Top Kansai Outdoor Activities

Even if your visit to Japan doesn’t coincide with the official sumo season, you can still watch wrestlers show off their skills during a sumo show experience in Kyoto. Not only will you watch the retired athletes perform classic moves in a traditional ring, but you’ll enjoy unlimited food and drinks, and you can even challenge a wrestler to a match.

Get behind the wheel of a custom-made street go-kart dressed up in your favorite Japanese-inspired character on this tour of Osaka. Take a break from more conventional sightseeing tours and follow your guide, who will handle all of the navigation. See popular areas including America Mura, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Namba.

Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is famous for its Bamboo Grove, but it’s more than just a place to take a great photo. Learn about Arashiyama’s history, temples, and culture from your guide on this walking tour. Arashiyama is usually teeming with tourists, so this tour also whisks you away to hidden gems that are far less crowded, including Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and the Monkey Forest.

While exploring Osaka, take your sightseeing outdoors: by bicycle. This small-group tour introduces visitors to popular attractions as well as local hangouts such as Nakazaki-cho and America Town. Your guide selects the safest route with as little traffic as possible—difficult to do on your own. Enjoy plenty of stops including Osaka Castle, Nakanoshima Park, Nipponbashi Denden Town, and Shitennoji.

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.

Explore Kyoto’s eerie side on a unique ghost tour through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which is crowded by day but super-spooky at night. This isn’t your typical haunted house experience—expect chilling urban legends, local ghost stories, and atmospheric streets after dark. Includes a drink to start and a brief solo walk in the dark for spine-tingling immersion. A small group ensures an intimate, creepy, and unforgettable night in one of Kyoto’s most famous locations—the bamboo forest.

Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destinations, which means it gets crowded during the day. Dodge the biggest crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the ancient Japanese capital on this early-morning, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer, while learning about the long history of this sacred place.

Arashiyama’s bamboo forest is one of Kyoto’s most visited attractions so it can get pretty busy. Avoid the crowds by taking an early morning bicycle tour. Enjoy the forest and temples at their most serene, and take photos without strangers getting in the way. Get active while on vacation and visit some other Arashiyama highlights throughout the morning.

Combine natural beauty and close encounters with wildlife on this action-packed afternoon tour to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Iwatayama Monkey Park. To save tired legs, and help you get around with ease, bike and helmet rental is included. The trip showcases spectacular views of Kyoto from Iwatayama Mountain, the natural beauty of the bamboo forest, Sogenchi Pond Garden, and the chance to look out for Japanese macaque monkeys.

Kyoto is the perfect city to explore by bike, and this guided e-bike tour removes the need for route planning or map reading. With e-bike rental included and a guide leading the way, you can enjoy a carefully chosen route that reveals hidden gems and peaceful corners many visitors miss. Alongside quieter spots, you can also enjoy views of major landmarks, such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nanzen-ji Temple.

We are the largest international sports community in Osaka and Kansai. Come meet local Japanese and foreigners living in Osaka; we love to play sports and meet new friends. You can come alone or with friends, we will make you feel welcome!

Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. Continue exploring off the beaten path, discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.

Avoid the hassle and language barriers of figuring out Osaka’s public transport system and explore the city in a much more relaxing and scenic way—on a guided bike ride. See green parts of the city, such as Utsubo Park, and get lots of great tips on the city’s best places to eat and drink. No need to worry about the bike ride being challenging—conveniently, the route is 90 percent flat.

When your trip to Osaka is over, get to Kansai International Airport (KIX) with ease on this pre-booked transfer service. Your driver meets you at your accommodation located anywhere in Osaka’s city center. Then, sit back and relax on the journey to the airport where you arrive with plenty of time before your departure flight.

Prepare for battle and learn the skills of the samurai during an interactive class studying the ancient Japanese martial art of kenbu. Learn everything from basic choreography movements to more complex actions that incorporate a sword and folding fan. After your class, participate in a photo session with your samurai costume and receive a certificate of completion and a souvenir towel.

Explore Osaka just like a local: On a bicycle. Pedal through the streets of the city on your way to its best sites, including Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, and Shin Sekai, and follow your guide to some lesser-known attractions. Along the way, get insights into this fascinating city and its remarkable food scene—which you get a taste of by refueling with lunch at a local spot.

Get dressed up in authentic samurai armor in Kyoto and experience a rare, hands-on look at Japan’s warrior past. This three-in-one experience includes an armor fitting, a traditional calligraphy session, and a premium matcha tea experience to help you do more in less time. Also, to ensure you have well-composed images of your time in armor, the on-site staff can help take your photos.

If you’re interested in Japan’s ninja culture, then this is the experience for you. Rather than just watching ninja movies or visiting a museum, this hands-on experience allows you to forge a real ninja weapon. Safely learn how to heat, hammer, and shape your weapon, with guidance from skilled craftsmen. Then, engrave your weapon and have a memorable souvenir to take home.

We recommend rafting on the Hozugawa River. - The nearest station(Umahori st) to our rafting base is just 25 minutes from Kyoto Station. -The nearest station is a 3-minute walk from our meeting place. - All you need to bring is clothes you don't mind getting wet and a towel. - Free photo data taken on the day. - An English-speaking guide will accompany you. - Ages 8 and up are welcome. - Rapids that adults will love. - Swimming spots available. - Jump from 3-meter-high rocks. - Rafting experience in beautiful natural surroundings. - There are clean changing rooms and clean restrooms. - Your valuables and luggage will be stored at our facility during the rafting trip. - The famous trolley train runs along the Hozugawa River. You might spot the famous Sagano Romantic Train (Trolley Train) passing by as you paddle through the canyon. - Nearby, the famous tourist spot, Arashiyama. It's close to Arashiyama, so it's a great place to visit the bamboo forest before or after rafting.

The Dotonbori Naniwa Cruise is a special way to see the “real Osaka” while relaxing on a boat. The view is very different in the daytime and at night, and both are worth enjoying. This cruise is recommended for first-time visitors and for anyone who wants to experience Japanese culture. Route: Minatomachi Pier A ＞ Ebisubashi ＞ Nipponbashi (Sakaisuji) -Historic Charm – Former Edo-period theater district with lasting cultural appeal. -Vibrant Streets – Neon lights, music, and delicious street food. -Riverside Vibe – Blend of local life and tourist excitement.

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.

Spend time outdoors and check off landmarks at a faster pace than a walking tour with this exciting e-bike adventure. Save hours researching top things to see and do—and follow a private guide instead. Along the way, pedal past some of the city’s most notable attractions—such as Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and Tofuku-ji Temple, with insightful commentary throughout.

Make the most of limited time in Kyoto and speed up your sightseeing with this guided e-bike adventure. Rather than walking around the city, a guide takes you on a scenic adventure that visits hidden backstreets, temples such as Tofuku-j Temple, and the magnificent Fushi Inari-taisha Shrine. Along the way, as well as hearing about Japanese history and culture, you can learn about Buddhism, Shintoism, and samurai warriors.