Winter Tour to Precious Sacred Places | KANSAI NARA Treasure Travel (Nara/Kyoto/Osaka Japan)

PLAN:5DAYS

PRICE FROM320,000JPY

per person (For a group of 6 people)

TAG:CHERRY BLOSSOMS/CULTURE/NARA/OSAKA/SHRINES AND TEMPLES

OVERVIEW

Spring in Japan is well-known for its cherry blossoms, which symbolizes new beginnings, and a perfect time to travel the country. Known in Japanese as sakura, their beauty usually only lasts about a week: such glorious transience is cherished by the Japanese. On this trip, the wonder of the places you visit will be doubled with the sight of sakura cherry blossoms, making a precious combination of long-cherished historical buildings and short-lived Sakura pedals. Every year, this one week makes a lasting influence on the Japanese way of thinking and culture.

Our tour is catered to first-time visitors of Nara. Escape the tourist crowds but experience the rich history of stunning must-see locations and culturally rich activities such as the traditional tea ceremony and Zen meditation in ancient temples with monks. We can also arrange exclusive optional programs such as Japanese confectionary Making, appreciating Japanese swords and delicious sake tasting tours. Enjoy a day to explore infamous Kyoto as well.

DAY01

Kansai International Airport – Kashihara City

Mt. Koya, or Koya-san in Japanese, has become very popular destination since it was designated as a World Heritage site in 2004.
As headquarters of the Shingon sect of Esoteric Buddhism, one of the major Buddhism sects in Japan, Mt. Koya is often chosen as the final stop for pilgrims on their pilgrimages. The town is covered with temples and temple lodgings, a stunning sight to see, with a very unique and sacred atmosphere. Stay here from morning to evening, and let the smell of burning incense sticks and the chanting of Buddhist sutra calm you.
DAY02

Kashihara City – Katsuragi City

Start off your day with a visit to a sake brewery! Did you know that Japanese sake is made with rice and water? Learn more in this valuable experience of making sake with a master brewer. This particular brewery still uses the traditional handcrafted brewery process. Enjoy the rich aroma of rice and sake. After the tour, treat yourself to tasting a diverse collection of sake, and receive a great souvenir at the end of tour.
Please note, this sake brewery tour is only available for groups of 2 to 5 people.

In the afternoon, become a sumo wrestler!! Katsuragi City is said to be the first place a sumo match was held in ancient times. At Kehayaza, a sumo museum in Katsuragi city, enjoy watching sumo demonstrations by amateur sumo wrestlers, and learn how to bout this traditional sport for yourself. Then step onto the "dohyo", the sumo ring, and have a match with an amateur sumo wrestler!
DAY03

Kashihara City - Nara City

Be awed by the must-see temples and shrines in Nara city on this day, where most Japanese are compelled to visit at least once in their lives.
Todaiji Temple boasts being the largest wooden structure in the world, holding the Great Buddha inside.
Kohfukuji Temple has a grand five-story pagoda, an unforgettable landmark of Nara city.
Kasugataisha Shrine features bright vermillion and white buildings, famous for its many bronze and stone lanterns.
Nara Park, near Kasugataisha Shrine, is the most famous tourist spot in Nara City, where over a thousand wild deer roam freely. If it's your first time feeding deer, please only buy and feed them the special deer crackers sold inside the park to avoid making them ill.
Are you an early bird? We highly recommend a stroll around Nara Park in the early-morning mist; the beauty of this area is amplified in the cool air around you.
DAY04

Nara City - Osaka

Travel to the lively merchant’s city of Osaka! Your first stop is Osaka Castle, built by General Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 to display his power after unifying Japan during the civil war period. Enjoy an excellent collection of art and armor used by samurai inside the castle, and the vast 360-degree view from its 8th-floor observation deck.

Osaka City was once called the “kitchen of the country” back in the Edo period, and until today offers a variety of nation-wide famous gourmet options, including takoyaki (octopus dumplings), okonomi-yaki (savory pancakes with shredded cabbage), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables), and more! One of the best ways to learn about the country's culture is through the food, we hope you can see why the Japanese enjoy these! Visit Shin Sekai area and Minami (south) area, which includes the Shinsaibashi area: known for its long, covered market streets, where anything you wish to buy, and any kind of food (from street food to luxury cuisine) can be found.
DAY05

Osaka - Kansai International airport

Relax as we drive you back to Kansai International Airport. If you still have time before your flight, there are many souvenir shops and local food restaurants you can enjoy there. Your last chance to get a true piece of Japan to share with friends and family back home!

JOURNEY

DAY01

AKansai International Airport
BKashihara City
DAY02

CKatsuragi City
DAY03

BKashihara City
DNara City
DAY04

DNara City
EOsaka
DAY06

EOsaka
AKansai International Airport

PRICE DETAILS

PRICE

320,000 JPY per person (for a group of 6 people)

PRICE INCLUDES

4 Nights’ Accommodation
5 Days chartered car with Driver
Admission fees
Activity fees
English-speaking guide
Meet and greet airport service
Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip

CAR

1-2 travelers: Sedan
Driver+English-Speaking Tour Guide