Kansai Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(8,474 reviews)- Choose from 46 Kansai tours
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The best Kansai tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaKansai travel expert at TourRadar
- Discover Japan on a Budget: 8-Day Ultimate Starter
- Classic Japan Experience
- Japan Highlights (3 destinations)
- Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek (including Kumano)
- Legend of Japan
- Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
- Japan's Big Four 11 Days
- 7 Day Japan Golden Route: Affordable Small Group Tour Package
- Japan in a Week
- 5 Day Best of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Small Group Tour Package
Your base at Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto and Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka puts you in the heart of Kansai. The UNESCO Fushimi Inari Shrine awaits exploration, while audio guides enhance local cuisine experiences with convenient transportation provided.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
- NZ$2,118
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
- NZ$7,070
Discover Kansai's treasures from Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine to Osaka's Kuromon Market. Experience traditional sake brewing, explore the historic Gion district, and enjoy local street food in Dotombori.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,325
10% Off- NZ$4,793You save $532
Duration 8 days Destinations Kyoto, Koya-san, Kumano, Osaka Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$4,985
Legend of Japan
187 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent company. Love the tour.”
nath, traveled in May
Kansai's treasures unfold from Osaka Castle's historic grounds to Kyoto's Gion district. Traditional Koyasan temples offer overnight stays, while activities include samurai skill workshops and visits to the iconic Fushimi Inari shrine. The tour highlights authentic cultural experiences and local culinary adventures.
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Osaka, Koya-san, Kyoto, Hakone Age Range up to 39 year olds Operator TruTravels From $4,825
20% Off- NZ$3,860You save $965
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very personalized with a small group, and the hotel accommodation was excellent.”
Roger, traveled in January
The cultural heritage of Kansai spans from Kyoto's Imperial Palace to Nara's Todaiji Temple. The traditional Gion district and vibrant Dotonbori in Osaka showcase regional contrast. Quality hotels provide comfortable bases throughout the journey.
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
20% Off- NZ$2,790
Kansai's cultural richness comes alive through Kyoto's temples including Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari, while Osaka's vibrant Dotonbori district showcases modern Japan. Traditional tea ceremonies and local cuisine represent the ancient capital's heritage.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
20% Off- NZ$3,760
7 Day Japan Golden Route: Affordable Small Group Tour Package
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip through Japan was absolutely amazing — truly unforgettable! The itinerary was so well put together, with an awesome mix of food, scenery, and activities.”
Hudson, traveled in May
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Fushimi, Nara, Osaka Age Range 5 to 85 year olds Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $5,336
20% Off- NZ$4,269You save $1,067
Japan in a Week
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Contiki knocked it out of the park 10/10.”
Bryan, traveled in April
Kansai's finest attractions range from Kyoto's Golden Pavilion to Osaka's Dotonbori street food paradise. Nara's Great Buddha, geisha spotting in Gion district, and optional Universal Studios visits create a perfect blend of traditional and modern Japan.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From
20% Off- NZ$3,074
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range 5 to 85 year olds Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $3,543
20% Off- NZ$2,834You save $709
What people love about Kansai Tours
- Legend of Japan
It was fantastic. Marion was an amazing tour guide.
- Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
Our tour guides David and Francisco were entertaining, informative and considerate. We had a great introduction to the highlights of Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara and thoroughly enjoyed our 5 day tour.
- 7 Day Japan Golden Route: Affordable Small Group Tour Package
We had such a great time on this 7-day Japan Golden Route tour! It was the perfect mix of comfort, culture, and connection — just what we were hoping for on our first trip as a couple to Japan. The small group setup (only 6 of us!) made everything feel personal and relaxed — no rushing from place to place, and we really had time to enjoy each spot. Every destination on the itinerary was well-chosen and super interesting, giving us a real taste of both traditional and modern Japan. Our guide was amazing — spoke excellent English, super easy to communicate with, and always made sure everyone was taken care of. You could really tell they cared. The 12-seater van we used was clean, comfy, and made the rides between cities smooth and pleasant. And let’s talk about the food — we absolutely loved the Japanese meals throughout the trip! From fresh sushi to cozy ramen shops, every bite was a win. The hotels were also in busy, vibrant areas, which made it super easy to explore and grab dinner or shop in the evenings. All in all, this was a fantastic tour — well organized, stress-free, and filled with unforgettable experiences. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, well-paced intro to Japan! ??✨
What our customers ask about Kansai Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights during a general tour of the Kansai Region?
