Kansai Uncovered: Temples, Villages & Osaka Nights

7 Days

Kansai Area

Age 18-55

$2000

Over seven days, you’ll explore some of the most beautiful and down to earth parts of the country, starting with Kyoto.

Think golden temples, quiet bamboo groves, kimono rentals if you’re feeling it, and that peaceful, ancient vibe Kyoto does so well. But we don’t just want you to look at things, you’ll also get your hands messy making wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), wander temple paths that are hundreds of years old, and have time to just be in the moment, whether that’s sipping tea or getting lost in a local market.

Midway through the trip, we leave the city behind and head north to the sea. First to Ine, a postcard-perfect fishing village where boats are parked under people’s homes, then to Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s most scenic views. You’ll stay in a cozy ryokan, eat ridiculously fresh seafood, and just breathe in a different pace of life for a night.

Then it's off to Osaka, Japan’s kitchen. A city that’s loud, bold, and full of flavor. We’ll explore the castle, temples, and neighborhoods like Shinsekai and Umeda. You’ll meet some bowing deer in Nara, check out giant Buddhas, and maybe try your hand at finding the best takoyaki or okonomiyaki spot in Dotonbori.

This is a trip for people who love culture, good food, little surprises, and moments that don’t always show up on Instagram. It’s for travelers who want the stories you can’t Google and a group to share them with.

Accomodation

We stay in hand picked hotels, and

cozy ryokans that are GoTo Travel

Approved and full of character

7 Day Trip

This 7 day trip is designed to give

you a rich, balanced experience of

Japan, without feeling rushed.

Transportation

All transport between destinations are

included, from local trains to

private transfers.

Entrance Fees

All entrance fees to temples,

museums, and attractions

on the itinerary are covered.

Local Guide

You'll be joined by a friendly

local guide who knows the area

inside out with tons of recommendations.

Meals

Some meals are included along

the way, your local guide will have

tons of recommendations.

Trip favorites

Nara Park

Classified as Japan's first capital, tons of historical sites and infamous now for the bowing deer.

Ine Fishing Village

Known as the "Venice of Japan" Ine showcases the well preserved stilt houses located on top of the emerald waters below.

Dotonbori

Considered the culinary and cultural epicenter of Osaka. From street food to neon lights, this street is full of personality that you can't miss

Book your Trip

Full Itinerary

Day 1 Kyoto: Golden Beginnings

Morning: Arrival in Kyoto. Check into your hotel.
Afternoon: Visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and stroll through Arashiyama District (Bamboo Forest). (Optional: Monkey Park and Arashiyama River Ride, and Rickshaw tour through the bamboo groves)

Day 2 Kyoto: Historical Heritage

Morning: Explore Kiyomizu-dera.
Afternoon: Inari — Fushimi-inari Shrine (30,000 Gate Shrine).

(Optional: Kimono Rentals, Kyoto Tower)

Day 3 Kyoto: Cultural Immersion

Morning: Wagashi Making class (Traditional Japanese Snacks)
Afternoon: Visit Daisen-in (A complex filled with temples founded in the 14th century).
Evening: Free time for shopping at Nishiki Market or strolling Pontocho alley.

Day 4 Ine & Amanohashidate: Life by the Sea

Morning: Transfer to Ine by Bus / Car (scenic fishing village ~3 hrs).
Afternoon: Boat tour of the famous funaya (boat houses). Transfer to Amanohashidate. Take in the famous sandbar view
Evening: Stay in a local ryokan or guesthouse, enjoy fresh seafood dinner from the Sea of Japan.

Day 5 Osaka : Castles and Temples

Morning: Transfer to Osaka (~2.5 hrs). Check into hotel.
Afternoon: Explore Osaka Castle and its park, then explore Shintenno-ji (one of the oldest temples in Japan)

Day 6 Day trip to Nara : The Old Capital

Morning: Transfer to Nara. Walk through Nara Park and see the Bowing deer.
Afternoon: Explore Todai-ji and Spend some time exploring the many Museums around.
Optional: Dive into Dotonbori street — and try the local dishes takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu.