Osaka

Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, is a key highlight of Kyoto. This architectural masterpiece, featured on the World Heritage list, is 3 storeys high, covered in pure gold leaf. The mirror reflection of the temple on the serene pond creates a striking scene; one that should feature in any world-traveller’s album. Enjoy an exterior view of the Temple.

Built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogun, Nijyo Castle has a solemn exterior, contrasting sharply with its beautiful interior. The Castle is famous for its cultural treasures from the 16th century, such as the Chinese Gate and the Ni-no-maru Garden.

The bright vermilion and blue-tiled Heian Shrine has enchanting gardens and ponds, reflecting the graceful life of Kyoto’s medieval court. The shrine was built in 1895 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto.

Seven storeys of traditional crafts, works of art, and souvenirs await you at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre.

Lunch is a combination of Western and Japanese-style cuisine, served at a local restaurant.

Osaka first gained prominence when Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a well known warlord, built Japan’s most magnificent castle here in the 16th century. Osaka Castle was destroyed by a series of fires throughout the ages. The present structure dates from 1931, and although not as large as the original, this is still one of Japan’s most famous castles. On display between the 1st and 7th floors are various weapons and armoury. A viewing platform on the 8th floor offers bird’s-eye-view of the city.

One of Japan’s most famous shrines is the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, headquarters of over 2,000 Sumiyoshi-sha Shrines nationwide. Over 3 million people visit this shrine at the beginning of a new year, and it is widely respected as the home of the guardian deity of sailors. Each of its sanctuaries has a straight roof - the oldest shrine architectural style, and all are designated as national treasures.

Kyoto served as the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years. The city has over 1,600 temples and several hundred shrines. During a drive around the city, you’ll pass the Heian Shrine, built in 1895 on the 1,110th anniversary of the Heian Capital foundation. You’ll see the Kamo River, running through the city centre and Nijyo Castle with its outer fortifications and moat. Other landmarks will come into view en route, such as the Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower, and Toji (East Temple).

No visit to Kyoto would be complete without seeing the famous Kinkakuji Temple, or Golden Pavilion. You’ll have the opportunity to take a photograph of this glorious building, its serene gardens and mirror-like lake (exterior view).

Seven storeys of traditional crafts, works of art, clothing and souvenirs such as dolls, paper lanterns, kites, and Japanese sandals await you at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre, the ideal place to purchase a souvenir of your visit.

Relax over a mixture of Western and Japanese-style lunch, which will be served in a local restaurant in Kyoto.

Travel to Kyoto to the Fushimi-Inari Taisha. The head shrine for 40,000 Inari-jinja shrines all over Japan; here people pray for success in business, good luck and better skills. Red torii gates lining the path are so close together they resemble a tunnel all the way to the top of Mount Inari, rising high within the grounds of the shrine.

Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where the unique mortise and joint structure of pillars and beams used no nails for the construction of the temple structure. The panoramic view (weather permitting) of Kyoto City from the balcony is magnificent.

Enjoy a Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant, before visiting Jisho-ji Temple. The two storey structure was built in 1489 during the Muromachi period by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. After his death the villa was converted to Ginkaku-ji Temple, the name meaning ‘Silver Pavilion’ after the temple which stands in the grounds. (exterior view) The garden is an outstanding example of Muromachi Period landscape architecture.

Embark on a scenic drive through Osaka, passing the Osaka Dome before heading to Kyoto.

Upon arrival you’ll visit the famed Kiyomizu Temple, known for its principal sanctuary, built on a steep cliff. Kiyomizu was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. Enjoy spectacular views of the city of Kyoto. Next, you’ll visit the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, a key highlight of Kyoto. This World Heritage architectural masterpiece is 3 storeys high and covered in pure gold leaf. The mirror reflection of the temple on the serene pond creates a striking scene; one that should feature in any world-traveller’s album. Have your camera at the ready as you admire exterior views of the Temple. Following your visit you’ll enjoy a Japanese style lunch at a local restaurant.

A unique experience awaits you, as you participate in a traditional tea ceremony and kimono wearing. You’ll have the opportunity to sample the traditional values of wabi (elegant stillness) and sabi (antiquated elegance with calm), which is essential to traditional Japanese art. Allow yourself to become absorbed into the serene lifestyle of ancient Japan.

Embark on a scenic drive south east to the Kobe’s Nada district. The area is famous for its sake production, due to the availability of high quality rice and water and its proximity to Kobe Port. With your guide, visit the Sake Brewery Museum, where you’ll be able to follow the brewing process and sample the unique taste of Sake.

Upon returning to Osaka you’ll visit the Umeda Sky Building - Floating Garden, for spectacular views of the city. Umeda Sky Building is 173 metres high and is formed by 2 skyscrapers connected by their top floors, creating a huge atrium. At the very top of the skyscraper, you’ll enjoy an outdoor Sky Walk, which affords 360-degree panoramic views (weather permitting).