Itinerary
- Day 1
Osaka
You'll arrive in Osaka and get settled into your accommodation after checking in. Once you've freshened up, the afternoon and evening are yours to explore however you like. Take a walk through the lively streets to get a feel for the city, check out some of the modern architecture, or head into one of the entertainment districts to see what's going on.
Optional Activities
- Visit Osaka Castle and enjoy views overlooking the city
- Explore Dotonbori entertainment district with restaurants and bars
- Visit Osaka Aquarium
- Explore Kita shopping and business district
- Explore Minami entertainment district
- Visit Minoo suburb with woodland, waterfall, and hiking opportunities
- Experience Minoo spa facilities
- Day 2
Osaka
This morning you'll join a guided walking tour with an English-speaking guide hitting Osaka's main sights. You'll see Osaka Castle, then head to Dotonbori with its famous Glico signboard, stop by a historic market from the Edo period where you can try street food, climb Tsutenkaku tower, and visit Shitennoji Temple. Lunch is ramen at a local spot, and you'll get to experience the real Osaka at a comfortable walking pace throughout the day.
- Meals
- Lunch (Tasty ramen)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Osaka's 5 must-see sights with English-speaking guide
- Visit Osaka Castle with city views
- Visit Dotonbori downtown area with Glico signboard photo opportunity
- Explore historic market from Edo period with street food
- Visit Tsutenkaku tower with city views and Shinsekai district
- Visit Shitennoji Temple (one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples)
- Lunch with tasty ramen
Optional Activities
- Admission to Shitennoji Treasure Hall (JPY500)
- Admission to Shitennoji Garden (JPY300)
- Admission to Osaka Castle (available via Osaka Amazing Pass ¥2,800)
- Admission to Tsutenkaku (available via Osaka Amazing Pass ¥2,800)
Landmarks/POIs Osaka Castle Dotonbori Glico Signboard Shinsekai Market Tsutenkaku Shitennoji Temple - Day 3
Osaka to Kyoto
Check out from your Osaka accommodation and take the train to Kyoto, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. After you arrive and settle into your Kyoto hotel, you have the rest of the day to yourself. Wander through Gion's geisha district, visit some of the temples and shrines, walk through the bamboo groves, or just explore the charming neighborhoods at your own pace.
Optional Activities
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Explore Gion geisha district
- Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Visit Ryoanji Temple with Zen garden
- Visit Sanjusangendo with life-size Kannon statues
- Visit Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Landmarks/POIs Kiyomizu-dera Temple Fushimi Inari Shrine Gion Kinkaku-ji Ryoanji Temple Sanjusangendo Tenryu-ji Temple Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Day 4
Kyoto
You'll board a comfortable bus tour to see Kyoto's most famous sites starting with Tenryu-ji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where you'll have about 2 hours of free time to explore and grab lunch at a restaurant you choose. After that, continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple, then head to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to walk through the famous rows of vermillion torii gates. The bus has multi-language audio guides available in English, Chinese, and Korean.
Included Activities
- Bus tour of Kyoto's most famous sites
- Visit Tenryu-ji Temple (admission to garden included)
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Forest with approximately 2 hours free time
- Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- On-board multi-language audio guide (English, Chinese, Korean)
Optional Activities
- Admission to Arashiyama Music Box Museum (discounted rate available)
- Rickshaw rides in Arashiyama (discounted rate available)
- Yakata bune boat rides in Arashiyama (discounted rate available)
- Footbath experience in Arashiyama (discounted rate available)
- Meals, drinks, and shopping in Arashiyama (discounted rates available)
Landmarks/POIs Tenryu-ji Temple Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Kinkaku-ji Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Senbon Torii - Day 5
Kyoto to Hiroshima
Check out from your Kyoto accommodation and head to Kyoto Station to board the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. You'll enjoy scenic views of the Japanese countryside during the journey. Once you arrive in Hiroshima and check into your hotel, you'll prepare for an 11:00 am cycling tour that explores the city's peace heritage and reconstruction sites using comfortable electric bicycles.
Included Activities
- Hiroshima Cycling Peace Tour with English-speaking local guide
- Ride electric bicycles to explore Hiroshima's bombed heritage sites
- Learn about local feelings towards Peace Park from approximately 70 years ago
- Visit multiple A-bomb heritage sites within 2.5km radius from hypocenter
- Ride along beautiful riverside and parks
- Rental bicycles
- Insurance fee for bicycles
Optional Activities
- Additional hour guided tour to Atomic Bomb Museum (plus 1,000 yen cash payment on the day, available only from 11:00 to 13:00 tour, not available when combined with other guests)
- Rainy Day Limited Peace Route (same price as regular plan) - Walking tour as alternative if weather prohibits cycling
Landmarks/POIs Peace Memorial Park Atomic Bomb Dome Hypocenter Former Bank of Japan Fukuromachi Elementary School - Day 6
Hiroshima to Osaka
Check out from your Hiroshima accommodation and make your way to Hiroshima Station. Board the Shinkansen bullet train back to Osaka, taking in the scenic countryside views one final time. When you arrive at Osaka Station, your tour concludes and you'll have the rest of the day free to either explore Osaka a bit more or prepare for whatever comes next in your travels.
Optional Activities
- Explore Osaka according to your interests and preferences
