Top Kansai How to Get Around - page 66

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Join us for a delightful journey through the scenic Minoo Park, a natural paradise just outside Osaka. Start with a leisurely two-hour exploration of the park, famous for its lush greenery and tranquil ambiance. Next, visit the serene Minoosan Ryuanji Temple for a brief, peaceful retreat. Be mesmerized by the majestic Waterfall of Mino, a 30-minute stop that promises awe-inspiring natural beauty. Conclude your tour with a relaxing break at Yamamoto Coffee-kan, where you can savor exquisite local coffee and snacks. This tour is a perfect blend of nature, spiritual rejuvenation, and culinary indulgence, ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.

This course combines the Kyoto Afternoon Tour, which visits some of Kyoto's distinct shrines and temples including World Heritage Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the Kyoto Night Tour, which offers customers the opportunity to experience Japan’s traditional culture. This tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. *The tour consists of a bus tour (Kyoto Afternoon Tour) until entry to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and a walking tour (Kyoto Night Tour) afterwards.

Embark on an unforgettable day trip to discover the hidden charms of Okayama and Kurashiki, guided by a National Government Licensed English-speaking expert. You'll explore Okayama Korakuen, one of Japan's "Three Great Gardens," and wander through the picturesque Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. This tour offers flexibility with your choice of a plan including a unique "Kakushi Sushi" making and tasting experience for lunch, or a plan without lunch for more freedom. We also offer additional plans including round-trips from Okayama, or Kyoto, as well as one-way journeys from Kyoto to Hiroshima. Please explore these options to perfectly match your travel itinerary.

You will dress in a beautiful kimono which you can choose in around 200 selections. After dressing in a traditional kimono and having your hair beautifully styled, you will experience Buddhism at a historic temple. You will travel to the temple by rickshaw, which can only be ridden in the Shinsekai area of Osaka. During the Buddhist experience, you will be able to write your wish on a Buddhist talisman to take home as a good luck charm. You will also learn how to pray properly and you can take photos in the beautiful places. You will spend an extraordinary time experiencing Japanese culture at a historical space.

Step off the beaten path and dive into the heart of Akashi on this immersive full-day tour. From the energy of a live fish auction to exquisite sushi, bustling local markets, and a whisky distillery by the sea, this experience offers a rare glimpse into the everyday culture, flavors, and traditions of one of Japan’s most authentic port towns. ・Witness a rare live fish auction at Akashiura Port up close on the bidding floor ・Enjoy freshly top-rated sushi restaurant ・Tour a local sake brewery and craft whisky distillery with optional tastings

The tour takes you to three local Kyoto stores, with more than 100 years of history of creating and refining their own unique products. The tour begins with a miso and soy sauce tasting at their local breweries. The soy sauce brewery is famous for its moromi soy sauce, and the miso shop has supplied miso to the Imperial Palace, marking it as one of Japan’s top-quality miso breweries. You will then visit a vinegar shop where you can create your own ponzu and have it bottled to take home as a souvenir. Finish the tour enjoying three signature cocktails with soy sauce, miso and ponzu. Please note that the legal drinking age in Japan is 20. We cannot accommodate guests under the age of 20. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Embark on a walking tour in the Fushimi district of Kyoto, renowned for its many local sake breweries. The area’s high-quality water has led to the establishment of numerous sake producers. Learn about traditional sake production methods and enjoy a tasting session. Stroll down Ryoma Street which is associated with the end of the Edo period, where you can savor amazake, a sweet fermented rice drink, and take home a small bottle of special sake. Conclude your tour with an exclusive whisky and gin tasting curated by a whisky advisor. Each sip will be perfectly paired with matching snacks.

Kyoto was the capital for over a thousand years, home to many artisans who crafted goods for its imperial palaces, temples and shrines. These crafts have been passed down through generations of family businesses, preserving traditional techniques for many years. On this tour you will be able to visit long-established stores, some of them which are not open to first-time customers, and explore their history and cultural significance. The tour includes a 1-hour hands-on experience in traditional paper printing called Karakami. Start your tour by visiting a paper shop where you will learn about the history and techniques of Karakami. Here you will create your own print postcard with a woodblock print that has been in use for many generations. After the experience explore long-established shops with products such as traditional lacquerware, calligraphy products, lanterns and even a pigment and paint shop that focuses on natural pigments used in Japanese-style paintings.

