Kyoto Itinerary

Amanohashidate - Amanohashidate, meaning “bridge in heaven,” is a natural sandbar covered with pine trees that links 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 stunning vistas. Visitors can stroll through the pine tree-lined street and admire the diverse pine species. The view from the Land’s Rear View Observatory (“Mata no zoki-dai”) resembles a dragon soaring in the sky, hence the name “Flying Dragon Observatory” (“Hiryu-kan”). Aerial lifts or cable cars provide a convenient option for those with limited time who still wish to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Ine no Funaya - This charming 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 also enjoy a serene tour on the Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat.

On the cruise, enjoy the beautiful bay views and its iconic funaya. Lucky visitors might even spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat. The tranquil bay waters are protected by Aoshima Island, an uninhabited island believed to be the home of the gods, which calms the incoming wind and waves, maintaining the bay’s peacefulness.

Arashiyama - Arashiyama (嵐山) is a delightful, 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. Arashiyama is especially popular during cherry blossom and fall color seasons.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s central landmark. Nearby, visitors will find numerous small shops, restaurants, and attractions, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves, and pleasure boats available for rent on the river.

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 only remaining building from Yoshimitsu’s former retirement villas and is now an elegant 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 some of the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era. One of the most striking features 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 spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (Kyõto Gyoen), an attractive park in the city center that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and other attractions. The current Imperial Palace was reconstructed in 1855 after being repeatedly burnt 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 lively market specializes in all things food-related, such as fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, including Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. Nishiki Market has a pleasant yet busy atmosphere that invites exploration of Kyoto’s famous culinary delights.

Ginkakuji Temple - Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple along 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 passes 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 - Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha neighborhood, is located along Shijo Avenue between the Kamo River to the west and Yasaka Shrine to the east. The area is filled with shops, restaurants, and ochaya (teahouses) offering entertainment by geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices). Gion’s significant concentration of classic wooden machiya merchant houses attracts tourists. These homes were built with narrow facades only five to six meters wide but extend up to twenty meters from the street, as property taxes were once determined by street frontage. Nearby is Kiyomizudera, one of Japan’s most famous temples, meaning “Pure Water Temple.”

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 sanctuary hall is Japan’s longest wooden structure, measuring 120 meters. The name Sanjusangendo, meaning 33 intervals, refers to the number of intervals between the building’s back columns, a traditional method of measuring a building’s size.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Established in 711 AD, Fushimi Inari Taisha has been a gathering place for prayers for bountiful harvests, business prosperity, family safety, and the fulfillment of various wishes for 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 straddle 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.

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! Its construction began in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as the center of a new, unified Japan under his rule.

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

Dotombori - A major tourist destination in Osaka, located along the Dōtonbori canal. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, filled with neon lights, delicious 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.

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 is 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, where exquisite local coffee and snacks can be savored. This expedition is a perfect blend of 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 retro vibes 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 ready to eat.

Hozenji Yokocho - A narrow alleyway that has preserved 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 the five wisdom kings in Buddhism.

Dotombori District - Located along the Dōtonbori canal, the area is known for its vibrant nightlife, filled with neon lights, delicious 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. Walking down here offers a glimpse into Japan’s love of consumer retail, and visitors can enjoy some shopping!

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 is considered one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. 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 - 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.

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.

Kobe

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens - Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens are Japan’s largest herb gardens, with about 75,000 herbs and flowers of approximately 200 kinds blooming throughout the year. There are 14 garden areas where visitors are welcomed by seasonal herbs and flowers arranged according to different themes.

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

• On-board restrooms
• Admission fees are not included

Experience the enchanting allure of renowned destinations in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe with personalized tours designed to match your interests. You have the flexibility to adhere to a pre-arranged itinerary or choose the most intriguing excursions during the tour. Discover famous landmarks and hidden treasures in serene countryside locations, such as Amanohashidate and Ine no Funaya village in northern Kyoto, or embark on a Mt. Rokko adventure in Kobe, among others.

Additionally, explore incredible sites in various cities beyond your current location. For example, while staying in Osaka, you can take day trips to Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe, and return to enjoy Osaka’s vibrant nightlife.

We also offer the convenience of traveling with you from one city to another, such as picking you up in Kyoto, visiting Nara, and dropping you off in Osaka at the end of your journey.

NOTE: The listed price is for a single-day tour in any of the cities. You can also book a 4-day tour to explore all the cities.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.