Day 1 Osaka ★ Meeting Day
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Itinerary meeting day/ We sincerely welcome you
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Free airport pick-up service, worry-free arrival
Today is the gathering day. Tourists will go to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan on their own. Upon arrival, we will provide a free pick-up service. We will arrange a unified pick-up at 18:00 in the afternoon to check in at the hotel in downtown Osaka. If the flight is earlier or later than the pick-up time, you can choose to take public transportation to the hotel by yourself. We will arrange staff to provide transfer instructions at the airport (9:00-18:00).
Check into your hotel and relax, then explore Osaka on your own. Recommended attractions: Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, home to Osaka's iconic landmarks, a dazzling array of food stalls, and shopping streets. Not only can you savor Osaka's delicious cuisine, but it's also a shopping paradise!
About Destination Transportation & Visa Instructions
This itinerary is for a destination in Osaka, so you need to book your own flight tickets. There are connecting or direct flights from Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou to [Osaka Kansai International Airport, airport code KIX]. Yeshebang provides flight booking services. If necessary, please consult the product manager.
丨This trip requires you to apply for a Japanese visa on your own. It is recommended to apply for a visa 7-15 working days in advance, and the visa time must cover the travel date; Yeshebang provides visa agency services. If necessary, please consult the product manager.
Accommodation presentation
High-end hotels in Osaka: Swissotel Nankai Osaka / Hilton Osaka Hotel / The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji or similar ★★★★★
We carefully select 5-diamond high-end hotels in downtown Osaka, with convenient locations and transportation, to provide you with a high-quality accommodation experience.
Day 2 Osaka → Kumano Kodo → Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine → Kawayu Onsen
All day
Itinerary presentation
Kumano Kodo/One of the only two World Heritage Sites in the world
[Yesabang VIP Privileges] Arrange a local hiking guide to talk about the culture of Kumano Kodo
The Kumano Kodo Trail is one of only two World Heritage routes in the world, part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. We'll hike the highlight of the route (approximately 7 kilometers/3 hours), from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty and spiritual energy of the Kumano Dojo. This highlight hike will earn you the official Kumano Kodo stamp, effectively accrediting your pilgrimage. (P.S.: This certification can be combined with the Spanish Camino de Santiago for a dual pilgrimage certificate.)
After the hike, we'll drive to Kawayu Onsen and check into a hot spring hotel. Experience authentic Japanese hot springs and savor kaiseki cuisine, recharging your energy for tomorrow's journey.
Accommodation presentation
丨Beautiful Mountain Hot Spring Accommodation: Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya / Kawayu Onsen Fujiya
Kawayu Onsen is a unique hot spring on the Kumano Kodo Trail. Experience digging out the hot spring water from the riverbed, enjoying the water while you play in the water. Enjoy an authentic Japanese stay and two meals at our carefully selected hot spring hotel.
Day 3 Tenkawayu Hot Spring → Nachi Taisha Shrine → → Shirahama
All day
Itinerary presentation
Kumano Kodo: A light hike through forests and waterfalls
After breakfast, we'll head to another highlight of the Kumano Kodo Trail. From the Daimonzaka Kodo Trail, we'll hike to Nachi Taisha Shrine. This section (approximately 2 kilometers, 1.5 hours) is also one of the most beautiful sections of the Kumano Kodo Trail. The moss-covered stone steps lead through dense forest to Nachi Waterfall, Japan's tallest waterfall.
丨Song of the Mountain and the Sea/Detective Conan's Tour of Shirahama
Afterward, we'll drive to Nanki Shirahama in Wakayama, where mountains and sea meet. Shirahama is also known as one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts. Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan's three most ancient springs, boasts a history exceeding 1,300 years. Along with Arima Onsen and Dogo Onsen, it's one of the three most ancient springs mentioned in the Manyoshu. Facing the Pacific Ocean, soaking in an open-air bath overlooking the sea while waiting for the sunset is a truly relaxing experience in this land of mountains and sea!
Accommodation presentation
丨Seaside hot spring private bath: Infinito Hotel and Spa or similar ★★★★★
Nestled between the mountains and the sea of Shirahama, the hotel offers sweeping views of the Shirahama coast. Spread across the main building and annex, the hotel boasts 74 European-style guest rooms. Ocean view rooms overlook the Pacific Ocean, offering an authentic Japanese experience of soaking in the hot springs and watching the sunset.
Day 4 Shirahama → Nara
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Exploring Wakayama's Scenery/Seafood Markets and Authentic Cuisine
After breakfast, head to Shirahama Coast for a tour of the hidden gems of the seaside town. Stroll along Shirarahama Beach and experience one of Kansai's most beautiful beaches. Explore the harborside seafood market and savor delicious, authentic seafood. We also recommend sampling Wakayama's specialty, Nanko plums.
Strolling through Naramachi: Ancient ruins and Japanese-style deer
In the afternoon, we'll travel to Nara, home to the largest number of World Heritage Sites in Japan. It's worth slowing down and exploring the streets to experience the charm of this ancient capital. Nara Park, known as the "Royal Deer Park," is a delightful stroll. We'll also visit Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Horyu-ji Temple, one of the world's oldest wooden structures, to experience the beauty of ancient temples blending humanity with nature. At sunset, we'll reach Mount Wakakusa and hike to the summit for a panoramic view of Nara Castle.
