Kansai Tours & Trips
Kansai's got Japan's cultural heavyweights packed together, from Kyoto temples to Osaka's Dotonbori street food, with high-speed trains connecting everything. If you’re looking for traditional Japan without overwhelming city life, it has to be Kansai, showing you the best of the country without the stress.
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Elsa • traveled in September, 2024
A great overview of Japan and for the short 5 day tour managed to see all the highlights.
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka - M
Matilda • traveled in September, 2025
We’d always wanted to visit Japan and this trip really made our dream come true. Meeting the locals and experiencing their culture was definitely one of the highlights. Everything ran smoothly from the accommodation to the transport and it was all really well organised. Whenever we had a question, journaway got back to us straight away. Overall, it was an amazing trip and we’d highly recommend it!
Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions - S
Sabrina • traveled in October, 2025
The tour was very informative and greatly paced. We spent about an hour at each stop which allowed the tour guide to give us some useful and interesting history for about half of it and the other half was free time for us to take pictures and walk at our own pace. A perfect day to see Nara and kyoto!
3 Day Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Tour from Tokyo
The best Kansai tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaKansai travel expert at TourRadar
- Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
- 5 Day Best of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Small Group Tour Package
- Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions
- 3 Day Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Tour from Tokyo
- 9 Day Best of Japan Cherry Blossom Tour 2026 | Small Group Sakura Experience
- Japan's Big Four 11 Days
- Japan Highlights: Karaoke & Katsu
- Japan Highlights (3 destinations)
- Tokyo to Osaka Japan's Cultural Gems - 5 days
- Japan & South Korea: From Tokyo to Seoul (Tokyo to Seoul) (2025)
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great overview of Japan and for the short 5 day tour managed to see all the highlights.”
Elsa, traveled in August
The cultural heritage of Kansai spans from Kyoto's Imperial Palace to Nara's Todaiji Temple. The traditional Gion district and vibrant Dotonbori in Osaka showcase regional contrast. Quality hotels provide comfortable bases throughout the journey.
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- US$1,671
5 Day Best of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Small Group Tour Package
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This trip was one of the best experiences I've ever had. She made this trip exceptional for us.”
Barbara, traveled in July
Walk through Tokyo's neon-lit Shibuya Crossing, where up to 3,000 pedestrians cross in two minutes, and visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine with Japan's largest wooden torii gate. You'll stay at the 4-star Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo before taking the Shinkansen to Kyoto to see the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji Temple's gold-leaf pavilion and Nijo Castle's famous nightingale floors. The tour ends at KYOTO TOKYU HOTEL with easy access to the historic Gion district, where geiko and maiko walk lantern-lit streets in traditional kimonos.
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $1,673
5% Off- US$1,589You save $84
Iconic Japan: Futuristic Wonders & Timeless Traditions
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything ran smoothly from the accommodation to the transport and it was all really well organised.”
Matilda, traveled in August
Traditional accommodations in Kyoto and modern hotels in Osaka provide comfortable bases to see the cultural heart of Kansai. Ride the legendary Shinkansen at 300 km/h from Tokyo to Kyoto's UNESCO-listed Kiyomizudera Temple, walk through the iconic red torii tunnels of Fushimi Inari, and stroll through Arashiyama's bamboo forest. The tour ends in Osaka with takoyaki tasting in Dotonbori and panoramic views from the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Gardens.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway From $1,593
31% Off- US$1,093You save $500
3 Day Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Tour from Tokyo
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very informative and greatly paced. A perfect day to see Nara and kyoto!”
Sabrina, traveled in October
Cultural immersion begins in Kyoto's historic Gion district and extends to Osaka's vibrant Dotonbori. Regional traditions come alive at Yasaka Shrine, Kuromon Ichiba Market, and Todai-ji Temple, supported by comfortable accommodations and English-speaking guides.
Duration 3 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Tourist Journey From
31% Off- US$1,023
9 Day Best of Japan Cherry Blossom Tour 2026 | Small Group Sakura Experience
“Truly appreciate his kindness and attention! Whenever a place involved walking or stairs, he'd let us know ahead of time.”
Jayden, traveled in April
Kyoto's UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple covered in gold leaf and the Sagano Scenic Railway through cherry blossom-lined Hozugawa Canyon are key stops on this itinerary. You'll stay at KYOTO TOKYU HOTEL and visit the world's largest wooden structure at Todaiji Temple in Nara. Walk beneath 1,300 sakura trees at Ueno Park during this small-group tour for up to 16 travelers. Bullet train rides connect Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with expert English-speaking guides throughout. Accommodation is provided in 4-star hotels across all three cities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Fushimi, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $4,575
5% Off- US$4,346You save $229
Kansai's cultural richness comes alive through Kyoto's temples including Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari, while Osaka's vibrant Dotonbori district showcases modern Japan. Traditional tea ceremonies and local cuisine represent the ancient capital's heritage.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $2,530
5% Off- US$2,404You save $127
Japan Highlights: Karaoke & Katsu
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I loved the Japan Express tour for my first time in Japan! It ticked off all the main spots that I was hoping to see.”
