Explore Kansai Highlights of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka!

5 Day Kansai Tour: Exploring the Culinary Heart of Japan

5 days

Easy

This 5-day Kansai tour takes you on a captivating journey through the cultural wonders of Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto.

This 5-day Kansai tour takes you on a captivating journey through the cultural wonders of Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of Osaka, its bustling markets, and mouthwatering street food. Discover the ancient city of Nara, home to majestic temples and the iconic Great Buddha. Finally, explore the enchanting city of Kyoto, where traditional Japanese culture thrives amidst stunning temples and serene gardens. This tour offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the rich history, unique traditions, and breathtaking beauty of Kansai, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 1 : Shinsaibashi – Dotonbori

Shinsaibashi is a bustling district, known for its vibrant shopping scene. At its heart lies Shinsaibashi-suji, the city’s most well known shopping area. Start your tour by getting familiar with the city’s famous shopping center.

America-mura, also known as Ame-mura by the locals, is a vibrant retail and entertainment area near Shinsaibashi. It’s a hub of youth culture, featuring trendy vintage shops, cafes, bars, and nightclubs.

Stretched along the Dotonbori Canal you will find the district of Dotonbori, famed for it’s eccentric and brightly illuminated signboards, the most famous one being the Glico Man sign. Originally installed in 1935 as advertisement for the Glico company, it has now become one of Osaka’s most well known and photographed sign.

Make a quick stop at Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, which exhibits ukiyo-e woodblock prints published during the Edo Period. Try your hand at Japanese woodblock printing and print a postcard sized print.

Standing out from the rest of the area is Hozenji Yokocho. This small stone-paved alley is lined with traditional shops and the red lanterns are lit up beautifully during the evening. You will find a temple with a moss covered statue.

Day 3 : Nara

Explore the traditional residential and warehouse buildings in Naramachi Town, many of them dating back to the Edo Period. Pass the Gangoji Temple, a Unesco World Heritage Site with a history dating back over 1300 years.

Kofuku-ji is a renowned Buddhist temple with a rich history. Visit the temple and buy a Goshuincho Stamp Book. Learn how to pay respects and pray at the temple, then gather the temple’s stamp.

Take a stroll through Isuien Garden. A picturesque and tranquil oasis, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese landscape design and historic architecture.

Visit the impressive Todai-ji that houses a Great Buddha statue of 15 meters. This Temple, with its exquisite architectural design and massive scale, is unlike any other in the world.

A historical park in Japan, Nara Park is also famous for the friendly free roaming deer. Purchase deer crackers from a vendor nearby and have a unique experience feeding the deer nearby.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a captivating cultural site with its stunning vermilion buildings, suspended bronze lanterns, and serene forest surroundings. Walk along the main path that is lit up by the moss covered stone lanterns.

Day 3 : Kuromon Market – Namba – Shinsekai

Start your day early by exploring Osaka’s vibrant culinary scene. The streets are lined with hundreds of shops offering street food, fresh produce and other item goods.

Just a few walking minutes from Namba Area you will find Ema-Den, a building shaped in a giant lion head. It’s said that the lion’s mout swallows evil spirits and brings good luck.

For tech and pop culture enthusiasts, Den Den Town offers a vibrant experience, showcasing a wide array of electronics, anime, manga, and gaming stores.

Discover Osaka’s iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, a symbol of the city’s resilience, and immerse yourself in the vibrant retro atmosphere of Shinsekai district.

Founded in 593, Shitennoji is Japan’s oldest official temple. Since it was founded, the structures have burned down multiple times, but have been rebuilt exactly as they were originally designed.

In the evening visit Abeno Harukas. The observatory on the 60th floor offers a 360-degree view of Osaka. During sundown, you can enjoy a stunning view of Osaka.

Day 4 : Kyoto – East or West

EAST KYOTO ITINERARY:

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kiyomizu-Dera

Hōkan-ji Temple

Gion District

Yasaka-Jinja Shrine 

WEST KYOTO ITINERARY:

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Free time/ Souvenir shopping

Day 5 : Osaka Castle – Tenma

Visit one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, the Osaka castle. Learn about the history and significance of the castle and explore the surrounding park.Osaka

Learn about the city’s history in the Osaka Museum of History.  The museum contains displays that illustrate Osaka’s development from ancient times to the present.

Make a stop at Tenmangu Shrine, which was founded in the 10th century. If you are visiting Osaka in July, don’t miss Osaka’s biggest festival held in this shrine, the Tenjin Matsuri.

Shop at Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. This is the longest shopping street in Japan and spans 2.6km in total!

Day 2 : Nara

Explore the traditional residential and warehouse buildings in Naramachi Town, many of them dating back to the Edo Period. Pass the Gangoji Temple, a Unesco World Heritage Site with a history dating back over 1300 years.

