Kyoto Itinerary

Amanohashidate - Amanohashidate, meaning “bridge in heaven,” is a stunning natural sandbar covered with pine trees, connecting the two sides of Miyazu Bay in Northern Kyoto. Alongside Miyajima and Matsushima, it is celebrated as one of “the three views of Japan.” The observatories at “Kasamatsu Park” in the north and “Amanohashidate View Land” in the south offer breathtaking vistas. Visitors can stroll through the pine tree-lined street and admire the diverse pine species. The “Flying Dragon Observatory” (“Hiryu-kan”) at the Rear View Observatory (“Mata no zoki-dai”) offers a view reminiscent of a dragon soaring in the sky. Aerial lifts or cable cars provide a convenient option for those with limited time who still wish to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Ine no Funaya - This picturesque seaside fishing village is renowned for its unique “funaya,” or boathouses, lining the bay. The town hosts the Urashima Shrine, linked to the classic Japanese folk tale of Urashima Taro. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful cruise on the Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat, taking in the beautiful bay views and iconic funaya. Lucky visitors might even spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat. The tranquil bay is protected by Aoshima Island, an uninhabited island believed to be the home of the gods, which calms the wind and waves, maintaining the bay’s serenity.

Arashiyama - Arashiyama (嵐山) is a charming, tourist-friendly district on Kyoto’s western outskirts. It has been a favored destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles enjoyed its natural beauty. The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s iconic central landmark. Noteworthy attractions include the famous bamboo groves, Tenryuji Temple, and leisurely boat rides on the Hozugawa River, offering scenic views and a unique experience. Visitors can also interact with Japanese macaques at the Arashiyama monkey park while enjoying a panoramic view of Kyoto city.

North of central Arashiyama, the atmosphere becomes more rural, with several small temples scattered along the wooded mountain base. The area north of the Togetsukyo Bridge is known as Sagano, while “Arashiyama” technically refers to the mountains south of the river but is commonly used to describe the entire district.

Kinkakuji Temple - Originally called Rokuonji, Kinkakuji Temple is the sole remaining building from Yoshimitsu’s former retirement villas and is now a graceful Zen temple overlooking a large pond, as per Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s wish upon his death in 1408. Its upper two floors are entirely covered with gold leaf, giving it a golden appearance, hence its nickname, the Golden Pavilion.

Nijo Castle - Once an imperial villa, Nijo Castle is now a World Heritage site. It witnessed the rise and fall of the Tokugawa clan and other significant political events in Japanese history, including the announcement of the Meiji Restoration. It briefly served as an imperial palace after the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate, and its palace buildings are considered the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era. A notable feature of the palace is the “nightingale floors” (uguisubari) in the corridors, which chirp when walked upon as a security measure against intruders.

Kyoto Imperial Palace - The Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) was the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the expansive Kyoto Imperial Park (Kyõto Gyoen), a beautiful park in the city’s center that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and other attractions. The current Imperial Palace was reconstructed in 1855 after being repeatedly burned down and relocated over the centuries.

Nishiki Market Shopping District - Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market is a narrow, five-block-long shopping street lined with over a hundred shops and restaurants. This vibrant market specializes in all things food-related, such as fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware, and is an excellent place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, including Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. Nishiki Market has a lively yet inviting atmosphere for those eager to explore Kyoto’s culinary delights.

Ginkakuji Temple - Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple nestled in Kyoto’s eastern mountains (Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today’s temple, modeled after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather’s retirement villa at the base of Kyoto’s northern mountains (Kitayama). The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa’s death in 1490.

Nanzen-ji Temple - Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Nanzen-ji is one of Japan’s most renowned Rinzai Zen temples. Originally Emperor Kameyama’s retirement villa, it includes a temple hall and garden centered around a pond. A notable feature is a large brick aqueduct that runs through the temple grounds, part of a canal system constructed to transport water and goods between Kyoto and Lake Biwa in neighboring Shiga Prefecture.

