Tour Code
HFT-JP-03Duration
7Best For
Culture, Scenery, Architecture, PhotographyThis 7-day Japan Kansai tour package covers the classical highlights of Kansai Japan, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. During this guided Japan tour, you will appreciate the rich culture and arts of Kansai region of Japan, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kiyomizu Temple and Himeji Castle, experience the elegance of traditional Japanese dance and tea ceremony, and taste special delicious Kansai food. If you want to immerse yourself in the cultural charm of Kansai region, a stay in a Kyoto Machiya (traditional wooden townhouse) will give you an unforgettable memory.
Watch the Japanese traditional Kyomai dance performance and experience tea ceremony.
Explore bustling Dotonbori, visit historical Osaka Castle, and meet cute deer in Nara Park.
Visit Himeji Castle, the first site in Japan to be registered as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.
Visit Kiyomizu Temple, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka, and stroll through Thousand Torii Gates in Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Taste Kansai region’s exquisite cuisine, including multi-course Japanese meal called Kaiseki, Japanese-style beef BBQ, and Kobe beef.
5-star hotels throughout this private Japan tour and one night stay in a traditional Japanese Machiya (wooden townhouse).
Welcome to Japan! Today you will arrive at Kansai International Airport. Your private tour guide and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Osaka
In the morning, you will begin today’s tour with the majestic Osaka Castle. The main tower of Osaka Castle is the most famous building within Osaka Castle. This five-story castle has a museum inside, where you can learn about the history of Osaka Castle. Then travel to the busy entertainment and shopping district — Dotonbori and Shinsaibashisuji. You’ll have delicious Wagyu Yakiniku (Japanese beef barbecue) for lunch.
After lunch, you will head to Nara Park, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and wild animals. You will see many lovely deer here, and you are welcome to get up close and feed them. Then walk from Nara Park to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Vermilion paint, white walls, and cypress roofs are in harmony with the surrounding natural scenery. Kasuga Taisha also attracts many photographers to capture its beautiful scenery. Return to Osaka after visiting.
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Osaka
After breakfast, you will visit Kiyomizu Temple today. The hanging Stage of Kiyomizu is a precious cultural relic of Japan surrounded by green trees. It is supported by many giant 12-meter-tall beech columns without a nail.
Next, walk along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, two historical ramps near Kiyomizu Temple. There are many traditional Japanese buildings including teahouses, souvenir shops, and restaurants. You can visit buildings of the Edo period. Wander through Hanamikoji Street in Gion where you may meet geisha. Walk on cobblestone roads and explore well-preserved wooden Machiya-style buildings.
At noon, you will taste local cuisine, Kaiseki (a traditional multi-course Japanese meal), at Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen Restaurant. You can watch Kyomai dances while enjoying your lunch. The restaurant is the former residence of a famous merchant called Suminokura Ryoi. You’ll enjoy the delicious food in a calm atmosphere with quintessential Kyoto garden scenery.
In the afternoon, you will be taken to a tearoom and experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. Then you will visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, the setting for Memoirs of a Geisha. The Senbon Torii Gates (Thousand Torii Gates) in Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the representative landscapes of Kyoto. When the sun shines on the Sembon Torii, it looks very spectacular and charming.
In the evening, you will stay the night in a traditional Japanese Machiya (wooden townhouse) and discover how Japanese culture and lifestyle are reflected in their architecture.
Kind Reminder:
If Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen is fully booked, we will arrange another well-known Kyoto Kaiseki restaurant, Torikyuu, for you. It’s been in business for more than 100 years.
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto
Today, you will travel to Arashiyama. Start your tour with Jojakkoji Temple, which offers unique scenery, particularly in autumn. The red maples, lush pines, and golden ginkgoes intertwine beautifully. You can take a walk in the wild bamboo forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The tall bamboo forest looks like a dark green corridor. You can hear the sound of the breeze blowing through the bamboo forest.
Next, travel to Tenryu-ji Temple. The ponds, red leaves, rocks, pine trees, and colorful Arashiyama form a Zen-like landscape painting. You can immerse yourself in such a peaceful atmosphere. Then you will enjoy a boat ride and appreciate Togetsukyo Bridge and maple leaves all over the mountain. Drive back to Osaka after visiting.
Meal: B, L
Accommodation: Osaka
After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby. Today you will take a 2-hour drive to Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also called White Heron Castle because the pure white stucco walls look like soaring white herons. It is one of the three most famous cities in Japan, along with Kumamoto Castle and Matsumoto Castle. You will learn about Japanese feudal culture from the Shogunate era. For lunch, you can taste the famous Kobe beef.
After lunch, you will head to Mount Rokko, and take a cable car to the top of the mountain. You can admire the red leaves on the mountain during your cable car ride. After arriving at the mountaintop, there is a view platform providing a panoramic view of Kobe. You can enjoy the spectacular landscapes. Return to Osaka after visiting.
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Osaka
Today is a free day for you. You can arrange your schedule by yourself. You can head to the Osaka Museum of History and learn about the history of Osaka from ancient times to today. Or you can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka from the fifth floor of Tsutenkaku. Taste various delicious food at Shin Sekai (“New World”). Going shopping at Dotonbori and Shinsaibashisuji is a good choice.
Meal: B
Accommodation: Osaka
Today is the end of your Kansai tour. After breakfast, you need to pick up and check out the hotel. Your tour guide and driver will send you to the airport.
Meal: B
Accommodation: N/A
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