Overview

Japan is a fascinating country with a unique culture, stunning natural scenery, and a rich history. As a popular tourist destination, Japan offers visitors a wide range of experiences, from exploring bustling cities to relaxing in hot springs and enjoying traditional cuisine. In this article, we will compare three of the best cities to visit in Japan: Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

5 Nights 6 Days Available on request Toyonaka, Osaka
Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Accommodation

  • Guide

  • Meals

  • Additional Services

  • Transport

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Flights

  • Insurance

  • Optional

  • Additional Services

Highlights
  • Explore Osaka Castle and its historic exhibits
  • Stroll through the vibrant Dōtonbori district
  • Visit Kyoto's iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Experience Arashiyama's serene Bamboo Grove
  • Cycle around Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park
Itinerary
Day 1 Osaka Odyssey: Embarking on a Journey of Discovery in Japan's Heartland

Welcome to Osaka, the vibrant heart of the Kansai region! As you arrive in this dynamic city, take a moment to soak in the atmosphere and prepare for an exciting adventure ahead.

After arriving at your accommodation, take some time to settle in and freshen up, make yourself comfortable and get ready to explore Osaka at your own pace.

Osaka is a big modern city in Japan. It is the central metropolis of the Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio. It is a lively and exciting place that exudes a definite charm. Its history is rich, its scenery is gorgeous, and it's well-located close to the major cultural centers of Kyoto and Nara, and just a few hours by bullet train to Tokyo. Osaka has two major city centers, Kita, north side, and Minami, south side. Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district. Osaka’s major attractions are the impressive, beautifully restored, castle and the truly wonderful aquarium. Osaka has some striking modern architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene and tasty local cuisine. To experience the city’s nightlife head to bustling Dōtonbori, a street jammed with restaurants and bars. There are also some beautiful places to visit just outside of the city. Minoo is a suburb of Osaka which offers pleasant woodland, an impressive waterfall, hiking opportunities and a relaxing spa. Osaka combines historical, cultural and artistic attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese metropolis. Japan's third-largest city offers an exciting atmosphere, with fantastic connections to some of the most historic cities in Japan.

­This first day in Osaka is designed to give you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace and discover its unique charms. Whether you choose to delve into Osaka's history and culture, indulge in culinary delights, or simply wander through its lively streets, let your senses guide you as you embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan's dynamic Kansai region.

Day 2 Walking Tour of Osaka's 5 Must-See Sights, with Ramen for Lunch

We shall visit 5 Osaka's absolute must visit locations with an experienced English guide, with tasty Ramen for lunch. Let’s start the walking tour with us to find the real Osaka at a walking pace, from the perspective of a walker.

You can overlook the city of Osaka from Osaka Castle. Also, inside Osaka Castle, there is an exhibition about Osaka Castle and the Sengoku period. Take a photo with the majesty of Osaka Castle in the background. Duration: 3 hours and 5 minutes. Ticket not included.

We will visit the most colorful downtown area in Osaka, which symbolizes Osaka, the city of food. Take a picture with the landmark Glico signboard. Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Enjoy the atmosphere of a lively market at a public market that has continued since the Edo period. You can also enjoy street food. Duration: 50 minutes.

From the observatory of Tsutenkaku, you can see the city of Osaka. Around Tsutenkaku, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the town unique to Shinsekai, and take a commemorative photo with Tsutenkaku and the cityscape in the background. Duration: 1 hour and 5 minutes. Ticket not included.

It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes. Ticket not included.

Day 3 Journey from Osaka to Kyoto: A Day of Tranquility and Exploration

Begin your day by checking out from your accommodation in Osaka. Take a moment to enjoy the serene surroundings and bid farewell to the scenic beauty of the city.

­ Embark on a smooth transfer from Osaka to Kyoto, a journey that typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes by train. Upon reaching Kyoto, check in to your accommodation and drop off your luggage. Take a moment to unwind and get acquainted with your surroundings before setting off to explore the city.

­ With a free and easy day ahead, you have the flexibility to explore Kyoto according to your interests. You might wander through the historic streets of Gion, visit iconic landmarks such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple or Fushimi Inari Shrine, or simply roam the city's charming neighborhoods at your leisure.

­ For over a thousand years Kyoto was the capital of Japan and it is probably the best preserved of all its cities. It’s a beautiful vibrant city where modern life meets old traditional Japan. The city is surrounded by the mountains of Western Honshu and is a perfect base when visiting the Kansai region. The city is rich in heritage sites and culture, it has a great variety and number of restaurants and is fairly easy to navigate around. Its rich culture and heritage permeates from each and every architecture and customs. Kyoto has thousands of temples and shrines, including the spectacular golden Kinkaku-ji, Ryoanji with its Zen garden, the popular Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo with its life-size statues of Kannon and the more tranquil Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama. Also in Arashiyama, there is the famous Bamboo Grove. A wonderful thing to do in Kyoto is a walking tour of Gion, one of the main Geisha districts. Its wooden buildings and lamps create the perfect ambiance. Kyoto is one of the greatest historical cities in the world, filled with temples, shrines, teahouses and imperial residences. Kyoto is a city steeped in culture and heritage it’s a must for anyone with an interest in Japanese history and culture.

