Details
MAIN FEATURES OF THE TOUR
A perfect highlight tour to experience the cultural heart of Japan through Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. Ideal for first-time visitors or returning Japan enthusiasts, this tour showcases the most iconic sights and experiences in Kansai. This thoughtfully designed package offers flexibility for tailor-made additions, allowing guests to choose from exceptional optional tours or enjoy a unique itinerary crafted by our Japan specialists. It provides the perfect balance of structured experiences and free time, giving travellers the freedom to explore at their own pace.
Highly recommended optional tours are available to enhance your journey, including Universal Studios Japan, Himeji Castle, Awaji Island with Nijigen no Mori, or an immersive cultural experience at the Michi Centre in Osaka. Let Travel Japan help you craft unforgettable memories across one of Japan’s most captivating regions.
Included:
6 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
Arashiyama & Sagano Romantic Train experience
Nara guided day tour using local transport
Half-day or full-day optional tours in Osaka (as selected)
Flexibility for free days and personalised touring
Pricing:
Listed price is Twin Share (2 PAX), price per person
Additional nights can also be arranged – please speak to our friendly consultants for further details.
Booking Requirement:
This package must be booked at least 60 days before the departure date.
Day 1 Arrival → Transfer to Kyoto
DAY 1: Arrival & Transfer to Kyoto
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to beautiful Kyoto and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Hotel: ★★★☆☆ 3-Star TBA
Hotel: ★★★★☆ 4-Star TBA
Day 2 Kyoto Day Tour
Day 2: Kyoto
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing to Arashiyama. Enjoy a guided walking tour through this stunning bamboo forest. followed by a scenic train ride on the Sagano Romantic Train.
Hotel: ★★★☆☆ 3-Star TBA
Hotel: ★★★★☆ 4-Star TBA
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Kyoto Free Day
DAY 3: Kyoto
Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full day in Kyoto at your leisure. Our Japan specialists can prepare a personalized experience for you or you may wish to choose one of our many unique tours/ experiences especially for in Kyoto.
Suggested Plans:
Custom Kyoto Tour - Half Day or Full Day Expert guidance for a tailor made tour based on your interests
Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience
Samurai Museum and Ninja Experience
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Sake Tasting and Maiko Experience
Kyoto Bar Hopping Tour
Gion Walking Tours
Bonsai Workshop
Food / Cooking Experiences
Hotel: ★★★☆☆ 3-Star TBA
Hotel: ★★★★☆ 4-Star TBA
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Nara Day Tour
DAY 4: Nara
Start your morning at a relaxed pace, enjoying breakfast at your accommodation while taking in the surrounding scenery.
After checking out, make your way to Kintetsu Nara Station—approximately a 35-minute train ride on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line Limited Express.
Meet your guide at 1:00 pm and begin a special walking tour of Nara. Highlights of the tour include:
- Todai-ji Temple – Marvel at the Great Buddha, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.
- Nara Deer Park – Encounter the friendly free-roaming deer, considered messengers of the gods.
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine – Explore the beautifully serene shrine adorned with hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns.
- Local Streets & Markets – Stroll through traditional streets, sampling local treats and experiencing the historic atmosphere.
The tour will conclude around 5:00 pm at the Gyoki Statue, conveniently located a short walk from your accommodation.
Hotel: ★★★☆☆ 3-Star TBA
Hotel: ★★★★☆ 4-Star TBA
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Nara → Osaka
DAY 5: Nara → Osaka
Today, travel to Osaka at your own pace. You may choose to enjoy a slower morning in Nara, spending additional time exploring the surrounding sights and activities, or head directly to Osaka to begin discovering the city and take part in our optional experiences.
Using the Kintetsu Namba–Nara Line Rapid Express, arrive in Osaka and enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure.
Recommended Optional Activities:
Osaka Half-Day Walking Tour
Explore Osaka with an expert local guide, including a visit to the iconic Umeda Sky Building, followed by a lively stroll through the vibrant Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi districts, famous for their food, shopping, and neon-lit streets.
Michi Cultural Experience
Enjoy an immersive all-in-one Japanese cultural experience, featuring kimono dressing, samurai performances with armour, a traditional tea ceremony, shamisen music, and the opportunity to try your hand at calligraphy.
