Top Kansai How to Get Around - page 73

08:40 Meet at Nipponbashi Station Exit 2 (Namba / Shinsaibashi area) 09:50 Meet at the Sightseeing Bus Parking Lot, Hachijo Exit, Kyoto Station 11:20 One of the "Three Views of Japan" – Amanohashidate Viewing Area (approx. 2.5 hours, including time for lunch on your own，Ropeway ticket is at your own expense.) Chionji Temple Monjudo (Temple for academic success) Kaisembashi Bridge – A unique rotating aesthetic (rotates irregularly) Amanohashidate Swimming Beach – Stroll along the shore or play in the sea – A summer treasure 14:30 Ine no Funaya – "The Venice of Japan" / "Kyoto's last hidden gem" (approx. 1 hour 20 min. for a stroll, cycling, or boat ride to feed the seagulls) 15:50 Begin return journey 18:20 Tour concludes at Kyoto 19:20 Tour concludes in the Shinsaibashi area, Osaka

07:20 Depart from Nipponbashi Exit 2 (Namba / Shinsaibashi area) 09:50 Ine Funaya – “Venice of Japan” & “Most Beautiful Seaside Village” (approx. 60 min; free walk or bike) Ine Bay sightseeing cruise (pay locally; time included in Ine visit) 11:30 Amanohashidate – one of Japan’s Three Views (approx. 2 hrs; i) Chionji Temple / Monju Hall (prayers for academic success) Stroll along the beach or play in the water 15:00 Miyama Kayabuki Village – Kyoto’s thatched‑roof village (approx. 40 min free time) Visit the famous red mailbox photo spot Don’t miss Miyama milk & ice cream 15:40 Begin return journey

Important: This tour requires a minimum of 4 participants. If the minimum is not met, we will notify you 3 days in advance and cancel the tour. 07:10 Meet at Exit 2 of Nihonbashi Station (Namba/Shinsaibashi area) 09:10 Arrive at Nishi-Maizuru Station *Board the Seaside Train to Amanohashidate (approx. 70min including ticket purchase/waiting; 44min ride on Train No.223D). While crossing the Yura River Bridge, enjoy the iconic seaside railway scenery featured in Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away". 10:30 Amanohashidate Area Sightseeing (approx. 2hr 20min free time. Choose between package including Cable Car + Sightseeing Cruise, or without package) 13:40 Ine no Funaya - "Venice of Japan" & "Kyoto's Last Hidden Gem" (approx. 2hr free time) 15:50 Begin return journey 18:20 Tour concludes at Shinsaibashi/Dotonbori area

Kishi Station: Meet the famous cat stationmaster. Opportunity to ride the Kishigawa Line's limited-edition themed trains—adorable and fun. Kimiidera Temple: Wakayama's No. 1 popular spot, a secret cherry blossom gem in the Kansai region. Serene and historic. Kuroshio Market: The largest seafood market in western Japan. Watch a live tuna cutting show. Shirahama Three Scenic Spots: Engetsu Island, Senjojiki, and Sandanbeki—breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, dramatic rock formations, and towering cliffs.

Miho Museum: A "Shangri-La" museum designed by I.M. Pei, where architecture and nature blend in perfect harmony. Koka Ninja Village: One of the birthplaces of Japanese ninja culture. Dress up in ninja attire, try water-walking using "Mizugumo" floats, throw shuriken (ninja stars), and earn a commemorative certificate upon completing the challenges. La Collina Omihachiman: A fairytale-like dessert theme park created by renowned architect Tadao Ando. Featuring thatched-roof buildings, delightful sweets, and beautiful seasonal scenery, it is one of Kansai's most dreamy and Instagram-famous spots.

In this full-day tour, we visit Kyoto’s most significant sites in chronological order, starting at To-ji in 796 and ending with the city's living traditions at the Museum of Crafts and Design. You'll see how emperors, shoguns, and artisans shaped the capital through their ambitions—from palace halls designed to intimidate visiting lords to the intricate handiwork that sustained a culture for centuries. It’s a day spent understanding why Kyoto’s heritage isn't just beautiful; it's a collection of monuments to the people and power moves that defined Japanese history.

