Kansai: Heart of Culture 2024 | 7 Days |

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Kansai: Heart of Culture

7 days 5 nights
from
RESERVE ONLINE RESERVE
2024
Tokyo, Lake Biwa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka

Get to Know the Heart of Culture

Where untouched traditions inspire your soul.
Follow small alleyways to discover hidden elegance
Feel the breeze with Kyoto at your feet
Play with Nara's famous deer - "messengers of the gods"
Kansai is the origin of Japan

tour-map

Highlights

  • Shinkansen | High Speed Bullet Train. See the beautiful countryside from the comfort of your seat as we travel from Tokyo to Kyoto in just 2.5 hours
  • Kyoto | The heart of old tradition and culture
    • Kyoto is an intimate city best explored on foot! We've created a perfect walking tour to share hidden alleyways and local neighborhoods with you while avoiding crowds with our carefully-arranged itinerary
    • Tour two iconic UNESCO sites: Kinkaku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu Temple
    • Yuzen Dyeing Class: Learn about a traditional Kyoto artform
  • Nara | Pay homage in the first capital. Visit World Heritage site Todai-ji Temple
  • Osaka | "Eat (or shop) till you drop" in the Dotonbori district, the "Kitchen of Japan"
  • Seasonal Highlights | Feel the beauty of different seasons
    *Dates below are estimates. We always wish to be fully transparent, but actual dates of some events have not been published yet. Sakura season subject to weather conditions.
    • End of Mar-Early April: Cherry blossom viewing at Maruyama Park in Kyoto
    • Mid-November-late November: Fall foliage special light-up viewing in Kyoto (tours arriving 11/13~11/27)

Itinerary

Open All Days
USA/Canada aircraft-icon
Japan
Arrive in Narita Airport (NRT) 2
48 mi
, 2 hrs
or
Haneda Airport (HND) 2
14 mi
, 1 hr

Tokyo
Welcome to ! For guests within our pickup timeframe, a Supera representative will greet you at the arrival airport. Have a wonderful journey with us!

 

Transfer to hotel by airport shuttle bus.

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Japanese Cuisine
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Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Shinjuku
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Tokyo 4
288 mi
, 2 hrs
15 mins

Kyoto 2
31 mi
, 1 hr

Lake Biwa
Board the bullet train from an iconic station
Board the bullet train from an iconic station
Explore distinctive architecture of Miho Museum
Explore distinctive architecture of Miho Museum
Tokyo
  • Bento (Japanese Lunch Box) Buying: 
    Before boarding the bullet train from Tokyo Station, enjoy a memorable experience by shopping for your own bento in a depachika (department store basement market). Use our suggestions or choose any exciting culinary delights which might catch your eye.
  • Shinkansen (Bullet Train): 
    Experience a true modern marvel by riding the bullet train to Kyoto Station (2.5 hours).

Lake Biwa

  • Miho Museum: 
    See an incredible collection of antiques from Asia and Europe at the Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei.
    *If Miho is closed, we will visit Nijo Castle or Sanjusangendo instead. If you would like further details on specific tour dates, please contact us.
  • Ryokan (Japanese-Style Hotel) at Lake Biwa: 
    Unwind in an outdoor hot spring.
    Roll up your yukata sleeves and indulge in a traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki banquet dinner and karaoke!
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Hotel Buffet
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Refund (Choose Your Own Japanese Lunch Box)
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Kaiseki Banquet
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Yumotokan (Ogoto Hot Spring)
Hanakaido (Ogoto Hot Spring)
Biwako Hotel (Ruri Hot Spring)
Lake Biwa 2
33 mi
, 45 mins

Kyoto
Enjoy Arashiyama's fantastic view on train
Enjoy Arashiyama's fantastic view on train
See Golden Pavilion glitter under sunlight
See Golden Pavilion glitter under sunlight

Kyoto

  • Arashiyama: 
    Walk through the flourishing bamboo forest and discover the alluring beauty of the surroundings.
  • Kinkaku-ji Temple:
    Visit the icon of Kyoto, the "Golden Pavilion," covered with gold foil.
  • Yuzen Dyeing Class:
    Learn about an elegant traditional Kyoto artform and create your own keepsake.
  • Gion:
    With only a few geishas remaining, Gion is one of the few places you might catch a glimpse of these elusive figures in your evening free time.
  • Wagyu Beef Dinner: 
    Enjoy a delightful meal of authentic Wagyu, the most desirable breed of cattle raised in Japan, known worldwide for being more tender and flavorful.
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Ryokan Breakfast
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Snapper Rice with Green Tea (Taichazuke)
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Wagyu Beef Steak or Sukiyaki
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Hotel Okura Kyoto
Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
Kyoto
Stroll quaint alleyways of Kyoto
Stroll quaint alleyways of Kyoto
Explore Kyoto's kitchen - "Nishiki Market"
Explore Kyoto's kitchen - "Nishiki Market"
  • Kiyomizu Temple: 
    Avoid crowds and enjoy an early morning visit to Kiyomizu Temple for a bird's-eye view of Kyoto.
  • Kyoto Walking Tour:
    One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Kyoto's elegance is on foot. Join our guide to explore quaint alleyways of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka and appreciate historical neighborhoods and sites (In case of extreme hot or cold weather, seasonal adjustments may be made in order for you to have the best experience)
    • The first part of the walking tour covers a distance of about 1.5 miles on fairly flat ground over approximately 1 hour of time. We will take a break in a cafe near Maruyama Park for about 1 hour.
    • The second leg of our walking tour will end at the foot of the pilgrimage path to Kiyomizu Temple. This distance is 0.8 miles over fairly flat ground in about 45 minutes. The footpath up to Kiyomizu Temple is uphill.
  • Kyoto in Depth:
    We include free time to further enjoy the area. We encourage you to try the following suggestions:
    • A. Appreciate unique architecture and tour the Nishiki Market with our tour guide.
    • B. Take in more of Gion's unique character.
    • C. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine independently either by train or taxi on own. Transportation and entrance fee will be at your own expense.
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Hotel Buffet
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Japanese Western Cuisine Handpicked Local Specialties
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Refund (Pork Cutlet Recommended)
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Hotel Okura Kyoto
Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
Kyoto 2
27 mi
, 1 hr

Nara 2
20 mi
, 1 hr

Osaka
Say "Hello" to deer in Nara
Say "Hello" to deer in Nara
Visit Osaka's symbolic castle
Visit Osaka's symbolic castle
Nara
  • Todai-ji Temple: 
    Travel to Japan's first capital. Stand in awe in the presence of one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. Interact with temple deer, known as messengers of the gods in Shinto belief.

Osaka

  • Osaka Castle Park: 
    Explore the castle filled with historical and cultural significance. Energetic travelers will want to climb to the top floor balcony for a panoramic view of Osaka.
    *For tours arriving 12/22~12/31, we will visit Osaka aquarium instead.
  • Shinsaibashi:
    • We built in free time so you may freely roam through Osaka's largest shopping district and get to know the city at your own pace.
    • "Eat till you drop" in the Dotonbori restaurant district, known as the "Kitchen of Japan." For dinner, be sure to try local specialties such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Hakozushi, and Kitsune Udon. Our provided suggestions and maps will help you navigate the bustling district.
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Hotel Buffet
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Japanese Cuisine
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Not included - Explore with our helpful maps & suggestions
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Imperial Hotel Osaka
Osaka 2
34 mi
, 1 hr

Kansai Airport (KIX) or
Osaka 2
10 mi
, 30 mins

Itami Airport (ITM) 1
Your Next Destination
Osaka
  • Guests with morning flights:
    You will be directed to take the limousine bus bound for Kansai or Itami Airport after breakfast.
  • Guests with afternoon flights:
    Your morning is free and our guide will provide directions for you to explore Osaka city for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Based on your departure time, the tour guide will direct you to take the airport limousine bus.
A great journey always feels short, let’s look forward to seeing each other again!
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Hotel Buffet

