Japan Private Tour (JPN036): Magical Japan – Winter Illuminations, Nara, Kyoto & Osaka in 4 Days, 3 Nights

Grand Illumination: The Tunnel of Lights

We welcome you at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan—the economic and cultural hub of the Kansai region. Osaka features a vibrant skyline lined with high-rises and commercial districts, maintaining its vital role since the Edo period.

Next, travel to Nara, a prefecture rich in both nature and history. Nara is home to Todai-ji Temple, a historic symbol of Japan founded in 752 when Nara was the national capital. It features the world's largest wooden building, the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), housing the 15-meter-tall bronze Daibutsu statue, the largest of its kind in Japan. You will also see the magnificent Nandaimon Gate, the largest temple gate in Japan, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site.

Adjacent to the temple is Nara Deer Park, dotted with charming souvenir shops. Established on February 14, 1880, this expansive park features varied tree species, lawns, ponds, shrines, and museums. Its highlight is the herd of over 1,200 free-roaming Sika deer (tour includes temple entrance fee; deer crackers not included).

Lunch: Enjoy lunch.

This afternoon, travel to Nagoya in the Chubu region, the largest city and the regional hub for travel and commerce. Visit the renowned Nabana no Sato flower park in Mie Prefecture, spanning over 300,000 square meters. The park features over 40 flower varieties, including cherry blossoms, tulips, cosmos, roses, and hydrangeas.

In addition, the park boasts a vast greenhouse known as the Begonia Garden covering roughly 9,000 square meters, showcasing flowers and plants from around the world, as well as a winter rose garden. It also hosts one of Japan's most spectacular illumination events, featuring the 200-meter-long "The Tunnel of Lights," with dynamic themes updated each year.

Evening: Enjoy dinner.

At the appropriate time, we will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Morning: Start your day with breakfast at the hotel restaurant. We then head to Korankei Valley, one of Japan's most famous autumn foliage destinations, located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The valley boasts more than 4,000 maple trees across 11 species, displaying stunning autumn colors along the Tomoe River, with the iconic wooden Taigetsukyo Bridge offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch.

This afternoon, head to Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital celebrated for its rich cultural landmarks and breathtaking seasonal scenery, particularly in autumn. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, also known as the "Pure Water Temple," an ancient temple dating back to 798 (with the current main structures rebuilt in 1633). Perched on a hillside, it features Otowa Waterfall with three streams believed to grant blessings in education, health, and love, earning it UNESCO World Heritage recognition.

Experience Japanese culture through an authentic tea ceremony (Sado), featuring meticulous rituals of preparing, presenting, and enjoying green tea, rich in grace and meaning, with an opportunity for you to participate. If time permits, we also stop by Heian Shrine, built to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto's founding, marked by its imposing vermilion torii gate.

Evening: Enjoy dinner.

At the appropriate time, we will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Shinsaibashi Shopping District

Morning: Start the day with breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Afterwards, take you to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, located behind Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto. This is the largest and most famous bamboo grove in Japan. Along both sides of the path, lush green bamboo stalks standing over 10 meters tall line a walking path of about 500 meters, creating a cool, shaded, and peaceful atmosphere with sunlight filtering through the bamboo. Along the trail through the bamboo grove, you will also find Nonomiya Shrine, a famous shrine for seeking love and relationships, where Japanese locals often come to pray for good fortune.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch.

Afternoon: Take you to Togetsukyo Bridge, a 250-meter-long bridge spanning the Oi River near the foothills of Arashiyama. The bridge has preserved its 17th-century character, even though it was reconstructed with reinforced concrete and steel. In spring and autumn, it is a magnificent scenic viewing spot and a popular filming location for period dramas.

Afterwards, take you to Minoh Falls, one of the most popular spots during the autumn foliage season and a key destination in the Kansai region. This quasi-national park is considered one of the oldest parks in Japan, well-known and beloved by both locals and travelers. Walk along the trail by the Minoh River, surrounded by nature and traditional Japanese houses along parts of the path—making it a must-visit route to experience natural beauty and relaxation.

Next, visit Katsuoji Temple (Katsuo-ji) or the Daruma Temple, a large temple located in northern Osaka Prefecture. It features beautiful Japanese-style gardens and is a renowned autumn foliage viewing spot. When worshiping here, visitors often dedicate Daruma dolls, believed to bring success and help overcome adversity.

Finally, head to Shinsaibashi, Osaka's famous shopping district. It blends historic and modern shops, offering a wide selection of goods for both children and adults. The area is also famous for its seafood restaurants and entertainment, with its most iconic landmark being the billboard of the Glico Running Man, the famous Japanese confectionery brand.

Evening: Enjoy dinner.

At the appropriate time, transfer you to your hotel.

Kansai International Airport

Morning: Start the day with breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Then, take you to Osaka Castle for exterior photos. This castle is the most prominent landmark of Osaka, featuring an 8-story tower surrounded by stone ramparts, moats, and Nishinomaru Garden to the west. The castle's grandeur is an iconic symbol of Osaka, attracting visitors from around the world.

Next, take you to Kuromon Market located in the Minami district, an old and renowned market. Beyond fish and seafood, it is a hub for quality ingredients from Osaka and neighboring areas, earning it the title "Osaka's Kitchen". A memorable highlight here is the giant sea creatures displayed beneath the market arcade ceiling, such as octopuses and giant crabs. The market is packed with delicious eateries, street food, and plenty of souvenirs. Enjoy free time to savor grilled seafood of your choice.

Afternoon: Take you to Rinku Premium Outlets, a large shopping center near Kansai Airport. Enjoy shopping from leading brand names and special-priced items, including cosmetics, apparel, bags, shoes, and electronics. It features popular Japanese brands such as MK MICHEL KLEIN, MORGAN, ELLE, and CYNTHIA ROWLEY, as well as luxury brands like BALLY, PRADA, GUCCI, DIESEL, and TUMI. In addition, find luxury jewelry and watches from TAG HEUER and AGETE, fashion footwear from HUSH PUPPIES and SCOTCH GRAIN, and children's goods from AIGLE, BANDAI ASOBI, HAKKA KIDS, and MIKI HOUSE.

Afterwards, stop by Aeon Mall Rinku Sennan, located close to Kansai Airport with views overlooking Osaka Bay. The mall features 43 restaurants and over 86 brand-name shops for you to pick up souvenirs and gifts as you wish. Enjoy dinner at your leisure according to your preference.

At the appropriate time, transfer you to Kansai Airport for your return flight to Thailand with wonderful memories.