Y-O-U japan

Mt.fuji
Yama Oto Umi

Discover Deep West 21 days

This is not a regular Kyoto and Osaka tour. You can enjoy and learn western part of Japan more deeply.
The itinerary is too long to your holidays? Of course we can arrange as your request.

Tour code PWOZ01

  • Aichi
  • Mie
  • WESTERN
  • Shiga
  • Osaka
  • Hyogo
  • Shimane
  • Kagawa
  • Ehime
  • Nara
  • Tottori
  • Wakayama
  • Kyoto
  • Okayama

Recommended staff

Takuma Ozawa

 Takuma Ozawa
  1. Day 1

    Arrival at Osaka(Kansai or Itami airport)

    After passing through the custom gate of the airport, you will meet your Japanese guide. Then take a car to hotel in Osaka.

    One of our recommended town to stay in Osaka is Nishinari.
    Nishinari used to know as a “Doyagai” in Japanese. The word “doya” itself originally referred to cheap boarding houses or flophouses where day laborers or transient workers would stay temporarily. However, in modern usage, “Doyagai” may also encompass entertainment areas or neighborhoods known for their nightlife, cheap eats, and vibrant atmosphere catering to a budget-conscious clientele.
    Today, there are some cozy hotels at the town too.

    We can arrange tour/meal according to your flight.
    [Meal: None / Stay: Osaka]

    • osaka sakamachi
    • osaka sakamachi
  2. Day 2

    Osaka Northern part+Namba+Dotombori

    In the begining, we take metro to The Osaka museum of housing and Living, where we go back to the past(about 200 years ago, Edo period).It is not a general museum that exhibits history, folklore, archeology, and art, but is Japan’s first specialized museum with the theme of housing that deals with themes ranging from “living” to “urban development”, with a focus on “housing”.

    Then we walk down Tenjinbashi-suji. It’s the longest straight arcade shopping street in Japan. We will have lunch here.

    At the end of the street, we reach to Osaka-Temmangu shrine.  It is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a famous scholar, poet, and politician of the Heian period (794-1185) who is revered as the deity of learning and academic success.

    In the evening, we enjoy the night at Dotombori , Ura-Namba or Ame-mura.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Osaka]

    • Osaka Temmangu
    • Osaka Temmangu
  3. Day 3

    Sumiyoshi Taisha + Sakai city tour

    In the morning, we visit Sumiyoshi Taisha. It is one of Japan’s oldest shrines established in the 3rd century, it honors four deities: a trio of sea gods and Empress Jingū herself.
    Since its founding, Sumiyoshi Taisha has been linked with the sea. People involved in fishing, shipping, and other maritime industries still come to pray at Sumiyoshi for safe voyages. The shrine offers spiritual protection for the port of Osaka, which was the main gateway to Japan’s historical capitals and the rest of the country until the late nineteenth century.

    *21th and 22 the of the Month or Second Sunday, we have chance to visit the flea market held in Shitenno-ji.

    After that, we go to Sakai, well known as the town of merchants.
    We visit a knife workshop to learn how to be made.

    And don’t forget to see the tomb of Emperor Nintoku, it’s  is the largest tomb in the world(464.124 square meters)!
    Also, we will visit the Sakai city museum and Daisen park.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Osaka]

    • Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • Sumiyoshi Taisha
  4. Day 4

    Enjoy Nara area + Ikoma

    At first, we visit Fujiwara-gu. It was the second imperial capital established in Japan for a brief period during the Asuka period (late 7th century).
    Today, the site is an archaeological and a designated historic site in Japan. Excavations have revealed the layout of the ancient capital, including the remains of government buildings, residences, and roads.

    After that, we go to Yoshino. Here we can enjoy beautiful scenery of Autumn leaves(usually November) and Cherry blossoms(usually end of March-beginning of April).
    Actually,  We call here as “Hitome Senbon“, it means a place where you can see a vast number of cherry blossom trees at a glance.

    On our way back to Osaka, we stop at Mt.Ikoma ans Ishikiri shrine.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Osaka]

    • yoshino
    • yoshino
  5. Day 5

    Enjoy some cultural experiences

    We go to Tamba-Sasayama, it is known for its rich history, traditional culture, and natural beauty.
    We try pottery workshops to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

    After that, visit a Sake factory in Nada. (Sake is Japanese rice wine, maybe you already know it though!) Of course we can enjoy Sake tasting there.

    If we have time, we spend some time in Mino to touch the nature.

    [Meal: Breakfast / Stay: Osaka]

    • Mino no Taki
    • Mino no Taki
  6. Day 6

    Koyasan

    Today, we leave Osaka for Koyasan.
    Koyasan(Mt.Koya) is a sacred mountain, one of the most important spiritual/religious sites in Japan. It offers a profound spiritual experience, stunning natural beauty, and a glimpse into Japan’s rich religious and cultural traditions. It is a place of pilgrimage and contemplation that continues to attract visitors seeking peace, enlightenment, and a deeper connection to the divine.

