Kyoto, Nara & Osaka Private Tour By Rail

This tour is an excellent option for those who would like a quick introduction into some of the main highlights of Japan. On this tour, you will visit the 2 oldest and most deeply historic cities in Japan – Kyoto and Nara. You will also visit Osaka, which is both historic in its own right and a modern metropolis. Enjoy the tried and true itinerary below to see the best parts of Japan in a short period of time.

Alternatively, you can customize the itinerary below to match your interests and create the perfect trip for you. This itinerary includes a private transfer from Osaka Kansai airport to your hotel on the first day and transportation via Japan’s famously efficient public transit system throughout the rest of the tour. This will allow you to see Japan from the same level as the locals and get a better understanding of everyday life in Japan.

Also you are able to add extra stay in the city you wish before the tour or after to this package. Please contact us for arrangement.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival at Osaka Kansai or Itami Airport

Upon arrival, proceed through customs and meet your driver just outside the exit gate, they will be holding an “All Japan Tours” sign for easy visibility. Proceed to your hotel by private car. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be free for leisure.

🅗Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Day 2 | Kyoto

Enjoy a fully guided day through the ancient city of Kyoto – one of the most deeply historic cities in the world. First, you can see the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its trail of thousands of torii gates.

Then visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This was the former residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, during which the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Tour Kiyomizu-dera, a famous temple in Japan that is best known for its large wooden stage that overlooks a hillside of natural scenery.

We will end our day in the Gion Geisha District, where its streets are lined with ochaya (teahouses), exclusive establishments where guests are entertained by Geisha and Maiko. If you choose, you can also add the following optional experiences. Please note, optional experiences may require an additional day.

One such experience is to try on the traditional garment of Kimono. Many visitors to Kyoto will wear a Kimono for the day to complete the traditional atmosphere that the city is known for. You can also experience a Rickshaw Ride, Green Tea Ceremony, Zen meditation in a temple with local monks, or a Kaiseki dinner with a Geisha performance.

🍴Breakfast

🅗 Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Day 3 | Kyoto

Once again, you will be fully guided on this day as you travel Kyoto via public transportation. Continue to explore Kyoto, traveling to Nijo Castle, a designated UNESCO world heritage site and a perfect architectural example of castles from the feudal era of Japan.

Next, we will visit the Golden Pavilion covered with 18 carat gold leaf. This three-story structure was originally built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. Then we will tour Arashiyama. First is a visit to see Tenryuji Temple where you can have a glimpse of traditional rock landscape garden design.

Then proceed through a dense bamboo grove, past several small shrines, tea shops and private houses before arriving at the Togetsukyo Bridge over Hozu River. Optional sections for this part of the tour include a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train or a cruise along the Hozugawa River.

🍴Breakfast

🅗Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Day 4 | Kyoto & Osaka

Travel to Osaka with your guide and explore the city via its public transportation system. Visit Osaka Castle, which was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in aims for it to be the center of a new, unified Japan.

Afterwards, we will go to the Umeda Sky Building, a 173-meter-tall building that grants spectacular views of Osaka from its Floating Garden Observatory. Then, visit the colorful, neon-lit entertainment district of Dotonbori.

This area is popularly known for being the heart of the city, filled with eye-catching billboards and numerous restaurants. Lastly, make your way to Shinsaibashi, the largest shopping district in Osaka.

🍴Breakfast

🅗Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station or similar class

Note: We will courier your big baggage from Kyoto to your hotel in Osaka. Please pack your essentials for 1 night in a small bag to carry with you to Osaka.

Day 5 | Osaka - Nara - Osaka

Today, we will travel to Nara and visit Nara Park which houses a number of interesting sites. First is the Nara National Museum which displays a permanent collection Buddhist art in addition to temporary exhibitions.

You can then visit the nearby Isuien Garden – a traditional Japanese Garden with a scenic view structured using “shakkei” or borrowed scenery, fusing the background with the trees within the area. Then, we will visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and a landmark of Nara, Todaiji Temple.

Outside the temple, interact with the wild deer of Nara Deer Park. There are special deer crackers available at every corner of the area. You may also want to add a Bamboo Chasen (tea whisk) making experience to this day to further your understanding of traditional Japanese culture and crafts.

🍴Breakfast

🅗Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station or similar class

Day 6 | Tour Ends

After breakfast, you will be free for leisure. You may make your own way to Osaka Kansai Airport via Haruka Express Train – train tickets included.

🍴Breakfast

Note: If you would like for a private airport transfer to be included, please contact us to make the arrangements.

Deposit

• We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure

Additional Information

Price

• The price is per person with minimum 2 people, based on twin or triple room occupancy

• For single travelers, this tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour

Arrival Departure Airports

• This tour starts and finishes in Osaka for arrivals and departures at Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM)

Meal Requests

• Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged

Meet and Greet

• Private airport transfers on arrival included