All Kansai Tours & Excursions in 2026

If your time in Kyoto is limited and you want to see lots of its famous sights in a day, then this private guided tour is an excellent choice. Explore the city with a private guide to take care of navigating. Along the way, tick off 10 top attractions including the beautiful temple of Kiyomizu-dera, the geisha district of Gion, lush bamboo groves, and plenty more scenic surprises.

2024 Winner of Viator's 10th Best Experience in the Whole of Asia Award. Eat your way around Osaka on this tantalizing foodie tour, where your local guide will take you to a handful of hidden eateries that have been featured on the hit Netflix series "Somebody Feed Phil." Over the course of the tour, sample a variety of different dishes that range from gyoza to takoyaki to kitsune udon and more. You’ll also try two drinks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, to give you a full picture of the food and drink culture of the area.

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.

Gion is known for its geisha culture and traditions, and this walking tour takes you to explore the hidden alleyways and places that most visitors miss. Learn insider stories about geisha life, with the chance to spot geisha along the way. The walk also takes in quiet backstreets, a 1,000-year-old shrine, and some of Kyoto’s most photogenic locations.

The ultimate way to explore Osaka! A Relaxing Cruise Along the Dotonbori River Hop on a 20-minute short cruise and enjoy iconic views of Osaka’s Minami area from the water—including the famous Glico sign. Unlike large tourist boats, this small-group cruise gives you a cozy, semi-private feel even if you're sharing the ride. Take in the vibrant cityscape of Dotonbori while relaxing on the river. It’s the perfect way to capture stunning photos and create unforgettable memories! Highlights ・Luxurious lounge-style seats for a VIP feel, unlike the typical large sightseeing boats ・Bring your own drinks! Enjoy the cruise your way ・See central Osaka and the Dotonbori River from a unique perspective—don’t miss the dazzling Glico sign and neon-lit streets from the water ・Insta-worthy views guaranteed! A great memory-making experience—pets welcome, too!

Whether you’re only in Kyoto for the morning or want to avoid the crowds of tourists, this early morning tour of the city lets you experience the city at its most tranquil. After your sightseeing session, you will still have much of the afternoon and onwards to explore thanks to your early start. As a bonus, learn how to use the city’s public transit from your guide. Entrance fee for Kinkakuji Temple is extra.

Immerse yourself in the world of sumo wrestling in Osaka beyond simply watching a match. Learn the history and rituals behind the sport as you witness an authentic demonstration with retired sumo wrestlers. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are limited spots available to step into the ring and face a sumo wrestler yourself.

Rather than drinking matcha in a restaurant, this traditional tea ceremony lets you watch a tea master prepare it from scratch. Held in a beautiful teahouse overlooking a famous garden, the setting offers peaceful views as you take part. The session includes two cups of matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, all served through a series of graceful rituals. Note that children 6 and under are not permitted to join this experience.

See some of Osaka's major highlights up close on foot with this small-group walking tour. Check off attractions such as Osaka Castle (grounds only), bustling Dotonbori, and more. Throughout the tour, learn how to travel like a local as you use the subway with your guide. Add context to what you see as your guide shares the history behind each stop.

What makes this workshop special is the material itself: you'll work with real vintage Japanese coins, each one decades old and full of history. Unlike typical souvenir shopping, you'll create something with your own hands using traditional metalworking techniques — and the ring you take home is truly one of a kind. Classes are kept small, so whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned craft lover, you'll get personal guidance every step of the way. Located in the heart of Kyoto, it's an easy add to any itinerary and one of the few experiences where your souvenir tells the story of both Japan and your trip.

Discover the best of Osaka on this immersive walking tour that blends iconic landmarks, local neighborhoods, and hidden backstreets—perfect for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike. This tour is designed as the ideal introduction to Osaka, taking you through the city’s most famous districts such as Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and Kuromon Market, while also revealing lesser-known alleys, cultural stories, and local perspectives you wouldn’t find on your own. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll explore Osaka’s vibrant food culture, pop culture, shopping streets, and retro neighborhoods, all while learning about the city’s history, humor, and everyday life. Why Travelers Love This ✔ Perfect for first-time visitors who want an overview of Osaka ✔ Includes both must-see attractions and hidden gems ✔ Small-group experience with a local English-speaking guide ✔ Great balance of culture, food, shopping, and history ✔ Flexible pacing depending on group size and interests

Language barriers can make it difficult to find the best places to eat in Kyoto, but this guided food tour removes the guesswork. Set in the atmospheric Gion district, a local guide leads you to a curated selection of eateries to sample seasonal Kyoto specialties. To keep things simple, food tastings are included, along with a complimentary drink at two different venues.

