Exploring Cultural Treasures from Osaka to Kyoto

Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Kansai International Airport (KIX).

After breakfast at the hotel, the day begins by taking the metro train to explore Kuromon Market, offering an array of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Spend an hour exploring the bustling market lanes, savoring iconic Osaka street foods, and immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere. Next, you’re off to Shinsekai, a vibrant district blending old-world charm with contemporary energy. Explore the narrow streets, retro arcades, and enjoy local delicacies like kushikatsu during an hour of free time. The journey continues to Dotonbori, capturing the essence of Osaka through iconic landmarks like the Glico Man neon sign and Hozenji Yokocho’s moss-covered statue. You’ll have some time to explore this area before taking the metro train back to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Note to bring extra cash with you for purchases and wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking about 3 miles today and for a few hours.

• Kuromon Market

  You’ll take a 25 minute ride on the metro train to Kuromon Market where you will have about an hour of free time to explore and meet back with your guide at a specific time and meeting point. This historic market, tracing its roots back to the Taisho era, with stalls offering an extensive array of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local delicacies. It is a sensory adventure where the tantalizing scent of sizzling street food blends with the lively chatter of vendors and customers. A stroll through its bustling lanes reveals a seafood extravaganza, showcasing the best catches of the day, and invites you to try iconic Osaka street foods like takoyaki and kushikatsu. Note that you will want to bring extra cash with you for purchases.

  10:30· 60 min· Osaka
• Shinsekai Exploration

  Then you’ll take a 15 minute metro train ride from Kuromon Market to Shinsekai, meaning "New World" in Japanese, a vibrant and nostalgic district in Osaka that embodies the juxtaposition of old-world charm and contemporary energy. You will have about an hour of free time to explore and meet back with your guide at a specific time and meeting point. Developed in the early 20th century as a futuristic entertainment and shopping district, Shinsekai retains a distinctive Showa-era ambiance with its iconic Tsutenkaku Tower standing tall as a symbol of the area. Visitors can explore a labyrinth of narrow streets adorned with colorful signs, retro arcades, and an eclectic mix of restaurants offering local delicacies such as kushikatsu (deep fried skewers).

  11:40· 120 min· Osaka
• Dotonbori Exploration

  From Shinsekai you’ll take a 20 minute metro train ride to Dotonbori district where you'll capture the essence of Osaka and discover its iconic landmarks. You’ll head over to the renowned Glico Man neon sign to snap some pictures. Then continue venturing into Hozenji Yokocho, a charming alley celebrated for its atmospheric surroundings and a captivating moss-covered statue in the center of the alley. Your guide will share insights into and instruct you on the revered practice of prayer etiquette in this historic setting. Before concluding the tour, seize the opportunity to indulge in the local delicacy of Takoyaki, savoring its delicious flavors that embody the culinary richness of Osaka. Then take a 45 minute metro train ride back to the hotel.

  14:00· 90 min· Osaka

Today, you’ll see Osaka from two different perspectives on your half day tour of the city. The day begins with a metro train ride to explore Osaka Castle, originally established in 1583 and reconstructed in 1931. This iconic fortress witnessed the rule of shoguns and the eventual restoration of power to the Meiji Emperor, providing insights into pivotal moments that shaped Japan's political landscape. You’ll then take a short walk to the riverside, to board a shared boat for a leisurely journey along the Neya River. The cruise offers breathtaking views of Osaka Castle Park, Nakanoshima island's modern architecture, and the tranquil beauty of Sakuranomiya Park with its cherry blossoms. The city skyline, adorned with famous buildings, unfolds before you, showcasing Osaka's vibrant and dynamic urban landscape. The day concludes with a metro train ride back to the hotel, providing an evening at leisure for independent exploration of Osaka.

• Osaka River Cruise

  You’ll then walk 10 minutes to the river side to board a shared (public) boat for a river cruise. As the boat gracefully glides along Neya River, immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of the iconic Osaka Castle Park, where the historic fortress stands as a symbol of the city's rich heritage. The cruise unfolds scenic vistas of Nakanoshima island, adorned with modern architecture and cultural institutions, providing a striking contrast to the historical surroundings. Glide past the serene Sakuranomiya Park, known for its cherry blossoms and tranquil atmosphere. Throughout the journey, marvel at the city's skyline, dotted with famous buildings that showcase Osaka's vibrant and dynamic urban landscape. Then take a 35 minute metro train ride back to the hotel.

  10:15· 45 min· Osaka
• Osaka Castle

  You’ll take a 35 minute metro train ride to experience Osaka Castle. Originally established in 1583 and enduring until 1868, the castle witnessed the rule of shoguns before the restoration of power to the Meiji Emperor. Though the current structure is a meticulous reconstruction dating back to 1931, it faithfully preserves the essence of its storied past. As you explore the castle and its grounds, you embark on a journey through time, gaining insights into the feudal era and the pivotal moments that shaped Japan's political landscape. The imposing presence of Osaka Castle continues to be a symbol of resilience, resilience, and cultural significance, offering a compelling blend of history and architectural splendor in the heart of Osaka.

