
The famous wild deer of Nara Park

Meriken Park -- the red Port Tower and the white Maritime Museum

A simple and comfortable hotel near Kansai International Airport

The busy shopping streets in the Namba area


Kobe beef teppanyaki -- the name speaks for itself

High-quality kuroge wagyu beef with seasonal vegetables

Tbe Bridge Hotel, quite a self-descriptive name

Open-air observatory deck atop Umeda Sky Building
Overview
This is what you have to know about the Kansai region: it is the cradle of Japanese civilization, it holds dozens of World Heritage Sites, it offers good food, and it has one of the oldest and most famous hot spring towns in the country. You can spend an entire week just around the area, and still you will get a wholesome Japanese experience!
If the above sounds interesting to you, we welcome you to join iLoveJapanTours on a focused trip in Kansai. This 7-day itinerary brings you to the four major cities in the region: Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and Kobe. Each has a distinct personality, which gives each guided day in this tour a different flavor. This trip also takes you to Arima Onsen, often named one of the best in Japan because of its Gold and Silver springs.The bite-size cultural experiences, including various Japanese art performances in Gion, are complemented with generous servings of each city's signature dish, such as okonomiyaki, sushi, and of course, Kobe beef. The shopping options are numerous, the transfers are short, and the destinations are most renowned classics. We can say with confidence that our Kansai Highlights is a great starter pack for anyone interested in the best of Japan!
Highlights
Outline
Arrival: Kansai International Airport
Day 1: Arrival in OsakaOsaka
Arrive in Osaka. Adventure is about to start!
Day 2: Osaka TourOsaka
Explore Osaka, a major city with an impressive castle, busy shopping streets, and more
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 3: Nara TourNara › Kyoto
Explore Nara, a city with some of the world’s oldest and largest wooden monuments
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 4: Kyoto TourKyoto
Explore Kyoto and its signature shrine and temple, old neighborhood, and geisha district
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 5: Arima Onsen TourArima Onsen › Kobe
Explore Arima Onsen and relax in one of Japan’s oldest and best hot springs
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 6: Kobe TourKobe › Osaka
Explore Kobe, a port city with beautiful architecture and famous wagyu beef
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7: Leaving JapanOsaka
Leave Japan and bring home many wonderful memories!
Meals included : Breakfast
Departure: Kansai International Airport
What is included?
Tour Accommodation
Western hotel: 6 nights
Meals
6 breakfasts -- 5 lunches
Transport
Airport pickup -- Private car: 5 days
Tour guide
Airport pickup -- Guided tour: 5 days
Included activities
Tickets for attractions and rides as defined in the itinerary, where necessary
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the tour
You might be also interested in
Trip name | days | |
---|---|---|
Tokaido Express Osaka to Tokyo | 7 | |
Silver Ring Tokyo to Tokyo | 7 | |
Japan Classics Tokyo to Osaka | 15 |
Overview
This is what you have to know about the Kansai region: it is the cradle of Japanese civilization, it holds dozens of World Heritage Sites, it offers good food, and it has one of the oldest and most famous hot spring towns in the country. You can spend an entire week just around the area, and still you will get a wholesome Japanese experience!
If the above sounds interesting to you, we welcome you to join iLoveJapanTours on a focused trip in Kansai. This 7-day itinerary brings you to the four major cities in the region: Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and Kobe. Each has a distinct personality, which gives each guided day in this tour a different flavor. This trip also takes you to Arima Onsen, often named one of the best in Japan because of its Gold and Silver springs.The bite-size cultural experiences, including various Japanese art performances in Gion, are complemented with generous servings of each city's signature dish, such as okonomiyaki, sushi, and of course, Kobe beef. The shopping options are numerous, the transfers are short, and the destinations are most renowned classics. We can say with confidence that our Kansai Highlights is a great starter pack for anyone interested in the best of Japan!
Highlights
Outline
Arrival: Kansai International Airport
Day 1: Arrival in OsakaOsaka
Arrive in Osaka. Adventure is about to start!
Day 2: Osaka TourOsaka
Explore Osaka, a major city with an impressive castle, busy shopping streets, and more
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 3: Nara TourNara › Kyoto
Explore Nara, a city with some of the world’s oldest and largest wooden monuments
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 4: Kyoto TourKyoto
Explore Kyoto and its signature shrine and temple, old neighborhood, and geisha district
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 5: Arima Onsen TourArima Onsen › Kobe
Explore Arima Onsen and relax in one of Japan’s oldest and best hot springs
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 6: Kobe TourKobe › Osaka
Explore Kobe, a port city with beautiful architecture and famous wagyu beef
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7: Leaving JapanOsaka
Leave Japan and bring home many wonderful memories!
Meals included : Breakfast
Departure: Kansai International Airport
Hotels
What is included?
Tour Accommodation
Western hotel: 6 nights
Meals
6 breakfasts -- 5 lunches
Transport
Airport pickup -- Private car: 5 days
Tour guide
Airport pickup -- Guided tour: 5 days
Included activities
Tickets for attractions and rides as defined in the itinerary, where necessary
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the tour
You might be also interested in
Trip name | days | |
---|---|---|
Japan Highlights Tokyo to Osaka | 11 | |
Silver Ring Tokyo to Tokyo | 7 | |
Japan Classics Tokyo to Osaka | 15 |
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
Arrival: Kansai International Airport
Activities
The first day is a standard affair. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and assist you with preparations for the tour. A private coach will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After the check-in procedures are completed, you will have the rest of the day to yourselves.
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
Day 2: Osaka Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Osaka Castle
- 10:00 - 11:30 Osaka Castle
- 11:30 - 12:00 Transfer to Namba
- 12:00 - 13:30 Okonomiyaki lunch
- 13:30 - 15:00 Shopping walk at Shinsaibashi/Amerika-mura
- 15:00 - 15:30 Transfer to Umeda Sky Building
- 15:30 - 16:30 Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden Observatory)
- 16:00 - 17:00 Return to hotel
Meals
Activities





