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Embark on a Kansai trip - the most interesting and culturally rich area of the country and be the witness of the Cherry Blossom Japan season that will leave you breathless. In Kyoto and Nara, see the many facets of Japanese culture in the temples and shrines. In Osaka, discover the gastronomical center of Japan. In Kobe, see the western influence and try the famous Kobe beef. In Himeji, explore the most prestigious castle in Japan.
Upon arrival, meet with your Personal Assistant and transfer to central Kyoto and check in to your accommodation and to begin your cherry blossom Japan trip. Rest of the day free at your leisure after your long flight. Feel free to get your bearings or explore the area if you're up for it. Your assistant can provide you with local recommendations to this exciting city. Read more
Day 2, today your Private English Speaking guide will show you the must sees in Central Kyoto. Your introduction to the cherry blossom season begins at the beautiful Philosopher's Path which meanders towards the tranquil Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji). This architectural masterpiece served as a peaceful retreat for an art obsessed shogun that wasn't interested in the on-going war at the time. After, make your way to Kiyomizudera Temple and enjoy the beautiful vistas of Kyoto from is massive wooden veranda which was built without using a single nail. The 3 streams from the waterfall behind the temple will purify you in different ways. Don't miss out! Last, head towards the Gion area - the center of the Geisha / Maiko world. If you're lucky, you will catch a glimpse of a maiko making her way towards work at one of the establishments in this area. The nearby Maruyama Park is where you'll find the most popular spot in Kyoto for cherry blossom viewing parties. Read more
Day 3, will start you in the popular Arashiyama area of Kyoto. You will board a traditional merchant boat and sail 16km down the Hozu River as you enjoy the spectacular views of the Kyoto mountainous scenery while experiencing exciting rapids and mysterious deep pools. Once you disembark in Arashiyama, you can cross the historical Togetsukyo Bridge which leads to the breathtaking Bamboo Forest. Next, hike up the nearby Iwatayama Mountain and you will be presented with the Monkey Park where you can watch them play and even feed them. As a bonus, you will get beautiful views from up here of most of Kyoto city. Next, make your way to Ryoanji Temple and see its famous stone garden. There are 15 rocks in this garden but you are only able to view 14 at any angle. Lastly, visit the iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) and learn about its long and mysterious history. Read more
Transfer to the Fushimi area of Kyoto with your English Speaking guide and continue your cherry blossom Japan adventure. Fushimi is not only famous for its Japanese Sake production but also being the headquarters of all the Inari shrines in Japan. First, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and see some of the 10,000 red torii gates there all donated by its devotees. Then, make your way to the world-famous Gekkaikan Sake distillery and see the methods and equipment used in making this most popular drink in Japan. Finish off the tour here with a sample tasting of 3 different flavors of sake. Next, make a quick direct transfer to the traditional city of Nara - the former capital of Japan before it moved to Kyoto in the 700s. Visit the massive wooden World Heritage Todaiji Temple which also contains the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. A short walk away is Kasuga Shrine. Lanterns are to Kasuga Shrine what red torii gate are to Fushimi Inari Shrine. That is to say, there are thousands of them donated to them by devotees of the shrine. On the way back, don't miss out on Nara Park. You'll be met by thousands of free roaming Japanese deer who will greet you with a bow in hopes that you'll give them a piece of their favorite food - shika sembei. Read more
Transfer to the 2nd largest city in Japan - Osaka. First, visit the majestic and historical Osaka Castle and enjoy a stroll in its sprawling natural grounds. Also, we continue the cherry blossom Japan adventure, the city being a wonderful spot for the pink sensation lovers. Then visit the lively Kuromon Market and Dotonbori and see why Japanese people consider Osaka the "Food Capital of Japan". Finally, ascend up the Umeda Sky Building and see the Floating Garden Observatory. The panoramic views and sunsets from up here are an amazing way to finish up the day. Our office is also located here, so we can definitely help you out with any sightseeing or recommendations for restaurants, etc. Read more
Today you will take a day trip to Himeji and Kobe. First, make your way to Himeji to see the most well-preserved castle in all of Japan - Himeji Castle. Right when you get off at the station, you'll be presented with the amazing gleam of its white exterior. This is Japan's first designated World Heritage Site. Next, continue on to Mt Shosha by ropeway or short hike where you'll find the 1,000 year old Engyoji Temple. You may recognize it as being the main filming location of the famous movie "The Last Samurai". Sit on the same massive porch as Tom Cruise did and reflect on your amazing trip so far in Japan. Then, head to nearby Kobe where you'll eat some of the most amazing Kobe beef in your life. At night, see some of the beautiful lights and architecture along the waterfront before heading back to your hotel in Osaka. Read more
Full free day in Osaka to explore at your leisure. I can provide recommendations for attractions you want to see or restaurants / foods you'd want to try. Finish up some last minute shopping and prepare for your international flight home tomorrow.
Depending on the time of your flight home, you can do some more sightseeing of the city. Then, transfer to Kansai International Airport from your hotel. Catch your flight back home with suitcases filled with souvenirs and your hearts filled with unforgettable memories from this cherry blossom Japan trip. Read more
A trip to Japan was #1 on our bucket list. As my wife noted on the flight back, the trip as arranged by Scott, met and surpassed our highest expectations. It was fantastic from start to finish! He listened to what we wanted, in all the diversity of types of things we wished to do, and he deliver
Scott helped me to maximize that time and focus my experience on both Kyoto highlights and some hidden gems. He worked with me to understand my "must sees" and recommended other important stops based on his local knowledge-- many of which ended up being my favorite spots. Incredibly responsive to m
We had a terrific trip. Every detail was perfect, and the tour planner was a pleasure to work with. We went to Niseko, then Tokyo and Kyoto. The tour planner’s recommendations were terrific and everything from the planning, to the guides, hotel, bullet train and side trips worked like clock-work. Read more
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