The Kansai Region combines centuries-old traditions with modern Japanese culture. Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kinkaku-ji Temple stand as essential stops while Osaka's Dotonbori district pulses with neon lights and street life next to the historic Osaka Castle. In Kyoto the Fushimi Inari Shrine's winding paths of red torii gates lead visitors up the sacred mountain. Nara Park offers a unique experience where deer roam freely near the Great Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple. A TourRadar traveler shared "The blend of traditional temples and modern city life in Kansai was absolutely fascinating especially the contrast between peaceful Kyoto and energetic Osaka."
When is the best time to visit the Kansai Region for a general sightseeing tour?
Spring in the Kansai Region (March to May) brings cherry blossoms that transform temple grounds and city parks. Fall months (October to November) offer mild temperatures and red maple leaves particularly around Kyoto's gardens and Koya-san's mountain paths. While summer (June to August) brings festivals and celebrations winter (December to February) rewards visitors with peaceful snow-covered temples and shorter lines at popular sites. Guests at the Ibis Osaka Umeda Hotel often note the appeal of springtime with one TourRadar traveler saying "Visiting in April was perfect - the weather was mild and we caught the tail end of cherry blossom season in Kyoto's historic districts."
How long should I plan to stay in the Kansai Region for a comprehensive general tour?
To explore the Kansai Region properly plan for 7-10 days. Most visitors spend 3-4 days discovering Kyoto's cultural heritage 2-3 days exploring Osaka's contemporary scenes and food districts and 1-2 days visiting Nara or Koya-san. At minimum a 3-day itinerary covers essential spots in Kyoto Osaka and Nara staying at places like the Ibis Osaka Umeda. According to a TourRadar traveler "Our 8-day tour gave us enough time to explore both the main attractions and hidden gems of Kansai without feeling rushed."
What are the must-visit temples and shrines in the Kansai Region?
The Kansai Region's religious sites tell stories spanning more than a millennium. Essential visits include Kyoto's gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji Temple the mountain paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine Nara's Todai-ji Temple with Japan's largest bronze Buddha and the intimate Hozenji Temple in Osaka's busy Dotonbori area. A TourRadar traveler shared "The Fushimi Inari shrine trek was incredible - walking through the endless red gates while learning about Shinto traditions from our guide was unforgettable." Many visitors choose the New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto as a base for temple visits.
What are the best food experiences in Kansai Region?
Osaka known as "Japan's Kitchen" leads the region's food culture. Key experiences include browsing Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh seafood trying Osaka's street food specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) in Dotonbori and experiencing kaiseki dining in Kyoto's Gion district. One TourRadar traveler noted "Don't miss the street food tour in Dotonbori - our guide took us to hidden spots where we tried the best kushikatsu." The Hot Spring from Deep Water Osaka Hinode Hotel places guests near these culinary highlights.
How do I get around between cities in the Kansai Region?
Japan's railway network makes traveling the Kansai Region straightforward and reliable. The Shinkansen bullet train connects major cities while local trains and buses reach smaller destinations. Most organized tours handle transportation between sites. Typical journey times are 30 minutes between Osaka and Kyoto and 45 minutes to Nara. A TourRadar traveler confirms "The bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto was incredibly smooth and punctual - just 2 hours and 21 minutes." Many tours use hotels like Shinagawa Prince Hotel situated near transport hubs.