Accommodation presentation
丨Nara century-old hotel: Nara Hotel or similar ★★★★★
Founded in 1909, the Nara Hotel, spanning a century of history from the Meiji and Showa eras, is a hallmark of Nara. As the official state guesthouse of the Japanese Imperial Family, it has hosted countless royal family members and celebrities, including Albert Einstein and Audrey Hepburn. Stroll through the hotel's classical architecture and Japanese-style gardens, and immerse yourself in the charm of history. Nara Park is a 10-minute walk away.
Day 5 Nara → Uji → Kyoto → Fushimi Inari Shrine
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Exploring the Culture and Scenery/Experiencing the Ingenuity of Uji Tea House
Experience an authentic tea ceremony in Uji, the home of matcha. A Japanese tea ceremony is a ritualized ceremony in Japan where tea is served to guests. Stroll along the Uji River and experience the slow pace of life in Uji.
Fushimi, the Land of Fine Wine / Centuries of Traditional Sake Brewing Techniques
[Event Description] Choose one of the two: tea ceremony or sake experience
Fushimi, Kyoto, is known as one of Japan's leading sake-producing regions. The Gekkeikan Okura Museum offers a space where you can experience the history and sake culture of Gekkeikan, as well as the challenging spirit and creativity that guided the development of sake brewing in the region. After the tour, you can enjoy a variety of sake brewed using long-cultivated traditional techniques and groundwater nurtured by Fushimi's nature.
Fushimi Inari Shrine/Thousand Torii Gates
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, founded in the 8th century, is one of Kyoto's most popular shrines. Inari is the deity of agriculture and commerce, and pilgrims come to pray for bountiful harvests and prosperous business. The Thousand Torii Gates are particularly famous here, a symbol of Kyoto and even featured in the film "Memoirs of a Geisha." These stacked torii gates form a pathway leading to the summit of Mt. Inari.
Accommodation presentation
丨Beautiful accommodations in the ancient capital: THE GATE HOTEL KYOTO TAKASEGAWA by HULIC / Hotel the Celestine Kyoto Gion / The Westin Miyako Kyoto / or similar ★★★★★
We carefully select 5-diamond high-end hotels in downtown Kyoto, with convenient locations and transportation, to provide you with a high-quality accommodation experience.
Day 6 Kyoto (Arashiyama → Kyoto City Walk)
All day
Itinerary presentation
Autumn Colors Limited Edition/Arashiyama and Kyoto Autumn Foliage Viewing
[Wild Luxury VIP Privileges] Arrange a boat trip on the Arashiyama River, a special experience in late autumn
Arashiyama is at its peak during autumn, when the maple leaves turn red. Located in western Kyoto, the Sagano and Arashiyama areas are renowned as one of Kyoto's most popular autumn viewing spots. As early as the 8th century, nobles frequented the area to admire the vibrant foliage amidst rice paddies and bamboo groves, or to enjoy boating.
Walk across the thousand-year-old Togetsukyo Bridge, and the Hozu River beneath it, bathed in crimson maple leaves, creating a uniquely beautiful scene. The journey to Arashiyama's Sagano Bamboo Forest is a classic scene. Climb the steps to Jojakko-ji Temple and stroll through a tunnel of maple leaves. Then, head to the Hozu River for a boat ride down the river, experiencing the autumn colors of Arashiyama unlike any land-based experience.
Kyoto Citywalk/ The ancient capital's Japanese charm
From afternoon to evening, explore Kyoto's historic City Walk, where you'll encounter Gion geisha along the ancient flower-lined alleyways. Gion's Shirakawa-dori offers a unique charm, and you can stroll along the Kamogawa River, a river often seen in Japanese dramas, to experience the slow pace of life in the ancient capital like the locals. Finally, visit Nishiki Market, a must-see fireworks market in Kyoto, where you'll discover a variety of delicious foods and unique Japanese souvenirs.
Accommodation presentation
Luxurious accommodations in a historic capital: The Gate Hotel KYOTO TAKASEGAWA by HULIC / The Celestine Kyoto Gion / The Westin Miyako Kyoto / or similar ★★★★★
We carefully select 5-diamond high-end hotels in downtown Kyoto, with convenient locations and transportation, to provide you with a high-quality accommodation experience.
Day 7 Kyoto→Osaka★Dissolution Day
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Vacation Time/ Recommended Free Time to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Today is the day to end the tour. You can spend the morning freely in Kyoto. You can stroll around the hotel and enjoy the tranquility of Kyoto's early morning.
We recommend a free trip to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto's most prestigious temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka offer a unique Kyoto charm, with ancient Japanese buildings lining the slopes and offering a wealth of souvenir shops.
丨Farewell on the disbanding day/Looking forward to seeing you again
Today is the day of dismissal, and you can freely move around Kyoto city in the morning.
We will transfer you to Kansai International Airport in Osaka at 1:00 PM (flights are recommended after 5:00 PM). If your flight arrives before or after the drop-off time, you can choose to take public transportation to the airport. We will arrange for staff to provide transfer instructions at your Kyoto hotel between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
You can also go to Osaka together in the morning. We recommend visiting Rinku Premium Outlets, the largest shopping center for brand-name discount goods in western Japan. Due to its close distance to Kansai International Airport, it has become a very popular shopping destination for foreign tourists.
Kyoto-Osaka Kansai International Airport: about 100 kilometers, about 1.5 hours