    In the mountain, we visit Kongobuji Temple and the Danjo Garan complex, and also Okunoin Cemetery, the final resting place of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. At the cemetery there are many tomb of Sengoku Warlords such as Oda-Nobunaga and Akechi-Mitsuhide, Takeda-Shingen and Uesugi-Kenshin, Date-Masamune and so on.

    Staying at Shukubo(Temple lodge) must be a unique experience. Visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of Buddhist monks. For example, to participate in morning prayers, dine on vegetarian Buddhist cuisine known as shojin ryori, and immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of the temple.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Koyasan]

    • Koyasan01
    • Koyasan02
    • Koyasan01
    • Koyasan02
  7. Day 7

    Enjoy Nachi + Kumano

    We go to Nachi and Kumano area(UNESCO). We can expect a combination of stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and opportunities for spiritual reflection and relaxation.

    Visiting places:
    *Nachi Falls (Nachi no Taki) and Seiganto-ji Temple: This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Japan, plunging 133 meters (436 feet) into the surrounding landscape. It’s considered sacred in the Shinto religion.

    *Kumano Nachi Taisha: This is one of the three grand shrines of Kumano and is located near Nachi Falls. It’s dedicated to Nachi-no-Otaki, the deity associated with the waterfall. The shrine is a place of worship and pilgrimage, and visitors can explore its beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings.

    *Kumano Kodo: This is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that connect various sacred sites in the Kii Peninsula, including Nachi and Kumano. These routes have been used for over a thousand years by pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment. Walking along these paths allows you to experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

    We will stay at Hotel Urashima. It is a hot spring resort with multiple indoor and outdoor baths, you can soak in the baths while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean, creating a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Nanki-Katsuura]

    • Kumano kodo
    • Nachi no Taku
    • Kumano kodo
    • Nachi no Taku
  8. Day 8

    Enjoy Toba

    In the morning, we visit the museum about whales and dolphins.

    Then go to Toba. It is a picturesque area known for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and delicious seafood. We take a Toba bay boat cruise.

    Also, we check Meoto-iwa, it is a pair of sacred rocks in the sea.  The 9-meter male rock and the 4-meter female rock are joined by a huge Shimenawa rope and people visit to pray for happy marriage and relationship luck.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Ise]

  9. Day 9

    Ise jingu

    Ise Jingu, also known as Ise Grand Shrine, is one of the most sacred and important Shinto shrines in Japan.
    It is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, one of the most important deities in Shintoism and the mythical ancestor of the Imperial family. The shrines at Ise Jingu are rebuilt every 20 years according to Shinto tradition, representing the concept of death and rebirth and the continuity of life.
    The shrine is actually a complex of shrines centered around two main sanctuaries: Naigu (Inner Shrine) and Gegu (Outer Shrine), we will visit both of them and Okage-yokocho( traditional shopping street leading to the shrine).

    After that, we go to Suzuka circuit where the F1 grand prix is held. It has museum, amusement park.

    We will stay at a traditional style Japanese inn with hot springs to be relaxed ourselves.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Yokkaisci]

  10. Day 10

    Meiji village

    After breakfast, we go to Meiji Mura(Meiji Village Museum), it is a unique open-air museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing historical buildings and cultural heritage from the Meiji period (1868-1912), a time of rapid modernization and westernization in Japan.

    Then we go to Kyoto by bullet train.
    If we have time before it, we will visit the Nagoya castle.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Snack, Dinner / Stay: Kyoto]

  11. Day 11

    Surrounding area of Kyoto

    Maybe you have already visited Kyoto, so we will take you some surrounding spots. For example:

    *Hieizan, Enryakji-temple(UNESCO)
    Enryaku-ji is a historic temple complex situated on Mt. Hiei and is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese Buddhism. Founded in the 8th century by the monk Saicho, it served as the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The temple complex consists of numerous buildings, pagodas, and shrines spread across the mountain slopes, you can learn about its history, religious significance, and influence on Japanese culture.

    *Uji
    Uji is closely associated with Japanese literature, particularly “The Tale of Genji” (Genji Monogatari), often considered the world’s first novel, written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. Many locations in Uji are mentioned in the novel, and visitors can explore sites associated with its story, such as Ujigami Shrine and Byodo-in Temple(both are on the Unesco world heritage).

    *Fushimi
    Fusshimi is not only for the shrine where the thousands of torii gate on the mountain. It is also famous for Sake. We visit Sake factories and enjoy Sake tasting there.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Kyoto]

    • genji monogatari
    • genji monogatari
  12. Day 12

    Enjoy Shiga + Ninja

    Today we go to the largest lake in Japan, lake Biwa. We visit some places around the lake such as Ukimido, Biwako-ohashi, Hikone castle.

    In the afternoon, you will visit Koka Ninja Village.
    It provides an entertaining and educational experience for visitors of all ages, allowing them to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of ninjas and explore the mysteries of ninja culture and history.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Kyoto]

  13. Day 13

    Northern part of Kyoto

    At first, we drive to north, Amanohashidate. It is a scenic sandbar located in Miyazu Bay, stretches for about 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) across the bay and is covered with approximately 7,000 pine trees. The trees create a lush green carpet that contrasts with the blue waters of the bay, making for a picturesque and serene landscape. It is considered one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, along with Matsushima Bay in Sendai/Miyagi and Miyajima in Hiroshima.

