Kansai Food and History
Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, scenic coastlines, fresh seafood, and vibrant urban cuisine.
Set out on an engaging eight-day journey through the cultural treasures, stunning landscapes, and culinary highlights of Osaka city and the Wakayama and Mie prefectures. This add-on package is perfect for enriching your Japan experience with extra depth, flavor, and adventure.
Delve into the sacred traditions of Mt. Koya, explore the historical charm of Nara, and journey to Mie Prefecture to enjoy its dramatic coastline and exceptional seafood. Conclude your adventure in Osaka, where each street offers a new culinary delight to savor.
Day 1 – Kyoto to Mt. Koya
Begin your journey at Kyoto Station and travel by train (via Osaka) to Mt. Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. Mt. Koya, or Kōyasan, is the heart of Shingon Buddhism, introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), one of Japan’s most revered religious figures. The mountain is also home to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum and serves as the start and endpoint of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
Mt. Koya features over 60 active Buddhist temples, many offering temple lodging (shukubo) where you can experience a monk’s lifestyle, including morning prayers. Dinner is included and features shojin ryori, traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine dating back to the 13th century—seasonal vegetables and wild plants prepared in a simple yet delicious and nutritious style.
Day 2 – Mt. Koya to Nara
Wake early for morning prayers and a traditional vegetarian breakfast. Take a morning stroll to Okunoin, the serene mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, before descending by cable car or train to Nara city.
Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, is home to the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, housing the colossal Great Buddha in the largest wooden structure in the country. For lunch, consider dining at the historic Nara Hotel, established in 1909 to host international government delegations.
In the afternoon, visit Kasuga Taisha, the shrine of the Fujiwara family founded in 768. Admire its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns and enjoy a peaceful garden walk. Overnight at a traditional ryokan, with dinner featuring Nara specialties such as pickled vegetables, soba noodles, and Kaki no Hazushi (marinated mackerel sushi).
Day 3 – Nara
After a traditional ryokan breakfast, explore the mountains surrounding Nara. Visit Mt. Shigi and Chogosonshi-ji Temple for stunning views, tranquil gardens, and seasonal flora. Overnight stays are possible at shukubo here.
Alternatively, visit Horyu-ji Temple, over 1,500 years old and home to the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures.
Day 4 – Nara to Ise and Futaminoura
Travel to Mie Prefecture and enjoy its scenic coastline. First stop is Ise on the Shima Peninsula, home to Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines, Ise Jingu, which are rebuilt every 20 years according to Shinto tradition.
Continue to Futaminoura, a charming seaside town. Visit the Meotoiwa, or “Wedded Rocks,” two sacred rocks connected by a shimenawa rope, symbolizing the union of husband and wife. Overnight at a seaside ryokan, with dinner showcasing fresh local seafood such as mussels, scallops, octopus, and oysters.
Day 5 – Futaminoura to Toba and Kashikojima
After breakfast, head to Toba, famous for pearl cultivation and home to the female free divers known as ama. Explore Mikimoto Pearl Island, a fascinating museum dedicated to pearls and their pioneering cultivation.
After a seafood lunch, continue to Kashikojima in Ago Bay, arriving at a comfortable seaside hotel. Dinner features southern Ago Bay delicacies, including spiny lobster, abalone, and other fresh shellfish.
Day 6 – Kashikojima to Osaka
Enjoy a morning walk along the bay before boarding a late-morning train to Osaka (approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, explore Umeda on foot and enjoy your first Osaka delicacy, ramen, at a local restaurant.
Visit the Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory for panoramic city views, then explore Osaka Castle and the beautiful Nishinomaru Garden, especially picturesque during cherry blossom season. Dinner can be enjoyed at a nearby sushi restaurant.
Day 7 – Osaka
Discover southern Osaka today. Begin in Shinsaibashi and Namba for shopping and souvenirs. Explore Nipponbashi (Den Den Town), famous for electronics and gaming.
Enjoy a lunch of okonomiyaki along Dotonbori Avenue. In the afternoon, visit Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium and nearby Tempozan Harbor Village, sampling street food like yakisoba and takoyaki.
End the day at Abeno Harukas skyscraper, dining at one of its high-floor restaurants for a memorable final evening in Osaka.
Day 8 – Osaka: Departure
Today concludes your Kansai journey. Transfer by airport bus or shared taxi to Osaka Kansai International Airport (approx. 60 minutes) for your flight back to Europe. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences, combining history, culture, and culinary delights across Kansai.
