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Osaka castle, surrounded by city business center skycrapers

Osaka castle, surrounded by city business center skycrapers

Sean Pavone

Dotonbori is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, running along the canal in Namba.
Himeji Castle, UNESCO world heritage, easy access from Kyoto for a 1-day excursion
You can spend nice day visiting Kobe city and port, close to Osaka and Kyoto by train
Traditional Japanese okonomiyaki, savory pancake
Osaka castle, surrounded by city business center skycrapers

Osaka castle, surrounded by city business center skycrapers

Sean Pavone

Dotonbori is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, running along the canal in Namba.

Dotonbori is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, running along the canal in Namba.

Juliana Barquero

Himeji Castle, UNESCO world heritage, easy access from Kyoto for a 1-day excursion

Himeji Castle, UNESCO world heritage, easy access from Kyoto for a 1-day excursion

Sakarin Sawasdinaka

You can spend nice day visiting Kobe city and port, close to Osaka and Kyoto by train

You can spend nice day visiting Kobe city and port, close to Osaka and Kyoto by train

Sugarman Joe

Traditional Japanese okonomiyaki, savory pancake

Traditional Japanese okonomiyaki, savory pancake

vichie81

River in Arashiyama during fall : famous touristic site to visit in Kyoto

River in Arashiyama during fall : famous touristic site to visit in Kyoto

Tawatchai Prakobkit

Whale Sharks in Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the biggest Aquarium in the world

Whale Sharks in Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the biggest Aquarium in the world

paylessimages

Hogwarts castle in Harry Potter section of Universal Studios Entertainment Park in Osaka, Japan

Hogwarts castle in Harry Potter section of Universal Studios Entertainment Park in Osaka, Japan

©JNTO

City break - Osaka tour

  • 8 days

This city break tour takes you to Osaka, the food capital of the land of the rising sun.

Capital of the Kansai region, it offers quick access to Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Koyasan...

Take advantage of transport passes, an included culinary tour and many optional activities, such as admission to Universal Studios Park or the world-famous aquarium.

This city break tour takes you to Osaka, the food capital of the land of the rising sun.

Capital of the Kansai region, it offers quick access to Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Koyasan...

Take advantage of transport passes, an included culinary tour and many optional activities, such as admission to Universal Studios Park or the world-famous aquarium.


1 week itinerary in Osaka (8 days) 

Our suggestion for the trip :

  • visit Osaka in 2 days
  • 2 day excursion to Kyoto
  • 1 day in Nara
  • 1 day in Himeji and Kobe

The first and last day are reserved for your arrival and departure from Japan (and for the last bit of souvenir shopping!).


Why this trip to Japan ?

  1. Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Osaka by shuttle bus
  2. Settle in the heart of Osaka  in your 3* hotel chosen for its comfort and location
  3. Take advantage of 6 days of transport to visit Osaka
  4. A culinary tour of the lively Dotonbori district will await you at nightfall
  5. Recommendations available in your travel diary
  6. Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
  7. If necessary, contact our Japanese bilingual English-speaking assistance 24/7
  8. Numerous discounts offered in tourist sites
  9. Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, European leading travel agency in Japan

 

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Wake up in Osaka 大阪

    Arrival at Kansai airport (KIX). Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!

    Reception at the exit from Customs in English by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents.

    Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Osaka (see details).

    Check-in at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or equivalent 3* (rooms available from 15:00)

    You can pick up your pocket Wi-Fi at the hotel reception desk.

    Dinner and evening at your leisure.

  • Day 2 : First steps in the capital of Kansai

    What is there to do in Osaka in 2 days ?

    We advise you to start out slowly visiting Osaka from the northern and eastern districts:

    - the medieval castle of Osaka, with its park full of plum and cherry trees

    - the city centre and its Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park in the middle of the buildings

    - Utsubo Park, an oasis of freshness in the business district

    - Rendezvous in Umeda, temple of Japanese style shopping

    - End up at the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!)

    As an option, you can book a river cruise between the different parts of the day.

  • Day 3 : Gastronomic introduction

    We recommend the following itinerary for this second day's visit to Osaka:

    - the Osaka Kaiyûkan aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world in terms of volume.

    - the Tennoji district and its Shitenno-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan

    - Spa World, Japan's largest spa (onsen)

    - Shinseikai, with retro charm

    - DenDen machi, the technologeek village

    - end with Dotonbori, the liveliest district!

