[A 4-Day, 3-Night Classic Trip to Osaka and Kobe: A Perfect Blend of Ancient Kyoto Charm and Modern Entertainment]

Day 1: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto – The Beginning of the Ancient Capital Experience

Upon arrival at Kansai Airport, head straight to Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, to begin your journey through the ancient capital. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, nestled halfway up Mount Otowa, features its main hall suspended on a wooden structure clinging to a cliff face, making it one of Kyoto's most iconic World Heritage sites. The Kiyomizu Stage offers breathtaking views of the entire Kyoto Basin, perfect for cherry blossom viewing in spring and autumn foliage. Descend along Kiyomizu-zaka, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka, passing ancient streets lined with matcha desserts, kimono rentals, and handicraft shops.

In the afternoon, consider visiting Yasaka Shrine before continuing to Gion. If you're lucky, you might spot geisha strolling along the stone-paved streets. For dinner, we recommend enjoying a kaiseki meal or tofu soup near Gion or Nishiki Market, concluding your immersive experience of the ancient capital.

【Must-See Attractions】

1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A World Heritage Site and a representative temple of Kyoto, famous for its suspended wooden structure, the Kiyomizu Stage.

2. Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka: Edo-style old streets, a tourist axis connecting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine.

3. Yasaka Shrine & Gion: A perfect strolling area to experience Kyoto's nighttime atmosphere and ancient charm.

【Must-Try Foods】

1. Nishiki Market Street Food: Soy milk donuts, grilled takoyaki skewers, Japanese pickles.

2. Gion Kaiseki Cuisine: Seasonal tofu soup, Kyoto vegetables, matcha desserts.

3. Kiyomizu-zaka Matcha Ice Cream: A must-try at the popular dessert shop "Tsujiri Chapo".

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Day 2: Universal Studios Japan - Full Day Fun

Take the JR or Keihan line to Osaka in the early morning and head directly to "Universal Studios Japan". The Harry Potter area and Nintendo World are the biggest highlights; it's recommended to arrive before the park opens.

The Hogwarts Castle and Forbidden Journey 4D experiences in the Harry Potter area are truly immersive; in Nintendo World, you can collect coins and take photos using the "Power-Up Band."

In the afternoon, you can take more fun photos at Jurassic Park and Minions Park, and enjoy the nighttime shows and fireworks at the film studios in the evening. Overnight in Osaka city, returning to Namba or Umeda for takoyaki and kushikatsu (grilled skewers).

【Must-Visit Attractions】

1. Universal Studios Japan: Featuring the Harry Potter area, Nintendo World, Hollywood Adventure, and Jurassic Park Coaster.

2. CityWalk Osaka: A shopping district outside the park with a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops.

3. Umeda Night View / Dotonbori Neon Lights: Capture the iconic scene of the Glico sign and its reflection in the river.

【Must-Try Food】

1. Takoyaki "Jūjūban": Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, a classic Osaka street food.

2. Kushikatsu Daruma: A long-established kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) chain in Dotonbori.

3. Okonomiyaki "Chifusa": Freshly made seafood and vegetable pancakes with an irresistible aroma.

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Day 3: Kobe Port - Romantic Coastal Route

In the morning, take the Hanshin Railway to Kobe. First, visit the Kobe Port Mosaic Plaza area, where seaside warehouses have been converted into shopping and cafe districts, with red-brick buildings and a Ferris wheel creating a picturesque scene. For lunch, we recommend the Kobe beef restaurant by the port, where freshly grilled teppanyaki is incredibly fragrant.

In the afternoon, ascend the Kobe Tower observation deck for panoramic views of the harbor and the Rokko mountain range. At dusk, you can capture the dreamlike scene of the tower's red glow reflected on the sea and the Ferris wheel turning. In the evening, take a Kobe Port cruise for a panoramic view of the entire port area at night.

[Must-Visit Attractions]

1. Kobe Tower: A Kobe landmark, its unique red steel tower offers 360-degree harbor views.

2. Harborland/Mosaic: A seaside shopping and entertainment district; the Ferris wheel and warehouse complex are popular photo spots.

3. Kobe Harbor Cruise: The lights reflecting on the sea at night offer one of the most romantic Kobe experiences.

[Must-Try Food]

1. Kobe Beef Teppanyaki (Mouriya/Steakland): High-quality A5 grade Kobe beef.

2. Kitano Ijinkan Area Cafe: European-style architecture paired with desserts.

3. Harbor-Side Beer House: Local craft beer with the sea breeze.

[Accommodation Recommendation]
Suggested Accommodation Area: Osaka Namba or Kobe Sannomiya.

Hotel Name: Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
Hotel Address: 5-6 Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture (Sea view rooms overlooking Kobe Tower).

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Day 4: Osaka Shopping & Return to Kansai Airport

In the morning, return to Osaka from Kobe. Head to the Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori shopping districts, where you can find everything from cosmetics and trendy brands to desserts. You can also revisit CityWalk outside Universal Studios to buy some souvenirs. Have lunch again with okonomiyaki or ramen. In the afternoon, head to Kansai Airport for your return trip.

【Photo Spots】

1. Kiyomizu-dera Stage: Wooden scaffolding suspended in the air + Kyoto city view.

2. Universal Studios' Harry Potter castle reflected in the lake.

3. Kobe Tower night view + Ferris wheel at the harbor.

4. Glico sign in Dotonbori and neon lights on the river.

【Tips】

• Kiyomizu-dera has many slopes, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• For Universal Studios, it's recommended to purchase tickets and reserve "Fast Passes" online in advance.

• Kobe Tower is best photographed in the evening.

• The journey from Osaka to Kobe takes approximately 40 minutes; using a JR or Hanshin Pass is the most cost-effective option.

• If you're taking a late flight back to Taiwan, you can do some last-minute shopping at the Kansai Airport Rinku City Outlet.

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