Japan Private Tour (MOT011) November: Kansai Autumn Leaves: Osaka – Kyoto – Nara 5 Days 4 Nights

We pick you up at Kansai Airport and travel to Osaka. "Osaka" is a major city located in western Japan, about 400 kilometers from Tokyo. When you think of Osaka, you probably picture a vibrant city brimming with color and a diverse range of attractions—such as temples, shrines, world-class theme parks, shopping districts, and more. It is truly a city that caters to every travel style!

We take you to visit Osaka Castle, a key landmark of Osaka. This magnificent castle stands impressively in the heart of the city. The castle has 8 floors, and inside is the Osaka Castle Museum, where you can admire its beauty and discover its fascinating history.

Next, we visit Kuromon Market, one of Osaka's oldest and most renowned markets. This lively market offers far more than just fresh produce; it also features ready-to-eat dishes, local specialties, and traditional treats lined up across more than 600 stalls for you to sample.

After finishing our meal at the market, we take you on an underwater adventure at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in Japan. It is home to unique marine creatures rarely seen back home, such as sea otters, pufferfish, and blacktip reef sharks. Enjoy the adorable schools of small fish swimming around and marvel at the beauty of this world-class aquarium.

We wrap up the day in the Dotonbori district, home to the iconic Glico running man sign! Dotonbori is Osaka's famous shopping, dining, and nightlife hub that everyone knows. When visiting this area, besides snapping photos with the Glico sign, be sure to say hello to Kuidaore Taro, the mechanical drumming doll that stands as a beloved symbol of Dotonbori.

hotel Overnight Osaka

In the morning, we take you to another famous city in this region: Kyoto. Kyoto is filled with wonderful attractions, featuring ancient temples and historic shrines, each boasting its own unique charm and distinct character. This makes Kyoto a top destination for travelers. In addition, Kyoto is home to numerous stunning spots for viewing autumn foliage.

We take you to make wishes and pray for blessings at Fushimi Inari Shrine, also known to many as the Thousand Torii Shrine or the Fox Shrine. Fushimi Inari is an ancient Shinto shrine, founded even before Kyoto became the capital.

Next, we visit Daigoji Temple, the most important temple of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Within the temple grounds stands a five-story pagoda over a thousand years old, and it is also designated as one of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Daigoji Temple has an admission fee of 1,500 yen.

The next autumn foliage viewing spot is Daigoji Temple Kiyomizu-dera, widely known among travelers as the Pure Water Temple. It is arguably Kyoto's most famous temple, renowned for its magnificent ancient architecture, and is also inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

For lunch, See You Again recommends trying authentic, traditional Kyoto soba at the soba restaurant “Sobanomi Yoshimura.” This shop offers several varieties of soba noodles to choose from. We can assure you that once you taste the soba here, you will definitely notice how uniquely special it is compared to any soba you have had before. You can read more reviews at www.seeyouagaintour.com/blog/sobanomi-yoshimura-kyoto

In the afternoon, we take you to explore Arashiyama, a scenic district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. But before touring the area, to truly experience authentic Japan, we take you to rent a yukata to make your stroll through Kyoto even more delightful (please let us know in advance if you would like to do this).

A short walk further within Arashiyama brings you to Tenryuji Temple, one of the most important temples of Zen Buddhism. Built in 1339 to honor Emperor Go-Daigo, it is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Walking about 500 meters further, you will find the Bamboo Grove (Bamboo Groove). The highlight of this grove is undoubtedly the towering, lush green bamboo stalks that blanket the entire area, gracefully lining the path—absolutely perfect for taking photos in your yukata!

If you rented a yukata, we will return the outfit to the shop before getting ready for our next destination.

We take you to visit Kinkakuji Temple, commonly referred to by Thai travelers as the Golden Pavilion. It is called the Golden Pavilion because its exterior is gilded in stunning, brilliant gold leaf that stands out magnificently. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.

hotel Overnight Osaka

In the morning, we depart for Nara. Nara was the ancient capital of Japan around 1,300 years ago during the early Yamato period, and it was also a major religious center in antiquity, which is why Nara is home to numerous temples throughout the city.

We take you to pay respects to the Great Buddha of Nara at Todaiji Temple, also known to many as the Daibutsu of Nara. It is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. Built in 752, Todaiji Temple once served as the head temple of all Buddhist temples across Japan.

Next, we visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, situated at the foot of Mount Kasuga east of Nara. This shrine is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

Then, we take you to the highlight of Nara: Nara Park (Nara Deer Park). Originally a standard public park, Nara Park is home to many wild deer, and thanks to the park's lush and peaceful environment, over 1,200 deer now live here. Nowadays, the deer are accustomed to visitors. In addition, this is another gorgeous spot to view autumn leaves in Nara.

Afterward, we take you back to Osaka to continue shopping in the Shinsaibashi district. It is an easy shopping destination—just walk straight along a single 2-kilometer street lined on both sides with shops.

hotel Overnight Osaka

Today, we explore the remaining attractions near downtown Osaka. In the morning, we take you to Katsuo-ji Temple. The highlight of this temple is an autumn foliage viewing spot featuring a tree tunnel leading straight to the main hall. People often come here to pray for good fortune in business, exams, and love. Inside the temple, you will also find Daruma dolls, a symbol of good luck in Japan.

Next, we visit The Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (Banpaku Memorial Park). This park was built for the World Expo hosted by Japan in 1970. The park's signature landmark is the Tower of the Sun, an icon of Japanese contemporary art, and it is also a great place to enjoy autumn foliage.

Afterward, we take you for a relaxing stroll along the Tosahori River in the Kitahama district. Kitahama is a charming area that is relatively lesser known to tourists. It features many interesting sights such as Nakanoshima Park, The National Museum of Art, Osaka, and Naniwa Bridge. But what makes this neighborhood best known are the waterfront cafes lining the riverbank. We give you free time to unwind and enjoy these riverside cafes.

Next, we take you shopping on Orange Street, a hub of diverse shops ranging from Japanese brands to world-famous street labels like Supreme, Undefeated, and Champion. Enjoy free time for shopping in the afternoon.

Afterward, we take you shopping at America-mura (American Village), another fascinating shopping spot in Osaka. America-mura can truly be called the hangout spot for Osaka youth. Everything here has a trendy vibe, with plenty of chic photo corners as well as an abundant selection of shops, restaurants, fashion boutiques, and arcades to explore to your heart's content.

Then, we visit Tsutenkaku Tower, standing 103 meters tall as another iconic symbol of Osaka. We take you up the tower to admire panoramic views of Osaka from above. Tower admission is 700 yen for adults and 400 yen for children. In addition, the area surrounding the tower is a bustling hub packed with delicious eateries: the famous Shinsekai district.

hotel Overnight Osaka

If your flight is in the evening, we will take you shopping for last-minute souvenirs at Namba Parks, a premier shopping mall in the heart of Osaka. In addition to shops, restaurants, and designer clothing boutiques, Namba Parks is also ranked among the 10 most beautiful rooftop gardens in the world.

Afterward, we will transfer you to the airport 3 hours prior to departure for your flight back to Bangkok safely and with wonderful memories.