Places You'll See
Highlights
- Best of Japan: The temples of Kyoto and Nara, geisha district of Kanazawa and the giant Himeji Castle are all classic stops on the Japan journey you'll get to visit
- Hands on Experiences: Try traditional blue dying in Himeji and enjoy making Japanese paper in the UNESCO site of Gokayama
- Breathtaking Landscapes: Walk through the old Nara Park, marvel at the stunning Amaharashi Coast and stand on the top of the world at Tateyama's Snow Wall
Description
For many travelers visiting Japan, Tokyo is often the first stop. However starting from Osaka can give you a completely new perspective. This 9-day itinerary takes you on a journey through Osaka to Kyoto and on to Kanazawa and the Tateyama Alpine Route—showcasing some of Japan’s most iconic and culturally significant destinations.
Osaka serves as the perfect starting point for your journey. Known as Japan’s kitchen, Osaka offers a vibrant blend of rich culinary traditions, historic landmarks, and bustling urban life. From here, you will venture through a carefully curated route that immerses you in Japan’s past, from ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to breathtaking mountain landscapes and preserved Edo-era villages.
Over the course of nine days, you will explore the towering Himeji Castle, the tranquil temples of Nara, the traditional streets of Kyoto, and the charming historic districts of Kanazawa. You’ll also experience the stunning coastal views of Amaharashi, the picturesque village of Shirakawago, and the awe-inspiring Tateyama Alpine Route, known as the ‘Roof of Japan.’
Let this journey guide you through the cultural and natural wonders of Japan, leaving you with unforgettable memories of its heritage and landscapes!
Day 1 OSAKA
How to Start Off Your Day
Welcome to Japan! More specifically, welcome to Osaka, the third largest city in Japan and the beating heart of the Kansai region. With easy access to Kyoto, Nara, Himeji and Kobe it is a perfect place to use as a base to explore the area. The largest station is Umeda Station with all the most important train lines running through, excluding the shinkansen. Three stops away is Shin-Osaka, the shinkansen station. The busiest part of the city is around Namba and Shinsaibashi, still only a shirt ride away from Umeda and Shin-Osaka. See below for more information about hotels in the area!
To start your journey in Japan, head to one of the most famous castles in Japan! Explore the city and one of its cool temples and the you'll try your hand at some ukiyoe, or woodblock printing. This tour is a nice way to get your bearings in Japan and the region with your knowledgeable guide leading you around central Osaka.
1-Day walking tour in Osaka：Castle, temples and Ukiyoe / All Year Round
Begin your journey in Osaka with our specially curated tour, perfect for first-time visitors. This introductory tour includes a visit to the historic Osaka Castle, where you can explore Japan's feudal past and marvel at the impressive architecture. Next, experience the tranquillity of Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. To cap off your day, enjoy a unique Ukiyo-e experience, delving into the traditional art of Japanese woodblock printing. This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Osaka, combining history, culture, and a hands-on artistic activity, making it an ideal start for any visitor.
How to End Your Day
The tour will end at Osaka Station, central to the city, so you will have access to all the great places of Osaka. As it's the first night and you're probably tired, try having dinner in or around the station at the many department stores or malls! Osaka is especially famous for takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu.
Day 2 KYOTO
How to Start Off Your Day
The tour starts at Kyoto Station, so if you are staying in Kyoto join the group there. For those who are staying in Osaka, getting to Kyoto Station takes anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes from Osaka Station. On the tour itself you'll explore some of the temples famous for their peacefulness and history. Relax and take your time learning about Buddhism and Japanese gardens!
Bamboo Artistry and Zen Serenity: A Day of Tranquility with Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto / All Year Round
Explore the cultural richness of Kyoto with a visit to Nanzenji, Ginkakuji, and a bamboo basket weaving experience. Start at Nanzenji, a grand Zen Buddhist temple known for its impressive Sanmon gate and beautiful rock gardens. Continue to Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, where you can admire the elegant simplicity of its architecture and stroll through its exquisite moss garden. Finally, immerse yourself in a traditional bamboo basket weaving experience, where a skilled craftsman will guide you in creating your own beautiful and functional bamboo art, providing a hands-on connection to Japan's artisanal heritage.
How to End Your Day
Head back to Osaka or stay in Kyoto for dinner. Are you looking for nightlife in Kyoto? Check out Kiyamachi and Pontocho for izakayas, bars, restaurants and clubs for you to enjoy!
