Travel restrictions are constantly changing. Please check the latest travel advice before you book and travel.

  • Osaka
  • Ise-Shima
  • Nara
  • Kyoto

DURATION

7 days / 6 nights

TOUR TYPE

Group
Max 16 people

TRANSPORTATION

Bullet Train + Limited Express + Local Train + Private Coach + Ferry

PRICE (Per Person)

from$4,800AUD

TOUR CODE: YAB

Overview

Fun-filled family experience in Kansai, Japan!

Safe, clean, and endlessly fascinating. It’s no wonder that Japan is one of the world’s top family travel destinations.
On this tour, discover the charms and sights of the Kansai region. Show your family a slice of real Japanese culture at the World Heritage sites of ancient Kyoto and Nara plus a memorable stay at an authentic Japanese ryokan inn in Ise-Shima.
Travel in comfort on Kintetsu’s extensive rail network and Shimakaze, Kintetsu’s premium sightseeing train!
In the buzzing metropolis of Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, you can share in the thrills and spectacle of Universal Studios Japan and the energy of chaotic Dotonbori at night. The fun doesn’t let up there. You’ll even visit a Japanese movie theme park with ninja and samurai activities and see one of Japan’s largest aquariums. It’s a tour that has something for everyone!
Embark on an unforgettable holiday with our fully escorted tour; it’s the perfect balance of old Japan and new Japan that the whole family will love.

  • Kid-friendly itinerary
  • Fully escorted by our local English-speaking tour escort
  • Groups no larger than 16 people. Receive individual care and attention
  • Perfect for train lovers. Unique limited express trains included
  • Carefully selected 4-star accommodation
  • Hassle-free, no need to carry heavy luggage!
  • Universal Studios Japan ticket included

Highlights


Itinerary

 
DAY 1Osaka

Welcome to Osaka, a thriving metropolitan city.

  • Meals: Dinner
  • Stay: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka (Premium Twin)

Welcome to Osaka, the second-largest city in Japan!
Your tour escort will greet you at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka.*
After checking in to the hotel, a private bus will take you to Osaka Castle, one of the most famous landmarks in Osaka. Complete with golden ornaments and a green copper roof, its majestic appearance is an iconic part of the Osaka skyline. Enjoy the spectacular view from the castle tower before visiting the on-site museum, where you’ll learn why Osaka Castle has played such an important role in Japan’s history through its engaging historical displays.
We will then take you 300 metres high above Osaka to Abeno Harukas, Japan’s tallest skyscraper. Take in the stunning 360° panoramic views over Osaka in the evening from the Observation Deck. You will also be treated to a welcome dinner.
*Please arrive at the hotel by 3 pm. If you arrive at Osaka-Itami Airport in the morning, the tour escort can meet you between 9 am and 11 am to assist you in getting to the hotel.


 
DAY 2Osaka > Nara > Osaka

Ancient Nara and the spectacle of Dotonbori

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Stay: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka (Premium Twin)

Today, we’ll take a short ride to Nara, once Japan’s ancient capital.
Entering Nara Park, you’ll be greeted by the first of many friendly deer that wander freely throughout the park. They’ll be especially interested in you if you buy some deer crackers from one of the vendors!
Nara Park is home to one of the country’s most important cultural monuments – Tōdai-ji Temple. Tōdai-ji houses a 15-meter tall bronze Buddha inside what was formerly the world’s largest wooden building. It is an awesome sight.
We’ll also visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine. This shrine is known for the hundreds of bronze lanterns hanging from the interior and stone lanterns surrounding the structure. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
We are thrust back into the 21st century as we return to Osaka and take a short tour of Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s most iconic areas. Dotonbori is an energetic, chaotic blur of neon lights, people, outrageous oversized restaurant signs with food, food and more food! Sample street food like takoyaki before okonomiyaki for dinner, Osaka’s most beloved dish.