    After that, we go to Ine. There are many Funaya(boathouses) along the coast, they are still being used as living and working spaces.

    ONce again we will stay at an traditonal inn with hot springs in famous Kinosaki-Onsen.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Kinosaki]

    • Amanohashidate
    • Amanohashidate
  14. Day 14

    Discover Tottori

    After breakfast, we go to Tottori Sakyu, it is one of the largest sand dune formations in Japan, stretching along the coast of the Sea of Japan for approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) and reaching heights of up to 50 meters (164 feet).
    You can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, some activities such as sandboarding, sledding, camel rides, and dune buggy tours.

    Then we go to Sakaiminato. The city is the hometown of a amine writer Shigeru Mizuki,  we visit the museum dedicated to him including “Gegege no Kitaro”,  related yokai (supernatural creatures).

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Matsue]

    • sakaiminato
    • sakaiminato
  15. Day 15

    Enjoy Shimane: Matsue + Izumo

    Today, we explore 2 cities in Shimane prefecture.
    In the morning we visit Matsue castle. It is one of the twelve existing castle towers in Japan and has been preserved since it was bulit. Ot only the castle we also visit Matsue history museum.

    In the afternoon , we go to Izumo.
    According to Japanese mythology, Izumo is considered the land of the gods and the setting for many ancient tales and legends. It is believed that the gods gather in Izumo during the tenth month of the lunar calendar. This belief has contributed to Izumo’s reputation as a mystical and sacred place.
    Izumo Taisha is one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It is dedicated to the deity Okuninushi no Mikoto, who is believed to be the god of marriage and relationships.
    We will visit the Izumo history museum too.

    [Meal: Breakfast / Stay: Matsue]

    • Izumo Taisha
    • Izumo Taisha
  16. Day 16

    Explorer Okunoshima

    In the morning, we drive down to the south to Seto Inland Sea.
    Then take a short ferry ride to the island of Okunoshima.
    It is known as “Rabbit island”, about 600 rabbits welcome you.

    Despite its cute inhabitants, Okunoshima has a dark history. During World War II, the island was used as a top-secret chemical weapons manufacturing facility by the Imperial Japanese Army. Visitors can learn about this history at the Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum, which features exhibits on the island’s wartime activities and the impact of chemical weapons.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Okunoshima]

  17. Day 17

    Go to Ehime via Shimanami road

    We say good-bye to rabbits, then go to Matsuyama via Shimanami road, a scenic road in Japan that connects Japan’s main island of Honshu with the island of Shikoku, spanning the Seto Inland Sea.
    The road is designed to maximize scenic vistas, with numerous observation points and rest areas along the way.
    Not only driving, this road is also famous for cycling.

    We stay in Dogo-Onsen. It is famous for its historic bathhouses, particularly the main bathhouse known as Dogo Onsen Honkan. This three-story wooden building, with its distinct traditional architecture, is one of the symbols of Matsuyama and has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Visitors can soak in the same baths that have been enjoyed for centuries, surrounded by elegant interior decor and historical ambiance.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Dogo-Onsen, Matsuyama]

    • Dogo onsen
    • Dogo onsen
  18. Day 18

    Kompira-san

    Visiting Kompirasan, it is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity who is revered as the protector of sailors and travelers. The shrine complex located on the slopes of Mt Zozu. We ascend a series of stone steps, known as the “1,368 steps,”

    This prefecture is famous for its high-quality udon noodles, which are made from wheat flour and typically served in a savory broth with various toppings such as tempura, green onions, and fish cakes.
    We try to make Udon noodle as experience.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Marukame]

  19. Day 19

    Kurashiki + Himeji

    We drive to Kurashiki, it is famous for its well-preserved historic district, known as the Bikan Historical Quarter. The Bikan area features a picturesque canal lined with traditional Japanese-style buildings that have been converted into museums, galleries, cafes shops. We have a short break here for lunch.

    After that, we continue drive to the huge Himeji castle. It is one of the 12 castle towers still remains as original in Japan.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Himeji]

    • Himeji castle
    • Kurashiki
    • Himeji castle
    • Kurashiki
  20. Day 20

    Kobe, go back to Osaka

    After breakfast, we go to Kobe with a short stop at Akashi to try Akashi-yaki.
    It is similar to takoyaki, a popular dish made with a savory batter filled with octopus pieces, but Akashi yaki is typically added eggs, dashi (Japanese soup stock) too and served with dashi.

    Kobe is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known for its historical significance, cultural attractions, culinary delights, and scenic surroundings.

    After that, finally we go back to Osaka, enjoy yourself there.
    But never forget the farewell dinner. We will book a crab restaurant for you.

    [Meal: Breakfast, Dinner / Stay: Osaka]

    • kobe
    • kobe
  21. Day 21

    Return to home

    we send you to the airport according to your flight schedule.
    [Meal: Breakfast]