Kofuku-ji is a renowned Buddhist temple with a rich history. Visit the temple and buy a Goshuincho Stamp Book. Learn how to pay respects and pray at the temple, then gather the temple’s stamp.

Take a stroll through Isuien Garden. A picturesque and tranquil oasis, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese landscape design and historic architecture.

Visit the impressive Todai-ji that houses a Great Buddha statue of 15 meters. This Temple, with its exquisite architectural design and massive scale, is unlike any other in the world.

A historical park in Japan, Nara Park is also famous for the friendly free roaming deer. Purchase deer crackers from a vendor nearby and have a unique experience feeding the deer nearby.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a captivating cultural site with its stunning vermilion buildings, suspended bronze lanterns, and serene forest surroundings. Walk along the main path that is lit up by the moss covered stone lanterns.

Day 3 : Osaka

Visit one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, the Osaka castle. Learn about the history and significance of the castle and explore the surrounding park.

Explore Kuromon Market, Osaka’s vibrant culinary scene. The streets are lined with hundreds of shops offering street food, fresh produce and other item goods.

Visit Hozenji Yokocho. This small stone-paved alley is lined with traditional shops and the red lanterns are lit up beautifully during the evening. You will find a temple with a moss covered statue.
Make your way to Shinsaibashi, a bustling district, known for its vibrant shopping scene. At its heart lies Shinsaibashi-suji, the city’s most well known shopping area. 

Close to Shinsaibashi you will find America-mura, also known as Ame-mura to the locals. It is a vibrant retail and entertainment area and a hub of youth culture, featuring trendy vintage shops, cafes, bars, and nightclubs.

Stretched along the Dotonbori Canal, walk through Dotonbori area, famed for it’s eccentric and brightly illuminated signboards, the most famous one being the Glico Man sign Originally installed in 1935 as advertisement for the Glico company, it has now become one of Osaka’s most well known and photographed sign. 

Discover Osaka’s iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, a symbol of the city’s resilience, and immerse yourself in the vibrant retro atmosphere of Shinsekai district.

In the evening visit Abeno Harukas. The observatory on the 60th floor offers a 360-degree view of Osaka. During sundown, you can enjoy a stunning view of Osaka.

You can start this experience at the following places.

Shinsaibashi Station

〒542-0081 JP Osaka 3-chōme-12 Minamisenba, Chuo Ward

description

The costs of taking a Kyudo lesson are usually very high. In this class, all the necessary equipment for Kyudo is prepared for you. All you need is passion and comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely!

In this beginner-friendly experience, learn the practice of Kyudo. This includes learning about the proper form, as well as the tools and techniques used. Explore the history of Kyudo and gain a better understanding of this traditional martial art.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our expert instructor, who may not speak flawless English but more than makes up for it with their passion and dedication. We provide top-notch English materials about the captivating art of Kyudo, ensuring a delightful experience as you bond with our teacher through the universal language of gestures and shared enthusiasm for this unique Japanese tradition.

Please ask our teacher if you have any questions or doubts. He is very friendly and good at teaching Kyudo!

Please note that our teacher provides hands-on guidance as he shows how to correctly take the proper stance and hold the bow.

Meet up Location

からくり弓道体験場
22-2 Mibuaiaichō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8812, Japan

10 minutes on foot from JR Tambaguchi/Hankyu Omiya/Randen Shijo-Omiya station. If you come by taxi, please tell the taxi driver “Mibugawa-street, Takatsuji-street” instead of the address.

What do I need to bring?

  • This is a walking tour, so please wear comfortable shoes suitable for extended walking.

please note

  • If you would like to make changes to the itinerary, please let us know as soon as possible.
  • Depending on the day, certain attractions might be closed. If that is the case,  you will be informed and they will be switched out with other activities/attractions.
  • Please note that there will be a lot of walking during this tour. We ask customers to please wear comfortable shoes, fit for long walking distances.

What's included?

  • Guide fee
  • Admission fees/Transportation fees mentioned in itinerary

Exclusions

  • Lunch fees
  • Admission fees/Transportation fees not included in the itinerary
  • Private Transportation
  • Shopping/ souvenir costs

more info

Experience type

Multi day tour

Booking in advance

5 days

Duration

Cut off: 1 week

Live tour guide

Difficulty

Easy

Know before you go

Minimum age of participants is: 6

Cancellation policy

  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 23 hours or less before the event
  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 2 days or less before the event
  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 20% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event

Live your adventure

+81 52-908-1134

info@honeyj.co.jp

Head Office
Morimatsu Building 2F 3 Nyorai, Kita, Nagoya

Tokyo Office
Nissey Marunouchi Garden Tower 3F 1-1-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Class 1 Tourism Agency No. 2149, JATA member

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