Gion - Kyoto’s Geisha neighborhood. Imagine stepping back in time to the 16th century, with streets bustling with geisha and samurai. Famous highlights include:

i) Yasaka Jinja: Known for its vermilion gates and lanterns that illuminate the streets during festivals, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

ii) Ninenzaka Walkway: A well-preserved, gently sloping stone-paved street with the iconic Yasaka Pagoda leading to the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

iii) Shirakawa Area: A scenic part of Gion, featuring a famous canal lined with willow trees.

iv) Hanami-koji: This cobblestone street captures Kyoto’s old-world charm, offering a leisurely stroll into picturesque scenery that transforms into a magical night scene illuminated by lanterns. Visitors might glimpse a geiko or maiko on their way to or from an engagement at an ochaya in the evenings or while running errands during the day. Enjoy a Geisha performance show at Gion Corner on Hanami-koji.

Sanjusangendo Temple - A sanctuary in eastern Kyoto celebrated for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Established in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after a fire destroyed the original structure, the temple hall measures 120 meters, making it Japan’s longest wooden structure. The name Sanjusangendo, meaning 33 intervals, refers to the number of intervals between the building’s rear columns, a traditional method of measuring a building’s size.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Established in 711 AD, Fushimi Inari Taisha has been a place for people to pray for abundant harvests, business success, family safety, and the fulfillment of various wishes for over 1300 years. It is now globally recognized as one of Kyoto’s and Japan’s most iconic sights. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which form a network of trails behind its main buildings. These trails lead into the sacred Mount Inari’s wooded forest, standing at 233 meters, offering a perfect nature trail for hiking enthusiasts.

Hozugawa River Boat Ride End Point - This boat ride down the Hozu-gawa River leads to the Hozukyo Gorge, stretching from the Hozu Bridge area in Kameoka City to Arashiyama’s Togetsu-kyo Bridge. It is renowned as one of Kyoto’s most beautiful gorges and a major sightseeing experience.

Kyotango - Known for its long beaches, including Shotenkyo Beach, part of the Kansai region’s longest beach.

Kotohiki-hama, also known as “singing sand beach,” is a scenic white sand beach lined with green pine trees, stretching 1.8 km long. Walking along the beach, visitors can hear the quartz in the sand rubbing together, creating a squeaking sound.

Osaka

Osaka Castle - Osaka Castle, or “Osaka-jo” in Japanese, is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, and for good reason. This five-story castle is one of the country’s most visually spectacular creations, with a history dating back nearly 450 years! Constructed in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it served as the center of a new, unified Japan under his rule.

While the castle itself is stunning, the surrounding parks are also worth exploring!

Cup Noodle Museum Osaka Ikeda - Dedicated to ramen noodle cups, the museum showcases the astonishing variety of instant ramen flavors developed over the years and features a reproduction of the hut where Momofuku Ando first created them.

Minoo Park - A natural paradise just outside Osaka. A leisurely exploration of the park reveals its famous lush greenery and tranquil ambiance. Within it lies the serene Minoosan Ryuanji Temple, offering a peaceful retreat. Visitors can marvel at the majestic Waterfall of Mino, promising awe-inspiring natural beauty. Conclude the park tour with a relaxing break at Yamamoto Coffee-kan, savoring exquisite local coffee and snacks. This expedition perfectly blends nature, spiritual rejuvenation, and culinary indulgence, ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.

Shinsekai - Shinsekai, meaning “New World,” is a district in Osaka initially created before WWII and later developed to resemble New York and Paris in the Northern and Southern sections, respectively. Tsutenkaku Tower, a nostalgia-evoking symbol of Shinsekai, and its iconic neighborhoods with a retro vibe and nostalgic neon attract visitors from far and wide. Some sections still display Osaka’s true, local colors as a hidden gem.

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street - A small street that has served the city and its eateries for centuries, this area is packed with wholesalers, gift shops, and specialist shops filled with cutlery and crockery, among other wares.

Kuromon Market - A popular covered market in Osaka, Japan, also known as the “Gastronome” or “Osaka’s Kitchen,” has been around for over 200 years. The market is renowned for its fresh seafood, meat, and produce, showcasing some of Japan’s finest seafood, both prepared and consumed.

Hozenji Yokocho - A hard-to-find, narrow alleyway preserving the atmosphere of old Japan with traditional lanterns and cobblestone paths. Visitors can also visit Hozen-ji Temple, a small Buddhist temple located just off Dotonbori. Built in the 17th century, it is dedicated to Fudo Myoo, one of Buddhism’s five wisdom kings.

Dotombori District - Located along the Dōtonbori canal, the area is known for its nightlife, filled with neon lights, mouth-watering street food, retro vibes, stores, and bars. It is also home to the famous Glico Man sign, a popular photo spot for tourists and locals alike.

Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street - A covered shopping street that has been Osaka’s most important shopping area for 400 years, with hundreds of shops lining this 600-meter-long street. Visitors can experience Japan’s love of consumer retail and enjoy some shopping!

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine - Sumiyoshi Taisha has watched over Osaka Bay for nearly 2,000 years. Founded in the 3rd century before Buddhism’s introduction, it showcases a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, free from Asian mainland influence. Since its founding, Sumiyoshi Taisha has been linked with the sea. People involved in fishing, shipping, and other maritime industries still come to pray for safe voyages. The shrine offers spiritual protection for Osaka’s port, the main gateway to Japan’s historical capitals and the rest of the country until the late nineteenth century. The beautiful Sorihashi Bridge, creating a uniquely high arch over a pond, leads to the main shrine grounds.

Tempozan Harbor Village - Tempozan Harbor Village is a comprehensive leisure spot in the Osaka bay area, home to the world’s largest aquarium, Kaiyukan. It offers many tourist attractions, including Tempozan Marketplace, where visitors can enjoy gourmet food, shopping, and amusement, and the Osaka Cruise on a sailing tourist boat, the Santa Maria sightseeing boat, and more.

Nara

Nara Park - Alongside Naramachi and Nishinokyo, Nara Park is a must-see area in Nara City. The vast area covers 660 hectares and is renowned for its free-roaming deer and world-famous temples. Feeding the deer is an attraction in itself, with special crackers available for purchase throughout the park.

Todai-ji Temple - Known for its giant bronze statue of Buddha (Daibutsu), it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. The temple complex is a significant cultural and historical site, attracting visitors with its impressive architecture and religious significance. To the east is the famous Nigatsudo Temple, offering one of Nara’s most beautiful scenes, especially at sunset. It is best known for Omizutori, an annual fire and water ceremony involving huge flaming torches believed to be linked to healing properties.

Higashimuki Shopping Street - This covered shopping arcade near Nara Park offers a good selection of restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a great option on rainy days. A highlight is Nakatidou mochi pounding shop, where visitors can experience mochitsuki, the traditional mochi (Japanese rice cake) pounding process, and enjoy freshly pounded mochi!

Kofuku-ji Temple - Kofuku-ji Temple, located in Nara, Japan, is a historic Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th century. The temple complex includes several pagodas, halls, and beautiful gardens. Kofuku-ji is an essential part of Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing ancient Japanese architecture and religious artifacts.

Sanjodori Street - Sanjo-dori is a prominent street in Kyoto, Japan, known for its shopping and dining experiences. It stretches across the city, connecting the popular Gion district with the bustling Kawaramachi area. Visitors can explore a variety of shops, traditional tea houses, and modern boutiques along this historic street.

Isuien Garden - A traditional Japanese garden featuring a pond, teahouse, and meticulously landscaped elements, offering a peaceful and scenic retreat. The nearby Neiraku Museum showcases a collection of fine arts and crafts, providing a serene and cultural experience in the heart of Nara.

Kasuga Grand Shrine - Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns, donated by worshippers. Hundreds of bronze lanterns hang from the buildings, while many stone lanterns line its approaches. The lanterns are lit twice a year during two Lantern Festivals, one in early February and one in mid-August. Numerous smaller auxiliary shrines are located in the woods around Kasuga Taisha, twelve of which are along a path past the main shrine complex and are dedicated to the twelve lucky gods.

Naramachi - In Naramachi, visitors can experience the atmosphere of old times created by historic Machiya (merchant townhouses) and small alleys full of interesting sights. The area features charming cafes and shops.

Uji - Escape to the southern end of Kyoto for a quiet detour where the landscape transforms into a lush expanse of green terraced fields, perfect for hiking and exploration. Uji city is renowned for its finest Japanese tea, Uji Matcha. Tourists can explore tea plantations, participate in hand-picking, and experience the tea ceremony. Notable sights include Byodoin Temple, one of ancient Kyoto’s famous monuments, so beautiful it is featured on the obverse of a 10 yen coin. In the evening, tourists can experience Ujigawa Ukai, traditional cormorant fishing on the Uji River.

