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6-DAYS COMPLETE KANSAI TOUR
Kyoto ~ Nara ~ Kobe ~ Osaka
京都∼奈良∼神戶∼大阪
Trips Highlights:
- See Kobe's ancient Ikuta Shrine
- Explore Japan's former capital
- Bike Osaka's back street,
- Sip tea in an Uji teahouse
- Admire Himeji Castle
Itinerary in details:
| Day 01 | Kyoto arrival 京都 |
Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport, our representatives will be waiting to provide assistance with transport (via shared shuttle) to the hotel in Kyoto.
The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:
In the evening, we suggest going to Gion for an evening walk in the so-called “geisha district.” This area is one of Kyoto’s hanamachi (flower town), the place where Geisha’s live and work. It is also home to shops, restaurants, and ochaya (teahouses) inside well-preserved machiya (old houses). Don’t miss Hanami-koji, known to be the most popular street in Gion because of its lavish ochaya lining up the old street. Stop by one of the restaurants to sample kyo-ryori (traditional Kyoto multi-course cuisine). While in Gion, there may even be a chance to spot a maiko (apprentice geisha) as she tries to catch her next appointment.
Overnight in Kyoto
Distance and journey time (approximation):
Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Central Kyoto: 2 h
| Day 02 | Kyoto, Day Trip to Uji and Nara 京都~奈良 |
This morning, meet the local guide at the hotel and make the trip to to Uji and to Ikaruga in Nara.
The first stop is Uji, the tea capital of Japan. Visit the World Heritage-listed Byodo-in Temple, which is one of the most impressive Jodo sect temples in the country. The temple used to have many sub-temples and halls, but during the war many of these buildings were destroyed. What is left now is the Phoenix Hall, which is pictured on the back of the 10-yen coin.
Continue to Taiho-an, an ochaya (teahouse) located near the temple. Witness a Japanese tea ceremony and enjoy the authentic taste of Uji’s matcha (green tea). (Note: There might be long queues in the teahouse, especially during peak seasons).
At noon, take the train to Ikaruga in Nara. During the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s capital for 74 years, and most of the temples and shrines back then still exist today.
Visit Horyu-ji Temple, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Nara’s Seven Great Temples. What’s incredible about this temple is that it houses some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures – the main hall and the five-story pagoda, which are both located in the western wing of the temple.
After the tour, the guide will provide an escort back to the hotel.
Overnight in Kyoto
Distance and journey time (approximation):
JR Kyoto Station to JR Uji Station: 28 min
JR Uji Station to JR Horyuji Station: 52 min
JR Horyuji Station to JR Kyoto Station: 64 min
Time:
Start (guided tour): 09:00
Duration: 8 h
*including pick-up/drop-off and transfer times
| Day 03 | Kyoto – Kobe 京都~神戶 |
Today is a self-guided day.
As today is the final day in Kyoto, leave the city later in the afternoon in order to explore more of the wonders of Kyoto. As Kyoto has some beautiful walks, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and exploring the city by foot.
Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:
Visit Nanzen-ji, one of the largest and the most important Zen temples in Japan. Its vast temple grounds are open free to the public and can be really beautiful especially during the “color seasons” of spring and autumn.
Just a short walk from Nanzen-ji is Zenrin-ji, the temple more commonly known as “Eikando.” It was named after the popular head priest, Eikan, who discovered the unique statue of Amida Buddha, the main object of worship in the temple. Zenrin-ji is also famous for its foliage scenery during autumn season. The vibrant colors of the leaves in the temple are indeed one of the most popular in Kyoto.
Located north of Zenrin-ji is the famous Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi), which is lined with sakura (cherry) trees on both sides and follows a tranquil canal. A couple of cafés and local shops can be found along this 2-kilometer path, and some of Kyoto’s popular shrines and temples are also located nearby.
After a short stroll, head west to Yoshidayama, a hill that is home to two of Kyoto’s loveliest and least visited temples – Kurodani Temple and Shinnyodo Temple. Continue forward and climb Mt. Yoshida and wander through the greenery and admire the views from Yoshida Park. Descend from the hill to Yoshida Shrine, a fascinating complex of shrines surrounded by a lovely forest.
Note: The total distance covered in this itinerary is approx. 5km (4hrs).
Just an hour by train from Kyoto is the harbor city of Kobe. During the Meiji period, Kobe was established as one of the two major trading ports for foreign commerce in Japan, serving as the import and export base for wool, cotton, and other raw materials. Because of this, foreign culture has flourished in Kobe, making the city the home to one of the first foreign settlements in the country.
The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:
Head to Kobe Chinatown (Nankin-machi), the center of the Chinese community in Kansai region and one of the only three Chinatowns in Japan. Explore the wide array of Chinese dishes, sweets, and other merchandise spread across its one hundred or so restaurants and shops. It has been said that the atmosphere and the streets in Nankin-machi give a more authentic feel than those in Yokohama and Nagasaki.
