Japan Private Tour (JPN032): Wonders of Wakayama, Osaka & Nara - Shrines, Waterfalls & Strawberry Picking 5D4N

We welcome you at Kansai International Airport, Japan. Then, it's time to hop aboard the Tama Train (Tama-chan Train)—an utterly delightful experience for cat lovers! The train is decorated with adorable motifs of the famous stationmaster cat Tama, and the interior is just as charming. Tama even has a dedicated spot at the station where you can take souvenir photos.

Next, we head to Kuroshio Fish Market located inside Wakayama Marina City. Here, you can savor ultra-fresh seafood and browse a wide selection of local souvenirs and dried seafood products.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Kuroshio Fish Market.

Afterwards, visit Hashigui-iwa Rock, a scenic coastal viewpoint renowned for its unique geological formation of over 40 oddly shaped giant rocks lined up along the eastern coast of Kushimoto Town in Wakayama Prefecture over a stretch of 850 meters. Resembling bridge pillars, these stones make the site a popular attraction. We'll stop for photos at the sunset viewpoint in front of Hashigui-iwa Rock. Don't forget to sample the local Usukawa Manju, steamed buns filled with chestnut paste—Rin definitely recommends giving them a try!

Dinner: Stop for dinner.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Strawberry picking activity - Fresh seafood dining at AMA HUT - Relaxing in an Onsen hot spring

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

We take you to Nachi Falls, plunging 133 meters as the tallest uninterrupted single-drop waterfall in Japan. The grandeur of the cascade comes with refreshing water mist that feels like it purifies the soul. Nearby stands Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple, located close to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. Founded in the 4th century by an Indian monk named Ragyo, this temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. From the viewpoint in front of the historic wooden hall, you can take in the iconic view of Nachi Falls framed alongside the crimson three-story Sanjuno-to Pagoda.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a Japanese restaurant.

Next, head to VISON, a new resort village in Taki Town, Mie Prefecture, opened in July 2021. The Japanese name of the VISON resort is written with the kanji characters for “?? (Bison)”, meaning “beautiful village.” Nestled amidst nature, it features luxury villas with open-air baths, farm-to-table markets selling fresh produce, healing spas, restaurants serving exquisite specialty dishes with top-tier service, and museums celebrating the very best of Mie Prefecture.

You will get to experience strawberry picking fresh from the farm, enjoyed with sweetened condensed milk in classic Japanese style, and browse a wide array of fresh fruits and strawberry-based products.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

Afterwards, we take you to visit Ise Shrine (ISE SHRINE), a renowned Shinto shrine famous for its sacred atmosphere and a history spanning over 2,000 years. Built in ancient Japanese architectural style, it is believed by worshippers to be the dwelling place of the Sun Goddess, drawing devotees from all across Japan to pay their respects continuously. Then, enjoy a stroll along Oharaimachi Street, an ancient street stretching about 1 kilometer, lined with shops, souvenir stores, restaurants, and local sweets shops evoking a nostalgic atmosphere from the Edo to Meiji periods. Local delicacies not to be missed in the area include awabi (grilled skewered abalone) and grilled Matsusaka beef, accompanied by craft beer from Mie Prefecture.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch.

Continue to Iga Ninja Village, the heart of the ninja clan in Mie Prefecture. Here you will find the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum (Iga-ryu Ninja Hakubutsukan), Japan's only dedicated ninja museum, attracting both domestic and international visitors to experience the world of ninjas. Inside the museum, the main building features replicas of secret rooms and ninja-style houses, along with a performance area showcasing dynamic ninja skills and techniques. In addition, ninja costume rentals are available so you can dress up as a ninja.

Evening: Enjoy dinner.

Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

Afterwards, we take you to Universal Studios to enjoy exciting rides and activities inspired by famous blockbuster movies, such as the recreated fire scenes from “Backdraft,” a boat adventure through dinosaur territory in “Jurassic Park,” or the thrillingly realistic boat ride from “Jaws,” which was built with a massive budget of over 1,500 million yen. You can also have fun on attractions from “Spider-Man” or explore Wonderland, a family-friendly zone featuring beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Snoopy, and Sesame Street. Enter the magical world in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to soak in the atmosphere straight from the movies, or delight in meeting the adorable yellow Minions at Minion Park.

If you prefer not to visit Universal Studios, you may choose to go shopping in Shinsaibashi, which is packed with countless shops offering electronics, cameras, watches, fashion clothing, and famous Japanese cosmetics. Alternatively, take a stroll through Kuromon Fish Market, a famous and historic Osaka market featuring over 160 stalls offering fresh seafood, produce, and ready-to-eat dishes for you to sample a wide variety of delicious local specialties.

Lunch and dinner are at your leisure.

Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

Afterward, depart to visit Horyuji Temple, one of the oldest and most famous temples in Japan, designated as the country's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and also recognized as a National Treasure. Founded in 607, its western precinct features the Kondo Hall (Golden Hall) alongside a 5-story wooden pagoda, considered the oldest surviving wooden architecture in the world. To the east, you will find the Yumedono Hall (Hall of Dreams), as well as halls housing numerous national treasures.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch.

Afterward, head to Rinku Premium Outlets, featuring famous domestic and international brands alongside popular sports shops with more than 210 stores—ranging from apparel, shoes, and accessories to men's fashion, children's clothing, and daily essentials. The atmosphere is relaxed and upscale, offering great shopping at accessible prices. You can also shop at AEON for souvenirs, daily goods, fruits, snacks, and a wide variety of items, or enjoy bargains at a 100-yen shop.

Evening: Dinner at your leisure.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Osaka Airport for your flight back to Bangkok.