Kaiyukan Aquarium Visit
Visit the spectacular Kaiyukan Aquarium, formerly one of the world’s largest aquariums, and a fantastic evening destination showcasing impressive marine life from the Pacific Rim.
Hotel: ★★★☆☆ 3-Star TBA
Hotel: ★★★★☆ 4-Star TBA
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Osaka Free Day or Tours
Day 6: Osaka
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before deciding how you would like to spend the day in Osaka. This is a full day at leisure, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace with expert guidance and recommendations from our Japan specialist team, or you may choose to join one of our optional tours led by licensed English-speaking guides.
Optional Tours:
Universal Studios Japan – 1-Day Access
Spend an exciting day at the ever-popular Universal Studios Japan, enjoying world-class rides and attractions inspired by some of Universal Studios’ greatest films. Highlights include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the latest Super Nintendo World, a must-visit for fans of all ages.
Himeji Day Tour (with Lunch & Guide)
Travel to nearby Himeji for a guided visit to one of Japan’s most magnificent landmarks, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle, followed by a stroll through the beautifully landscaped Koko-en Gardens. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Osaka in the late afternoon or early evening.
Awaji Island Day Tour (with Lunch & Guide)
Enjoy a guided full-day tour to Awaji Island, with lunch included. Along the way, stop at the Awaji Service Area to sample local treats, browse unique souvenirs, and admire views of the iconic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. After lunch at a recommended local restaurant, visit Awaji Yumebutai before heading to Nijigen no Mori Theme Park, home to attractions inspired by beloved franchises such as Godzilla, Naruto, Bleach, Demon Slayer, Spy×Family, Crayon Shin-chan, Monster Hunter, and more.
Hotel: ★★★☆☆ 3-Star TBA
Hotel: ★★★★☆ 4-Star TBA
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Return Journey
DAY 7: Flight / Next Step of your Journey
Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy this final day venturing the sights of Osaka before your next plans be it a flight home or even more experiences around Japan.
For travelers wishing for more our Japan Specialists can assist with personalized experiences, such as short extension packages and custom made plans.
A return transfer can be added to comfortably take you to Kansai Airport or take the simple Journey via the Airport Express Train.
Hotels: Kyoto (3 nights), Nara (1 night) Osaka (2 nights)
Meals: 6 Breakfasts (Lunches available in optional tours)
Guide: English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Thai and Indonesian -speaking audio guidance available on day tours.
Transportation: As described in tour details.
CHOOSE YOUR CATEGORY
HOTEL Standard (western-style rooms starting from 19 sqm)
3-Star Accommodation in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
HOTEL Superior (Western-style rooms starting from 22 sqm)
4-Star Accommodation in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
Discover Kansai’s Cultural Heart
Begin your journey in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, where centuries-old traditions, serene landscapes, and timeless beauty set the tone for a memorable Kansai experience. This flexible 7-day journey through Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka is ideal for both first-time visitors and returning travellers, offering a carefully balanced itinerary with iconic highlights and generous free time to explore at your own pace. With a variety of optional tours available, the journey can be easily tailored to suit individual interests and travel styles.
Your experience in Kyoto includes a visit to the picturesque Arashiyama district, renowned for its bamboo groves and riverside scenery, along with a scenic ride on the Sagano Romantic Train, offering stunning seasonal views of the surrounding countryside. A dedicated Nara day tour, using local transport, introduces you to Japan’s first permanent capital, where historic temples, sacred shrines, and the famous free-roaming deer of Nara Park create an unforgettable cultural encounter.
The journey continues in vibrant Osaka, where tradition meets modern city life. Enjoy free time to explore the city independently or enhance your stay with optional experiences such as a half-day Osaka walking tour, an immersive visit to the Michi Cultural Centre featuring kimono, tea ceremony, shamisen music, samurai performances, and Japanese calligraphy, or a visit to the impressive Kaiyukan Aquarium. Additional full-day optional tours offer further opportunities to personalise your adventure, including Universal Studios Japan, a Himeji day tour with lunch to see Japan’s most iconic castle, or a scenic excursion to Awaji Island, including lunch and a visit to Nijigen no Mori.
Designed for travellers who value both structure and flexibility, this Kansai journey provides the freedom to explore while ensuring access to Japan’s most beloved cultural experiences. Let Travel Japan assist in creating a seamless and enriching experience through one of Japan’s most captivating regions.