Day 1: Osaka Arrival & Stay Overnight in Kyoto
Osaka has two airports, Osaka International Airport (ITM) and Kansai Airport (KIX). After claiming your luggage, take JR train or airport bus to Kyoto. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel by yourself.
► From KIX Airport to Kyoto
Airport bus is the most convenient is the airport bus. Find Kansai Tourist Information Center at the arrival hall, and then buy bus ticket there and take bus at the 8th platform. The bus ticket will cost you USD20, the bus ride takes about 90 minutes and they are available every 40-60 minutes, running from 06:50 to 22:50.
JR train Kansai Airport Express Haruka is available every 30 minutes, 90-minute train ride costs USD26 for a reserved seat.
► From ITM Airport to Kyoto
Take the airport bus, 55-minute bus ride takes you USD10. The bus ticket can be bought from the vendor machine near the 10th station board.
Accommodation: Rigah Royal Kyoto (4 stars) or similar
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Fushimi Inari Shrine We will take local bus or train to Kiyomizu-zaka, a traditional street that can lead you to Kiyomizu-dera. Known as the Pure Water Temple, it is famous not only because it is the oldest temple in Kyoto, but also because it is the best place to enjoy scenery in four seasons. Then follow the flow of people to Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka, the protected areas of traditional buildings in Japan. Walk casually through the alleys and pass the quiet Japanese residential alleys, you will arrive at Yasaka Shrine and get to know the Shinto culture of Japan. You are now at the geisha district, Gion area. At the beginning of the most prosperous 19th century, there were more than 3000 geishas in Gion area. Now many tea houses still retain the traditional buildings of that time, and were designated as the historical landscape protection area by the Japanese government in 1999. The last stop is Fushimi Inari Shrine with its world famous red torii. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Rigah Royal Kyoto (4 stars) or similar Kiyomizu-dera Temple Ninenzaka Alleyway
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We will leave this day free for you to explore at your own pace. ► Suggestion: There are so much to see here, such as Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Temple) and Sanjusangendo. Take city bus 204, 205, 59 and 12, you can get to Golden Temple. After visiting, take bus 205 again to Sanjusangendo and visit the longest wooden building in the world and the amazing statue group of Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. You can enjoy your lunch at Nishiki Market or the restaurants on both sides of Kamo River. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Rigah Royal Kyoto (4 stars) or similar Nijo Castle Kinkaku-ji Temple
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Day 4: Okayama - Naoshima Art Tour
Our guide will meet you at the hotel and you will get to train station to take JR train to Okayama, the train rides takes about 55 minutes. Upon arrival, we will take a Naoshima Art Tour by private vehicle. Naoshima, located on the Seto Inland Sea of Shikoku, is an island with a population of less than 4000. Traveler, a famous British travel magazine, once rated Naoshima as one of the "seven most worthwhile cultural attractions in the world". Yellow pumpkin with black dots, the wok of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, lies quietly and lively. Next is Chichu Art Museum, a legend, because of its strong geometric space, makes people feel like entering a different world in outer space. Then we will pay a visit to Lee Ufan Art Museum, Benesse House Museum and the outdoor art project. Stay overnight at Okayama.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama (4 stars) or similar
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Day 5: Okayama - Himeji - Kobe - Osaka
We are leaving for Osaka today and will stop and visit Himeji and Kobe along the way. JR train takes 20 minutes from Okayama to Himeji. Visit the Himeji Castle, it is recognized as the most spectacular castle in Japan. Unlike other castles in Japan, it is still intact after war, earthquake and fire. It is not only a national treasure, but also a world cultural heritage named by UNESCO. Then another 20-minute train ride takes you to Kobe, where you will tour around the Sannomiya Shopping Street and get to know the food culture at Nada Brewery. Kobe Harborland is one of the most important industrial and commercial ports in Japan, it has been a residence for foreigners since the Meiji era, full of exotic customs and the sea side scenery is charming. After visiting, take train to Osaka and walk along the Shinsaibashi-Suji Street, a shopping and entertainment paradise for travelers and even for locals. Our guide will show you the way to Dotonbori, the foodies’ paradise and then leave. Where you can walk around and find your favorite food for dinner. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station (4 stars) or similar
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Day 6: A Free Day in Osaka
Today is free for your own arrangements. ► Suggestion: We suggest a one day trip to Universal Studios Japan by yourself. The most famous in Universal Studios is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Others should depend on personal preferences. Lunch at happiness café in Minion Park is recommended. Please do remember to get back to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the late afternoon, as the light show will be on from 17:30. From both hotels, you can walk to Namba Station, take local train Hanshin Namba or Hanshin Namba Rapid to arrive at Nishikujo in 8 minutes, where you need to connect JR Yumesaki train and arrive at Universalcity in 5 minutes. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station (4 stars) or similar
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Day 7: Departure from Osaka
Please check out from hotel and get to airport by yourself. Luggage storage service is available at hotel for those whose flight depart late on the day. Thank you for travelling with us, and we wish you a nice journey home.
From Namba (Nankai) station, the JR train is very convenient and it will take you to KIX airport in 45 minutes. Airport bus is an good option if your flight departs from Osaka Itami Airport. You need to walk to Nanba Station firstly to catch the bus, which takes you to Osaka Itami Airport North Terminal in 30-40 minutes.
Meals: Breakfast
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