Day 3 HIMEJI
How to Start Off Your Day
You'll be seeing Himeji Castle, the largest and arguably the most impressive in all of Japan. In order to get to the start point of Himeji from Osaka you can either hop on a rapid train that takes about an hour or transfer to Shin-Osaka and take the 35 minute shinkansen to Himeji. Get ready to see the amazing castle and try indigo dyeing!
1-Day Walking Tour in Himeji : Castle, Garden and Aizome (Indigo Dyeing) / All Year Round
Discover the historical and cultural wonders of Himeji with our engaging day tour. Start your adventure at the magnificent Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and well-preserved grounds. Stroll through the tranquil Kokoen Gardens, where you can enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and traditional tea houses. Conclude your tour with a hands-on aizome (indigo dyeing) experience, where you will learn the traditional Japanese art of indigo dyeing and create your own unique piece. This tour offers a perfect combination of history, nature, and cultural immersion, making for an unforgettable day in Himeji.
How to End Your Day
After a full day of history and traditions in Himeji, it's time to head back towards Osaka. Feel free to stay in Himeji for dinner but a good recommendation is to stop by Kobe and try some Kobe beef. It is on the ride back so it make it a night in Kobe with excellent food!
Day 4 NARA
How to Start Off Your Day
The old capital awaits you on this full day tour. It takes about 50 minutes on a direct train from both Osaka and Kyoto Stations. See all of the best sights in the city, along with the deer!
1-Day Walking Tour in Nara: Palace, Deer and Inkstick / All Year Round
Explore the cultural and historical treasures of Nara with our immersive day tours. Begin your journey at the Nara Palace Historical Park, where you can delve into the ancient history of Japan's first capital. Visit the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue, and wander through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely. Experience the ancient art of inkstick making with a hands-on workshop, crafting your own traditional inkstick and learning about its significance in Japanese calligraphy. Conclude your tour at the tranquil Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering a glimpse into Japan's spiritual traditions. Each tour provides a unique and memorable exploration of Nara's rich cultural heritage.
How to End Your Day
Nara is a great place to hang out at night and try some of the local bars and restaurants. There are also many traditional restaurants that are normally associated with cities like Kyoto.
Day 5 KYOTO
How to Start Off Your Day
Kyoto is such a great city that there are so many different areas to explore! As this is the second day you'll see some of the natural beauty of Kyoto juxtaposed against the stunning golden pavilion! If your hotel was in Osaka it's recommended to bring your luggage to Kyoto Station and store it in a locker.
1-Day Walking Tour : Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji / All Year Round
Experience the enchanting beauty of Kyoto with a tour to Arashiyama and Kinkakuji. Begin your journey in Arashiyama, where you can stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, visit the serene Tenryuji Temple, and enjoy the scenic views from the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. After immersing yourself in the natural splendor of Arashiyama, continue to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. Marvel at the pavilion's stunning reflection in the surrounding pond and explore the meticulously maintained gardens. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and architectural beauty, providing a memorable glimpse into Kyoto's cultural heritage.
How to End Your Day
As this was your last day in the region, it's time to move to Kanazawa! You can buy tickets for the train at Kyoto Station. It requires two trains with a transfer at Tsuruga Station. Be careful with the transfer time because it can be as short as 8 minutes. Aim for 15 minutes for peace of mind but even the eight minute transfer is possible for people with luggage!
Day 6 KANAZAWA
How to Start Off Your Day
Day one of your stay in Kanazawa starts with a general tour of the city. Get a feel for what's here and what you may want to see more of! Meet at Kanazawa Station to begin your day.
KANAZAWA FAMOUS SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
This tour invites you to start your journey in Higashi Chayamachi, the historic geisha district, where you can shop, savor local treats, and tour a former tea house once frequented by geisha. Wander through Kenroku-en Garden, once enjoyed by Edo period daimyos, and marvel at the intricate landscaping of both the land and the trees. You'll even get a chance to go inside one of the old villas of the time! Finally, follow in the footsteps of Kaga clan samurai as you pass through the castle and see the shrine that houses the spirit of the first lord of Kanazawa. This tour through history is one not to miss!