Day 4 Kyoto Day Tour (Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine) (Bus Tour)
  • See Kyoto’s most famous sites in one day on comfortable bus tour.
  • ­About 2 hours free times in Arashiyama, Bamboo Forest area.
  • ­Multi-language audio guide in English, Chinese and Korean are available on board.

­ ◇ Stroll around Tenryu-ji Temple, bamboo grove, and Arashiyama (140 minutes, including time to visit Tenryu-ji Temple)

­ Have lunch around Arashiyama and visit the Tenryu-ji Garden on your own (admission fee included)

  • ­ You can only visit the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. You will get the following discounts when walking around Arashiyama.

­ (1) Discounts on admission to Arashiyama Music Box Museum (there are closed days)

­ (2) Discounts on rickshaw rides/yakata bune

 (3) Discounts on footbath using

­ (4) Discount prices for meals, drinks, and shopping

­◇Kinkakuji (40 minutes)

­ The official name of Kinkakuji is Rokuonji, which is symbolic of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's Kitayama culture era and is famous for its shimmering lacquered gold-leaf relic hall. The reflection of Kinkakuji on the lake's surface shows each season's different faces.

­◇Fushimi Inari Shrine (70 minutes)

­ Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of the 30,000 Inari Taisha shrines nationwide. It is also the No. 1 sightseeing spot that foreigners visiting Japan want to see, and the "Senbon Torii," a row of vermillion torii gates, is a must-see. You can enjoy a mysterious Japanese space that feels like entering another world.

Day 5 Hiroshima Cycling Peace Tour with Local Guide

Begin your day by checking out from your accommodation in Kyoto and heading to Kyoto Station.

­Board the Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Hiroshima at Kyoto Station. Enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride as you traverse the Japanese countryside, passing through picturesque landscapes along the way.

­NOTE: This is a cycling guided tour in which participants ride an electric bicycle and hear the story of the reconstruction of the bombed heritage sites and how we are trying to protect peace in the city of Hiroshima. The tour is led by a friendly team from Hiroshima.Learn about local feelings towards the Peace Park from about 70 years ago.The area within a 2.5km radius from the hypocenter was severely damaged. We are heading to multiple bombed heritage sites that still remain.You will ride a comfortable electric bicycle to the local area, which is not only known for the Hiroshima Peace Museum.We will take you to unique places well-known by the local Japanese team.We will ride along the beautiful riverside and in the park to get an idea of the destruction of Hiroshima at that time and how it has changed into what it is now.

Additional information:

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If you are late for the meeting time without prior notice, the tour will be cancelled. In such cases, a 100% cancellation fee will be incurred on the day of the tour and is non-refundable.

In addition, even if you contact us in advance, it may be canceled due to the convenience of other customers.

  • Participation requirements : Adult bicycle (electric): Height 145 cm or more
  • Bicycle with seat for infants (electric): Infants' ride here are free of charge.
  • Children's bicycle (cross bike type): 2 Children's bicycles* for one booking are available. Children under age 12 can use both children's bicycles and adult bicycles at child rate.

Bicycle with seat for infants (electric) and Children's bicycle (cross bike type) are limited, so please contact us before making a reservation if you wish.

If the number of seats for infants and children's bicycles are full reserved, children of heights who cannot use adult bicycles may not be able to participate.

Day 6 Journey Back to Osaka: Returning from Hiroshima

­Begin your day by checking out from your accommodation in Hiroshima and making your way to Hiroshima Station.

­Board the Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Osaka at Hiroshima Station. Enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride as you traverse the Japanese countryside, soaking in the beauty of the landscapes along the way. 

­Upon arrival at Osaka Station, disembark from the Shinkansen and conclude your tour. With the remainder of the day free, you have the opportunity to explore Osaka according to your interests and preferences

­As your tour comes to an end, take this opportunity to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you've made throughout your journey in Japan. Whether you've explored historic landmarks, savored delicious cuisine, or immersed yourself in local culture, your time in Hiroshima and Osaka has been filled with enriching moments and meaningful discoveries. As you prepare to depart from Osaka, carry these memories with you and cherish them for years to come. Safe travels!

Pickup point
Osaka Airport (Itami Airport) (ITM), 3 Chome-555 Hotarugaike Nishimachi, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan View on Map