Top Kansai Outdoor Activities - page 2

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.

Discover hidden hiking routes that you likely wouldn’t find alone on this guided tour near the spectacular Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine—a place known for its bright orange torii gates. Following a guide, venture off paved paths and onto secret forest trails to the famous attraction, passing a natural bamboo forest, and a small shrine that’s off the usual tourist trail. The trip also reveals scenic views of Fushimi-Momoyama Castle.

Bike tours and food crawls are two much-loved traveler favorites—here’s your chance to combine both. Hop on your own set of wheels and follow a guide to try Osaka’s most delectable food specialties. Stop to take in top city sights along the way, such as seeing one of the city's oldest temples, as you cruise between multiple stops, which may include a locally-run sushi shop or grilled wagyu beef.

Kyoto is the perfect place for cyclists, and with this e-bike adventure, you can explore the city’s southern and eastern highlights with ease. Start early to beat the crowds, then head to a variety of top attractions, including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Tofukiji Temple, and Ginkakuji Temple—all with a guide to navigate to ensure you don’t get lost.

Why Choose Our Experience: ★ Train in an authentic dojo with a master who has over 20 years of experience ★ Enjoy a more personal experience with small groups—only 6 participants per class (Disclaimer: There may be more than 6 participants if there are only a small number of parties) ★ Witness a powerful two-katana performance by the master—something you won’t see anywhere else

As two of Kyoto's most-popular and most-photographed spots, Fushimi Inari shrine and the Arashiyama bamboo forest are typically heaving with tourists during the day. Avoid the crowds with this early-morning small-group tour that also takes you to the temple of Tenryu-ji Temple and Togetsu-kyo Bridge.

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.

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.

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.

This guided tour helps you discover Kyoto’s dispersed temples, shrines, and cultural attractions in one day. Save time researching and planning your trip, by having the itinerary organized for you. Travel in an air-conditioned coach for a hassle-free day. Highlights include Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, and Kinkaku-ji Temple—admission tickets are included for all.

Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture with this small-group samurai experience at a traditional samurai house in Kyoto. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior;" handle a real martial arts sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

Kyoto and Nara are two of the most popular day trips from Osaka, and this private tour lets you cross off both in one go. Cover major attractions like Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Fushimi Inari Taisha with a private driver and vehicle, including hotel pickup and drop-off. Avoid getting lost as your driver handles navigation for the day.

Embark on a captivating adventure that brings together the profound history of Hiroshima and the enchanting beauty of Miyajima. Glide across the water on a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima Island, where the extraordinary Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate await. Wander through picturesque streets filled with local charm, delight in regional flavors, and enjoy the company of the island’s gentle free-roaming deer. Your journey continues at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a deeply moving place that invites reflection as you stand before the Atomic Bomb Dome and other powerful memorials. With effortless transportation and the support of a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a truly immersive and inspiring experience, showcasing the very heart and soul of Japan’s heritage.

Kyoto’s traditional neighborhoods and scenic parklands are ideal for exploring by bike. On this tour, save time by cycling around the city and visit five of Kyoto’s most popular attractions in one day. Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu Temple, pose for photos by the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, hop off to stroll around the Arashiyama’s bamboo forest, and explore Gion, the geisha district.

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.

Osaka might be most famous for its neon signs, but natural landscapes and Shinto shrines lie just beyond the city limits. This electric bike adventure helps you reach Minoh Falls and Katsuoji Temple without expending the same amount of energy you would on a manual bike, taking you out into the mountains and far from the bustle of Osaka’s city streets.

You can enjoy the garden and green tea in front of you while sitting on the tatami floor and the tatami mats of the Family Mitsui House Museum. Although it is in the city, it is a rich mansion where you can hear the voice of birds and the murmur of the river. This ticket is an advantageous plan that combines the admission fee and the matcha green tea. Please enjoy with the garden that changes its expression from season to season.

Fans of samurai and ninja history—this one’s for you. Enjoy an immersive tour in Kyoto where a guide takes you around the Samurai and Ninja Museum. See preserved artifacts up close and enjoy hands-on experiences during your visit, such as wearing samurai armor, throwing a ninja star, and posing with replica swords.

Enjoy hiking in the nature outside Osaka without the risk of getting lost, on this guided hike at Minoo Park. You’ll be taken to a waterfall that has been called the most beautiful in Japan, as well as other cultural and natural sites. Your guide will explain the significance of the things you see. Active travelers will enjoy the approximately four-hour hike, although only moderate fitness is required.

Discover the ways of a true Japanese warrior during this 90-minute lesson covering sword skills, poses and Shuriken (star) throwing. Gain some inspiration for your training as you watch a performance by three Samurai and a ninja. Then suit up in a traditional kimono, ninja costume or samurai armor as you learn the sword cutting technique of ‘tate,’ combining a balance of posture and mental focus. Finish your day by performing a ninja scene and try throwing a rubber version of the Shuriken (ninja star). An instructor and costume are included.

This is the only every morning yoga session by the river in Kyoto which is operated in English. As you enjoy yoga, you can enjoy the sounds of nature and beautiful air. It may help you to enjoy your time in Kyoto even more. Also, you can meet new people and enjoy communicating with people from all over the world.

Take a deep-dive into Japanese culture and experience Osaka like a local on this evening walking tour. Join your guide on an exploration of the city’s historic districts, including the former ghetto and the Red Light district. Learn about Osaka’s history, heritage, and local traditions; venture down the backstreets to visit quirky sites often missed by travelers; and sample traditional street foods. Upgrade to include a delicious dinner.

Explore Kyoto by bicycle on this tour of the city's highlights. Visit the UNESCO-listed Zen temple of Kennin-ji in the Gion district to explore its Japanese rock garden. Then, pedal over to Nanzen-ji Temple where you can learn about the old days of Koyoto. An English-speaking guide is available to tell you about the history and significance of each point of interest. You'll also stop at a traditional Japanese teahouse for a delicious lunch and enjoy a relaxing cycle along the Kamogawa River.

One of Japan’s most famous attractions, Osaka Castle is located in the middle of a sizable urban park—perfect for scenic bike rides. On this small-group tour, explore the park on two wheels, exploring moats, shrines, and gardens while learning about local history and culture from your guide. Lunch and a tea break are included to fuel you for the rest of the day.