How to End Your Day
The tour ends back in Kanazawa, where you can soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Spend your evening exploring dynamic neighborhoods and savoring local delicacies like oden, Kanazawa curry, hanton rice, and conveyor belt sushi. With accommodations ranging from luxurious hotels and modern resorts to traditional ryokan inns, Kanazawa offers the perfect stay for every preference—whether you prefer the convenience of the city center or the charm of a peaceful retreat.
Day 7 AMAHARASHI
How to Start Off Your Day
Another start from Kanazawa Station, on this tour you'll be able to see the Amaharashi Coast, along with some cityscapes and a stunning valley. A good way to slow down and enjoy the beautiful nature of the mountains and rivers of rural Japan.
AMAHARASHI / all year round
Toyama Bay is renowned for its fresh seafood and the majestic Northern Japanese Alps that tower above it. This tour takes you to Amaharashi, a famous spot for breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, and then to Takaoka to admire the iconic Big Buddha. You’ll enjoy the region’s excellent food options before heading into the mountains for a scenic cruise on the Shokawa River. The valley offers stunning views year-round, from snowy landscapes in winter to vivid greenery in summer and fiery red leaves in autumn. Combining coastal and mountain beauty, this tour provides a perfect glimpse into Japan’s diverse scenery.
How to End Your Day
You'll end up back at Kanazawa Station! If you want to eat in Kanazawa and want to go a bit deeper, try walking around the Katamachi area of the city. Foreign tourists mostly stay around the station or Omicho Market but Katamachi is where most Japanese go to find food. There are many small bars and restaurants serve anything from the local specialties of oden or nodoguro fish to Italian and tempura.
Day 8 TATEYAMA SNOW WALL
How to Start Off Your Day
Hop on the tour bus and get ready for your adventure to the top of the world(or at least the top of these mountains). The ride is a bit long so make sure to be prepared with snacks and drinks just in case!
TATEYAMA ALPINE ROUTE (KANAZAWA/TOYAMA) / May-June
The breathtaking Japanese Alps stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan, offering stunning scenery throughout. In Toyama Prefecture’s Northern Alps lies the renowned Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, which spans majestic gorges, serene lakes, and expansive highlands. In winter, this area becomes a snowy wonderland, featuring towering snow walls up to 20 meters (60 feet) high. On this tour, you’ll ride one of our buses to Murodo, the highest point, where you can walk along the snow wall and take in the winter beauty. Along the way, we’ll stop at Ashikuraji, the historic starting point for climbs to Mt. Tateyama, to explore its spiritual significance and connection to views of heaven and hell.
How to End Your Day
The tour ends at Kanazawa Station and if you don't want to go far, the area around Kanazawa Station is famous for its conveyor belt sushi, with more four different restaurants right in the vicinity. Most of the restaurants have tablets that allow you to change the language to English so that makes for an easy night out!
Day 9 GOKAYAMA & SHIRAKAWA-GO
How to Start Off Your Day
Time to go deep into the culture and traditions of Japan. Inami, the wood carving village; Gokayama, another UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Shirakawago the town fames for its nostalgic townscape will give you that sense of wonder that many people search for in the countryside of Japan! Also, this is the final day of this itinerary so it is best to get your luggage ready by either sending it to your next destination or putting it in a coin locker.
SHIRAKAWA-GO, GOKAYAMA TOUR FROM KANAZAWA / all year round
Day Tour
Popular
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
¥23,800 / 25,800
One of the most visited attractions in the region is the thatched-roof houses of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. On this tour you will hop on one of our charter buses and on the way there stop at a hidden gem of the area, Inami. This small town is famous for wood-carving, something you can see on display throughout the main thoroughfare that lead to Inami's crown, jewel, Zuisenji Temple. The carvings on this temple were done by a master carver over 200 years ago. We will then continue on to Gokayama to see some of the thatched-roofed house and get an excellent view of the small town. A paper-making experience is also waiting for you, using materials harvested in the town and techniques perfected over centuries. The last stop is Shirakawa-go where you can see the beautiful townscape and go into one of the homes to learn about the townspeople's way of life. There are also plenty of shops and stalls to enjoy!
How to End Your Day
The tour returns back to Kanazawa Station where it is easy to go anywhere you want! Tokyo is one train and 2.5 hours away, Nagoya and returning to Osaka/Kyoto are about 2 hours and you can even use the airport to go to Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Okinawa, Taipei, Seoul or Shanghai!