Less than a kilometer from Nankin-machi is Meriken Park, a waterfront park that houses two famous landmarks that manifest modern architecture – the Kobe Port Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum. The bay also features a couple of restaurants that serve some local produce.
Overnight in Kobe
Distance and journey time (approximation):
JR Kyoto Station to JR Sannomiya Station: 50 min
JR Kyoto Station to JR Shin-Kobe Station: 28mins *via Shinkansen Nozomi
| Day 04 | Himeji and Kobe 姬路和神戶 |
This morning, meet the local guide at the hotel and go on a full day of sightseeing in Himeji and around Kobe.
First, travel by train to Himeji, one of the most frequented cities in Hyogo Prefecture. Visit Himeji Castle, the famous white castle in the city of Himeji. It is one of the top 3 castles in Japan because of its architectural design and history. Also called as “Shirasagi-jo” (the White Heron Castle) or “Hakuro-jo” (the White Egret Castle) by some of the locals, Himeji Castle resembles a white bird in flight due to its white exterior and distinctive roof design.
Next will be Koko Garden, which was built in 1992 as a commemoration for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Himeji municipality.
Travel back to Kobe and visit Ikuta Shrine, a quiet Shinto shrine in the heart of Kobe City. Believed to be built around 3rd century AD and probably one of the oldest shrines in the world, this shrine has indeed witnessed a number of unforgettable events in the history of Japan such as the Genpei War, WWII air raids on Kobe, and the Great Hanshin Earthquake.
Just a short walk from the shrine is Kitano-cho, where the architecture of some of the so-called ijinkan houses can be found (the houses of Kobe’s first foreign residents).
Afterwards, take the train to Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Japan. Fifty meters above sea level is the Maiko Marine Promenade, a set of observatory hallways beneath the bridge’s platform.
Overnight in Kobe
Distance and journey time (approximation):
JR Sannomiya Station to JR Himeji Station: 41 min
JR Shin-Kobe to JR Himeji Station: 16 min
JR Sannomiya Station to JR Maiko Station: 19 min
Time:
Start (guided tour): 09:00
Duration: 8hrs
*including pick-up/drop-off and transfer times
| Day 05 | Kobe ~ Osaka 神戶~大阪 |
This morning, leave Kobe and dive into the colorful world of Osaka. Take the whole day to discover Japan’s 3rd largest city and its flamboyant inhabitants. Osaka is also famous for its amazing street food and unsurprisingly the city’s motto is kuidaore, which literally means “eat-till-you-drop”.
Suggested Self-guided Itinerary:
This morning we suggest visiting Osaka’s most famous tourist spot – the impressive Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle, one of the most visited places in the city for its history, architectural design, and cherry blossom trees all abloom in spring. Aside from the artifacts on display and the view of the city from its topmost floor, the surrounding garden and moats make the castle one of the must-see places in the city.
After visiting the castle, take a stroll through the beautiful castle park and go on a scenic river cruise along the Okawa River, with views of Nakanoshima Park, an urban oasis in the middle of the city and the red-bricked Mint Museum.
Tonight, dive deep into the flamboyant and colorful world of Osaka’s street food and nightlife scene. Meet our food expert in front of Starbucks Tsutaya Ebisu-bashi in Dotonbori and enjoy about 4 different venues during the tour.
Start the experience by discovering Osaka’s best-loved dishes in one of the liveliest areas in town. Alongside our local English-speaking food expert, enjoy the bright neon lights of one of the main entertainment areas in town before diving into some narrow, hidden alleyways to discover all the local delicacies Osaka has to offer.
With the help of the guide, taste some of the staples of Osaka’s soul-food such as fresh Okonomiyaki, prepared on the spot, and Takoyaki, which have been featured in the Michelin guide. Continue the gourmet journey with fresh sushi and a local brew, plus the opportunity to interact with the sushi chef. To conclude the tour, stroll through the neighborhood with its uncountable tiny bars, each with their very own distinctive style.
Head back to the hotel after the tour, or continue to explore Osaka’s nightlife some more.
Overnight in Osaka
Distance and journey time (approximation):
JR Sannomiya Station to JR Shin-Osaka Station: 25 min
JR Shin-Kobe Station to JR Shin-Osaka Station: 15 min
Shin-Osaka Station to Namba Station: 15 min
Time:
Start (food tour): 16:00
Duration: 4 h
| Day 06 | Osaka departure 大阪 |
The rest of the day is free at leisure until the included transfer by train to Kansai International Airport.
Distance and journey time (approximation):
Namba Station to Kansai International Airport: 45 min
Have a nice holidays!
Remarks :
Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned itinerary. However, due to weather conditions and reasons beyond our control, changes to the itinerary might occur, for which the company accepts no responsibility.
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