City tours are great for getting oriented, but usually follow rigid itineraries and strict schedules. This full-day private tour offers more flexibility, with a customizable itinerary allowing travelers to explore Osaka according to their preferences and at their own pace. Your guide helps you create the itinerary and can make bookings and reservations on your behalf.

As an off the beaten path tour, first we walk along Philosopher's Path to Honen-in Temple. Next, we walk through The Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji Temple) where we view the Zen Garden. Then, we walk up near the top of Mount Daimonji to see a wide view of Kyoto and the Imperial Palace. Next, we walk along a mountain trail to Nanzeji Temple. Then, we walk to Heian Jingu Shrine which is in the Kyoto Museum District.

Enjoy a cycling tour through Misaki Town, a beautiful area surrounded by the sea and mountains. Ride through the peaceful Japanese countryside and experience the charm of traditional rural landscapes and the natural beauty of the countryside. During the tour, you will visit a temple with over 1,200 years of history, where you can see statues of Acala and the Thousand-Armed Kannon. You will also try a sutra calligraphy experience, a calming and spiritual activity. At the end of the tour, take a commemorative photo in front of the stunning coastline, a perfect way to remember your journey.

・A local, deep, unforgettable night tour set in Hirakata, a city in the middle of Osaka and Kyoto! ・Experience an unknown world! Go bar-hopping at snack bars and girls bars! ・With a guide, payment is safe, so enjoy the nightlife to your heart's content! The tour will visit snack bars, girls bars, and other establishments where you can enjoy a fun and cheerful drink! You will visit one establishment for one hour, and two establishments for a total of two hours. The guide will introduce the recommended establishments for that day. [Schedule] ・Meet in front of the east ticket gate of Hirakatashi Station, explanation of the tour (5 minutes) ・Move towards Kawaramachi (10 minutes) ・Experience the first establishment (50 minutes) ・Move from the first establishment to the second establishment (5 minutes) ・Experience the second establishment (50 minutes) ・Move from the second establishment to Hirakatashi Station (10 minutes) ・Arrive at Hirakatashi Station, disband

- Take a leisurely hike along the picturesque Minoh Waterfall Trail - Experience the beauty of each season with stunning natural views - Savor a glass of locally crafted Minoh Beer after your walk - Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature on the Minoh Waterfall Trail. This scenic walk allows you to connect with the beauty of the changing seasons, from vibrant spring leaves to the colorful autumn foliage and serene winter snowscapes. After your refreshing hike, toast to nature with a glass of award-winning Minoh Beer, known for its acclaim at international competitions. Enjoy this unique blend of breathtaking scenery and local craftsmanship, making for a memorable escape from the city.

-Visit one of Japan’s rare spots where the beautiful satoyama countryside and terraced rice fields still remain. -Discover traces of Hidden Christians in an area once linked to mountain ascetic training. -Visit a local shrine that enshrines a 400-year-old ginkgo tree. -Enjoy a safe and relaxing forest bath with a guided hiking tour. -Take a coffee break at a traditional Japanese farmhouse that embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics. -Stroll along “Totoro Road,” a path reminiscent of the world from Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro.

-Discover the craftsmanship of a century-old judogi manufacturer, the world’s only factory dedicated solely to making judo uniforms. -Watch the full judogi production process, from weaving the fabric to cutting, sewing, and final inspection. -See expert artisans in action, showcasing traditional techniques passed down through generations. -Try on a real judogi and belt, and capture memorable photos in judogi. -Receive a special handkerchief made from genuine judogi fabric as a unique souvenir.

-Explore the rare remaining pavilions of Expo ’70 and experience the vibrant spirit of Japan’s high-growth era. -See the iconic Tower of the Sun up close, Taro Okamoto’s bold symbol of Osaka. -Gain deeper insight into Expo history and its future legacy with guidance from a professional guide. -See the iconic Tower of the Sun up close, Taro Okamoto’s famous symbol of Osaka.

-Explore Historic Temples, visit Kanda Shrine’s preserved buildings and Gansenji, the heart of the temple town. -Stroll a Traditional Temple District, walk charming streets shaped by centuries of history. -Enjoy Hands-On Japanese Culture, make your own Wagashi and savor Matcha in a beginner-friendly experience.