This tour offers a deep dive into Japanese sento (public bathhouse) culture, combining cultural learning with an authentic bathing experience. Chojayu was founded in 1917 (Taisho 6) and is a designated historic architectural building of Kyoto City. For over a century, it has played an essential role in local daily life and remains a living example of traditional Japanese culture. During the tour, you will gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas of the sento, including the boiler room and the well, which are normally closed to the public. A knowledgeable sento guide explains the history, architecture, bathing etiquette, and how the bath is operated, helping you understand how Japanese sento function and why they are culturally important. After the guided tour, you can enjoy a private bathing experience in the sento. Although sento are usually separated by gender, this exclusive private session allows families, friends, and couples to bathe together.

Have you heard of yuzu? That fragrant Japanese citrus you see in restaurants around the world. But what about sudachi? In this short Osaka experience, we invite you to discover Japanese flavors through citrus, dashi, and umami,　starting with one very photogenic dish. Yes — we're going to eat sudachi udon. A beautiful bowl topped with fresh green citrus slices, floating on clear dashi. It looks amazing, tastes refreshing, and feels completely different from heavy meals. We'll discover citrus-infused flavors at a hidden corner of Daimaru. This is not a long food crawl or a "eat-until-you're-full" tour. It's a 2-hour experience designed for travelers with limited time, perfect to fit between sightseeing, shopping, or before your next plan. We finish quietly near Hozenji. From there, you're free to continue exploring Dotonbori, Namba, or Shinsaibashi at your own pace. If you have about two hours in Osaka and want something unique, flavorful, and easy to enjoy — this is a perfect choice.

Discover the fascinating world of ninja history on a full-day private tour from Kyoto to the Koka and Iga regions, two areas closely associated with Japan’s ninja heritage. Travel comfortably by private vehicle and visit some of the best-known ninja-related attractions in western Japan. Explore Koka Ninja House, Koka Ninja Village, and the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum at your own pace. This tour is ideal for travelers interested in Japanese history, ninja culture, and themed sightseeing. This is a private vehicle tour with driver service only and does not include a licensed tour guide. Admission fees are not included unless otherwise stated.

Enjoy a 10-hour private car charter from Kyoto to Amanohashidate and Ine, operated by a legally licensed Japanese transportation company. Vehicles are commercially insured and professionally maintained. After pickup in Kyoto, travel about 2 hours to Amanohashidate and enjoy around 3 hours for sightseeing and photos. Then continue about 30 minutes to Ine for around 2 hours before returning to Kyoto in about 2.5 hours. Drivers are available in English, Japanese, or Chinese (basic communication support). Choose a Toyota Alphard (7 seats) or Toyota Hiace (10 seats). Kyoto hotel pickup, fuel, highway tolls, and parking fees are included. At Amanohashidate, walk along the pine-lined sandbar or visit observation areas (tickets not included). Continue to Ine to see the traditional Funaya boat houses or optionally join a sightseeing boat cruise (tickets not included). Ideal for families and small groups seeking a flexible and comfortable day trip.

Discover the cultural treasures of Kyoto and Nara on a captivating day tour. Begin in Kyoto, exploring iconic landmarks like the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, renowned for its towering bamboo stalks. Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousands of vermillion torii gates forming a mesmerizing tunnel through the forested hillside. Next, venture to Nara, Japan's first capital, famous for its friendly deer and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Witness the majestic Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, and stroll through Nara Park, where sacred deer roam freely. Conclude your tour at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, adorned with thousands of vermilion lanterns. Reflect on the profound history and beauty of Kyoto and Nara, leaving you with cherished memories of Japan's cultural treasures.

No need to bring your own cycling gear! Enjoy a truly authentic cycling experience! Our shop specializes in sports bike rentals! Why not explore power spots around Minoo, such as Minoo Falls, Katsuoji Temple, and Myokenyama Mountain, on a road bike? This plan includes rental of the bicycle itself, as well as a helmet, cycling wear, shoes, gloves, and more. Please inform our staff of your desired items upon arrival. Temple entrance tickets are also included. We also have a coffee space in our shop offering free drinks, so please enjoy your favorite beverage.

