Kansai is the western region of the main Japanese island of Honshu. The area is also known as Kinki District, literally “near the capital” (referring to ancient capital Nara and Kyoto), and its three big cities – Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe – as Keihanshin. Experience ancient Japanese tradition and culture in Kyoto and Nara, and the dynamic energy of Osaka, the city of merchants.
Hotels offered OR similar
Package variation for 2-7 travelers in a group
Tour dates are open for additional travelers to join. The group is finalized when the remaining cost is due.
Package variation for 8-15 travelers in a group
Tour dates are open for additional travelers to join. The group is finalized when the remaining cost is due.
Package variation for 16-30 travelers in a group
A Tour Director is included with our Escorted Tours with set tour date.
Day 1: Osaka
Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport, you will meet our representative with name board at the customs exit. We will escort you to a hotel in Osaka by an airport limousine bus. After check in, the rest of day is free at leisure on your own.
🏨: Hotel Granvia Osaka OR Similar
Day 2: Osaka
[Full Day Osaka Walking Group join Tour with lunch]
After breakfast, you will start your Osaka experience after assembling at hotel lobby of the Hotel Granvia Osaka, where you will meet your guide. Today you will visit Osaka’s famous sightseeing spots and learn about the city’s history and about Osaka. The city is known as “AQUA METROPOLIS OSAKA”, and you can enjoy the scenery of Osaka by boat. This morning first enjoy visiting Aerial Floating Garden Observatory and Umeda district. You will spend approximately 1 hour enjoying panoramic views overlooking the city, Awaji Island and Mt Ikoma. After western-style lunch, you will head to Higashi Umeda Station for a subway ride to Temmabashi Station (non-reserved seating) with your guide. Then enjoy visiting Osaka Castle which was monumental fortification constructed, upon the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and noted for its magnificence and the immense stones used in its construction. From here it’s a short walk to the riverboat dock to board the Aqua Liner for a 1-hour cruise around Nakanoshima. Then you will go back to Osakajokoen Station and take a train to Osaka Station. Upon arrival at Osaka Station, then continue exploring the city on your own or find your way back to your hotel.
🏨: Hotel Granvia Osaka OR Similar
🍽: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Osaka
[Full Day Kyoto and Nara Tour with lunch]
After breakfast, meet your guide at hotel lobby of the Hotel Granvia Osaka and head to JR Osaka Station. Board the JR Special Rapid Service or Rapid Service (non-reserved seating) to Kyoto.
Today you will start at Nijo Castle, which is noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors. (Note: When Nijo Castle is closed you’ll visit Ryoan-ji Temple instead.) After touring the castle, head to nearby Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto’s most popular Zen Buddhist temple and home to the world most authentic and exquisite Japanese garden, the temple features the celebrated Golden Pavilion whose wooden structure is completely covered in gold leaf. Next, visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, which clearly demonstrates the Japanese taste for purity, simplicity and tranquility. After lunch, you will move to Nara, now known as Nara remains full of iconic sites. Then see Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples, constructed in the 8th century. In its huge precincts are various national treasures of Japan. Step foot in the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, before a stop at Kasuga Shrine. This most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine features some 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns. Before your day trip ends, your guide will take you to Nara Nagomikan, Nara’s biggest souvenir shop where you’ll have the opportunity to browse for about 20 minutes. Here, you’ll find a variety of food products, sweets, and goods exclusive to Nara.
Afterward, you will head to Kintetsu-Nara Station for the rail ride back to Osaka-Namba Station on the Kintetsu line (non-reserved seat) with your guide. Upon arrival back in Osaka, you’ll make your own way back to your hotel.
🏨: Hotel Granvia Osaka OR Similar
🍽: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Osaka
After breakfast, free at leisure.
🏨: Hotel Granvia Osaka OR Similar
🍽: Breakfast
Day 5: Osaka-Next destination
After breakfast, transfer to Kansai airport by an airport limousine bus on your own (ticket included) for your flight to next destination. (*Airport departure time should be between 10:30-21:00)
🍽: Breakfast
Please complete our online reservation form to assist you with our services.
Travel Documents:
U.S. citizens, apply for a passport HERE
Non-U.S. citizens, inquire about travel visas HERE
KJ reserves the right to correct errors or omissions including but not limited to fares, fees, and surcharges at any time.
Reservations within 30 days of trip start date require payment of total cost.
LAND ONLY Package
LAND+AIR Package / Flight Booking Required
Flight cost may increase due to seating availability, fuel charges, taxes, and fees. Flight offer is good until payment due date. Flight offer may change after the due date, and any cost increase is responsible by the traveler.
Payments Options
Payments made out to KJ INTERNATIONAL TOURS. Returned check OR eCheck charged $25 per occurrence.
Notification of Trip Briefing time and date announced via Email within 45 days of trip start date.
View a Trip Briefing session HERE
After the initial deposit, a $100 per person Cancellation Fee will apply.
KJ recommends travel insurance with basic coverage offered by Arch RoamRight. View basic coverage details HERE
Cancellation for refundable bookings:
Cancellation for international flight bookings: