City break - Osaka tour
This city break tour takes you to Osaka, the food capital of the land of the rising sun.
Capital of the Kansai region, it offers quick access to Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Mount Koya...
Take advantage of transport passes, an included culinary tour, Universal Studio Japan entry tickets and many optional activities, such as admission to the world-famous aquarium.
1 week itinerary in Osaka (8 days)
- Departure city/Airport : Osaka (Kansai International Airport : KIX)
- Osaka (7 nights)
- Return city/Airport : Osaka (Kansai International Airport : KIX)
Please find below the itinerary details.
Tour length : 7 nights / 8 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)
PLEASE NOTE: The departure and end dates shown on this page only apply to your stay in Japan. You must therefore leave Europe the day before the first day of your tour. The date of your return flight and that of your return to Europe are identical due to the time difference.
Example :
- Departure from Europe : January 1st
- Arrival in Tokyo (= the date to be selected in the calendar when booking) : January 2nd
- Return flight from NRT or HND airport / Return to Europe : January 9th
Please note that flights are not included in the price of your tour.
This tour information was last updated on May 14, 2024.
Why this trip to Japan ?
- Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Osaka by shuttle bus
- Settle in the heart of Osaka in your 3* hotel chosen for its comfort and location
- Take advantage of 6 days of transport to visit Osaka
- A culinary tour of the lively Dôtonbori district will await you at nightfall
- Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
- If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
- Numerous discounts offered in tourist sites
- Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, European leading travel agency in Japan
Your trip in detail
Day 1 : Wake up in Osaka 大阪
Arrival at Kansai airport (Kansai International Airport KIX).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!Welcome through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Osaka (see details).The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.
If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.
Check-in at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or same category hotel 3* (rooms available from 3:00pm).
Day 2 : First steps in the capital of Kansai
We recommend that you start your visit to Osaka slowly, in the northern and eastern districts :
- Osaka's medieval castle, with its park full of plum and cherry trees ;
- The city centre and Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park surrounded by buildings ;
- Utsubo Park, a cool oasis in the business district ;
- Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping ;
- Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!).One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Osaka (optional, from 9am to 5pm).
Day 3 : Gastronomic introduction
For your second day in Osaka, we recommend the following itinerary :
- Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium in terms of volume ;
- The Tennôji district and its Shitennô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan ;
- Spa World, Japan's largest thermal baths (onsen) ;
- Shinseikai, with its retro charm ;
- DenDen machi, the technologeek village ;
- Finish off with Dôtonbori, the liveliest district in Japan.In the evening, join our guide for your Dôtonbori food tour and savor Osaka's specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, among many others!
Day 4 : Heading for the old capital
For the third day, make your way to Kyoto. Though tourist crowds are a growing presence, this ancient city remains a must-see.
Whisking you from Osaka to Kyoto in just 40 minutes – perfect for maximizing your one-day exploration of Kyoto's classic sights. We recommend the following itinerary:
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) ;
- The enchanting Philosopher's Path ;
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple ;
- The historical district of Gion and its narrow streets : Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka.One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).
Finish your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset. Return to Osaka in the evening. Trains depart frequently - every 10 minutes - until 11:30 pm, ensuring a comfortable return journey (approx. 45min).
Day 5 : Treasures and luxury
Spend a day at Universal Studios Japan!
Get ready for a day of blockbuster thrills included in your tour! Dive into the heart-pounding rides and exciting worlds of Universal Studios Japan, conveniently located near central Osaka. Explore immersive themed zones based on your favorite movies and experience exhilarating shows and attractions.
Day 6 : On the trail of the Samurai
For your final day before departure, we recommend a captivating journey that combines historical wonder and vibrant nightlife.
Immerse yourself in history with a visit to Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revered as Japan's most perfectly preserved castle, its elegant white facade earns it the nickname "White Heron Castle" (approx. 1h30 by train from Osaka, included in your package).
In the afternoon, hop back on the train for a quick 15min ride to the heart of Kobe. This city offers a delightful contrast to the historical serenity of Himeji :
- Explore the bustling downtown area, with its modern architecture and lively shopping districts.
- Then, step back in time and wander through Nankin-machi, the largest Chinatown in Japan.If you have more time and are interested in exploring further, consider these additional destinations:
- Guided day trip at Mount Koya, which boasts over 100 temples nestled amidst a serene forest (1h30min by train).
- Take a refreshing hike to Minoh Falls, a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery (30min by train).
- Explore Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan and enjoy swimming, boating or cycling (1h by train).Return to Osaka in the evening.
Day 7 : Sayonara, and see you next time!
Take a direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).
Return flight to your home country.
Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!
Accommodation
- 7 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of the city, close to the metro.
The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.
Transport
- Return airport transfers <> Osaka (KIX)
- Prepaid public transport card
- Kansai Area Pass 4 days
Experiences
- Airport welcome
- Night guided tour of Dôtonbori, Osaka
- Universal Studio Japan entry tickets
Included in your self-guided tour
Additional services
- Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi
- Complete digital travel guide sent before your departure
- Telephone assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese bilingual. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. This phone number is valid for telephone calls and also for WhatsApp.
Not included in the price of your trip
- Flights Europe <> Japan
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses, including meals (breakfasts can sometimes be added as an option at your hotel reception, see details). For other meals, you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack.
- Public transport once your transport cards have run out (see details)
- Everything not mentioned in the section "Included in your tour".
When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:
Japan Experience Flex :
Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.
Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions. COVID protection included.
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