Kansai on Two Plates

5 Days ・ Kyoto, Nara, Osaka

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Experience Japan's historic Kansai region

The greater Kansai region reveals a different layer to Japan's character — shaped by its historic towns, warm hospitality and iconic cuisine. From Kyoto’s hidden paths to Nara’s ancient woods and Osaka’s glowing food alleys, every day shifts in rhythm.

Experience Japan's Capital

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Begin your journey in Kyoto’s south, where tradition and taste intertwine. Start early at Fushimi Inari Shrine, beating the crowds beneath its famous torii gates, then follow the path southward into Fushimi Momoyama, where our curated food tour introduces you to local street bites, sake stops, and everyday neighborhood rhythms. It’s a calm but flavorful welcome to Japan — away from the usual tour buses.
Begin with a tranquil Hozugawa riverboat ride, gliding through forested valleys just outside Kyoto. Then visit the shimmering Kinkakuji before shifting into stillness with nearby hidden temples like Koetsu-ji and Genko-an. Wrap up your day with a seasonal kaiseki meal at a traditional ryokan, with the option to soak in a private onsen before returning to the city for a quiet night — or a taste of Kyoto after dark.
Nara begins where most tourists stop — among the deer in Nara Park. But your path goes further. After greeting the famous locals, head deeper into the Kasugayama Forest, where shrines appear in silence and moss-covered trails lead you through centuries of history. Visit Kasuga Taisha, pause at a teahouse, and if time allows, explore lesser-seen temples like Yakushiji or Toshodaiji. Ancient calm beneath the forest canopy.
Shift gears completely as you dive into the flavor and chaos of Osaka. Start the day with a visit to Kuromon Market, where sizzling street food greets you with energy and aroma. In the afternoon, explore retro neighborhoods like Nakazakicho or visit Sumiyoshi Taisha for a cultural pause. Then it’s on to Osaka after dark — with a guided street food tour through Namba, Shinsekai, or hidden alleyways where the real flavor lives. Expect steam, noise, laughter, and craft sake. This is Kansai’s nightlife at its finest.
After the lively energy of Osaka, this final day offers a slower pace — a peaceful walk through Kyoto’s eastern hills. Begin with a quiet morning at Ginkakuji, then follow the Philosopher’s Path, a serene canal-side stroll lined with hidden temples and seasonal beauty. Pause for a light lunch at a local café, and continue south toward Honen-in or Nanzen-ji, letting the city fade behind you. This day is designed to let you unwind, reflect, and close your journey on a softer note — a return to calm before heading home.