Osaka is the heart of the Kansai megacity area. It is a bustling city of skyscrapers and neon signs, but also one with a lot of cultural significance. Osaka Castle, your first destination today, is perhaps one of the most recognizable landmarks in Japan. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three great unifiers, and inside are many exhibits related to his character. Explore the reconstructed castle and its outer garden before you proceed to have one of Osaka's signature dishes for lunch: okonomiyaki.
The famous shopping streets around Namba are always active and brimming with options. Dotonbori, running parallel to the eponymous canal, is a popular street with famous signs. Shinsaibashi has a shopping arcade full of classy boutiques. Amerikamura on the other hand is known for its cutting-edge fashion goods for younger people. Browse these streets to your heart's content! Finally, you will make a stop at the open-air observatory deck on top of Umeda Sky Building, which offers a remarkable view of the stunning urban expanse below you. The bird's eye perspective on the vastness of Kansai is something you will definitely enjoy.
Day 2: Osaka Tour
Day 3: Nara Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Nara
- 10:00 - 11:00 Nara Park
- 11:00 - 11:15 Transfer to restaurant
- 11:15 - 12:45 Irori lunch
- 12:45 - 13:00 Transfer to Todai-ji
- 13:00 - 14:30 Todai-ji
- 14:30 - 14:45 Transfer to Kasuga Taisha
- 14:45 - 15:45 Kasuga Taisha
- 15:45 - 16:00 Transfer to Horyu-ji
- 16:00 - 17:00 Horyu-ji
- 17:00 - 18:30 Transfer to Kyoto >> check-in
Meals
Activities





The best word to summarize Nara’s identity is, perhaps, “ancient.” It holds a special place in Japanese history as one of the very first Japanese capitals, and it is home to the oldest wooden structures in the world. All of the monuments you will be visiting today were built between the 7th and 8th century. The famous Todai-ji is also one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, housing a massive bronze statue of Buddha.
There are more than a thousand wild deer roaming in Nara Park, which adds to the appeal of this city. They are accustomed to human presence and would playfully approach you in hopes of getting a piece of deer cracker. Of course, the deer are not the only ones to enjoy good food; you will be feasting on locally-produced vegetables and beef, which you can grill by yourselves on a tabletop hearth for a truly traditional Japanese experience.
Day 3: Nara Tour
Day 4: Kyoto Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 10:00 - 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 12:00 - 12:45 Transfer to restaurant
- 12:45 - 14:15 Temari-zushi lunch
- 14:15 - 15:15 Kinkaku-ji
- 15:15 - 16:00 Transfer to Higashiyama
- 16:00 - 17:30 Higashiyama
- 17:30 - 18:00 Transfer to Gion
- 18:00 - 19:00 Gion Corner (subject to availability)
- 19:00 - 19:30 Return to Kyoto hotel
Meals
Activities