 
DAY 3Osaka

Thrilling rides and movie attractions at Universal Studios Japan

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Stay: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka (Premium Twin)

Here’s what the kids have been waiting for – a day of rides and attractions based on blockbuster Hollywood movies at the Universal Studios Japan!
We will arrive just before opening time so you can try the most popular attractions and rides before they get too busy!
Universal Studios Japan has ten epic sections to explore: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and newly introduced Super Nintendo World™.
Give it your best shot and try and visit them all! You’ll also experience unforgettable character encounters, unique restaurants, and live entertainment at every corner.
It’s a day full of action-packed entertainment all in one place at Universal Studios Japan!

© Mie Photo library
DAY 4Osaka > Ise-Shima

Scenic train journey to Ise

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Stay: Kashikojima Hojoen (Japanese style room)

Pack an overnight bag as we head off for a trip to Ise-Shima!*
Sit back and enjoy the comfort of Shimakaze, a limited sightseeing express train with deluxe seating and café car. Watch the stunning landscape roll by from the extra-large windows.
Stepping off the train in Ise, we’ll stroll through Okage Yokocho, a street that recreates the townscape of Edo-era Japan, offering lots to see and eat. Try the classic Ise gourmet favourites and shop Ise’s local specialties.
After visiting the sacred Ise Grand Shrine, we’ll head to Kashikojima and check in to a luxury ryokan – a Japanese-style inn. The kids will love the novelty of sleeping on the floor of your traditional room with tatami mats and futons. Relax in the revitalising open-air garden bath with a natural hot spring while overlooking Ago Bay.
Tonight’s dinner features a multi-course kaiseki meal sourced from Iseshima’s fresh local ingredients.
A night in a ryokan provides excellent insight into traditional Japanese hospitality!
* Your main luggage will be transferred from Osaka to the hotel in Kyoto.

©志摩マリンレジャー
DAY 5Ise-Shima > Kyoto

Discover Ise-Shima

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (Large twin)

After waking up to a spectacular view of Ago Bay, we begin the day with a 50-minute sightseeing cruise of the bay. While cruising, we’ll make a short stop at a pearl factory that Ise is famous for, before visiting Toba Aquarium.
Toba Aquarium is home to Japan’s most extensive collection of marine life. The aquarium features 12 zones that recreate the natural environments of its 25,000 inhabitants. With over 1,000 unique species on display, you’re bound to discover a creature from the deep that you’ve never seen before! You can choose your own path to explore the aquarium, but we highly recommend their popular sea lion and walrus shows.
After finishing up the aquarium, it’s time to board the Shimakaze train and move on to Kyoto in comfort.
We arrive at Kyoto Station, where our hotel is conveniently located just across the road.
We’ll visit a nearby shopping centre for dinner, where we’ll try shabu shabu, a hearty Japanese hot pot dish. After dinner, do a little shopping at this shopping centre that’s popular with locals.

 
DAY 6Kyoto

The highlights of Kyoto

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (Large twin)

Today, a private coach will take you on a sightseeing tour of Kyoto’s most iconic sights.
In the morning, we will visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites. We’ll start with Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its winding pathway lined with thousands of vermillion torii gates that leads to the mountain top, followed by Kinkakuji, known as the Golden Pavilion. Both are must-see sights in Kyoto.
After moving on to Arashiyama, we will glide through stunning bamboo forests to the picture-perfect Moon Crossing Bridge by rickshaw, Japan’s traditional man-powered mode of transportation. Take in the natural beauty of Arashiyama while enjoying the ride.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit TOEI Kyoto Studio Park. The park is a working film set where over 200 Edo-era themed movies are filmed each year. The set accurately recreates a street scene from the Edo era where you can enjoy many attractions, including filming demonstrations, ninja performances, a 3-storey ninja maze, a 360° 3D theatre and a haunted house claiming to be one of the scariest in Japan. To complete the experience, the kids can also dress up as a prince or samurai here!
After a seasonal sushi kaiseki dinner, let us take you on a night stroll of the Gion area, one of Kyoto’s traditional geisha districts. Walking along the Kamo River with its charming bridges illuminated by lanterns is a great way to glimpse the classical side of Japan. If you’re lucky, you might even see a real maiko!

 
DAY 7Kyoto

Last day of the tour – see you again!