Walk Osaka. Feel Japan. This is not just sightseeing — it’s a local walking experience through hidden streets, shrine culture, and everyday Osaka life. Starting near Namba Yasaka Shrine, you’ll learn proper shrine manners and discover how Japanese values connect to daily life. From there, we explore Kuromon Market, lively shopping streets, quiet back alleys, and finish in the iconic Dotonbori area. Along the way, I’ll share local stories, cultural insights, and food recommendations you won’t find in guidebooks. You’ll experience both the energetic side of Osaka and its quieter, hidden corners. This small-group tour is personal and interactive. I adapt the pace and route depending on the group, help with photos, and answer any questions about Japan, culture, or travel. At the end of the tour, you’ll receive my curated Google Map with restaurant tips and hidden spots, so you can continue exploring Osaka like a local.

Discover the unique blend of ancient and modern in Kyoto on this 4-hour guided morning tour. Start your day at the tranquil Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vibrant vermilion gates. Your local guide will share insights into the Shinto religion and its spiritual significance, all while navigating the city’s transit system seamlessly. After experiencing the shrine's serene beauty, immerse yourself in the innovative world of teamLab Bio-Vortex, an interactive digital art museum that showcases a stunning display of light and color. This tour not only highlights Kyoto's rich history but also opens a window into its artistic future. - Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine before crowds arrive - Learn about Shinto traditions from a knowledgeable guide - Visit the immersive digital art museum, teamLab Bio-Vortex - Enjoy a stress-free experience with seamless transit arrangements

Warrior monks fortified it. A peasant rebuilt it. A shogun buried it. Most visitors photograph the third version without knowing the other two exist. Walk with a resident historian to see all three. This is not a standard sightseeing tour. Take a trip with me through time. Walk slowly through 450 years of ambition, destruction, and reinvention — guided by a historian who lives one block away and has spent years learning to read the castle's layers. What you see today is the third fortress built on this hill. The first was a Buddhist warrior stronghold the Jesuits described as the strongest fortress in Japan, which resisted Oda Nobunaga for a decade before burning in 1580. The second was Toyotomi Hideyoshi's golden citadel, the most powerful castle in Japan, which fell in 1615 and was deliberately buried under eleven metres of earth by the Tokugawa. The third is what stands today — a 1931 concrete reconstruction of the Tokugawa version, built on top of everything that came before.

Most Osaka Castle tours start in the 1500s. This one starts before Japan had a name — because the castle only makes sense once you understand the hill beneath it. Walk it with a resident historian. Discover Japan’s true origin story. A local historian who lives one block away guides a small group through 7,000 years of Osaka's human story — from Jomon hunter-gatherers to the final destruction of the Toyotomi clan in 1615. Discover why, for thousands of years, kings, queens, emperors, warlords, farmers and peasants have all considered this landscape, home. Before the tour, I will send GPS-capable historical maps directly to you. After, you will receive a full reference document covering everything we discussed. One continuous story you won't find on any other tour. Leave knowing why this hill has been worth fighting over for seven thousand years.

Learn how Osaka Castle really fell. In June 1615, Osaka Castle fell. The official story says the Lord of the castle and his mother died by suicide inside these walls — a clean ending to Japan's bloodiest succession struggle. Japan's Shogun needed the world to believe that story because the truth could have unwound decades of his life's work — the unification of Japan. But the physical evidence doesn't quite fit. Personal belongings, the burn patterns. The walls. The gate. Walk the grounds stop by stop with a historian who lives one block from the scene of the crime. At each location we examine the evidence, reconstruct the vanished fortress using GPS maps and historical overlays, and follow the deceptions that paralysed the Toyotomi at exactly the moment when clear thinking could have saved them. The walk ends at the Aoyamon Gate — where the official story runs into its most serious difficulty. Weigh the evidence and decide for yourself what really happened.

Kyoto invites exploration at a leisurely pace, revealing its rich heritage through serene walks along its historic streets. This intimate tour uncovers centuries-old temples, charming traditional neighborhoods, and tranquil spots where the essence of Japan’s ancient capital lingers. Each step immerses you in the beauty and atmosphere of Kyoto, allowing for a deeper connection with its storied past. Perfect for travelers seeking a genuine experience, this tour emphasizes a mindful approach to discovering the city. - Experience Kyoto's heritage through leisurely walking tours - Visit ancient temples and traditional neighborhoods - Discover hidden paths and quiet corners of the city - Ideal for those wanting an authentic and intimate Kyoto experience

Spirits, Samurai & Sieges Osaka castle grounds are said to be one of the most spiritually active areas in the whole prefecture. Join our experienced guide and storyteller for an evening or daytime stroll, learn about the castle’s history as well as the many ghosts that are said to haunt the area. Our guide will take you on a historical journey through the life of Osaka castle and the many spirits that dwell within. Warrior monks, cursed stones, vengeful spirits and mythical Yokai are just some of the tales you will hear on the tour. You will also hear about battles, sieges and the famous Samurai who shaped the course of Japanese history and changed the country forever!