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  • Deposit:A deposit of per person is due within 5 days of reservation confirmation to secure your space on tour.
  • Balance:Due days before tour departure.
  • Flights:We are happy to arrange air tickets with the best balance between price and flight quality. If you are purchasing your own flights, please book flights scheduled to arrive/depart within the times listed below. If you are arriving/departing on the same day as our tour but outside timeframes, we may still be able to arrange service - please contact us for transfer options. Please be aware missed portions of the itinerary will not be refunded. Prior to issuing tickets, please reconfirm with us to avoid unexpected expenses.
  • Please review the Terms & Conditions before you book.
  • Is This Trip Right for Me?
    • Please see the Itinerary for activity levels and details.
    • Accessibility: Due to the nature of the itinerary, this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs.
    • Age + Health: Our tour welcomes guests aged 2 and above. No upper age limit applies, but please consider your physical capacity. If you have limited mobility, you will need to travel with a companion
    • Dietary Restrictions: Following our tradition of encouraging our guests to “savor the world,” we arrange delicious local menus, but many restaurants cannot meet custom preferences. If you have a serious meal restriction (i.e., fatal allergy, vegetarian, etc.), please let us know before booking and we can check if it can be accommodated.
    • In case you cannot continue the tour for safety reasons or disrupt the group's experience during the trip, you may be asked to leave at your own expense. We will assist in arranging a cancellation. If you have any questions or special needs, kindly notify us beforehand and we'll gladly assist in determining if the trip suits you. In some cases, private group charter options may also be available.
    • Transportation:
      On our private bus, a limited number of seats near the front will be reserved for guests who are prone to motion sickness. Other seats will be rotated periodically.
  • Accommodations:
    • Most reserved rooms are TWIN (2 bed) rooms. Please let us know if you require a DOUBLE (1 large bed) for the entirety of the tour - we will try our best to accommodate. For most hot spring hotels, we will use tatami rooms featuring futon mat bedding.
    • If you have special requirements, please inform us at time of booking so we may make arrangements as soon as possible.
    • For guest privacy and security considerations, we do not have single sharing arrangements.
  • Visas:
    • Please be aware once a visa is processed by Supera, we will not be able to provide a refund under any circumstances.
  • Passports:
    • Please provide a copy of your passport at sign up; we recommend having a copy of your passport with you in case of emergencies.
    • Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and two blank “Visa” pages.
  • Luggage Handling:
    • For hands-free travel aboard trains, we will ship your large suitcases to Kyoto on the morning of day 3. You will be apart from your suitcase for one night, so please prepare a carry-on for overnight use.
    • We include porterage service where available, but please note porters will not be available in most ryokan and some hotels.
  • Flights and Luggage:
    • Some airlines charge a fee for pre-assigned seats. If so, we will let you know the details at time of booking.
    • If you are booking your own tickets, we recommend reserving at least 3 hours connecting time between international airports.
    • Luggage allowances will vary based on the rules for each airline. Excess baggage fees are the responsibility of the traveler.

Stays of a Lifetime

Don't be too tired to remember your trip!
A hotel is not merely a place to rest your head. We hand-pick each one to give you comfort, great views, unique experiences, and above all, memorability. We carefully consider locations to let your mind, body, and spirit wander freely while feeling at home.


Tokyo :

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Shinjuku

A sleek upscale hotel enveloped by skyscrapers and the vibrant Shinjuku district. Find yourself just a short walk from the world's busiest rail hub, densely dotted with departmernt stores, underground shopping arcades, and the most popular restaurants, shops, and attractions in the heart of Tokyo.

Club Room Premier Grand    
33.7 ~ 35.5 m² (363 ~ 382 ft²)
122 x 203 cm * 2 Bed    
183 x 203 cm * 1 Bed
Arranged with Plaza Superior South Tower Room
Plaza Superior South Tower Room    
30.1 m² (324 ft²)
120 x 203 cm * 2 Bed    
152~182 x 203 cm * 1 Bed
Arranged with Plaza Superior South Tower Room + Rollaway Bed (120 x 188 cm)

Tokyo :

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

All rooms are located on the 19th floor and above, providing a spectacular view. The design concept is simple & modern.With the essence of Japanese hospitality, courteous and attentive services are always available.The bustling city of Shibuya seems forgotten within the tranquility and refinement.This is the comfort exclusive to Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel.

Superior Room (Towers Floor)    
37.6 m² (405 ft²)
110 x 205 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Superior Room (Towers Floor) + Rollaway Bed (110 x 205 cm)

Shiga :

Yumotokan

Surrounded by tranquil mountains, the Yumotokan is a Ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) featuring hot springs baths and stunning views of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. Ogoto Onsen, the local hot springs for the hotel, has been supplying natural mineral-rich water for 1200 years.

Japanese Room    
10 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Shiga :

Hanakaido

The Hanakaido is famous for embodying the elegance of Kyoto. Featuring hot spring baths and lakeside views of Lake Biwa, enjoy their indoor bath, outdoor hot springs and a beautiful Kaiseki dinner in traditional Kyoto style.

Japanese Room    
8 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Shiga :

Biwako Hotel

This hot spring hotel is known for its comfortable fusion-style rooms, each offering a private lakeside balcony view of Lake Biwa. Enjoy an expertly-prepared Kyoto-style banquet dinner and fabulous service. 

Lake View Superior Floor Natura Room    
40 m² (431 ft²)
110 x 203 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Lake View Superior Floor Natura Room + Rollaway Bed (110 x 188 cm)

Kyoto :

Hotel Okura Kyoto

Centrally-located in Kyoto city, the Okura is within walking distance from Gion, popular restaurants, and exciting shopping areas. It is a Kyoto icon and has long been regarded by locals as one of the best places to stay in the city.