The keyword is “culture,” which Kyoto irrefutably epitomizes. It is the millennium capital with an inexhaustible list of remarkable heritage sites. Your first destination here is Fushimi Inari Taisha, always a memorable visit because of the sheer number of torii gates that line your path as you ascend. Then there is the unforgettable Kinkaku-ji, a shining example -- literally -- of Japanese beauty.
After a serving of Kyoto-style sushi for lunch, you will proceed to explore Higashiyama, a neighborhood of old merchant houses that evokes a feeling of nostalgia. The historic atmosphere and the traditional goods that they sell around the area makes you forget about time in all senses of the phrase. Finally, in the evening, you will get acquainted to Japanese art forms, including a maiko dance, in the district of Gion.
Day 4: Kyoto Tour
Day 5: Arima Onsen Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:30 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Arima Onsen
- 10:30 - 11:15 Hideyoshi Bath Museum
- 11:15 - 12:00 Sightseeing around Arima Onsen
- 12:00 - 13:30 Lunch
- 13:30 - 16:00 Taiko-no-Yu (onsen and free time)
- 16:00 - 17:00 Transfer to Kobe >> hotel check-in
Meals
Activities


Leaving Kyoto, you will visit Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture. With a history of over a thousand years, it has been a famous hot spring resort since the Heian period. The onsen is known for its two types of waters: Kinsen (gold water) and Ginsen (silver water), named after their respective colors.
Most notably, it was Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s favorite onsen retreat, and today you will experience the luxury of bathing in very springs cherished by the Osaka-based warlord. You will also explore the bath museum that displays Hideyoshi-related items. Enjoy a relaxing day in Arima Onsen, and take in the unique atmosphere of a Japanese hot spring town. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to central Kobe.
Day 5: Arima Onsen Tour
Day 6: Kobe Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Meriken Park
- 10:00 - 10:45 Kobe Port Tower
- 10:45 - 12:00 Kobe Maritime Museum and Kawasaki Good Times World
- 12:00 - 13:30 Teppanyaki lunch
- 13:30 - 14:00 Transfer to Nankinmachi
- 14:00 - 15:30 Nankinmachi Chinatown
- 15:30 - 17:00 Transfer to Kansai Airport >> hotel check-in
Meals
Activities



The last major city you will visit in this trip is Kobe, which one would probably describe as “colorful.” Indeed, it is a blend of many architectural styles, with Meriken Park deriving its name from “American.” and with a Chinatown named after Nanjing. The blend of foreign presence in the city is befitting of its status as one of Japan’s most important port cities.
The stylish red Port Tower and the striking white Maritime Museum are landmarks that offer you a good overview of the city and its history. The Chinatown offers plenty of sightseeing and shopping options. But of course, one does not simply visit Kobe without trying the famous wagyu beef. This mildly paced day concludes your journey around the Kansai region, and in the afternoon you will be transferred to your hotel near the airport.
Day 6: Kobe Tour
Day 7: Leaving Japan
Departure: Kansai International Airport
Meals
Activities
You have completed the Kansai Highlights tour! We hope that you enjoyed your trip with ILJT! On the last day, you will check out of your hotel and conduct an independent transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight back home, and see you again soon!
Day 7: Leaving Japan
Arrival: Kansai International Airport
Activities
The first day is a standard affair. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and assist you with preparations for the tour. A private coach will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After the check-in procedures are completed, you will have the rest of the day to yourselves.
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Osaka Castle
- 10:00 - 11:30 Osaka Castle
- 11:30 - 12:00 Transfer to Namba
- 12:00 - 13:30 Okonomiyaki lunch
- 13:30 - 15:00 Shopping walk at Shinsaibashi/Amerika-mura
- 15:00 - 15:30 Transfer to Umeda Sky Building
- 15:30 - 16:30 Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden Observatory)
- 16:00 - 17:00 Return to hotel
Activities





Osaka is the heart of the Kansai megacity area. It is a bustling city of skyscrapers and neon signs, but also one with a lot of cultural significance. Osaka Castle, your first destination today, is perhaps one of the most recognizable landmarks in Japan. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three great unifiers, and inside are many exhibits related to his character. Explore the reconstructed castle and its outer garden before you proceed to have one of Osaka's signature dishes for lunch: okonomiyaki.
The famous shopping streets around Namba are always active and brimming with options. Dotonbori, running parallel to the eponymous canal, is a popular street with famous signs. Shinsaibashi has a shopping arcade full of classy boutiques. Amerikamura on the other hand is known for its cutting-edge fashion goods for younger people. Browse these streets to your heart's content! Finally, you will make a stop at the open-air observatory deck on top of Umeda Sky Building, which offers a remarkable view of the stunning urban expanse below you. The bird's eye perspective on the vastness of Kansai is something you will definitely enjoy.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Nara
- 10:00 - 11:00 Nara Park
- 11:00 - 11:15 Transfer to restaurant
- 11:15 - 12:45 Irori lunch
- 12:45 - 13:00 Transfer to Todai-ji
- 13:00 - 14:30 Todai-ji
- 14:30 - 14:45 Transfer to Kasuga Taisha
- 14:45 - 15:45 Kasuga Taisha
- 15:45 - 16:00 Transfer to Horyu-ji
- 16:00 - 17:00 Horyu-ji
- 17:00 - 18:30 Transfer to Kyoto >> check-in
Activities





