Top Kansai How to Get Around - page 12

Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with this tour, you can discover its highlights. To save time waiting in ticket lines, admission is included, and a guide accompanies you as you walk around the grounds. Along the way, hear stories about shogun and emperor rivalry, discover the castle’s most photogenic places, and learn about its history.

Eliminate language barriers, put away your map, and explore Kyoto with ease on this private and bespoke guided tour. The route is tailored to your interests, and an English-speaking guide is there to make discovering the city a stress-free and easy experience. Along the way, get help with taking photos, communicating with local vendors, booking restaurants, and getting access to Kyoto's top landmarks.

Ran by @guidemejapan on instagram. On this tour, we’ll visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto’s most famous spot known for its 10,000 stunning torii gates. To avoid the crowds and the midday heat, we'll explore the shrine in the evening. This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a quick activity before or after dinner, a leisurely stroll, or some tips from our guide for the rest of your Japan trip. It’s a short and informative tour at a great price! We will meet at the exit of JR Inari Station. After exiting, turn left, and you will see a Daily Yamazaki convenience store. Our meeting point will be in front of the Daily Yamazaki store.

Enjoy two experiences in one on this walking tour of Osaka that includes several stops for street food. Discover hidden gems in the city that you'd likely miss on your own, including a street famous for its high-quality cooking tools and a lively fish market. Ask your guide for more restaurants to try during your stay in the city.

Osaka Winery Tour with Wine Tasting & Vineyard Walk A Hidden Gem Just 40 Minutes from Osaka City – Discover Japan’s Wine Culture ‍ Escape the crowds of Dotonbori and Namba and experience Katashimo Winery, the oldest winery in western Japan, founded in 1914. Located just 40 minutes by train, this tour combines history, culture, and wine, offering a unique day trip from Osaka. Tour Highlights 1. Winery Tour – Explore the Historic Wine Cellar Start at the winery’s bar before visiting a 100-year-old aging cellar, a designated cultural heritage site, where wines have matured for generations. Follow this with a guided stroll through the vineyards. 2. Walking Tour – Discover Osaka’s Hidden Town Visit: Edo-period wooden buildings A 800 to 850-year-old camphor tree Nostalgic streets showcasing Osaka’s past 3. Wine Tasting – Enjoy G20 Summit-Selected Wines Taste three locally crafted wines, learning about Japanese boutique winemaking.

Prepare yourself for a dynamic journey through the contrasting scenes of Osaka—from the rugged charm of historic districts to the glamour of modern developments, and from the tranquility of panoramic views to the lively atmosphere of unique entertainment zones. Our Osaka walking tour offers a diverse range of experiences, providing valuable insights into the city’s rich past and vibrant present. As this is a small group tour, we take pride in offering a personalized experience, ready to answer your questions and tailor the journey to your interests. Join us in truly understanding and appreciating Osaka’s vibrant culture and hidden gems. In addition to the standard duration, extended options of five or six hours are available for those who wish to explore more. If you’re interested in a private tour, feel free to send us a message—we’ll be happy to accommodate your request. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Bring video games to life with this whimsical go-karting tour in Osaka. Instead of learning about the city on a more traditional tour, cruise around in the city in go-karts and fun costumes. Your guide knows the best routes to take to minimize traffic, and you'll pass by famous attractions such as Osaka Castle. Gas fees are included with your go-kart rental for a seamless experience.

Effortlessly visit three Japanese cities in one day on this convenient tour from Osaka. Himeji, Kobe and Nara are all popular day trips from the city, and this tour takes care of the itinerary and transportation so you don't have to. See the major attractions in just one day—your entry to Himeji Castle is also included for a seamless experience.

Embark on a 3.5-hour immersive journey through Kyoto's historic Fushimi district. Glide along serene canals on a traditional Jikkoku-bune boat, explore the tranquil Chokenji Temple, delve into the art of sake brewing at the renowned Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, and savor a curated sake tasting experience. This tour offers a harmonious blend of cultural exploration and sensory delight, providing an authentic glimpse into Kyoto's rich heritage.

Enjoy a comprehensive introduction to Osaka that goes deeper than just visiting the major attractions. In addition to seeing the famous spots, learn about the quirkier elements of Osaka’s culture. Discover local subcultures in the trendy area of Amemura, as well as the street where most of the chefs in town go to buy their knives.

Osaka’s bustling streets and vibrant culture can sometimes feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. Take the mystery out of your visit by exploring with a local on a private walking tour. This personalized tour allows you to discover the exterior of monuments, including museums, while learning about the city’s history and culture. If you wish to include a museum visit, your guide can customize the itinerary to fit your interests—just let us know in advance. Your guide contacts you beforehand to understand your preferences, ensuring you see the places you truly want to experience. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour offers insider knowledge, hidden gems, and a deeper connection to Osaka.

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Visit Nijo Castle, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Nijo-jo Castle has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

Visit Kyoto’s top five sights before the crowds arrive! Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, enjoy breathtaking views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and stroll through the geisha districts of Gion. Your English-speaking local guide will share Kyoto’s rich history and culture while capturing beautiful photos for lasting memories. Perfect for travelers wanting to experience Kyoto’s highlights efficiently!

Imagine exploring the historic streets of Kyoto under the soft glow of lanterns and moonlight, with the gentle sound of your bicycle wheels accompanying you. Our Nighttime Bicycle Tour offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the city's beaty, culture, and charm after sunset. Escape the crowds. Our bilingual guides are passionate about Kyoto's history, culture and traditions. They'll share fascinating stories and insider tips to help you truly connect with the city.

