Kyoto - Day 1

Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺, Kiyomizu Temple, “Pure Water Monastery”) is a renowned Buddhist temple situated in eastern Kyoto, Japan. The current structures were erected in 1633 under the orders of Tokugawa Iemitsu, remarkably without the use of a single nail. The temple derives its name from a waterfall within the complex, which flows from the nearby hills. “Kiyomizu” translates to clear or pure water.

Rengeō-in (Sanjūsangen-dō) Temple - Sanjūsangen-dō is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Established in 1164 by Taira no Kiyomori for the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa, it is officially named Rengeō-in and is part of the Myōhō-in temple complex.

Yasaka Shrine - During the early Heian period, Yasaka Shrine received Imperial patronage. Today, it is famous for hosting the Gion Matsuri and attracts thousands for New Year celebrations and rituals. In April, visitors pass through the shrine en route to Maruyama Park, a favored spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). The stage is adorned with lanterns bearing the names of festival sponsors.

Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market, located in downtown Kyoto on the east end of Nishikikōji Street, is a historic marketplace known for offering a wide array of Kyoto’s famous foods and goods. It runs parallel to Shijō Street and is west of Teramachi Street.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi Inari is celebrated for its tunnels of over 10,000 closely-spaced orange torii gates that meander over the hills of Mt. Inari. Inari is the deity of agriculture and business, and Fushimi Inari Shrine is the foremost Inari shrine in Japan.

Nijo Castle - Nijō Castle is a flatland castle in Kyoto, Japan, featuring two concentric rings of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the remnants of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings, and several gardens.

Kyoto - Day 2

Kinkakuji Temple - Known as “the Golden Pavilion,” Kinkaku-ji is famous for its top two stories, which are covered in gold leaf. Its gleaming surface reflects beautifully in the kyoko-chi, or Mirror Pond.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - This forest, primarily composed of mōsō bamboo, offers several pathways for visitors. Recognized by the Ministry of the Environment as part of Japan’s soundscape, Arashiyama is also known for the Sagano Romantic Train ride, showcasing cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn. The iconic Togetsukyo Bridge is a popular feature in tourist photos.

Tenryu-ji - Tenryū-ji, officially Tenryū Shiseizen-ji, is the head temple of the Tenryū-ji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. In 1994, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning autumn maple leaves.

Arashiyama Kimono Forest - The Arashiyama Kimono Forest showcases over 30 traditional Kyo-Yuzen kimono fabric designs. Located in the Saga-Arashiyama area of western Kyoto, it is one of Japan’s most popular tourist spots.

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama - Situated on Mt. Arashiyama, opposite the Ōi River from the train station, Iwatayama Monkey Park is home to over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys. These wild animals can be fed with food available for purchase at the site.

Gion - Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, is enchanting at night. A guided night walk offers insights into the geisha lifestyle. For a special treat, the Kyoto Night Food Tour offers a delightful traditional Japanese Kaiseki dinner.

Osaka

Osaka Castle - Located in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan, Osaka Castle is a prominent landmark that played a significant role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the sixteenth century.

Shitennoji - Often considered Japan’s first Buddhist temple and the oldest officially-administered temple, Shitennoji has been rebuilt multiple times, with the latest reconstruction in 1963. It serves as the head temple of the Wa Sect of Buddhism.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine - As the main shrine of all Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan, Sumiyoshi Taisha enshrines the Sumiyoshi sanjin, the three Sumiyoshi kami, with the oldest shrine located in Hakata.

teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka - This open-air botanical garden features interactive artworks that change with the wind, rain, and the natural surroundings. At night, the garden transforms into a surreal world of color and light with teamLab’s permanent exhibition.

Kuromon Market - A spacious market offering street food, fresh produce, shellfish, and souvenirs.

Dotonbori - Dōtonbori is a major tourist attraction in Osaka, Japan, stretching along the Dōtonbori canal from Dōtonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba district of Chuo ward.

Nara

Todai-ji Nigatsudo Kuden - Nigatsu-dō is a significant part of Tōdai-ji, a temple in Nara, Japan. Located east of the Great Buddha Hall on Mount Wakakusa, it includes several buildings, forming its own sub-complex within Tōdai-ji.

Kofuku-ji Temple - Kōfuku-ji, once one of Nara’s powerful Seven Great Temples, is a Buddhist temple and the national headquarters of the Hossō school.

Nara Park - Nara Park, alongside Naramachi and Nishinokyo, is a must-visit area in Nara City. Spanning 660 hectares, it is famous for its free-roaming deer and world-renowned temples. Feeding the deer is a popular activity, with special crackers available throughout the park.

Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum - Opened in April 1969, the museum houses the collection of Nakamura Junsaku (1875–1953), founder of Isuien Garden. The collection includes over 2000 items, such as ancient Chinese bronze wares, seals, mirrors, and ancient Korean pottery. The museum, built in a traditional style, features rotating exhibitions.

• Private transportation
• Fuel Charges included
• Parking and Toll Fees covered
• Complimentary bottled water
• Climate-controlled vehicle interiors
• Assistance with photos and videos offered

• Kiyomizu-Dera Temple: 400 Yen
• Sanjusangendo Temple: 600 Yen
• Nijo Castle: 1,300 Yen
• Kinkauji Temple: 500 Yen
• Tenryu-Ji Temple: 500 Yen
• Arashiyama Observation Deck: 630 Yen
• Arashiyama Monkey Park: 550 Yen
• Osaka Castle: 650 Yen
• Shitennoji Temple: 500 Yen
• TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka: 1,800 Yen
• Todai Ji Nigatsudo: 800 Yen
• Kofuku-ji: 600 Yen
• Nara Park: 500 Yen
• Neiraku Museum Of Art: 900 Yen
• Accommodation
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on this four-day journey and you’ll get to explore the most magnificent and popular locations in Japan. Kyoto is known for its plethora of classical Buddhist temples, stunning gardens, royal palaces, Shinto shrines, and historical wooden homes. Osaka, located on Honshu island, is a bustling port city and business hub recognized for its contemporary architecture, vibrant nightlife and rich street food culture. It’s also home to the 16th-century Osaka Castle, which is its major historical site after numerous refurbishments. Nara is famous for its valuable temples and art pieces that date back to the 8th century when it served as Japan’s capital. Each day of the tour is approximately 10 hours long, including travel time. Groups larger than 5 participants can be accommodated for an extra fee.

• Tour duration is approx 10 hours including commuting time.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• There is a possibility to change the above itinerary / skip any stops/locations due to traffic congestion or to avoid long waiting time in overcrowded situation at the stop.
• This is not a guided tour but can be arranged on request at an additional cost of a guide.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.