  • Meals: Breakfast

On our final day, we will visit the Kyoto Railway Museum. This museum is home to over 50 Japanese trains from the early days of steam locomotives to the Shinkansen bullet train. Not only you can learn about the beginnings and growth of Japan’s railway network and the development of the Shinkansen, but there are plenty of activities for the kids to try.
After experiencing the joy of travelling Japan by rail on your tour, we think everyone will enjoy the museum – not just train enthusiasts!
After returning to the hotel for lunch, our tour comes to an end. Reminisce with your family and fellow travellers about your trip highlights while making plans on what to explore next time. We hope to see you again!


Accommodation

© Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Osaka

Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka

Premium Twin

Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, operated by Kintetsu Miyako Hotels, provides a hassle-free travel experience. Your high-quality, contemporary room has all the essentials for a comfortable stay.

© Kashikojima Hojoen
Ise-Shima

Kashikojima Hojoen

Japanese style family room

Kashikojima Hojoen is an authentic Japanese ryokan-style accommodation that boasts beautiful Japanese architecture with a breezy three-story atrium garden. Enjoy a spectacular view of Ago Bay from your room, and relax in the natural hot spring and outdoor garden baths.

© Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
Kyoto

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

Large Twin

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo is just a two-minute walk from Kyoto Station, the transportation hub of Kyoto. Enjoy a comfortable room while the hotel’s courteous and hospitable staff will welcome and treat you warmly.

Inclusions

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • Meals: Daily breakfast, 1 x lunch, 5 x dinners
  • English-speaking tour escort thoughout the tour
  • Transportation: Kintetsu limited express trains, local train, chartered coach, ferry tickets, and private taxi from dinner restaurant to the hotel on Day 2
  • All admission tickets as per the itinerary
  • Luggage transfer from Osaka to Kyoto on Day 4

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Transfers outside the tour itinerary
  • Hotel incidental charges
  • Drinks during meals
  • Entrance fees to museums, temples and other attractions or places of personal interests not detailed in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, shopping
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa not included if required (note: Visa to enter Japan is not required for Australian citizens for trips less than 90 days)

Dates & Prices

For 2022 departure

Start Date – End Date

09 January – 15 January

(TOUR CODE: YAB09012S)

Accommodation

Twin-Share Base (Osaka/Kyoto), 4 in 1 room (Ise)

Price per person

$4,830

(Standard Price)

Availability

Available

Start Date – End Date

16 January – 22 January

(TOUR CODE: YAB16012S)

Accommodation

Twin-Share Base (Osaka/Kyoto), 4 in 1 room (Ise)

Price per person

$4,800

(Standard Price)

Availability

Available

Group size: Min 6 people / Max 16 people

*Please contact us for our solo traveller rates and triple-share rates.

*Children 6–11 years old pricing: $200 less than the Standard Price.

*Children 12–15 years old pricing: $50 less than the Standard Price.

*This tour is designed for children aged 6 years old and up. However, we can cater to younger children. Please send us an enquiry for further pricing information.

Important Information

  • Please kindly note that, due to COVID-19, the schedule is subject to change.
  • There will be a moderate amount of walking during the tour.
  • Travel restrictions are constantly changing. Please check the latest travel advice before you book and before you travel.

Terms & Conditions

Please read our General Booking Terms & Conditions


About Kintetsu

In Australia

Kintetsu International Express (Oceania) is an ATAS accredited travel agent in Australia, a member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents. In Australia, we specialise in arranging Corporate and Group Travel for businesses, schools, religious groups and cultural organisations. We have Travel Centres in Sydney and Melbourne serving our Australian customers and offices in Cairns, Gold Coast and Auckland handling Japanese inbound tours. We are also an authorised travel agent to sell Japan Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass in Australia

In Japan and Worldwide

Kintetsu International belongs to the travel arm of the Kintetsu Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate which operates a major Japanese rail system, bus & freight forwarding companies, department stores, restaurants & hotel chains. We have more than 150 offices in Japan and more than 40 overseas offices worldwide. Utilising our global network, we guide our customers to every location around the globe with quality and dependable services.