Depart from the exclusive VIP waiting rooms of Osaka or Kyoto, heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Designated as an Important Cultural Property, the main shrine building contains five shrines together, these five pillars of Fushimi Inari Taisha are named for the great virtues of Inari Okami that they embody. Inari Okami is known as a deity of business prosperity, the prosperity of industries, the safety of households, safety in traffic and improvement in the performing arts. The 'Senbon Torii' or 1000 torii gates are donations by individuals and companies, and you will find the donator's name and the date of the donation inscribed on the back of each gate. Then you will head to Arashiyama, which changes with the seasons and you can enjoy the scenery any time of year, with cherry blossoms in the spring, boat festivals in the Summer, red leaves in Autumn and snow white mountains in the winter. Arashiyama is also filled with temples and shrines including the match-making Shrine you can visit, during your walk through the famed Bamboo grove. There are a variety of restaurants to choose right near the Togetsukyo bridge, including vegan and Halal. Proceed to the symbol of Kyoto, Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, also named Rakuon-ji: one of the most popular buildings in Japan. Finally, move on to Japan’s old capital, Nara: you will have the time to explore its park, cuddle the worldwide famous deer and enter the biggest wooden building of the planet, Todai-ji Temple, another UNESCO world heritage site. Here you will find yourself in front of Japan’s biggest Buddha statue, 15 meters tall.

Explore the hidden gem of Shinsekai with your guides and discover the real Osaka. Osaka’s Shinsekai district is a vibrant place combining modern and traditional cuisine. Fill your belly with some of the best food you will have in Japan. Discover hidden, original establishments which have been chosen by two local expert guides. Wander in and around the markets that serve traditional Osakan food for an authentic local experience.  Make your way to the first eatery, a takoyaki, or battered octopus balls, stall. Then visit an Izakaya restaurant and sample some authentic Osakan kitsune Udon along with japanese style chicken wings. Also taste the locally invented kushikatsu, which are lightly deep-fried vegetables, meats and seafood on skewers. Head off the beaten path and visit a cosy, traditional Japanese restaurant you will get dishes of mouthwatering nikudoufu or beef and tofu stew, original yakitori or skewered beef assortments, plus an alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage. Then visit specialized delicious gyoza dumpling establishment. The last dishes of the night will be at a unique Japanese eatery. Enjoy a tonpeiyaki, or pork omelette plus an abundance of edamame and karaage, Japanese fried chicken with spices. Another drink of your choice here is included. Finish off the night at a market eating Japanese castella cake shaped as the local mascot of Shinsekai.

Discover the world-renowned attractions at the Universal Studio Japan park in Osaka. Enjoy interacting with rides in 10-themed zones including the Mario and Harry Potter zones. Engage the whole family with Minion-themed attractions.  Experience the world's first Mario-themed area at the Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™ attraction which received two Thea Awards. Get lost in a magical world at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ attraction.  Make the little ones happy with attractions like the the "Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem" ride and the "Hello Kitty's Cupcake Dream ride." Have access to a variety of tasty foods and drinks at vendors in the park.  Play exciting games and win fantastic prizes that are themed after your favorite characters.

Begin by getting a feel for retro Osaka. Be transported back in time to a Japan barely recognizable. Jump into retro video game parlors, old-fashioned markets, and more. See how the locals entertain and are entertained by night, from games unique to Japan, to crazy fishing restaurants, to a peek in an Osakan theater. Your next stop will be within some of the most amazing back alleys you'll ever see. Interact with your surroundings, feeling the profound energy and history of the area. Sample 2 delicious side dishes from two different stalls here. A stone's throw and you're within an area filled with untouched, abandoned properties, which provides a truly surreal experience in the middle of the city. Afterwards, you'll have the option to walk through the red light district, or to skip it and go on a separate path.  This Taisho-Era red light district is incredibly preserved from that period, and consists of UNESCO-listed buildings important to Osakan culture. Finally, you'll have the option to eat a full dinner at a tasty, tradition restaurant after the tour has ended.  This tour is not necessarily recommended for all; if you are intrepid, well traveled, and seeking glimpse into an unfiltered, honest side of Osaka, it is a good choice for you. Note that this tour exposes the good, the bad, and everything in between. It includes taboo topics as well, which are very important in forming a complete picture of Japan and its people, such as Yakuza, sexism, war, illegal gambling, sex work, illicit businesses, pachinko, homelessness, welfare, and more. Note also that this tour will not go through the homeless district. Your guides are always respectful should people who are homeless also be traveling the same route as the tour.

Visit a traditional tea house located in Dotonbori in the hear of Osaka's Namba/Shinsaibashi district. Take part in a Japanese tea ceremony and taste delicious matcha tea. Listen as your instructor teaches you about the culture, traditions, and etiquette of the tea ceremony. Be shown how to make matcha (green powdered tea) whilst you drink matcha and eat delicious Japanese sweets. Learn from a tea master that has over 10-years experience making tea in a tea house like none other in Osaka. Children are also welcome, and caffeine-free matcha milk is provided. Take photos and videos during the authentic tea ceremony experience to capture memorable family moments.

