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 on 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 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.

Start off your day by 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 Sake 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!

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 Shinto 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 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.

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!