The best word to summarize Nara’s identity is, perhaps, “ancient.” It holds a special place in Japanese history as one of the very first Japanese capitals, and it is home to the oldest wooden structures in the world. All of the monuments you will be visiting today were built between the 7th and 8th century. The famous Todai-ji is also one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, housing a massive bronze statue of Buddha.
There are more than a thousand wild deer roaming in Nara Park, which adds to the appeal of this city. They are accustomed to human presence and would playfully approach you in hopes of getting a piece of deer cracker. Of course, the deer are not the only ones to enjoy good food; you will be feasting on locally-produced vegetables and beef, which you can grill by yourselves on a tabletop hearth for a truly traditional Japanese experience.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 10:00 - 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 12:00 - 12:45 Transfer to restaurant
- 12:45 - 14:15 Temari-zushi lunch
- 14:15 - 15:15 Kinkaku-ji
- 15:15 - 16:00 Transfer to Higashiyama
- 16:00 - 17:30 Higashiyama
- 17:30 - 18:00 Transfer to Gion
- 18:00 - 19:00 Gion Corner (subject to availability)
- 19:00 - 19:30 Return to Kyoto hotel
Activities



The keyword is “culture,” which Kyoto irrefutably epitomizes. It is the millennium capital with an inexhaustible list of remarkable heritage sites. Your first destination here is Fushimi Inari Taisha, always a memorable visit because of the sheer number of torii gates that line your path as you ascend. Then there is the unforgettable Kinkaku-ji, a shining example -- literally -- of Japanese beauty.
After a serving of Kyoto-style sushi for lunch, you will proceed to explore Higashiyama, a neighborhood of old merchant houses that evokes a feeling of nostalgia. The historic atmosphere and the traditional goods that they sell around the area makes you forget about time in all senses of the phrase. Finally, in the evening, you will get acquainted to Japanese art forms, including a maiko dance, in the district of Gion.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:30 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Arima Onsen
- 10:30 - 11:15 Hideyoshi Bath Museum
- 11:15 - 12:00 Sightseeing around Arima Onsen
- 12:00 - 13:30 Lunch
- 13:30 - 16:00 Taiko-no-Yu (onsen and free time)
- 16:00 - 17:00 Transfer to Kobe >> hotel check-in
Activities


Leaving Kyoto, you will visit Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture. With a history of over a thousand years, it has been a famous hot spring resort since the Heian period. The onsen is known for its two types of waters: Kinsen (gold water) and Ginsen (silver water), named after their respective colors.
Most notably, it was Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s favorite onsen retreat, and today you will experience the luxury of bathing in very springs cherished by the Osaka-based warlord. You will also explore the bath museum that displays Hideyoshi-related items. Enjoy a relaxing day in Arima Onsen, and take in the unique atmosphere of a Japanese hot spring town. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to central Kobe.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Meriken Park
- 10:00 - 10:45 Kobe Port Tower
- 10:45 - 12:00 Kobe Maritime Museum and Kawasaki Good Times World
- 12:00 - 13:30 Teppanyaki lunch
- 13:30 - 14:00 Transfer to Nankinmachi
- 14:00 - 15:30 Nankinmachi Chinatown
- 15:30 - 17:00 Transfer to Kansai Airport >> hotel check-in
Activities



The last major city you will visit in this trip is Kobe, which one would probably describe as “colorful.” Indeed, it is a blend of many architectural styles, with Meriken Park deriving its name from “American.” and with a Chinatown named after Nanjing. The blend of foreign presence in the city is befitting of its status as one of Japan’s most important port cities.
The stylish red Port Tower and the striking white Maritime Museum are landmarks that offer you a good overview of the city and its history. The Chinatown offers plenty of sightseeing and shopping options. But of course, one does not simply visit Kobe without trying the famous wagyu beef. This mildly paced day concludes your journey around the Kansai region, and in the afternoon you will be transferred to your hotel near the airport.
Meals
Open previous day
Departure: Kansai International Airport
Activities
You have completed the Kansai Highlights tour! We hope that you enjoyed your trip with ILJT! On the last day, you will check out of your hotel and conduct an independent transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight back home, and see you again soon!