Top Kansai Prefecture Art & Culture

Osaka is a convenient base from which to explore the rest of Japan. Explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kyoto with ease on a hassle-free day trip from Osaka, the ideal choice for first-time visitors with limited time. You’ll experience a romantic train ride to Sagano, home to Arashiyama Park, and tick off the vivid Fushimi Inari Shrine without the hassle of traveling between landmarks alone.

Enrich yourself with the fascinating history of Kyoto’s numerous UNESCO-listed temples and shrines during this day trip from Osaka. Explore the seemingly endless ‘torii’ gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, and explore Kinkaku-ji temple. Customize your trip by adding on a deluxe or standard Japanese style lunch, and select from four pickup points.

Discover the historic environs of Nara, ancient capital of Japan, as you explore Buddhist temples, shrines and the famous Nara deer park on this excursion from Kyoto. Visit Todaji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and home to the country’s largest Buddha statue, before seeing Kasuga Shrine, which features over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. Then stop by Nara Park, a 1,250-acre reserve that’s home to more than 1,000 free-roaming deer. Your Nara excursion also includes pickup from select Kyoto hotels, a guide and all entrance fees.

Go off the beaten track—and avoid tourist traps—on this nighttime walking tour of Osaka. In a small group of no more than six people head for the foodie districts of Tenma and Kyobashi to sample local dishes, enjoy a few drinks, and get to know the locals.

Take a deep-dive into Japanese culture and experience Osaka like a local on this evening walking tour. Join your Japanese-Australian guide, Andy, to explore the city’s historic districts, including the former ghetto and the Red Light district. Learn about Osaka’s history, heritage, and local traditions; venture down the backstreets to visit quirky sites often missed by travelers; and sample traditional street foods. Upgrade to include a delicious dinner of typical ‘kushikatsu’ cuisine.

If you want to party like they do in Osaka, this bar-hopping tour is perfect for you. Your local guide takes you to hidden bars that tourists often miss. If you don’t speak Japanese, don’t let language barriers get in your way. Your guide helps to explain the menus, and order for you. This is a fun tour for friends or couples, and makes a great start to a night out in Osaka.

In end your trip the easy way with this departure transfer by Private taxi type charter transfer. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Osaka city to  Kansai International Airport. And also your driver will choose the right way to go to the Kansai airport to make sure the customer will get to the airport on time. We will completely disinfect the vehicle and places a free hand sanitizer on all the seats. Your driver will keep an appropriate distance with you who will assist with luggage and guide you to your vehicle will give you a comfortable, safety, health ride.

Active travelers will love the opportunity to explore the northern parts of Kyoto by bike. Your local guide will make sure you don’t get lost, and will show you to back alleys and hidden corners that you might miss otherwise, as well as some of the famous attractions that shouldn’t be missed. Cycle on comfortable bike, and enjoy an authentic Japanese lunch to refuel.

Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour. See the tranquil Kiyomizu Temple amid its verdant surroundings; absorb the Imperial majesty of Kyoto Imperial Palace; and stroll amid the botanical beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple. Behold the beguiling beauty of the Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine and enrich your knowledge of Kyoto’s rich historical heritage with commentary from an informative guide. Moderate levels of fitness are advisable for this tour, on which a lot of walking occurs.

Discover the Zen gardens, colorful temples, and ancient shrines of Kyoto on this small-group walking tour that’s limited to just 12 participants. Experience the elegant architecture and religious monuments of this historic Japanese city, once the imperial capital, as you join a guide on visits to the Gion Geisha district, Tofukuji Temple, and more.

Immerse yourself in Samurai history and culture during this 2-hour Samurai experience at a traditional Kyoto Samurai House. Under the guidance of an expert Samurai instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the ‘Way of the Warrior; handle a real katana sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

Discover the history and religions of ancient Japan during this full-day exploration of Kyoto and Nara. See Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle, along with its Imperial Palace. Then drive from Kyoto to Nara to explore its own World Heritage Site, Todai-ji Temple (including Great Buddha Hall), plus Kasuga Shrine. You also visit Nara’s deer park and sample a Japanese and Western-style meal for lunch. Your Nara and Kyoto visit also includes a guide, vehicle transport, and all entrance fees.

Discover Osaka’s highlights on this quirky Go Kart tour. Be photo-ready, as there are plenty of funny character costumes to choose from. It’s a hassle-free tour as Go Kart rental, costume rental, insurance, and fuel are included. See lots of Osaka’s top sites like Tsutenkaku Tower, and Kitashinchi area, and you won’t have to worry about losing your group, as it’s a small-group tour. A valid driving license and international license with Japanese translation is required.