Standard Room    
37 m² (398 ft²)
120 x 210 cm * 2 Bed    
180 x 210 cm * 1 Bed
Arranged with Standard Room + Rollaway Bed (100 x 210 cm)

Kyoto :

Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto

Near Shijo-karasuma, the heart of Kyoto, this luxury hotel is conveniently situated for sightseeing and shopping activities. In addition, all hotel rooms and banquet rooms feature free broadband internet access.

Superior Room    
36 m² (388 ft²)
120 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
160 x 200 cm * 1 Bed
Arranged with Superior Room + Sofa Bed (100 x 190 cm)

Osaka :

Imperial Hotel Osaka

Known as one of Osaka's best luxury hotels, the Imperial Osaka is located near Osaka Castle on the cherry tree-lined Okawa River in a relaxing, resort-like setting. Free shuttle service to Osaka Station is available as well as complimentary bikes to explore the area (10-min. ride to Osaka Castle).

Superior room    
30 ~ 38 m² (323 ~ 409 ft²)
N/A    
160 x 205 cm * 1 Bed
N/A
Regular Floor Standard Room    
30 m² (323 ft²)
105 x 205 cm * 2 Bed    
160 x 205 cm * 1 Bed
Arranged with Regular Floor Standard Room + Rollaway Bed (100 x 195 cm)
Edward L.
(01/21/2024) Edward L.

We have been with Supera and its sister company Signet Tours for three trips now, with the last one being the Kansai: Heart of Culture tour at the end of 2023. The tour is nothing but excellent. From their front office planning everything out, considering we have an extra stay in Tokyo, to the tour guide's excellent knowledge and personality, and the food. Oh my god, the food... my wife jokingly said that we are either eating or on our way to eat. I LOVE the pace of the tour, the rich and vibrant culture, and the fun activities we experienced. Supera/Signet is no doubt our one and only tour company we are ever going to go with. I would love to experience more of Japan with Junko. Thank you for the memories!

Edward L.
(01/21/2024) Edward L.

We have been with Supera and its sister company Signet Tours for three trips now with the last one at Kansai: Heart of Culture tour at the end of 2023. The tour is nothing but excellent. From their front office planning everything out considering we have an extra stay at Tokyo to the tour guide (Junko)'s excellent knowledge and personality and the food. Oh my god the food... my wife jokely said that we are either eating or on our way to eat. I LOVE the pace of the tour, the rich and vibrant culture, and the fun activities we experienced. Supera Tours and Signet is no doubt our one and only tour company we are ever going to go with. I would love to experience more of Japan with Junko.. Thank you for the memories!

Herman R.
(11/25/2019) Herman R.

Great itinerary with some unexpected goodies. Eriko is very knowledgeable and accommodating. She went above and beyond in taking care of us. Would recommend this tour with Eriko for anyone traveling to Japan. Eriko, thank you so much with our travel plans after the tours end. You saved us a lot of time, trouble and money. We wish you the very best!

Lily L.
(05/18/2019) Lily L.

This is our first visit to Japan and we selected Super Value due to high recommendations from a family friend, and am so glad we did. We travel a lot and this is the best tour we ever had. No enforced shopping. No rushing. We stayed in superb hotels and even a ryokan with hot springs. The itinerary was very well-planned; we could not have done it on our own. We especially thank Hui, our superb tour guide, who is a wonderful, patient lady...One of the members unfortunately got sick, and she did her best to take care of that person while guiding the entire group, even using her personal time to secure a doctor's appointment for that person within the day. At the end of the tour, she showed up at the airport to make sure our family had no problem with our return flight. Hui is a very professional, patient, and caring lady who treats EVERYONE in the group very well...I highly recommend Super Value Tour [now Supera Tours]!

Irene S.
(04/03/2019) Irene S.

...From the time I first contacted Super Value [now Supera Tours] to my flight home, this company is first rate and should be the standard all tour companies should strive to achieve. The sights, food and hotels were first class and exceeded my expectations. Sachi, the person I contacted to book the tours provided the best service...EVER!!!!...My tour guides were also first rate. Having gone on 2 tours, it was obvious to me every guide is thoroughly vetted and focused on taking care of their "guests"...The food, both quality and quantity, was superior and far better than other food I've had with other tour companies. I had extended my stay on one of the tours and they gave me cash (yen) to compensate me for the ride to the airport that I did not use at the end of the tour. I can't say enough positive things about this tour company...