  11:00· 90 min· Osaka

This morning, you’ll bid farewell to Osaka and take the Rapid Train to Kyoto where you will spend the rest of your trip. After checking into the hotel, you’ll take a transfer to a tea house to experience a traditional tea ceremony and learn how to make your own matcha. Then you’ll take the metro train to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. Explore the main shrine and then embark on a captivating hike up Mount Inari, adorned with over ten thousand torii gates. You’ll then take the metro train back to the hotel for an evening at leisure to explore Kyoto. Note that there are about twelve thousand steps at Fushimi Inari Shrine so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

• Tea Ceremony & Matcha Making

  After checking in at the hotel and dropping off your luggage, experience the history and culture of Japan by joining in a traditional tea ceremony that is walking distance from the Hotel. The ceremony emphasizes mindfulness, harmony, respect, and purity. You’ll enter a meticulously designed tea room, where the host conducts the ceremony with deliberate and graceful movements. After being served a small traditional sweet, you will have the opportunity to make your own bowl of frothy Matcha under the guidance of your instructor.

  11:00· 60 min· Kyoto
• Fushimi Inari Shrine

  From the tea ceremony you’ll take a short walk to the station and then board the metro train for 30 minutes to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s best known Shinto shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your exploration at the main shrine and then head on a captivating hike up the sacred Mount Inari, traversing a path adorned with thousands of vibrant torii gates. These gates, numbering over ten thousand and donated since the Edo period, symbolize wishes and expressions of gratitude to the deities. As you ascend, immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance and the rustling sounds of the surrounding forest. If time permits, continue your ascent to the Yotsutsuji intersection, where you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Kyoto sprawling below. After taking in the scenic views, descend the mountain and take a 25 minute private transfer to your hotel. Note that Mt. Inari is around 765 ft (233m) high, and is estimated to take around 2 hours to walk the full 2.5 mile (4km) trail. The trail has approximately 12,000 steps. Then take the metro train for 35 minutes back to the hotel.

  14:00· 60 min· Kyoto
• Transfer · Osaka → OSA

  Today, your luggage will be transported separately from Osaka to Kyoto. (One piece per person is included, additional luggage will be charged on the spot per piece based on size, payment must be made in cash - Japanese Yen)

  other · 60 min
• Transfer · Osaka → Kyoto

  After breakfast you’ll take the Rapid Train from Osaka to Kyoto.

  30 min

After breakfast, take a train to Nara for a day filled with captivating sights. Begin with a short walk to Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building, where you'll marvel at the monumental wooden gateway and encounter the world's largest bronze Buddha statue within its impressive complex grounds. Next, walk over to the ancient and architecturally stunning Kasuga Taisha, a celebrated Shinto shrine adorned with centuries-old bronze and stone lanterns. Proceed on a walk over to Nara “deer” Park, a haven for over a thousand sacred deer, considered messengers of the gods, freely roaming the grounds. Experience the quaint charm of the park, stroll through its historic beauty, and interact with the friendly deer. Conclude the day with a train ride back to your hotel in Kyoto. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes for today’s activities.

• Todaiji Temple

  From the train station, you’ll walk 10 minutes to your first stop in Nara, Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building. Enter the enormous wooden gateway, towering over 25 meters high and fashioned from 800 year old trees, passing the guardian king statues of the temple. Take in the stunning complex grounds, as you gaze upon this impressive structure. Next, head inside to see the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue enveloped in a golden halo.

  10:30· 60 min· Nara
• Kasuga Taisha

  Next, walk 10 minutes to Nara's most celebrated shrine, the bright and beautiful Kasuga Taisha. This grand Shinto shrine was established in 768 AD, when four deities were invited to live here. Kasuga Taisha is not only ancient, but architecturally stunning. Be sure to walk through the hallways which house hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshipers over the centuries. *Please note on some irregular days, the special area of Kasuga Taisha may be closed. On these days, only the main building of the shrine will be visited.

  11:45· 60 min· Nara
• Nara "Deer" Park

  From Kasuga Taisha, you’ll walk 10 minutes over to Nara ‘deer’ Park. One of the oldest parks in Japan, where over a thousand tamed yet wild deer freely roam its grounds. Considered in Shintoism to be sacred messengers of the gods, the deer are still protected as national treasures and they call this park home. Stroll through “deer park” as the locals call it, as you take in the quaint yet ancient charm of the grounds.

  13:00· 30 min· Nara
• Transfer · Kyoto → Nara

  In the morning, you’ll take a train ride from Kyoto to Nara for a full day of sightseeing.

  train · 40 min
• Transfer · Nara → Kyoto

  You’ll take a train ride from Nara back to your hotel in Kyoto.

  45 min

On your last full day in Kyoto, you'll have the morning and afternoon free to explore on your own and do any last minute shopping. You’ll then take the metro train to the final farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate an amazing week of new friends and new memories.

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX).