at night, neon buzzing overhead, we knew we’d tapped into another side of the city entirely.

Day 13: Tokyo’s Quiet Corners & Refined Reflections

Old Soul, New Stroll

Jimbocho & Literary Reverence

We began the day in Jimbocho, Tokyo’s bookish heart and a haven for vintage lovers. Strolling past stacks of yellowed paperbacks and hand-bound tomes, we ducked into narrow shops that smelled of ink, dust, and stories waiting to be rediscovered. There’s something about Jimbocho that feels timeless—quietly rebellious in a city obsessed with speed. We lingered longer than planned, flipping through photo anthologies and vintage Japanese magazines, filling our bags (and hearts) with fragments of Tokyo’s literary soul.

Image Credit: WHEN IN TOKYO

Imperial Grandeur & Moats of Stillness

From Jimbocho, we wandered on foot toward the Imperial Palace. It was one of those slow Tokyo strolls where the city seems to peel back its layers with each step. We arrived at the wide stone paths of the palace grounds, where the Nijubashi Bridge arches gracefully over reflective moats. Swans glided by with the confidence of royalty.

Monzen-Nakacho’s Hidden Rituals

Next, we ventured east to Monzen-Nakacho—an underrated pocket of Tokyo that manages to blend Shitamachi tradition with riverside tranquility. We stepped into Fukagawa Fudou-dō Temple just as a fire ritual began—drums echoed, flames surged, and the scent of burning cedar filled the air. It was electric, immersive, and entirely unscripted. Around the corner, Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine stood in quiet dignity, home to Tokyo’s sumo spirit and history. With barely any tourists in sight, the experience felt raw and real—exactly what we needed at this point in the journey.

Image Credit: Tokyo Cheapo

Ueno Market Buzz & Memory Lane

Craving a final dose of the city’s lively energy, we made our way to Ueno’s Ameyoko Market. It was a full sensory hit – yakitori smoke curling through the air, calls from vendors slicing through the noise, the scent of dried fish, sweet crêpes, and knock-off sneakers blending in one beautiful chaos. We picked up last-minute souvenirs—some edible, some wearable, all unmistakably “Tokyo.”

A Farewell in Yanaka

As the golden hour settled over the city, we made our way to Yanaka—one of the few districts in Tokyo that truly feels like stepping back in time. Unlike the glittering skyscrapers and hypermodern bustle found elsewhere, Yanaka has preserved the charm of the Showa era, offering a glimpse of the Tokyo that once was. This neighborhood miraculously survived the bombings of World War II and remains rich with traditional architecture, narrow lanes, and the quiet rhythm of daily life. It’s a rarity—a place where Tokyo’s history lingers not in museums but in the streets themselves.

Image Credit: GO TOKYO

At Yanaka Beer Hall, tucked into a renovated machiya townhouse, we sipped on local craft brews and watched the evening melt into gold. It was a quiet, reflective close to a day rich in contrast—from imperial gates to firelit rituals, from bookstalls to bustling street markets.

Sitting there, pint in hand, it hit us: how had we done so much, seen so much, lived so much—and still had more left to give? The answer? Tokyo gives back as much as you’re willing to receive. And even now, it hasn’t let go.

Day 14: Sayonara in Style

The final day had arrived. No tears yet—but I won’t pretend we weren’t getting emotional.

The Tokyo We Love Most

We spent our last few hours in Tokyo living exactly the way we wanted—slow, stylish, and soulfully local. Daikanyama called us back with its quiet elegance (as it always does), designer dogs, and book-lined sanctuaries. We wandered through T-Site one final time, thumbing through vinyl and rare photo books, imagining what life might be like if this was our every day.

Lunch was a slow, sunny affair at Ivy Place. Surrounded by soft chatter and rustling trees, we lingered over our meals, sipping green tea and nibbling on cookies, letting time drip slowly, purposefully.

Afterward, we walked down to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, where we posted up on the terrace with tall filter brews and watched the city move. Kids laughing, friends brunching, fashionable couples strolling past on midday walks—Tokyo was living, breathing, blooming around us, and we were suddenly nostalgic for a departure that hadn’t even happened yet.

Image Credit: byFood

One Last Bowl, One Last Beat

Bags in tow, we dropped our luggage at a Bounce partner near Shibuya Station—because even on the last day, we were still trying to stay light on our feet. Our final stop was one close to our hearts (and bellies): Usagi Ramen, tucked away in Shibuya and quietly run by the brother of the late, great producer Nujabes. The ramen? Ethereal. Umami-rich, soul-soothing, served with warmth and depth that went beyond the broth. It was less of a meal, more of a goodbye hug—flavoured with memory, music, and the weight of the journey behind us.

The Ride to Haneda

With full hearts and slightly heavier carry-ons (thanks, Don Quijote and every mascot-themed souvenir that tugged at our inner magpie), we collected our bags and hopped into a cab bound for Haneda Airport.

Pro tip: It’s ALWAYS BETTER to fly in and out of Haneda if you can—trust us, your future jet-lagged self will thank you. The ride was short (way shorter than a ride from Heathrow back into Central London), quiet, and filled with that bittersweet silence that only comes at the end of something special.

We touched down in Japan 14 days ago with wide eyes and wilder plans. Since then, we’ve fed deer, hiked mountains, pranced through neon nights, whispered to bamboo, rode flying dinosaurs, devoured unspeakable snacks, and laughed until our faces hurt.

Image Credit: Skytrax

Final Thoughts

Japan didn’t just live up to the hype – it rewrote the script. And though we flew home, part of us is still wandering an alley in Kyoto, or chasing a train through Tokyo, or sharing quiet awe under a red torii gate.

Arigatou, Nihon. We’ll be back.