Private Japan Tour (JPN042): Charming Kyoto & Osaka Highlights 4 Days 3 Nights

Togetsu-kyo Bridge - Kinkaku-ji - Shopping on Gion-Machi Street

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, we welcome you at the airport before beginning our journey to Kyoto, the ancient capital with over 1,000 years of rich history.

Next, we travel to Arashiyama, where you will experience riding the Sagano Romantic Train running along the river amidst scenic gorge views, allowing you to fully soak in the beauty of nature. We then take you to visit the Bamboo Grove, with tens of thousands of towering bamboo stalks lining the path beautifully.

Afterward, we visit Tenryu-ji Temple, founded in 1339. The temple features one of the oldest traditional Japanese gardens in Japan and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Next, you will see Togetsu-kyo Bridge, an iconic landmark and one of Kyoto's most scenic viewpoints.

Lunch

After lunch, we take you to visit the Golden Pavilion, widely known as "Kinkaku-ji." Originally built as a villa for the shogun, it sits gracefully in the middle of a pond surrounded by an impeccably landscaped Japanese garden. The golden pavilion reflects the sunlight in breathtaking splendor, casting its shimmering mirror image onto the water as if another pavilion lies beneath the surface, allowing you to capture stunning photos up close.

Afterward, you will visit the Gion-machi district, a historic quarter preserving traditional architecture and providing an atmospheric setting perfect for memorable photos.

Dinner

Transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Shinsaibashi Shopping & Dotonbori

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

Afterward, we take you to Nishiki Market, Kyoto's primary market located in downtown Nakagyo Ward. A bustling hub for locals and visitors shopping for both fresh and dried produce, it features over 100 shops to explore and taste endless delicious treats—truly known as Kyoto's kitchen. Enjoy free time strolling through the market and sampling local delicacies at your leisure.

Next, we visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on Mount Otowa. Built entirely of large timbers joined without nails using traditional joinery, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important historic monument. You can pay respects and drink from the sacred three-stream waterfall, believed to bring good fortune in health, wealth, and success. Afterward, enjoy free time shopping for souvenirs along Chawan-zaka and Sannenzaka streets, with gifts ranging from Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics and green tea to traditional Japanese sweets and folding fans.

Lunch

Next, we visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, dedicated to the deity of agriculture and prosperity, deeply revered by the Japanese people who pray for bountiful harvests and success. You can pay homage to the deity and the Kitsune fox statues, believed to be heavenly messengers between the spirit world and humans. You will also be mesmerized by the Torii gate paths, featuring over 100 vibrant vermilion gates winding up the mountain across approximately 4 kilometers—an iconic backdrop featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.

Afterward, we journey to Nara, an enchanting historic city. We visit Nara Park, home to numerous freely roaming Japanese deer. You can photograph and feed the deer as you please while enjoying the park's tranquil surroundings.

Next, visit “Todaiji Temple,” located to the north of Nara Park. Built in 1286, it is one of the oldest and most important temples in Nara. You will see the Nandaimon Gate supporting the roof with 18 wooden pillars, along with giant guardian sculptures on both sides. A red gate stands at the entrance to the temple. Before reaching the main hall, admire the “Great Buddha Hall,” the largest in Japan, built to reflect the prestige of the Japanese Emperor. Although the current hall is only 2/3 the size of the original hall, it remains magnificent, housing the bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha—also known as the “Great Buddha of Nara”—standing 15 meters tall and weighing approximately 500 tons, cast in 1295 and revered by the Japanese people to this day.

Next, we take you to Osaka, Japan's second-largest city and the modern center of the Kansai region. We will take you to the “Shinsaibashi” area, the famous shopping street in the heart of the city. Enjoy shopping along the 2-kilometer-long arcade (Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street), lined with numerous shops throughout. Then, continue walking to the “Dotonbori” area to take commemorative photos at Ebisu Bridge (Glico Running Man sign bridge) and sample “Takoyaki,” the delicious Japanese treat made with fresh octopus. You will have free time to shop according to your preference.

Dinner

Transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

After breakfast, we will travel to Osaka Castle (photo stop in front of the castle), also known as the White Heron Castle. Built in ancient times as the residence of the feudal lord, the castle sits on a hill that was once the site of an ancient palace, surrounded by massive granite walls and a wide moat to defend against invasions. Today, the castle's interior is open to visitors, featuring exhibitions of ancient paintings, samurai armor, and traditional garments of court officials, along with an observation deck offering stunning surrounding views.

Next, we head to Universal Studios Japan, a wonderland filled with fun and magical adventures in the world of imagination. Here, you will be amazed by countless rides in this great theme park, especially in the “Hollywood” zone featuring popular attractions like “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - The Ride,” offering thrilling 3D adventures with Spider-Man. Then, experience a cyber-world adventure with “Terminator2” that will thrill you with its power and cutting-edge technology.

In the “San Francisco” zone, witness realistic fire scenes from “Backdraft” and take a time-travel simulator ride with “Back to the Future.” In addition, in the “Jurassic Park” zone, embark on a boat ride adventure among massive dinosaurs, and in the “Amity Village” zone, experience the terror of “Jaws,” the giant great white shark, produced with a massive budget of over 1,500 million yen.

There are also parades featuring famous characters such as Snoopy, Elmo, Kitty, and Shrek, as well as new attractions from “Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” taking you into the magical realm where you can taste the famous beverage “Butterbeer.”

Lunch

Next, we will travel to Rinku Premium Outlets, home to top Japanese and international brands such as MK Michel Klein, Morgan, and Prada. Here, you can shop for a wide variety of fashion items, including bags, watches, and designer shoes, as well as children's products from well-known brands like Aigle and Bandai Asobi.

Afterward, continue shopping at Aeon Shopping Plaza, a center of quality goods including watches, cameras, bags, shoes, and clothing, as well as a “100 Yen shop” offering great products at affordable prices. Enjoy free time to browse and shop for souvenirs for loved ones at your leisure.

Dinner

Transfer to your hotel and check in.

Breakfast and check out.

Then, transfer to Kansai Airport for your return flight to Thailand, filled with wonderful memories.