Osaka Tours

Start with a bullet train ride to Himeji to visit the Himeji Castle, one of the most famous castles in Japan and designated a World Cultural Heritage site. Its sublime form and white walls have earned it the nickname of "White Heron Castle". The castle grounds are divided into inner and outer-walled zones, with gates built around maze-like spaces to confuse enemies, and a double moat for extra protection.

Lunch on your own at Koko-en Garden, which is a short distance from Himeji Castle. The gardens where opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lords' west residence (Nishi-Oyashiki). They consist of nine separate gardens designed in various garden styles of the Edo period.

Following lunch it's off to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery. Hakutsuru was founded in 1743 and has come to establish its present "sake" brewing techniques by maintaining old traditions combined with the latest development in new techniques. The museum exhibits the actual process of sake making and its history, then experience a taste test.

Experience the peace and enlightenment of Zen meditation at one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan on this half-day tour from Osaka. You’ll also pay a visit to the Enryakuji Temple on Mt Hiei, one of Japan’s three great Zen temples.

Enryakuji Temple on Mt Hiei is the principal seat of the Tendai School of Buddhism, and was founded by the great Buddhist monk, Dengyo Daishi Saicho. The temple is divided into three areas: the Todo (Eastern Pagoda), Saito (Western Pagoda) and Yokawa.

Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is noted for its magnificence and immense stones used in its construction. The castle, towering over the city, stands on a stone rampart. Many relics of the Toyotomi who built the castle originally, and Old Osaka are exhibited inside.

Osaka River Cruise
Also enjoy a 60-minute boat ride on the Aqua Liner (pleasure boat) with passing views of Osaka including Osaka Castle, Twin Towers, City Hall on Nakanoshima lsle.

Go for a stroll and see Osaka’s highlights on this guided walking tour. You’ll enjoy lunch and see Osaka’s famous attractions including Osaka Castle, the Aerial Garden Observatory and Twin Towers.

Osaka’s Aerial Garden Observatory is on the 40th floor, with panoramic views of the city. After lunch, it’s off to Osaka Castle, noted for its magnificence and the immense stones used in its construction. The castle towers over the city on a stone rampart, and was built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan. Many relics of old Osaka and the Toyotomi who built the castle are exhibited inside.

From here it’s a short walk to the riverboat dock to board your 60-minute cruise around Nakanoshima. The passing views of Osaka include Osaka Castle, the Twin Towers and City Hall on Nakanoshima lsle.

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face. Enjoy this morning tour to see some of the main highlights of this wonderful city, steeped in culture.

Tour highlights include:

• Nijo Castle
• Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Kyoto Handicraft Center

Heian Shrine
The brightly colored shrine with its vermilion pillars and green roof, and its enchanting inner gardens and ponds, reflects the elegance of life in the ancient Japanese court.

Sanjusangendo Hall
A renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues of Kannon, Bodhisattva, that date back to the 13th century.

Kiyomizu Temple
A quaint old lane lined with pottery shops lead up to this famous temple. Enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city of Kyoto from its lofty terrace.

Nara is located in the Kinai plain, less than one hour from Kyoto. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples.

Tour Highlights include:

Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple, constructed in the 8th century, is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. In it's huge precincts are various national treasures of Japan. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is one of the world's largest wooden buildings. Once of Japan's best-known temples, it enshrines a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha. A wonder of religious architecture.

Deer Park
Over 1,000 tame deer roam freely in the verdant 1,250 acres peaceful park. If you wish to feed the deer, they will gladly eat from your hand. Special food is sold in the park grounds (not included).

Kasuga Shrine
The most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara, it features some 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns.

Tour Highlights Include:

• Nijo Castle
• Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Buffet Lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center
• Heian Shrine
• Sanjusangendo Hall
• Kiyomizu Temple

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face. Enjoy this morning tour to see some of the main highlights of this wonderful city, steeped in culture.

Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784.

Nara is located in the Kinai plain, less than one hour from Kyoto. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples.

Tour Highlights Include:

• Nijo Castle
• Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Buffet Lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center
• Todaiji Temple
• Deer Park
• Kasuga Shrine