AlexHenley, traveled in April
Your base at Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto positions you perfectly to visit Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Temple and Osaka's vibrant food markets. Highlights include Arashiyama's bamboo forest and Fushimi Inari Shrine, plus street food tours and karaoke in Osaka's entertainment district.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Topdeck From $1,859
10% Off- US$1,673You save $186
Discover Kansai's treasures from Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine to Osaka's Kuromon Market. Experience traditional sake brewing, explore the historic Gion district, and enjoy local street food in Dotombori.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- US$3,895
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Fushimi, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- US$2,055
Kansai's treasures await, from Kyoto's Arashiyama bamboo forest to Nara's ancient temples. Hotel Monterey serves as base while touring Fushimi Inari Shrine's torii gates and participating in traditional tea ceremonies in historic Gion district.
Duration 16 days Destinations Tokyo, Ise, Nara, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Seoul Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From $7,999
4% Off- US$7,649+$500 upfront costsYou save $350
What our customers ask about Kansai Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights during a general tour of the Kansai Region?
The Kansai Region combines centuries-old traditions with modern Japanese culture. Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kinkaku-ji Temple stand as essential stops while Osaka's Dotonbori district pulses with neon lights and street life next to the historic Osaka Castle. In Kyoto the Fushimi Inari Shrine's winding paths of red torii gates lead visitors up the sacred mountain. Nara Park offers a unique experience where deer roam freely near the Great Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple. A TourRadar traveler shared "The blend of traditional temples and modern city life in Kansai was absolutely fascinating especially the contrast between peaceful Kyoto and energetic Osaka."
When is the best time to visit the Kansai Region for a general sightseeing tour?
Spring in the Kansai Region (March to May) brings cherry blossoms that transform temple grounds and city parks. Fall months (October to November) offer mild temperatures and red maple leaves particularly around Kyoto's gardens and Koya-san's mountain paths. While summer (June to August) brings festivals and celebrations winter (December to February) rewards visitors with peaceful snow-covered temples and shorter lines at popular sites. Guests at the Ibis Osaka Umeda Hotel often note the appeal of springtime with one TourRadar traveler saying "Visiting in April was perfect - the weather was mild and we caught the tail end of cherry blossom season in Kyoto's historic districts."
How long should I plan to stay in the Kansai Region for a comprehensive general tour?
To explore the Kansai Region properly plan for 7-10 days. Most visitors spend 3-4 days discovering Kyoto's cultural heritage 2-3 days exploring Osaka's contemporary scenes and food districts and 1-2 days visiting Nara or Koya-san. At minimum a 3-day itinerary covers essential spots in Kyoto Osaka and Nara staying at places like the Ibis Osaka Umeda. According to a TourRadar traveler "Our 8-day tour gave us enough time to explore both the main attractions and hidden gems of Kansai without feeling rushed."
What are the must-visit temples and shrines in the Kansai Region?
The Kansai Region's religious sites tell stories spanning more than a millennium. Essential visits include Kyoto's gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji Temple the mountain paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine Nara's Todai-ji Temple with Japan's largest bronze Buddha and the intimate Hozenji Temple in Osaka's busy Dotonbori area. A TourRadar traveler shared "The Fushimi Inari shrine trek was incredible - walking through the endless red gates while learning about Shinto traditions from our guide was unforgettable." Many visitors choose the New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto as a base for temple visits.
What are the best food experiences in Kansai Region?
Osaka known as "Japan's Kitchen" leads the region's food culture. Key experiences include browsing Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh seafood trying Osaka's street food specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) in Dotonbori and experiencing kaiseki dining in Kyoto's Gion district. One TourRadar traveler noted "Don't miss the street food tour in Dotonbori - our guide took us to hidden spots where we tried the best kushikatsu." The Hot Spring from Deep Water Osaka Hinode Hotel places guests near these culinary highlights.
How do I get around between cities in the Kansai Region?
Japan's railway network makes traveling the Kansai Region straightforward and reliable. The Shinkansen bullet train connects major cities while local trains and buses reach smaller destinations. Most organized tours handle transportation between sites. Typical journey times are 30 minutes between Osaka and Kyoto and 45 minutes to Nara. A TourRadar traveler confirms "The bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto was incredibly smooth and punctual - just 2 hours and 21 minutes." Many tours use hotels like Shinagawa Prince Hotel situated near transport hubs.