Top Kansai Car Tours - page 17

This is a VIP private tour from Kyoto to Hiroshima & back, offering a fully escorted, all-inclusive experience with a private guide, private vehicle, & Shinkansen Green Car tickets included for a seamless journey. All transport, Green Car Shinkansen, ferry, & entry fees included for a hassle-free experience. The itinerary can be adjusted to suit your preferences & pace. VIP Hiroshima Tour Itinerary (Customizable) Day begins – Meet your private guide & driver at your hotel in Kyoto Transfer – Private car to Kyoto Station & board Shinkansen Green Car to Hiroshima 09:00 – Arrive in Hiroshima & visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Peace Memorial Museum 13:00 – Transfer to Miyajimaguchi & ferry to Miyajima Island 14:00 – Explore Miyajima Island, including Itsukushima Shrine & the iconic floating torii gate 16:00 – Return to Hiroshima & board Shinkansen Green Car back to Kyoto End of day – Private car transfer back to your hotel in Kyoto & tour concludes

From Kyoto to Lake Biwa: 4-Day Trip to Island Temples and Shiga Countryside. Day 1—At Shimogamo Shrine and Sanzen-in Temple, you can experience the beauty and tranquility of nature throughout the seasons. At Mount Hiei's Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, you can immerse yourself in solemn history and silence. Day 2—Enjoy the torii gate on the lake and the lovely waterside landscape with its waterways. Learn about the tradition of sake brewing, savor cuisine made with local ingredients, and experience the overwhelming charm of the Kannon statue. Day 3—Experience the sacred atmosphere woven by nature on the mystical island of Chikubu Island and at Samegai-juku on the Nakasendo. At Seiganji Temple, encounter the tranquility of the dry landscape garden and the spirit of Zen. Day 4—Enjoy traditional tea ceremonies and the Byodoin Temple in Uji. Learn about sake brewing traditions and take a ride on a Jikkoku bune to enjoy the waterside scenery.

This tour offers a distinctive exploration of Japanese tea ceremony craftsmanship, seamlessly integrating local artistry with the natural splendor of Japan. Each day is enriched by the expertise of bilingual guides proficient in both English and Japanese, presenting a tailored experience of Japan’s cultural heritage. Days 1-2: The journey commences in Kyoto, immersing you in the fundamental elements of Chanoyu, including the flow of water, tea utensils, and settings. It features a tea ceremony and a visit to a craftsman. The experience deepens with an engagement in Chanoyu's spirituality at Daitokuji Daijiin Temple, complemented by Zen meditation and a traditional shojin-ryori meal. Day 3: Venture into Uji, a renowned tea-producing region of Japan, to gain insights into tea production. Relish lunch at a historic ryotei and explore the centuries-old Asahiyaki pottery. Days 4-6: Delve into the unique tea ceremony craftsmanship of Aizu, presenting a distinct contrast to Kyoto's style.

Your guide, Ai, is a Japanese government-certified English tour guide interpreter since 2015; an award-winning, magazine-covered photographer; and holds graduate degrees: MA in Japanese Pedagogy from Columbia U (Class of 2025) and MBA in tourism and hospitality management from Kyoto U (Class of 2020).　After graduating from Columbia, she has taught Japanese language in higher education in the US. Ai: This is a private, customized tour for luxury travel by taxi that will visit the most popular tourist spots in Osaka: Osaka Castle, vibrant southern Namba to Dotonbori riverside and Shinsaibashi shopping area, and Umeda Sky Building at the end of the day to see the sunset.　 For lunch and/or dinner, I will arrange the top-notch restaurant in town. Since all transportations and entrance fees are included, the only additional cost would be your meals (and souvenirs.) Pick up and drop off at Kobe/Osaka Cruise Port, Shin-Osaka Station, and any hotels in Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe/Nara are available.

Experience Kyoto your way on a fully private tour with a local guide born and raised in the city. Rather than following a strict schedule, I tailor the day to your group’s interests and travel style. We can focus on Kyoto’s famous highlights, spend more time at places you enjoy, avoid busy areas when possible, or adjust the route depending on the weather and crowds. Traveling by private car also makes it easier to explore Kyoto comfortably and at your own pace. If you prefer less walking, have already visited certain sights, or want to make changes during the tour, the itinerary can be adjusted accordingly. Along the way, I’ll share local perspectives, stories, and cultural background to help you experience more than just the sightseeing spots. I can also recommend local restaurants for lunch based on your preferences. The goal is simple: to give you a comfortable, flexible, and personal day in Kyoto rather than a fixed sightseeing itinerary.

A private day trip from Kyoto unveils the cultural treasures of Shiga, featuring the National Treasure, Hikone Castle. Explore the historic castle grounds and the serene Genkyuen Garden, then stroll along Yume Kyobashi Castle Road, rich with local shops and eateries. Savor an authentic Omi beef lunch, a highlight of Shiga's cuisine, before heading to the picturesque shores of Lake Biwa and Otsu for scenic views. This tour provides unparalleled flexibility for families and groups, allowing adjustments based on your pace and interests. - Visit Hikone Castle, a designated National Treasure of Japan. - Explore the tranquil Genkyuen Garden adjacent to the castle. - Enjoy free time in the Edo-inspired Yume Kyobashi Castle Road. - Savor a local Omi beef lunch, a specialty of the region.