40 THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO, NARA & OSAKA

As Japan's former capitals, Kyoto and Nara as the country's most historic cities while nearby Osaka is modern, brash, big and loud.

WHERE TO STAY IN OSAKA & KANSAI AIRPORT?

Osaka offers lots of great accommodation options

KYOTO STATION

A stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen running from Osaka to Tokyo, Kyoto is fast and easy to reach and just as easy to move on from.

BOOK YOUR HOTEL

Listing accommodation precincts in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, find your ideal hotel right.

KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Located to the south of central Osaka, Kansai is one of Japan's busiest international airports.

Plan Your Visit

(General)

Best Tours in Kobe

Kobe is a vibrant city located in Hyōgo Prefecture on the southern coast of Japan's H…

(General)

Best Tours in Osaka

Osaka, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is a dynamic and vibrant city known for…

(General / Things to do)

40 Things to Do in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Where to Stay

Marking the border of western and central Japan, the cities of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka …

(General / Things to do)

15 Things to Do Around Kobe & Where to Stay

The port city of Kobe lies within easy reach of Osaka and offers visitors an enticing…

(General)

Where to Stay in Kyoto & Nara?

Lying within close proximity of each other, Kyoto and Nara both served as the seats o…

(General)

Where to Stay in Osaka & Kansai International Airport?

As Japan’s third largest city it’s something of an understatement to say that Osaka i…

(General)

10 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Kyoto

Japan's former capital and most historic city attracts visitors from all over the wor…

Tours

(Day Tour)

Osaka's Secret Adventures: Discover Daruma Magic and the Beauty of Minoh Falls

Spots:
Osaka
Pick-up:
Osaka
Drop-off:
Osaka
¥17,800
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Walking Tour in Osaka：Castle, Temples and Ukiyoe

Spots:
Osaka
Pick-up:
Osaka
Drop-off:
Osaka
¥18,000
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(Day Tour)

1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake

Spots:
Kobe
Pick-up:
Kobe
Drop-off:
Kobe
¥18,000
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Walking Tour : Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji

Spots:
Kyoto
Pick-up:
Kyoto
Drop-off:
Kyoto
¥17,800
View Details

(Private Tour)

Whispers of Tradition: Exploring Kobe's Tool Museum, Tea Ceremony, and Port Tower

Spots:
Kobe
Pick-up:
Kobe
Drop-off:
Kobe
¥79,000 ~ / group
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(Private Tour)

A Day in Osaka: Unveiling the Ever-Changing City's Story

Spots:
Osaka
Pick-up:
Osaka
Drop-off:
Osaka
¥79,000 ~ / group
View Details

(Day Tour)

Kyoto Heritage Path - From Fushimi Inari's Mystery to Kiyomizu Temple Majesty

Spots:
Kyoto
Pick-up:
Kyoto
Drop-off:
Kyoto
¥17,800
View Details

(Day Tour)

Bamboo Artistry and Zen Serenity: A Day of Tranquility with Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto

Spots:
Kyoto
Pick-up:
Kyoto
Drop-off:
Kyoto
¥19,800
View Details

(Day Tour)

Uji's Romance: Byodo-in, Tea and the Legacy of Genji's Timeless Tales

Spots:
Kyoto
Pick-up:
Kyoto
Drop-off:
Kyoto
¥19,800
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Walking Tour in Nara : Palace, Deer and Inkstick

Spots:
Nara
Pick-up:
Nara
Drop-off:
Nara
¥19,800
View Details

(Day Tour)

1-Day Walking Tour in Himeji : Castle, Garden and Aizome (Indigo Dyeing)

Spots:
Himeji
Pick-up:
Himeji
Drop-off:
Himeji
¥18,900
View Details

(Day Tour)

Kobe's Harmony: Mountains, Sea, and the Serenity of Arima Onsen

Spots:
Kobe
Pick-up:
Kobe
Drop-off:
Kobe
¥19,800
View Details

Access

(Destination info)