Join this bus tour from central Osaka to visit the best of historical landmarks and natural beauty in one single day. Enjoy a relaxing bus transfer with guided commentary as you travel between the stops. Discover the most beautiful castle in Japan, Himeji Castle, and the Kouroen Former Residence Park. Visit Arima, known for it's historic hot springs. and Mount Rokko, a popular spot in the Kansai region, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and savor the tranquility of this mountainous retreat. This exciting journey will take you through some of Japan's most iconic destinations in just one day. Itinerary: 08:30 - Depart from Osaka Namba We will start our journey from VIP Villa Namba in Osaka. 10:00 - Himeji Castle Our first stop will be Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and one of Japan's national treasures. Also known as "White Heron Castle," it boasts impressive architecture and a rich history dating back centuries. 11:40 - Kouroen Former Residence Park After exploring Himeji Castle, we'll visit Kouroen Former Residence Park, where you'll have some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. 14:00 - Arima Onsen Excursion Next, we'll head to Arima Onsen, one of Japan's three famous hot springs. Relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters of this ancient onsen, known as the oldest hot spring in Japan. 16:00 - Mount Rokko Our final destination will be Mount Rokko, a popular spot in the Kansai region, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and savor the tranquility of this mountainous retreat. 18:30 - Return to VIP Villa Namba We'll wrap up the day and return to Osaka Namba, where our memorable journey ends. Join us on this unforgettable day trip and witness the captivating charm of Himeji Castle, the relaxation of Arima Onsen, and the enchantment of Mount Rokko. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the best of Japan in one day!

Osaka is known for great food, quirky characters and an urban history much longer than Tokyo's. Get under the skin of this unique city on this guided walking tour with a professional English-speaking guide.  Start off with a visit to Osaka Castle Park. You won't go inside the castle, but will get to admire the grand and imposing exterior, and will stroll around the surrounding park.  Here you'll learn about the history of Osaka and how it was almost robbed from the Japanese 400 years ago.  A quick train ride takes you to Tsuruhashi, to explore the maze of Korea Town. Explore the narrow streets and alleys of this pre-war commercial district.  Another quick journey by public transport will take you to modern Harukas building. Enjoy the view from one of the high floors, then head underground to explore the food hall of the department store underneath. See high quality products for sale like killer puffer fish and Kobe beef, amongst others.  Not far from Harukas is the traditional district of Shin-sekai. See the slightly crumbling local highlights, perfectly frozen in time.  Next, head to Namba, considered to be the center of Osaka's present-day shopping, dining, and entertainment culture. Visit Dotonbori, Osaka’s version of Times Square in New York, and explore the quirky back streets with their own individuality and surprises in store. You’ll visit Kuromon Ichiba, a fresh fish market that's played a pivotal role for more than 150 years.  Finally, explore Doguyasuji, a kitchen and cooking district. Look around at the wax food models, Japanese "noren" (curtains that hang at kitchen entrances) and giant pottery pieces. 

Ramen has become a world-famous Japanese dish alongside sushi. Gyoza is another Japanese dish that has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years. In Japan, it is standard to order ramen and gyoza as a set at a ramen shop. In this hands-on cooking class, you will make ramen and gyoza. Ramen is made from scratch using wheat noodles and chicken bones and dried sardines. There are many types of ramen, but in this cooking class, the most standard one is soy sauce ramen. You can add various toppings as you like, or add miso to the soup to make miso ramen. When you finish making it, you can eat your own original ramen that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Head out of Osaka or Kyoto on a day trip to Hiroshima to visit the sobering Atomic Bomb Dome, as well as the uplifting Itsukushima Shrine. Sit back and relax in a bullet train from your starting point, then enjoy the comfort of a tour bus while you visit Hiroshima. Meet your guide and head to your bullet train, also known as shinkansen, to make your way to Hiroshima. Once arrived, hop onto your tour bus to begin your visit of the city's main attractions and world heritage sites. First, make your way to the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. See and feel the weight of the effects of nuclear warfare firsthand, as you look at the derelict dome in front of you. Lunch is Authentic Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki which is topped with pork, cabbage, bean sprout and noodles (*in stated as included in the plan) Next, head back into the bus and make your way to catch the ferry to Miyajima Island. Once there, marvel at one of the most scenic sites in Japan, the Itsukushima Shrine. Stroll on the island, known as the historic site of Shinto, literally translated as "the way of the Gods", taking in the peaceful scenery. End your day by heading back to Osaka or Kyoto by bullet train.

Stroll through the streets of Shinsekai and see the "real" side of Osaka. Shinsekai, an area of Osaka that still holds its charm from more than a century ago, from when Japan opened up to the world. Enjoy local cuisine in a truly unique setting, mingling with the locals as the neon around you comes to life. With carefully selected restaurants awaiting your arrival, this tour is designed to showcase foods that can satisfy a foodies curiosity. Along with you, your fully bilingual who has lived in Japan for decades, will make your experience both relaxed and authentic. This tour will offer an assortment to make this evening memorable. First, you will try kushikatsu, a dish started in this very area and enjoy an assortment of lightly fried meat and vegetables on skewers. With a drink in your hand, also enjoy some delicious chicken wings and some edamame beans. After you are done there, swing round to a local takoyaki place, enjoying an array of flavours where you can choose which one is the best of the lot. Gyouza will be awaiting you next, these dumplings that have become a mainstay of the Japanese diet. Filled with pork and vegetables, enjoy! After that, head to a traditional yakitori restaurant, where you will try a variety of meats & vegetables on bamboo skewers, cooked slowly over a charcoal grill. Have a few more marinated vegetable dishes with another drink to wash it all down. As you walk through the area, your experienced guide will tell you stories of Shinsekai’s past, pointing out all the backstreets and hidden spots to make you feel like you are a local yourself. As you wander through to your last destination, ask anything you'd like to satisfy your curiosity of both Japan and Osaka. Your last stop on this tour will be a standing bar, where you will try two other traditional Japanese dishes, both oden and udon. Oden, a Japanese fast food of marinated vegetables and meats in a dashi broth and udon, wheat noodles in a dashi broth will be accompanied by another drink. If that isn't enough, a dessert will be awaiting you at the end!