3-Day Kansai Adventure | Matcha Uji × Universal Studios × Kyoto Cherry Blossoms

#OsakaItinerary
Day 1: Uji City

Leisurely explore the matcha capital and experience the charm of traditional Japanese culture.

【Must-Visit Attractions】
Uji City
Located in southern Kyoto, famous for its high-quality matcha, it is one of Japan’s oldest tea regions. Besides tea culture, it also boasts rich historical sites, such as the World Cultural Heritage Byodo-in Phoenix Hall and Ujigami Shrine, both must-see spots.

Day 2: Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Immerse yourself in the magical world of movies and games!

【Must-Visit Attractions】
Universal Studios Japan
Located in Osaka, it is one of the most popular theme parks in all of Asia. It features several world-renowned themed areas, including Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Hollywood Zone. Both adults and kids will have a blast!

Day 3: Kyoto City

Step into the ancient capital and enjoy the romantic blend of cherry blossoms and historic sites.

【Must-Visit Attractions】
Yodo Kawazu Cherry Blossoms
A famous early cherry blossom spot blooming from late February to early March, located in Yodo Green Space, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City. About 200 Kawazu cherry trees bloom along the riverbank, creating a pink sea of flowers against the blue sky and river—perfect for photos and flower viewing!

【Must-Try Foods】

1. Nakamura Tokichi (Uji Main Store)
A must-visit matcha specialty shop in Uji.
Recommended dishes:

• Matcha parfait
• Matcha soba noodles
• Matcha Baumkuchen cake

2. Akatsuki Beef Namba (Yakiniku Akatsuki Beef Namba)
A popular all-you-can-eat yakiniku restaurant in Osaka specializing in high-quality A5 Wagyu and rare cuts, with a rich dessert buffet.
Recommended dishes:

• A5 grade Wagyu beef (Kainomi, Tonbi, etc.)
• Thick-cut beef tongue
• Seared beef sushi, seared raw beef
• Matcha and yuzu flavored ice cream

3. Lemon Tongue Osaka (Negishi Lemon Tongue)
A grilled beef tongue restaurant with a special lemon flavor.
Recommended dishes:

• Lemon sauce grilled beef tongue
• Beef tongue rice bowl
• Salt-grilled thick-cut beef tongue

【Photo & Check-in Spots】

1. Mario Area (Super Nintendo World)
Colorful and like stepping into a game world, photo spots include Mario Castle, Question Block walls, Pikachu figures, and more. Wearing the interactive wristband makes photos even more fun!

2. Harry Potter Area
Recreates Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village with cobblestone alleys, snow-white rooftops, and wand shops vividly brought to life. Recommended to shoot in the evening for a more magical atmosphere.

3. Yodo Kawazu Cherry Blossoms
The pink flower sea blooms along the river, creating dreamy shots with trains or blue skies in the frame—great for panoramic or portrait photos.

【Tips】
• Transportation: Use the Kansai Thru Pass for easy travel between Osaka, Kyoto, and Uji.
• Best Viewing Time: Yodo’s Kawazu cherry blossoms are early bloomers; visit from late February to early March.
• USJ Tips: Buying tickets and Express Passes in advance is crucial to save waiting time.
• Outfit Tips: For Mario & cherry blossom photo spots, wear bright-colored clothes and accessories (like hats) to stand out in photos!