Best Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is a city renowned for its rich cultura…

(Destination info)

How to Get to Kyoto

One of Japan's most popular destinations, Kyoto is the most historic city in the coun…

(Destination info)

How to Get to Nara

Within easy reach of both Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is a much smaller city but one with a…

(Destination info)

How to Get to Osaka

As Japan’s third largest city, Osaka is a huge metropolis with a big reputation. A ci…

(Destination info)

How to Get to Kobe

As a stop on the San’yo Shinkansen line along with local and regional lines, Kobe can…

(Access)

From Osaka: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park

Osaka is one of Japan’s great metropolises offering visitors an endless array of thin…

(Access)

From Kyoto: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park

As Japan’s capital and residence of the emperor for more than one thousand years – fr…

(Access)

Limited Express Thunderbird (Osaka--Kyoto--Tsuruga)

For many visitors, the Limited Express Thunderbird will be their mode of transport to…

(Access)

Limited Express Thunderbird Timetable

The Limited Express Thunderbird operates from Osaka Station and Kyoto to Tsuruga Stat…

(Access)

Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo--Nagoya--Kyoto--Osaka)

Known by many international visitors simply as the “Bullet Train,” Japan’s “Shinkanse…

(Access)

Tokaido Shinkansen Timetable

The Tokaido Shinkansen Line runs from Tokyo to Osaka via Nagoya, Kyoto and other stop…

(Access)

San'yo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka--Shin-Kobe--Okayama--Hiroshima--Hakata)

The San’yo Shinkansen runs from Shin-Osaka Station to Hakata Station with some servic…

(Access)

San'yo Shinkansen Timetable

The San’yo Shinkansen line runs from Shin-Osaka Station to Hakata Station in Fukuoka …

(Access)

Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is one of Japan's busiest international airports, …

(Access)

Shin-Osaka Station

Shin-Osaka Station is one of several major train stations servicing Osaka. Not to be …

(Access)

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station is a major stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line running from Osaka to To…

(Access)

Shin-Kobe Station

Located to the north of the city centre, Shin-Kobe Station is a stop on the San’yo Sh…

(Access)

Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

Most international visitors coming to and from Nagano will make at least one journey …
Explore Travel Options

Activities

(Arts & Culture / Entertainment)

Koka Ninja House

The Koka Ninja House, is an authentic ninja house built during the Edo era and the on…
(Local Food & Drink / Wildlife / Shopping)

La Collina Omi-Hachiman

This confectionery shop is part nature preserve and part theme park. The flagship sto…
(Nature & Adventure / Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture / Cherry Blossoms / Shopping / Entertainment / Summer Activities / Top Attractions)

Omi-Hachiman

On the shores of Lake Biwa sits the picturesque town of Omi-Hachiman. Once a thriving…
(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture / Cherry Blossoms / Top Attractions)

Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle is one of the twelve Japanese castles that still retain their original …
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Kiyomizudera

Founded in the Heian Period (794-1185), Kiyomizudera is one of Kyoto’s most celebrate…
(Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture / Shopping)

Higashiyama District and Yasaka Pagoda

Located between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, Higashiyama is one of Kyoto’s best-pr…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Yasaka (Gion) Shrine

Located in eastern Kyoto and within easy walking distance of the always popular Higas…
(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture / Cherry Blossoms)

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is a large public park located between the always popular Higashiyama D…
(Top Attractions)

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

Tucked away in the quiet hills of Arashiyama, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple offers a deligh…
(Local Food & Drink / Arts & Culture / Entertainment)

Gion

Situated between Yasaka Shrine and Kamogawa (Kamo River), Gion is Kyoto’s most famous…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Nanzen-ji

Headquarters of the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen, Nanzen-ji is one of Kyoto’s most …
(Arts & Culture)

Higashiyama Joshi-ji inc. Ginkaku-ji

Established in the late-15th century, Ginkaku-ji or the ‘Silver Pavilion’ was the ret…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Sanjusangendo