    Go out in the evening and meet our guide in Dotonbori for a small culinary tour that will awaken your taste buds (included in your tour)! You can sample Osaka's specialities: takoyaki, okonomiyaki and many others.

  • Day 4 : Heading for the old capital

    Travel to Kyoto, 40 minutes from Osaka (journey included in your package, details in your travel diary).

    Increasingly touristy, Kyoto is still a must!

    Do not hesitate to book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to visit Kyoto.

    In 1 day, visit Kyoto's "classics":

    - the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, one of the symbols of Kyoto

    - the silver pavilion in the famous zen garden

    - the bewitching path of philosophy

    - Kiyomizu-Dera, the great water temple

    - the historical district of Gion and its narrow streets Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka.

    Finish off seeing the sunset in Gion. As an option, we can arrange a night time guided tour of Gion. You will undoubtedly cross paths with a geisha!

    Return to Osaka in the evening. Trains every 10 minutes until 23.30. 45 minute journey.

  • Day 5 : Treasures and luxury

    Return to Kyoto, the southern and western districts:

    - Fushimi-Inari, Kyoto's huge 10.000 torii santuary.

    - the Nijo castle, former residence of the shogun

    - Arashiyama, its bamboo grove and monkey mountain

    Reach Osaka at the end of the day.

  • Day 6 : On the trail of the Samurai

    On this last day before departure, we recommend a visit to Himeji Castle, ending with a stop in Kobe.

    Himeji, 1 hour 30 by train from Osaka (a journey with 1 small change included in your offer) presents the best preserved castle in Japan: the White Heron Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    In the afternoon, take a detour on the way back to Kobe to visit the Kitano merchant district, Chinatown or the harbour. Return to Osaka for your last evening.

    Also:

    - Universal Studios with its world-renowned Harry Potter park (tickets optional)

    - Guided day trip to KoyaSan, the mountain full of Buddhist temples (1 hour 30 by train)

    - the Minoh waterfalls, at the outskirts of Osaka

    - Lake Biwa and its beaches in summer (1 hour by train)

  • Day 7 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

    Transfer to Kansai airport (included but not accompanied).

    Return flight to Europe.

    Do not hesitate to extend your trip by one or more days in Kansai, or elsewhere... we can advise you.

  • Accommodation

    - 7 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of the city, close to the metro.

    The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.

  • Transport

    - Transfer airport <> Osaka

    - Prepaid public transport card

    - Metro pass + Osaka bus pass 2 days

    - 3-day unlimited transport pass (Kansai Thru Pass)

  • Experiences

    - Airport welcome

    - Guided night tour of Dotonbori (1h30)

    - Numerous discounts offered in Osaka tourist sites

From
570 € / pers - 8 days
See prices
From
570 € / pers - 8 days

Do you have a question about our tour?
Contact an advisor
  • Additional services

    - Unlimited Wi-Fi access with pocket wifi

    - Complete travel diary sent 20 days before your departure

    - 24/7 telephone assistance in English and bilingual Japanese

  • Not included in the price of your trip

    - Flights Europe <> Japan

    - Optional insurance policies

    - Personal expenses including meals (breakfasts optional)

    - Public transport when all 3 cards are exhausted (see details)

    - Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section

More about your trip

Your tour :

  • The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Children over 3 years of age are allowed. Rates for children are available for people from 3 to 11 years old inclusive.
  • This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
  • Your travel documents will be given to you as follows:
  1. Travel diary by email 3 weeks before departure
  2. Paper documents (airport transfer tickets, transport cards) when you arrive at the airport by our airport assistant.
  3. Your pocket Wi-Fi at the hotel reception upon arrival.

Your accommodation :

  • Tourist tax not included for some hotels.
  • Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is 200¥/night/person (about €1.60) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodations, it is included in the initial tour price.
  • Room size: in Japan, a densely populated country where everything is compact, 3-star luxury hotels are of very good quality but the rooms are often quite narrow (12 to 20m2) depending on the hotel. Please note the size of the single room, between 10 and 16m2.
  • For more comfort, you can choose our luxury 4**** accommodation upgrade option
  • Double room: Rooms for two people in western hotels have 2 single beds (twin rooms) by default, which can usually be joined together. As an option, you can select a double room instead of a twin if you prefer a double bed.
  • Single room: People travelling alone and wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants.
  • 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, a triple room will be allocated to you.
  • In the case of a group order (> 5 people), it is possible, depending on hotel availability, that not all members of the group will be accommodated in the same hotel. Nevertheless, we aim to keep you close.
  • Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category.