Just a short journey from central Osaka, Minoh feels like stepping into a different rhythm of Japan — quiet mountains, seasonal colors, and places where tradition remains part of everyday life. While Katsuo-ji Temple and Minoh Waterfall are popular destinations, this tour goes beyond surface-level sightseeing. We explore why these places matter to local people today — how spiritual beliefs quietly shape daily habits, family traditions, and seasonal rituals in modern Japan. Rather than a formal lecture, this is a relaxed, conversation-based cultural walk. You’ll gain insights into how Japanese values are formed and how religion blends naturally into society, often in ways visitors overlook. Led by a guide who has lived in the area for decades, this small-group experience offers personal stories, local perspectives, and thoughtful discussions you won’t find in guidebooks. We’ll also enjoy lunch at a locally loved restaurant that most visitors would never discover on their own.

Escape the crowds and discover Kyoto's wild side on a fully private hiking tour through ancient cedar forests, from the mountain temple of Kurama to the riverside village of Kibune. Your guide is a foreigner who has lived in Kyoto for nearly 10 years, bringing a unique outside perspective that international travelers find refreshing and relatable. This centuries-old trail winds through cedar forests and temple grounds — a side of Kyoto that most visitors never see. The pace is entirely flexible and tailored to your group. Families with children are warmly welcome. - Hike a centuries-old forest trail walked by monks and travelers - Visit Kurama-dera Temple, a spiritual mountainside retreat - Pass through towering cedar forests and peaceful temple grounds - Arrive in Kibune, a charming riverside village with traditional atmosphere - Fully private — your group only, never shared with strangers - Entrance fees to temples and shrines included

Unveil the enchanting charm of Kyoto with a personalized private tour tailored just for you. This unique experience allows you to explore the city's iconic sights, delve into cultural experiences, or discover hidden gems—all at your preferred pace. With the flexibility to shape your itinerary, you can enjoy an intimate journey through Japan's rich heritage without the constraints of a group tour. Your local guide will share insider insights, ensuring a memorable day filled with personal connections to Kyoto's history and traditions. - Fully customized private tour designed around your interests - Flexibility to explore iconic landmarks or local hidden gems - Expert local guide provides insider recommendations - Ideal for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike

Experience the essence of Kyoto's rich heritage with our meticulously crafted one-day walking tours by cab, trains & buses with Licensed English speaking guide, native Japanese. ■ Pls give a valid mobile No. to use in Kyoto ■ Give correct country code ( eg : +61 or +1) phone No. ■ Mobile No. can't have alpha code UAE/AF/AE ■ We cannot call back any alpha code mobile with alpha code ■ Pls use pocket WIFI best or SIM card for easy texting & call in Tokyo ■ Pls install LINE chat App for contact purpose in real time ** For the admission fees estimate, please pay on the spot ** See the fees estimation at the exclusion clause Plan 1 (See Display route) Plan 2 09:00 Kyoto Hotel meet Kiyomizu- Dera ** Philosopher Path Nanzenji ** Suirokaku Water Bridge Walking Keage Incline Railway Walking 17:00 Downtown Tour End Plan 3 09:00 Kyoto Hotel meet Arashiyama Higashiyama District/Gion Temples visit: Daitokuji & Seiryo-ji with dry garden Wet Gardens Architecture-Ryoan-JI 17:00 Tour End

The “Kansai Area Pass,” valid within the JR West Japan region, allows unlimited boarding and alighting at stations in the Kyoto, Nara, Mie, and Iga areas. Pass holders can also enjoy admission and experiences at nearby cultural and tourist facilities (some require reservations), and the pass includes a ¥2,000 (tax included) dining coupon valid in the area. This makes it an excellent value. ※Please refer to the included booklet for a list of available facilities.