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Kansai, the beating heart of Japan
Discover the Kansai region, from vibrant cities to hidden temples, by exploring Osaka, Mino, Muko, and Himeji. Each day alternates between culture, nature, and relaxation, from majestic castles and intimate shrines to hikes in bamboo forests and soothing onsen, for a complete and harmonious journey.
Day 1, Osaka: a gentle introduction to the city
Begin your stay in Osaka by exploring its majestic castle , a symbol of power and history. Stroll through the surrounding gardens, a peaceful haven in the heart of the city, then enjoy a cruise on the Nakanoshima River , offering a different perspective of the city and its shimmering reflections. End the day in your hotel bar, with panoramic views over the Osaka skyline.
Enjoy a relaxing first day in Japan, guided by an Osaka specialist who will share fascinating anecdotes and ensure a smooth transition. Get a first glimpse of the city, its architecture, and its culture.
Day 2, A culinary discovery of Osaka
Start your day at Namba Yasaka-jinja Shrine, a unique shrine in the heart of Osaka, famous for its gigantic lion's head ( shishiguchi ) that appears to swallow evil spirits. Then head to Dotonbori , Osaka's most vibrant thoroughfare. Settle into a local restaurant to sample two must-try specialties: okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and takoyaki (octopus balls). In the afternoon, stroll along the long covered walkway known as "Osaka's Kitchen" and then take a cruise on the Dotonbori Canal, perfect for admiring the reflections of the shop signs at sunset.
Hire a guide for an evening Food Tour for a delicious and convivial immersion in the city's many "izakaya" bars. A great atmosphere is guaranteed!
Day 3, Minō and Nagaoka: the beauty of hidden treasures
Leave the city for the verdant Minō Mountains, renowned for their waterfalls and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at a charming little restaurant overlooking the valley, then travel to a lesser-known temple, home to countless lucky Daruma dolls. Continue to Nagaoka Tenmangū-jinja , a shrine dedicated to wisdom and study, surrounded by a beautiful garden. Spend the evening in traditional accommodation, where tatami mats and an onsen (hot spring) will enhance the serenity of the setting.
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Day 4, Mukō and Kyoto
Head to the city of Mukō , where you can visit Yoshimine-dera Temple, perched high above Kyoto and offering spectacular views. Then, stroll through a peaceful and pristine bamboo forest, comparable to Arashiyama, and discover Bishamondō Temple, famous for its vibrant autumn gardens.
Further north, you'll discover a picturesque temple of moss and maple trees, particularly beautiful when the autumn leaves create a fiery carpet of red and orange. Beyond this, a long, bamboo-lined staircase leads to a temple housing thousands of commemorative sculptures. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Hire a driver-guide to more easily reach remote towns and temples in Kyoto.
Day 5, Kyoto: in the heart of the ancient capital
In the early morning, start your day at Kinkaku-ji , the Golden Pavilion. A must-see and absolutely splendid when its golden facades are reflected in the pond, it nevertheless attracts a considerable crowd, especially during peak hours.
Continue on to the old castle of the Tokugawa shoguns, where the "nightingale" floors sing softly under your feet.
Let yourself be carried away by a leisurely stroll through the city: from Nijō-jō Castle to Shimogamo-jinja Shrine , everything is within walking distance. Along the way, stop at the Imperial Gardens, a true haven of tranquility in the heart of Kyoto.
End your day at one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Here, the soft lighting and scent of moss create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic moment away from the hustle and bustle.
Kyoto is a city very popular with tourists, but it suffers from its popularity. Don't hesitate to ask for a different itinerary to avoid the most popular spots and discover charming hidden gems.
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Day 6, Nara: one of the first capitals of Japan
Leave your Kyoto hotel early for Nara . Start with Kasuga-taisha , whose lantern-lined walkways and sacred forest offer a peaceful atmosphere. Continue with a more secluded pavilion at Tōdai-ji , ideal for a more intimate exploration of Buddhist art.
For lunch, head to the Nara district, where a charming vegetarian restaurant awaits you, housed in an old machiya (wooden houses typical of Japanese city centers).
After a short walk around the neighborhood, end your sightseeing at Kōfuku-ji , famous for its pagoda and elegant pavilions.
In the late afternoon, take the road to Himeji, where you will spend the night before exploring the castle the next day.
To enjoy sightseeing more calmly without having to pack and manage your luggage, spend two nights in Himeji. Your hotel offers a lounge bar with city views, a spa, and a beauty salon.
Day 7, Himeji: Elegance and craftsmanship
Start the day with a nearby pottery workshop led by the craftsman who maintains the castle's tiles. There, you'll create your own souvenir with his help and guidance.
After lunch at a restaurant in the city, explore Himeji Castle , nicknamed the White Heron , a masterpiece of architecture and grace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enthusiasts will appreciate the many Japanese gardens of Kōko-en which houses a tea pavilion.
Spend another evening at your hotel.
Is this your first trip to Japan and you don't want to miss any gems? Our excursions like " From Okayama to Hiroshima, a journey on the inland sea " or " Tokyo and Nikko, between tradition and pop culture " will allow you to discover all the must-sees.
AYUMI Voyage advisors are available to offer you a tailor-made tour.
Request a customized quote
AYUMI Voyage excursions are suggestions that are not exhaustive and are intended to inspire you in creating your own tour of Japan with our travel advisors. All our offers, itineraries, and optional services are entirely customized after consultation with you.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
Place
Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji
Walking time
Elevation gain
Ideal season
AYUMI Premium Trip:
recommended additional services
Guide : The different cities you'll visit each have their own distinct charm and identity. Hire a local guide for each tour. Your guides will introduce you to the unique culture of Osaka, the charms of Kyoto, or the secrets that make Himeji Castle so impregnable.
Restaurant reservations: Japan boasts a multitude of establishments offering a remarkable dining experience. To ensure you don't miss out on the excellence of Japanese cuisine, our advisors are at your service. They will book the best restaurants to meet your specific requirements.
Airport pick-up : With a guide to greet you upon arrival, you can land with peace of mind and leave the organization of your transfer to your hotel to them without wasting any time. They will hand over your cash and pre-booked tour tickets if you have opted for these services, and will also assist you with your luggage.
Driver-guide : A driver-guide is highly recommended to visit some outlying towns you are passing through, without wasting time.
