Simply Japan

Simply Japan

Japan – ‘the Land of the Rising Sun’ has a mesmerizing and multifaceted culture. On this eight-day trip that takes you across Tokyo and Kyoto, focusing on Japanese arts and culture. Your tour begins in Tokyo where you will spend the first three days sightseeing, relaxing, going on an excursion to spots like Tokyo Tower, Niju-bashi Bridge and more. Then, take a trip to the famous Mt. Fuji where you can enjoy the Lake Ashi Cruise and Komagatake Ropeway. Next, you spend three activity-filled days in Kyoto, starting with a night tour to visit Gion Corner. You also get to dress in a Kimono for a photo shoot and stay in that attire as you go on a sightseeing spree. Spend your last day exploring Kyoto and Nara, visiting Nara Deer Park, Kinkaku-Ji Temple among other popular tourist attractions.

Day 1 - Arrival Osaka

Arrive in Japan – The Land of Rising Sun. Upon reaching Kansai Airport, transfer to the hotel (on seat in coach basis) and check-in. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Osaka (on your own). You have the rest of the day at leisure. Osaka has a charm of its own. A graceful river runs through the middle of the city, and the concrete jungle is vibrant unlike anywhere else in the country. The unofficial slogan of Osaka is Kuidaore, which translates to ‘eat until you drop, ’ and the city with its numerous eateries both big and small help visitors and locals alike live up to it. So, take a stroll outside your hotel and don’t miss the street food. Overnight stay in Osaka.

Day 2 - Explore Osaka

An appetizing breakfast is just what you need to get this day started. Post your meal, set out for a guided tour of the city and explore this unconventional city in all its glory. Start with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building best known for its Floating Garden Observatory on the 39th floor from where you can enjoy the stunning views of the city, Awaji Island, and Mt. Ikoma. Next, make your way to the Osaka Castle before you take the Aqua Liner Cruise through the Okawa River. Your Osaka day tour comes to an end with you getting dropped off at the Osaka station from where you can head back to your hotel (on your own). End the day with a quiet dinner at a local restaurant (on your own) and head to your hotel for a good night’s rest. Overnight stay in Osaka.

Day 3 - Fun at Universal Studios

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Universal Studio Osaka using your Rail Pass to make use of your 1-day pass. Universal Studios Japan is a world-class theme park that provides entertainment for the entire family. It currently has ten sections: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Water world, Amity Village, Minion Park, Super Nintendo World, Universal Wonderland and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visitors are able to enjoy many amusement rides, ranging from child-friendly carousels to thrilling roller coasters and simulators based on popular movies such as Spiderman, Back to the Future, Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park. Later, return to your hotel using your rail pass for some rest and relaxation.

Day 4 - Head to Shirahama (Osaka - Shirahama)

Check out from your hotel this morning and head to the station (on own) to catch your onward express train to Shirahama, a region blessed with dramatic coastlines and beaches. These areas boast some of the best beaches in all of Kansai (south-central Japan), and are home to historic onsen areas, as well as offering coral reefs said to be a diver's paradise. Facing the Pacific Ocean, the landscapes of Shirahama and Kushimoto are defined by breathtaking vistas and rock formations. Once you arrive at the Shirahama train station make way to your hotel and check-in. Overnight stay at Hotel in Shirahama.

Day 5 - Shirahama - Kyoto

Wake to a pleasant morning and spoil yourself to a lip-smacking breakfast. Check-out of your hotel and make way to the Shirahama Train Station to catch your express train to Kyoto. On arrival in Kyoto, make way to your hotel and Check-in. Today you have the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the university town of Kyoto and soak in its unique contrast to the rest of the country. Walk by its charming streets and stop by one of the many Buddhist temples, take a stroll in the city’s ideal gardens and visit some of the colorful shrines. Indulge in some refined cuisines or a hot pot of ramen or take pleasure in visiting the ancient specialty shops – there is so much to do here. Your day in Kyoto ends with a savory dinner at a local restaurant (on your own) before you head back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 6 - Sightseeing of Kyoto and Nara

Commence your day with a flavorful breakfast at your hotel before you head out for a full-day Kyoto and Nara excursion. Sightseeing begins with a visit to Kinkaku – Ji Temple; also known as the Golden Pavilion, this Zen temple with its two top floors covered in gold leaf is a sight to behold. The Nijo Castle is your next stop for the day; this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great specimen of castle architecture from the feudal era in Japan and is a site of great historical importance. Take a walk through the imperial gardens and walk through the circles of defense admiring stone walls and moat.
After a dainty Japanese lunch, proceed to Nara by road continue the sightseeing. The Todaiji temple is going to be your first pit stop in Nara. Home to the world’s largest wooden building and one of Japan’s largest bronze statue of Buddha, the temple of is of great religious and historical importance. Thereafter, head to the Nara Deer Park where hundreds of freely roaming deer reside before you head back to Kyoto. On reaching, indulge in a quiet dinner at a local restaurant on your own and head to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 7 - Departure

This day marks the end of your wonderful vacation to Japan. Post breakfast, you'll be transferred from your hotel to Kansai or Itami Airport (on seat in coach basis) for your flight back home.