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. Marvel at Kinkaku-ji, the golden temple known as the Golden Pavilion, which showcases the beauty of this timeless city. Visit Nijo Castle, celebrated for its palace buildings, which are among the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. The castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

When visiting Osaka, it can be challenging to discover where the locals go to eat and drink. Join some Osaka residents for a night out, and come home feeling like you’ve made new friends. Your personable guides navigate a small group of eight or fewer to the izakayas and backstreet bars of Namba and Shinsaibashi, where you sample local food and drink throughout the evening.

Planning a day trip to Nara can take time, so let a private guide do the hard work instead. This flexible private tour can start in Kyoto, Osaka, or Nara, with optional private car transportation upgrades. Just pick 3–4 attractions from a list of recommended sights before your tour, then enjoy a personalized tour of your top picks, with a guide to share local history and stories.

Kyoto is famous for its “geisha” culture, and this experience offers a rare chance to watch a real “maiko” (apprentice “geisha”) perform up close. Sightings like this are increasingly uncommon, making it an experience many travelers miss. During the show, watch two short traditional dances, followed by a question-and-answer session, and play a classic Japanese game too.

Kyoto is home to some of Japan's most famous landmarks and this private shore excursion is the most convenient way for cruise passengers to see them all. Meet your guide at Osaka or Kobe port, then enjoy a customizable route that takes in the Arashiyama bamboo grove, the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, and the Geishas in Gion.

Make the most of your time in Japan with a hassle-free trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima from the city. Leave the planning of your day trip and the details to the experts. In addition to a guide, ferry tickets, and entrance fees, your package includes a traditional lunch and the option to include a multilingual audio guide on the bus for added convenience. Upgrade to include round-trip bullet train tickets from various cities or join directly in Hiroshima.

The Koyasan Okunoin Night Tour offers a unique pilgrimage through the serene and sacred grounds of Okunoin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided by a resident expert in traditional attire, this tour uncovers the rich history and mysteries surrounding Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Koyasan. Spanning 80 minutes, participants will walk approximately 3 km on tranquil paths, immersing in the spiritual atmosphere while learning about Shingon Buddhism and local legends. After the tour, choose an optional return bus (no fare required) or a scenic walk if your curfew allows. - 【Official night tour】 operating since 2011, providing exclusive insights. - 【Resident guides】 share deep stories about Koyasan's history and legends. - Evening walking tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Enjoy a comfortable and convenient private transfer from the KIX airport to your accommodation in Osaka or Kyoto. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and get assistance with your luggage. • Your Time is Secure: We start your 60 mins free waiting time as per your selected time slot. • Choose Your Direction: Select a pickup from KIX to Osaka or Kyoto, or Osaka or Kyoto to KIX. • Transparent Coverage: Service to Osaka or Kyoto city center is included. For other zones outside the city center, a small extra fee applies.

Go beyond the guidebooks with a group tour of Osaka Castle that includes admission. Avoid waiting in line to buy tickets and make the most of your sightseeing with skip-the-line entry. Learn about the castle's history and architectural details from your guide, adding crucial context to what you see. Note that the tour involves moderate walking and requires guests to refrain from alcohol consumption for safety.

Japan is known for its world-class kitchenware, and with this hands-on experience, you can learn how to forge your own knife. Don’t worry about bringing anything with you, as all materials are provided to make the class as hassle-free as possible. Also, the group size is kept small so you can get plenty of help throughout.

Osaka has built a stellar reputation for its street food, and this small-group walk through the back lanes of Ura-Namba covers the best of it. Eat takoyaki and kushikatsu across three or four izakayas, with your guide ordering and translating as you go. The route also stops at Dotonbori and Hozen-ji Temple, where visitors splash water over a moss-covered statue for luck.