Winter Tour to Precious Sacred PlacesWinter, the season for Japanese sake lovers! Explore a famous sake brewery to try a wide variety of sake. Step in to a sumo ring and tackle sumo wrestling. Visit Mt. Koya, a temple-filled sacred site of Esoteric Buddhism.

Mt. Koya, or “Koya-san” in Japanese, has become a very popular destination since it was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2004.
As the 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 those on pilgrimages in the country. 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 and the chanting of Buddhist sutras calm you.

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 about the process of making traditional handcrafted sake from a master brewer while you take in the rich aromas of the brewery. After the tour, treat yourself by sampling a diverse collection of sake, and receive a great souvenir.
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 location where the country's first sumo match took place long ago. At Kehayaza, a sumo museum in Katsuragi city, enjoy watching sumo demonstrations by amateur sumo wrestlers, and learn how to do this traditional sport for yourself. Then step onto the "dohyo" sumo ring and have a match with an amateur sumo wrestler!

On this day you will experience a sense of awe from the must-see temples and shrines in Nara City, a location that many Japanese people feel compelled to visit at least once in their lives,
Todai-ji Temple’s boasts having the largest wooden structure in the world, which houses the Great Buddha of Nara inside.
Kohfuku-ji Temple has a grand five-story pagoda that is considered an unforgettable landmark of Nara City.
The Kasuga Taisha Shrine features bright vermillion and white buildings and is famous for its many bronze and stone lanterns.
Nara Park, near the Kasuga Taisha 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 the deer, please only buy and feed them the special deer crackers that are 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 by the cool air around you.
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.

Travel to the lively merchant’s city of Osaka! Your first stop is Osaka Castle, built by the ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 to display his power after unifying Japan during Japan’s countrywide 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 the 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.

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!