-Create Your Own Original Omamori, make a one-of-a-kind Omamori filled with your personal wishes and intentions. -Enter the Worship Hall, access the shrine’s worship hall, an area usually closed to the public. -Learn from a Shinto Priest, hear directly from the priest about the shrine’s history and the basics of Shinto. -Admire the Painted Flower Ceiling, enjoy the sacred atmosphere enhanced by a beautifully painted floral ceiling. -Experience Deep Spiritual History, feel the shrine’s long history through its peaceful grounds and 1,100-year-old sacred tree.

-Explore Hidden Fuse at Night, discover Fuse, a lesser-known neighborhood in Osaka, and enjoy its authentic local night atmosphere. -Visit Popular Local Eateries and Bars, stop by favorite local spots such as oden shops and craft beer bars. -Meet Friendly Shop Owners with a Local Guide, a local guide introduces you to unique shops and welcoming owners. -Easy Access from Central Osaka, located just 15 minutes from Namba or Shinsaibashi for a convenient evening trip.

-Discover Kitakagaya’s Growing Art Scene, explore a former shipbuilding district now transformed into a creative hub in the Osaka Bay Area. -Guided Tour of Mural Artworks, walk through the town with a local guide to see mural art and public works by over 100 artists. -Learn the Area’s History and Culture, gain deeper insight into the artworks through stories of Kitakagaya’s history and cultural background. -Stroll Through the Bay Area Streets, enjoy a relaxed walk through streets where art and everyday life blend together. -Enjoy a Sustainable Café Experience, relax with a light meal at a café themed around sustainability (plan-dependent).

Compared with public transportation, chartering a car is more flexible and comfortable, and can customize the route according to your interests and schedule, and provide hotel pick-up and drop-off services. The charter service can efficiently take you to various attractions, saving time on the road. The driver can recommend a general route. Recommended route: Amanohashidate and Ine Bay Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three scenic views, is a stunning sandbar stretching across the bay, offering picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view from the Amanohashidate Viewland or take a boat ride. Nearby Ine Bay is famous for its traditional "funaya" boathouses, where boats are stored beneath the houses. The serene bay and scenic coastline are perfect for exploring by bike or boat, making for a unique and tranquil experience in the Kyoto region.(Note: We include a private driver, however they may not speak English. The tour does not include a guide)

Discover one of Japan’s most breathtaking coastal journeys on this Kyoto Amanohashidate, Ine Funaya & Ine Bay Scenic Day Trip. Explore the iconic pine-covered sandbar of Amanohashidate, enjoy panoramic views from hilltop viewpoints, and stroll along its peaceful beaches. Continue to the charming fishing village of Ine, where traditional Funaya boathouses line the calm waters of Ine Bay. Relax on a scenic boat ride, capture stunning coastal views, and experience the timeless beauty of Japan’s hidden seaside treasures—all in one unforgettable day trip.

Experience the best of northern Kyoto on this scenic day trip to Amanohashidate and Ine Fishing Village. Walk across one of Japan’s most famous natural sandbars, surrounded by pine trees and breathtaking coastal views that feel like a “bridge in the sky.” Visit the peaceful seaside village of Ine, known for its traditional funaya boathouses built over the water, offering a rare glimpse into Japan’s coastal lifestyle. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the calm bay and have fun feeding seagulls with free bait as they soar around you. This unforgettable tour combines stunning scenery, cultural heritage, and unique local experiences, making it perfect for travelers seeking beauty, relaxation, and adventure in one amazing journey.

Discover the charm of Shiga on this full-day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Begin your journey at Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest scenic lake, known for its peaceful waters and breathtaking views. Visit Shirahige Shrine, where the floating torii gate rises from the lake, creating a spiritual landmark. Continue to MIHO Museum, a masterpiece of architecture hidden in the mountains, surrounded by natural landscapes and designed to blend with its environment. Explore Former Chikurin-in Temple and experience the atmosphere of Hieizan Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, a historic site connected to Japanese spirituality. Along the way, enjoy traditional Japanese gardens and a relaxing matcha and wagashi experience. This tour combines nature, culture, history, and spiritual beauty—making it a must-book experience for travelers seeking an authentic and memorable Japan adventure.