7 Day Kansai Tour: Exploring the Culinary Heart of Japan

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.

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.

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.

For tech and pop culture enthusiasts, Den Den Town offers a vibrant experience, showcasing a wide array of electronics, anime, manga, and gaming stores. Explore the area and enjoy some light shopping.

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

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha. This shrine is one of Osaka’s most famous and is believed to have been founded in the year 211. You can see the shrine’s authentic architecture, as well as the Sorihashi bridge that spans over the canal and reflects beautifully in its water.

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. Learn about the temple’s history and tour its grounds.

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.

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.

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!

Depart early from Osaka Station.

After arriving at Kyoto Station, make your way to The Golden Pavillion. Kinkaku-ji is named for its two floors of pure gold leaf covering the top and bottom floor.
Observe the beautiful temple and its reflection in the lake, as well as the surrounding garden, as each season brings a different look to the temple.

Next, visit Tenryu-ji, a World Heritage Site. Tenryu-ji was founded in 1339 and is one of West Kyoto’s most important temples.
Take a tour of the temple and enjoy the changing landscapes, which look different during each season.

Explore the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and see the endless towering bamboo lining the pathways.

Take a stroll over the Togetsu-kyo bridge, a 155-meter long wooden bridge spanning over Katsura river and a famous Arashiyama landmark.

Enjoy your free time in the area, shopping souvenirs from the many vendors and shops lining the streets.

Depart from Osaka station to visit the East Kyoto.

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and walk through the endless path of the shrine’s orange gates. Explore the shrine complex and take a light hike to start your day. 

From there, go to Kiyomizu-Dera. Get a great view of the surrounding nature landscape and Kyoto while standing on the wooden stage, that stands 13-meters tall from the ground.

Explore the charming streetscape of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, where the iconic Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda) stands tall amidst historical surroundings.

Stroll through the enchanting streets of Gion, where Hanamikoji Street beckons with its well-preserved machiya houses.

Discover the enchanting allure of Yasaka Shrine at night, where softly glowing lanterns illuminate the historic buildings, creating an unforgettable scene amidst Kyoto’s traditional charm.

Enjoy a full day of free time exploring and shopping in Osaka or visit the popular attractions of Universal Studios Japan or the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
*Admission fees/shopping costs not included