Day 1:
Kansai Int'l Airport - Namba, Osaka
Welcome to Kansai, Japan. Transfer to Namba, Osaka by Nankai Railway.
Day 2:
Osaka
Explore Osaka by Osaka Metro. Visit Osaka Castle, Osaka’s most
prominent landmark. Visiting the Aerial Garden observatory for panoramic
views from 170 meters above the city. Stroll through the Dotonbori district
for shopping and dining.
Day 3:
Osaka
Travel to Minoh by Hankyu Railway. Enjoy hiking to the Minoh Waterfalls,
chosen as one of the “best 100 waterfalls in Japan.” In the afternoon, how
about taking a tour of a working brewery at Ashi Beer Museum or making
your own original Cup Noodles at the Cup Noodles Museum.
Day 4:
Osaka - Mt. Koya, Wakayama
Today, proceed to the World Heritage Site, Mt. Koya by Nankai Railway.
Experience a night of ascetic retreat at a temple lodging and enjoy a night
tour through the Okuno-in, one of Koyasan’s most sacred sites.
Day 5:
Mt. Koya, Wakayama - Kyoto
Proceed to Kyoto by Nankai Railway. Visit Fushimi, known for one of the
most famous depictions of Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha and historical sake
restrict. Stop by a celebrated brewery to taste some local sake.
Day 6:
Kyoto
Begin your full day sightseeing in Kyoto with a visit to beautiful Arashiyama
Bamboo Forest. Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple
covered in gold leaf on the top two floors. Move to Kyoto Imperial Palace,
then visit Nishiki Market known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.
Day 7:
Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
By taking Kintetsu Railway, travel to Nara, former feudal capital of Japan.
Visit the Todai-ji Temple, housing the world’s largest bronze statue of
Buddha (Daibutsu). You will also see Kasuga Taisha, designated as a World
Heritage site, and stop at popular Deer Park.
Day 8:
Kyoto - Himeji - Kobe, Hyogo
By taking JR West Railway, transfer to Hyogo. Visit Himeji Castle, one of
the most well-preserved castles in Japan. Also stop by Kokoen, a Japanese
garden next to Himeji Castle. Enjoy Kobe beef, one of the highest grades of
beef in Japan for dinner.
Day 9:
Hyogo - Osaka
Enjoy visiting landmarks of Kobe such as Sannomiya Shrine, Kobe Port
Tower, Meriken Park or more. After sightseeing, transfer back to Osaka by
Hanshin Railway.