Pedal through the historic streets of Kyoto as you visit its magnificent temples and shrines by bike during this small-group tour limited to 9 participants. Take a spin down the Path of Philosophy on this Kyoto tour that gives you an overview of the city while using a mode of transport preferred by locals: the humble bicycle. See shrines, temples and mountains — this is an enlightening escape from the city.

Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most-famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. You’ll continue ‘off the beaten path,’ discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.

Gain a better understanding of sake during this tour that explores the Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto. Visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, one of the largest sake breweries in Fushimi, and end your visit with a sake-tasting session. Not only will your guide be able to explain the basics of sake and introduce you to new kinds you may have never tried, but your tastings will also be paired with Japanese snacks that enhance the tasting experience. 

1. Bicycle is by far the best way to get around Kyoto’s crowded streets. Kyoto has a great geography for two wheels. Why wait for crowded buses or be stuck in traffic with an expensive taxi when you have the freedom to move around at will like the locals do. 2. We take you on scenic routes which are chosen with your safety in mind. Riding a bike alone you might get lost or end up on very narrow streets. We know the best way to get around and give you tips on staying safe. We also know quiet side streets with lots of character and charm. 3.We tell you stories of the city’s past and give you background knowledge along the way. ​Learn about the world of the shogun and samurai, the geisha house and even get a background on the shinto and buddhist beliefs. Learning about the cultural legacy of old Kyoto is a great insight to Japanese customs and culture.

Marvel at the some of the top UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples and palaces of ancient Kyoto on this half-day tour. This quick introduction to the sights of Kyoto covers Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and the Japanese Emperor’s former Imperial Palace—a perfect way to see the city if you’re short on time. Your guided morning Kyoto excursion includes entrance fees and transport between sites by vehicle.

Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Your local guide will tell you about the traditions from an insider perspective, as it can be difficult for outsiders to access geisha culture otherwise. At the same time you'll explore Gion's beautiful streets, temples, shrines, and shops, for a comprehensive overview of historic Kyoto.

-Hike through a secret path into Fushimi Inari Shrine. Even though there is Fushi-inari station, we start the tour from Tofukuji station because we enter Fushi-inari shrine from back side of main entrance. -Journey into a secret bamboo forest We will discover a natural bamboo forest, and a small Inari shrine hidden from tourists. Fushimi Inari's main entrance is hard to navigate due to a lot of people, but by walking through the mountains, we will see Fushimi Inari from a new perspective, away from the crowd. -Return to civilization after a breathtaking view atop the mountains of Fushimi Inari From here on, we will explore tourist areas on the way to the top of the mountain. Tour routes may vary, but it will end somewhere around the main shrine. Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Get a taste of local life in Osaka on a walking tour of Japan’s third largest city. Witness Osaka’s different faces, from bustling business center to historic cultural hub, as you follow your guide through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Stroll along the lively waterfront of the Dotonbori entertainment district; visit the landmark Hozenji temple; and ride the subway like a local. Get an insight into Japanese cuisine and sample local specialty Kushikatsu as you explore traditional Shinsekai.

Kyoto’s traditional neighborhoods and scenic parklands are ideal for exploring by bike. On this tour, save time by cycling around the city and visit five of Kyoto’s most popular attractions in one day. Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Pavilion and the Kiyomizu Temple; pose for photos by the red torri gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine; and hop off to stroll around the Bamboo Forest and explore the geisha district.

Step into an authentic Japanese rickshaw for the ride of a lifetime, through some of the most scenic and historic districts in Kyoto, Japan. You have the option of exploring the verdant Bamboo Grove and impressive shrines of west Kyoto’s Arashiyama district or the intriguing wooden buildings and stone alleys (maybe even spotting a geisha or two) in Kyoto’s famed Higashiyama area, all with a knowledgeable local guide and rickshaw driver. This authentic, customizable Kyoto adventure is a fun introduction to this beautiful city.

This tour covers every part of the bamboo forest. By rickshaw and on foot! The first stop after cruising through the bustling main street is the bamboo forest. Enjoy the vivid green bamboo as your guide pulls you along the path reserved for rickshaws only, away from other visitors. Have your camera or mobile phone ready to take pictures. You don’t want to miss this. After passing by the Nonomiya Shrine you will enter the second part of the bamboo forest, which is designed like a little park. Here we can take great group pictures with the stunning green bamboo in the background. On the way to the third and last section of the bamboo forest, you will pass by a well-kept scene from the Edo period The third part of the bamboo forest can only be accessed on foot, so our guide will park the rickshaw within walking distance and then guide you to the most famous and impressive part of the bamboo forest. (To avoid the crowds here, we recommend starting the tour before noon)