Most commonly referred to as ‘Sanjusangendo’, the properly named Rengeo-in is the lon…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha or ‘Fushimi Inari Shrine’ is one of Kyoto’s most popular and pho…
(Nature & Adventure / Local Food & Drink / Top Attractions)

Uji's Historical Tea Museum and Park

Chazuna, also known as the Tea Museum and Park in Uji, offers visitors a chance to di…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Kinkaku-ji

Officially named ‘Rokuon-ji’, ‘Kinkaku-ji’ or the ‘Temple of the Golden Pavilion’ is …
(Local Food & Drink / Shopping / Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Kiyamachi and Kawaramachi Street

Nestled alongside the Takase River, Kiyamachi Street exudes charm with its narrow, la…
(Nature & Adventure / Summer Activities / Top Attractions)

Suirokaku Aqueduct

Nestled within the serene grounds of Nanzen-ji Temple, the Suirokaku Aqueduct is an u…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Nijo Castle

Built in 17th century as the Kyoto residence of the famous shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, Ni…
(Arts & Culture)

Daruma Dolls

Daruma dolls, instantly recognizable with their bright red color and wide, unblinking…
(Local Food & Drink / Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Shinsekai

Shinsekai, or "New World," is one of Osaka’s most unique neighborhoods, blending nost…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Ryoan-ji

Ryoan-ji, or the "Temple of the Dragon at Peace," is one of the seventeen World Herit…
(Local Food & Drink / Shopping / Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Dotonbori canal

Dotonbori, located in Osaka’s Namba district, is one of Japan's most iconic and livel…
(Top Attractions)

Hozen-ji Yokocho temple

Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Hozen-ji Yokocho, a quiet alley tucked away…
(Arts & Culture)

Kyoto National Museum

Located across from Sanjusangendo, Kyoto National Museum is one of Japan’s most disti…
(Local Food & Drink / Shopping / Top Attractions)

Kuromon Market

A visit to Kuromon Ichiba Market, affectionately known as "Osaka’s Kitchen," is a fea…
(Nature & Adventure)

Arashiyama Sagano Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama district lies to the west of the central Kyoto but despite its distanc…
(Top Attractions)

Shittenoji Temple

Shitennoji Temple is a must-see destination on our Osaka City Tour and offers a profo…
(Nature & Adventure)

Togetsukyo Bridge

Lying to the west – approximately 20 to 30-minutes from Kyoto Station by train or bus…
(Nature & Adventure / Top Attractions)

Katsuo-ji Temple

Katsuo-ji Temple, a spiritual sanctuary nestled in the verdant hills of Minoh City, O…
(Local Food & Drink)

'Kawadoko' Dining on Kamogawa Riverside

Summers in Kyoto can be intense, with high heat and humidity often catching visitors …
(Wildlife / Top Attractions)

The Great Buddha of Nara

The Great Buddha of Nara (Nara Daibutsu) is a highlight of our tours, offering an unp…
(Local Food & Drink / Shopping)

Nishiki Market

Kyoto is a great food and shopping city and there’s no better place to start than its…
(Top Attractions)

Nara Palace Site Historical Park

Nara Palace Historical Park, also known as Heijokyo, is a captivating destination tha…
(Shopping)

Antique & Vintage Shopping in Teramachi

Teramachi- dori, which intersects with Nishiki Market, offers a fascinating mix of an…
(Nature & Adventure)

Uji Bridge and Uji River Islands

Uji Bridge, spanning the Uji River, is a picturesque and historically significant lan…
(Arts & Culture / Entertainment)

'Geisha' & 'Maiko' Experience in Kyoto

As famous for its ‘geisha’ and ‘maiko’ (geisha in training) as it is for its temples …
(Nature & Adventure / Top Attractions)

Mimuroto-ji Temple

Mimuroto-ji Temple, located in Uji, Kyoto, is a scenic Buddhist temple known for its …
(Nature & Adventure)