Your transport :

  • Flights are not included in this tour. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
  • The departure and end dates shown on this page are for your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Kansai International Airport KIX (not Itami ITM) and will also depart from KIX.
  • You will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 18pm at the latest to make the most of the airport services of your tour (welcome and transfer to Osaka). The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference, with a departure time of 9am at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
  • Airport transfers: The shared shuttle bus leaves from the airport and stops in front of your hotel, and vice versa on the return journey. Our airport assistant in Kansai Airport will drive you to the platform to take the airport transfer. Afterwards, this hotel transfer is unassisted. If you would like to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer".
  • Included in your tour is a pre-paid transport card with 1500¥ loaded in advance (about €12) (Suica or Pasmo brand), a 2-day metro/bus pass to Osaka intramural and the 3-day Kansai unlimited travel card. These 3 cards should cover the vast majority of your journeys in this tour of Osaka and its region, Kansai. Please note that apart from the pre-paid transport card, where the journey is charged to you, the other 2 cards are not usable on the JR network but rather on the private network (about 2/3 of the total network in Kansai). The Kansai unlimited travel card is valid for 3 consecutive or non-consecutive days. A metro ticket in Osaka costs around €2, depending on the length of the journey).

Your activities 

  • Airport reception is in English. Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit holding a sign with the name of the reservation. They will give you your travel documents and take you to your airport transfer. They will not accompany you to Kyoto (this is possible, but optional).
  • The guided tour of Dotonbori takes place in groups, in the evening and in English. More details about the meeting place in your travel journal. 

Your meals :

  • No meals are included in your package. Breakfasts which are not included in your package can be added at the reception when you arrive at the hotel. However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving copious breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are predominantly savoury. However, if you would like to add breakfast to your offer when you make your reservation, you can select it as an option.

 

Spring (between 15 March and the end of May) and autumn (from mid-October to the end of November) are particularly popular, especially for the blossoming of the sakura cherry trees at the beginning of April and the blushing of the momiji maples at the end of November.

Winter is cold, with the exception of the southern islands (Okinawa and Kyushu). This period also has the advantage of having an absence of tourists. Travellers to Japan can visit the sites in peace, and the Zen gardens under the snow are all the more beautiful.

The summer is hot and humid. The highlands of the Japanese Alps or Northern Japan (Tohoku and Hokkaido) are havens of coolness.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked in the top 10 by the Global Peace Index.

Therefore travelling alone is safe. Women and girls can travel alone without fear of being harassed or solicited in public places. The same goes for children, who can be seen going to school alone in the metro from the age of 7. This can give you an idea of the country's level of safety. Last but not least, Japan is a haven for children: the safety, the amusement parks, the friendly attitude of the population.

It's very simple and easy, just book directly online through our website:



(1) Choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and indicate the number of participants. Several options are available to you.

(2) Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount* online and confirm your reservation.

(3) You will then receive an e-mail confirming the conditions of your registration.

(4) Book your flight ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the necessary schedules for your tour)

(5) One month before departure, settle the balance of your booking.



For more information on the tours or to make a reservation, please contact our advisors on +33 (0)1 42 61 60 83 or at contact@japan-experience.com, or come and visit us at our agency in Paris.



* travel insurance and options included

You can pay online by credit card.

In our agency, you can pay by credit card, cash (under €1.500) or cheque with proof of identity (France only).

Do you have any other questions ? plop
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Our commitments as Japan Experience, Europe number one travel agency in Japan

  1. The guarantee of the first tour operator specialised exclusively in Japan for 40 years
  2. A wide range of products to let you Experience Japan from the inside
  3. Competitive prices thanks to a single team in UK, Europe, USA and in Japan, with no intermediaries.
  4. Assistance available in Japan throughout your trip
  5. A specialised team is available 7 days a week by phone or email
  6. The best advice thanks to the 3,500 articles available on our website

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Our activities in Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji

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Nishiki market
1 hour
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Osaka Sumo Tournament (March)
3 hours
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Taiko, the Japanese drum
1 hour
Kyoto
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Miho Museum
3 hours
Koka
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Toei Kyoto Studio Park
4 hours
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Shabutsu, Buddhist image meditation
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