Venture beyond Kyoto on this full-day trip to Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Meet your guide at a convenient central meeting point, then travel comfortably by tour bus while someone else handles the driving. Along the way, enjoy excellent photo opportunities at highlights such as Todaiji Temple in Nara, the bright lights of Dotonbori in Osaka, and Osaka Castle.

Visit the world-famous Torii Red Gates at Fushimi-Inari Shrine with a knowledgeable and approved English-speaking tour guide. Cycle along the quiet streets of Kyoto down to the magnificent Shinto complex of Fushimi-Inari that is as old as the ancient city itself. Afterwards, have a wander around the shops and stalls that line the surround the shrine and try some of the local specialities. Along the way, the tour also stops at Sanjusangen-do temple where you are sure to find inner peace walking through the millenia-old corridors leading to the incredible sight of a thousand Buddha statues. Get back on the bikes for the ride back to Kyoto station along the serene Kamo river with its nature and wildlife. Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Kyoto due to its numerous alleys and side-streets with less traffic. Enjoy this leisurely cycling tour going at your own pace and a special experience at two sacred sites while skipping the crowds and enjoying the scenery by bicycle.

Combine a photoshoot with a walking tour through some of Kyoto’s hidden spots on this experience. End up with professionally edited photos and beautiful memories of your time in Japan. Meet up with local photographers and have your photo taken professionally as you visit some of your guide’s favorite scenic spots in Kyoto. Discover more authentic spots beyond the major tourist locations.

Skip the afternoon tour buses and enjoy a more peaceful experience in Kyoto with this early bird morning tour. The group size is kept small to ensure a more relaxed experience, and the aim is to get to landmarks before the crowds arrive. Along the way, stop at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the highlights of Uji—such as Byodoin Temple, and Ujigami Shrine.

Mount Yoshino is renowned for its ‘Senbonzakura’ or ‘Thousand Cherry Blossoms’ which bloom each spring. On this tour from Osaka, enjoy round-trip transport to Yoshino and visit the most impressive viewpoints to admire the colorful cherry blossoms. During the tour, visit a strawberry farm where you can pick your own strawberries and enjoy an included boxed lunch amid the cherry blossoms.

Experience the rare opportunity to step inside a traditional Kyoto machiya, a wooden Japanese townhouse, and immerse yourself in the uniquely Japanese culture of the tea ceremony. In a small group of no more than six people, learn the basic concepts and ideas of tea ceremony, as well as the required etiquette. Watch a demonstration of the way of tea, then make your own. Your instructor guides you in how to drink it and also serve you a traditional Japanese cake.

Explore Kyoto's ramen scene on this guided tour! Taste both classic and modern ramen and get a better understanding of the wonderful world of ramen with our expert guide. You'll visit two ramen shops for two wildly different bowls of ramen — one classic Kyoto-style, one more modern, each served in smaller portions so you can enjoy both without overdoing it. At the beginning of the tour, you'll sit down with your guide over a cup of coffee or tea to talk through Kyoto's ramen origins and the route you'll be taking — the shops you'll be visiting along the way. Note: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options may be available, but cannot be guaranteed on shared group tours. Feel free to contact us in advance to discuss your needs.

Discover Osaka in four hours on a guided walking tour that blends famous sights with hidden gems. Begin at Namba Yasaka Shrine, where a giant 12-meter lion head stage is believed to swallow evil spirits and bring good fortune—an unforgettable and symbolic photo stop. Continue into Nipponbashi (Den-Den Town), Osaka’s hub for anime, manga, retro games, and quirky collectibles. Try a gachapon capsule machine: drop in a coin, twist the knob, and enjoy the surprise toy inside, a fun ritual for both kids and adults. At Kuromon Market, called “Osaka’s Kitchen,” stroll past colorful stalls of seafood, produce, and local ingredients. Feel the lively calls of vendors and catch a glimpse of everyday Osaka culture. Finish in Dōtonbori, snapping photos at the iconic Glico sign and neon canal. Then step into Hōzenji Temple with its moss-covered statue and wander lantern-lit alleys that reveal the nostalgic soul of old Osaka.

Experience the cultural essence of Japan’s two most historic cities, Kyoto and Nara, all in one day from Osaka. This tour offers two thoughtfully designed routes to match your travel style: • ★ Kyoto & Nara + Fushimi Inari ★ • (Mon, Wed, Fri) Destination: Kasugataisha Shrine, Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Byodoin Temple, Uji Omotesando, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha • ★ Kyoto & Nara + Arashiyama ★ • (Tue, Thu, Sat) Destination: Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Wakakusayama, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Nonomiya Shrine & Togetsukyo Bridge, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera Temple (During the cherry blossom season , Nikishi Market will be replaced by Maruyama Park and the order of stops will be adjusted) Both adventures begin with a hassle-free departure from Tsurutontan Soemoncho at 8:00 AM, reaching first destination at 9:00 AM and returning back to Tsurutontan Soemoncho at 6:00 PM.

When you explore Kyoto by bike, you cover far more ground than a walking tour and escape the crowds of tourists faster. Visit the city’s major sites, like Arashiyama bamboo forest, as well as more off-the-beaten path gems. Cycle through stunning streets and learn about the city’s history. You’ll get everything you need to get started: a bike and helmet.