Tea Picking Experience in Uji

For those who want to immerse themselves in Japan's tea culture, the tea-picking expe…
(Nature & Adventure / Wildlife / Top Attractions)

Cormorant Fishing on the Uji River

Cormorant fishing on the Uji River, known as Uji-gawa Ukai, is a traditional summer e…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Tale of Genji Museum

Step into the world of Japan’s oldest novel at the Tale of Genji Museum in Uji, a cit…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Kennin-ji Temple

Kennin-ji Temple, located in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Gion district, is a tranqu…
(Top Attractions)

Kitano Ijinkan Houses

The Kitano Ijinkan district in Kobe is a fascinating area that highlights the city’s …
(Local Food & Drink)

Kobe Beef

Kobe beef is one of Japan’s most famous and luxurious culinary treasures, celebrated …
(Nature & Adventure / Top Attractions)

Nunobiki Herb Garden

The Nunobiki Herb Garden is a breathtaking escape into nature, set atop Mount Rokko a…
(Top Attractions)

Ikuta Shrine

Nestled in the heart of Kobe, Ikuta Shrine is one of the oldest and most beloved Shin…
(Local Food & Drink)

Try Uji's Matcha Tea

Uji, located just south of Kyoto, is synonymous with Japan’s finest matcha tea. With …
(Top Attractions)

Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks…
(Top Attractions)

Ujigama Shrine

Ujigami Shrine, located in the historic city of Uji, is a must-visit destination for …
(Arts & Culture / Entertainment)

Kyoto's Bamboo Crafts

Bamboo holds a special place in Japanese culture, especially in Kyoto, where its pres…
(Onsen / Health & Well-being)

Fu Fu No Yu Onsen

Fu Fu No Yu Onsen is a cozy public bath in the heart of Arashiyama, offering a perfec…
(Nature & Adventure / Top Attractions)

Arashiyama Monkey Park

The Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama offers a unique blend of wildlife and panoramic …
(Nature & Adventure / Cherry Blossoms / Summer Activities / Top Attractions)

Philosopher's Path

The Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no Michi) is one of Kyoto’s most beloved walking ro…
(Nature & Adventure / Summer Activities / Top Attractions)

Hozugawa Riverboat

Hozugawa Riverboat rides offer a tranquil and scenic way to experience the natural sp…
(Top Attractions)

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Nestled in the quiet hills of Arashiyama, Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is a serene and …
(Top Attractions)

Rickshaw rides

Rickshaw rides in Arashiyama provide a traditional way to explore the area, with driv…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Kimono Forest

The Kimono Forest in Arashiyama is a stunning art installation located near the Rande…
(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple, located in the scenic Arashiyama district of Kyoto, is a UNESCO Wor…
(Arts & Culture / Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Minamiza theatre

Minamiza Theatre is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks and the birthplace of kabuki…
(Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Pontocho Alley

Pontocho Alley, nestled between the Kamogawa River and Kiyamachi Street, is one of Ky…
(Cherry Blossoms / Top Attractions)

Kodai-ji Temple

Located in the Higashiyama district, Kodaiji Temple is one of Kyoto’s most exquisite …
(Arts & Culture / Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Kyoto's Geisha Districts

Gion is arguably Kyoto's most iconic neighborhood, celebrated for its traditional cha…
(Arts & Culture)

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Situated within Kyoto Imperial Park, the Imperial Palace was the main residence of th…
(Arts & Culture)

'Sado' (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Kyoto

Even if you are yet to set foot in Japan or know exactly what’s this most Japanese of…
(Arts & Culture)

Ohara inc. Sanzen-in

Heading out of Kyoto, but still within the boundaries of the city, Ohara is a picture…
(Arts & Culture)

Samurai & Ninja Museum with Experience

Just a short walk from Nishiki Market, Kyoto's Samurai & Ninja Museum offers a fascin…
(Arts & Culture)

Enryaku-ji

Located around 20km to the northeast of central Kyoto, Enryaku-ji is nestled within t…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Todai-ji