Kobe

Mt. Rokko - Mount Rokko (六甲山, Rokkōsan, 931 meters) is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range, providing a pleasant green backdrop to Kobe city. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens are Japan’s largest herb gardens, with about 75,000 herbs and flowers of approximately 200 kinds blooming year-round. There are 14 garden areas where visitors are welcomed by seasonal herbs and flowers arranged according to different themes. This excursion includes a ropeway ride offering a perfect panoramic view of Kobe port city. Visitors can stroll to observe Nunobiki Waterfalls and enjoy closer interactions with nature.

Kobe Shu-shin-kan Breweries - Shushinkan features a large shop selling sake and sake-related products, as well as a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine paired with sake. Free guided tours of the sake warehouse are held once per day, except in December. Sake tasting is available as well.

Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park - On January 17, 1995, at 5:46 am, the city of Kobe was struck by the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake, resulting in over 5000 deaths and the destruction of tens of thousands of homes. This museum, opened in 2002, commemorates the tragic event and educates visitors about earthquakes and disaster prevention. It includes a large screen theater with realistic images of the earthquake’s destructiveness, a documentary film about the recovery process, extensive information about the earthquake, and various interactive games about disaster prevention.

Kitano Ijinkan-gai - This district in Kobe was home to many foreign merchants and diplomats after the Port of Kobe opened to foreign trade in the late 19th century. More than a dozen former mansions, known as Ijinkan, remain in the area and are open to the public as museums. The entire district is pleasant to walk through and offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, making it a favorite among families and couples.

Chinatown (Nankinmachi) - Nankinmachi (南京町) was developed by Chinese merchants who settled near Kobe Port after it opened to foreign trade in 1868. Named after Nanjing, the former Chinese capital, two main streets run through the district, meeting at a small plaza in the center. They are packed with shops, restaurants, and food stands selling popular items such as steamed buns (manju), ramen, tapioca drinks, and various other Chinese dishes, many of which have been Japanized to some extent. It remains a vibrant center for the Chinese community in the Kansai region.

Kobe Harborland - Located slightly west of downtown, Kobe Harborland is one of the city’s leading tourist areas and a large commercial complex with shopping malls, restaurants, movie theaters, and other recreational facilities. The Takahama Wharf, where ships including the Kobe Concerto cruise ship berth, is a perfect spot for a stroll while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.

Himeji Castle - Also known as “White Heron Castle,” it is famous for its pure white appearance and beautiful architecture. It holds the distinction of being Japan’s first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and is counted among Japan’s national treasures. Unlike many historical buildings in Japan, Himeji Castle has never been destroyed or burnt down, making it one of the 12 original castles still standing in Japan today. Iakuya Shiji Park preserves the former residential area of the Iakus, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily life and cultural heritage of the Japanese during that era.

Koko-en - Kokoen is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens and is listed as a national special scenic spot, owing to its exquisite garden landscapes, man-made lakes, bridges, and ancient buildings, full of traditional Japanese beauty. Its elegance and thoughtful design create an elegant and tranquil environment worth exploring.

Arima Onsen - One of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring resorts. Enjoy a relaxing bath in the hot springs and relieve the fatigue of the excursion with a hot spring footbath.

Rokko Garden Terrace - A magnificent English garden consisting of a small cottage garden and a meadow-style garden, offering a perfect mix of elegant and fashionable Kobe natural beauty. An ideal setting for relaxing after a hike up the mountain, as well as for a romantic date, where hikers and restaurant-goers mingle to enjoy the spectacular views.

• Private transportation
• Pick-up and drop-off at hotel and other locations
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• On-board restrooms
• Admission fees are not included

This unique adventure provides an ideal mix of sightseeing and genuine experiences in the Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Nara regions, available in either a single or multi-day itinerary. It can also be tailored to feature the best highlights across these cities in one day, such as pick-up and sightseeing in Kobe, followed by visits to Kyoto/Uji or Nara city, with drop-off in Osaka or back to Kobe at the tour’s conclusion.

A single booking allows for one day of unlimited excursions to up to two destinations. The 4-day sample itinerary offers a preview of a multi-day journey, which can be customized to suit travelers’ preferences, with options for additional bookings at discounted rates.

Nature enthusiasts seeking a break from the urban hustle can choose excursions into the peaceful countryside to experience authentic local lifestyles through farm visits and fishing villages. Here, they can savor fresh produce while enjoying stunning landscapes, including the beautiful Kyoto coast, creating unforgettable memories in Japan.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.