The first day is a standard affair. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and assist you with preparations for the tour. A private coach will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After the check-in procedures are completed, you will have the rest of the day to yourselves.

Osaka is the heart of the Kansai megacity area. It is a bustling city of skyscrapers and neon signs, but also one with a lot of cultural significance. Osaka Castle, your first destination today, is perhaps one of the most recognizable landmarks in Japan. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three great unifiers, and inside are many exhibits related to his character. Explore the reconstructed castle and its outer garden before you proceed to have one of Osaka's signature dishes for lunch: okonomiyaki.

The famous shopping streets around Namba are always active and brimming with options. Dotonbori, running parallel to the eponymous canal, is a popular street with famous signs. Shinsaibashi has a shopping arcade full of classy boutiques. Amerikamura on the other hand is known for its cutting-edge fashion goods for younger people. Browse these streets to your heart's content! Finally, you will make a stop at the open-air observatory deck on top of Umeda Sky Building, which offers a remarkable view of the stunning urban expanse below you. The bird's eye perspective on the vastness of Kansai is something you will definitely enjoy.

The best word to summarize Nara’s identity is, perhaps, “ancient.” It holds a special place in Japanese history as one of the very first Japanese capitals, and it is home to the oldest wooden structures in the world. All of the monuments you will be visiting today were built between the 7th and 8th century. The famous Todai-ji is also one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, housing a massive bronze statue of Buddha.

There are more than a thousand wild deer roaming in Nara Park, which adds to the appeal of this city. They are accustomed to human presence and would playfully approach you in hopes of getting a piece of deer cracker. Of course, the deer are not the only ones to enjoy good food; you will be feasting on locally-produced vegetables and beef, which you can grill by yourselves on a tabletop hearth for a truly traditional Japanese experience.

The keyword is “culture,” which Kyoto irrefutably epitomizes. It is the millennium capital with an inexhaustible list of remarkable heritage sites. Your first destination here is Fushimi Inari Taisha, always a memorable visit because of the sheer number of torii gates that line your path as you ascend. Then there is the unforgettable Kinkaku-ji, a shining example -- literally -- of Japanese beauty.

After a serving of Kyoto-style sushi for lunch, you will proceed to explore Higashiyama, a neighborhood of old merchant houses that evokes a feeling of nostalgia. The historic atmosphere and the traditional goods that they sell around the area makes you forget about time in all senses of the phrase. Finally, in the evening, you will get acquainted to Japanese art forms, including a maiko dance, in the district of Gion.

Leaving Kyoto, you will visit Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture. With a history of over a thousand years, it has been a famous hot spring resort since the Heian period. The onsen is known for its two types of waters: Kinsen (gold water) and Ginsen (silver water), named after their respective colors.

Most notably, it was Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s favorite onsen retreat, and today you will experience the luxury of bathing in very springs cherished by the Osaka-based warlord. You will also explore the bath museum that displays Hideyoshi-related items. Enjoy a relaxing day in Arima Onsen, and take in the unique atmosphere of a Japanese hot spring town. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to central Kobe.

The last major city you will visit in this trip is Kobe, which one would probably describe as “colorful.” Indeed, it is a blend of many architectural styles, with Meriken Park deriving its name from “American.” and with a Chinatown named after Nanjing. The blend of foreign presence in the city is befitting of its status as one of Japan’s most important port cities.

The stylish red Port Tower and the striking white Maritime Museum are landmarks that offer you a good overview of the city and its history. The Chinatown offers plenty of sightseeing and shopping options. But of course, one does not simply visit Kobe without trying the famous wagyu beef. This mildly paced day concludes your journey around the Kansai region, and in the afternoon you will be transferred to your hotel near the airport.

You have completed the Kansai Highlights tour! We hope that you enjoyed your trip with ILJT! On the last day, you will check out of your hotel and conduct an independent transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight back home, and see you again soon!