’Todai-ji’ or the ‘Great Eastern Temple’ is Japan’s largest Buddhist temple and Nara’…
(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture / Wildlife)

Nara Park

As much as any temple, Nara Park is a focal point for life in the historic city. Esta…
(Arts & Culture)

Kasuga Taisha

‘Kasuga Taisha’ or ‘Kasuga Grand Shrine’ is the most important Shinto complex in Nara…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Kofuku-ji inc. National Treasure Museum

Once one of the ‘Nanto Shichi Daiji’ or ‘Seven Great Temples’ of Nara, Kofuku-ji date…
(Arts & Culture)

Nara National Museum

Nara National Museum is one of Japan’s preeminent cultural institutions – one that si…
(Arts & Culture / Top Attractions)

Horyu-ji

The fully named ‘Horyu Gakumonji’ or ‘Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law’ is most…
(Local Food & Drink / Shopping / Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Dotonbori

Any first-time visitor to Osaka who doesn’t make it to Dotonbori at some point during…
(Local Food & Drink / Shopping / Entertainment)

Shinsaibashi-suji

Shinsaibashi-suji is one of Osaka’s best-known shopping streets, a 600-metre long arc…
(Arts & Culture / Shopping / Entertainment)

Amerika-mura

Also known as ‘Amemura’, ‘Amerika-mura’ or ‘America Village’ is Osaka’s most famous c…
(Arts & Culture / Shopping / Entertainment)

Namba Parks

Located to the south of Namba Station, ‘Namba Parks’ is a shopping and office complex…
(Shopping / Entertainment)

Nipponbashi Electric 'Den Den Town'

Japan’s celebrated culture of ‘anime’, ‘manga’, ‘cosplay’ and all things ‘otaku’ draw…
(Nature & Adventure / Arts & Culture / Summer Activities)

Osaka Castle Park

Though a city celebrated mostly for its modern, brash and vibrant character, Osaka is…
(Arts & Culture)

Umeda Sky Building

Located in the Kita district of Osaka – and within easy walk of both Osaka-Umeda Stat…
(Wildlife / Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan lays claim to being one of the largest aquariums in the world…
(Local Food & Drink / Wildlife / Shopping / Entertainment)

Tempozan Harbor Village

Situated on a man-made island on Osaka Bay, Tempozan Harbor Village takes a little ti…
(Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Located across from ‘Tempozan Harbor Village’ – over the Tenpozano Bridge – Universal…
(Arts & Culture / Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Kabuki Theatre in Kyoto and Osaka

Kabuki, a traditional Japanese performing art, has been captivating audiences for ove…
(Arts & Culture)

Kobe Aizome Dyeing

Aizome, or traditional Japanese indigo dyeing, has a history that stretches back over…
(Water Activities / Shopping / Entertainment / Top Attractions)

Kobe’s Waterfront: Merikan Park, Kobe Port, Harbourland and Kobe Tower

Explore Kobe's vibrant waterfront with a visit to some of its most iconic areas: Meri…
(Local Food & Drink)

Kobe's Nada Gogo Sake Area

The Nada district in Kobe is synonymous with Japan's sake culture, renowned for produ…
(Arts & Culture)

Koboshi Dolls

On our tour, you'll have the chance to create your own Okiagari Koboshi doll, a cheri…
(Local Food & Drink / Top Attractions)

Kobe's Chinatown - Nankin Machi

Nankin Machi, or Kobe's Chinatown, is one of Japan's most vibrant and historic Chines…
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Hotels

Kyoto: Kyoto Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Kyoto: Sanjo Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Kyoto: Kiyomizu-Gojo Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Kyoto: Arashiyama Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Nara: Kintetsu-Nara Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Nara: JR Nara Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Umeda Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Namba Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Shinsaibashi Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Shin-Osaka Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Yodoyabashi Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Hommachi Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Osaka Castle Park Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Tennoji Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Universal City Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Osakako Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Osaka: Kansai Airport Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Kobe: Nankinmachi 'Chinatown' Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Kobe: Sannomiya Station Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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Kobe: Bay Area

Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
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