7 Days West Japan Food Tour - From Japan’s Kitchen Osaka to Food Capital Kyoto & Kobe Beef

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival at Osaka's Kansai International Airport, our representative will greet you with a sign bearing your name right at the arrivals gate. Then drive about 1 hour to your carefully selected hotel in Kyoto. Check into your hotel and take some time to settle in and refresh. The rest of today is free for you to explore the local surroundings at your own pace.

Kyoto, located in the Kansai region of the country, was once the capital of Japan. It epitomizes ancient Japan and is famous for tranquil temples, exquisite gardens, colorful shrines, grand imperial palaces, and ornate castles. Boasting 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and more than 400 Shinto shrines, Kyoto is among the world's most culturally rich cities. It's also known for traditional Japanese arts and practices, such as tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining (a traditional multi-course meal), and ikebana (flower arranging). It remains one of the best places to see geishas, who are traditional Japanese female entertainers known for their refined skills in arts, music, dance, and conversation.

Arrival Ideas:
1.By Flight: Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main international gateway to the Kansai region of Japan. It hosts direct flights from major cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. In addition to international routes, KIX offers a wide range of domestic flights connecting Osaka with major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Sapporo, Okinawa, and Fukuoka. Osaka International Airport, commonly known as Itami Airport (ITM), is located closer to Osaka and primarily handles domestic flights.
2.By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Shin-Osaka Station is the city’s shinkansen station.  It can be reached via a short train ride from major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka, making it a convenient option if you’re traveling from other parts of Japan.

Free Time Ideas in Kyoto
1.Evening Stroll Along the Kamo River: This river flows through the city and provides walking paths with beautiful views. Many cafes and restaurants along the river have terraces, perfect for a relaxing end to your day.
2.Walk the Philosopher's Path: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a stone path lined with cherry trees that follows a canal in northeastern Kyoto. This path is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season but offers a serene experience year-round.

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, and also food capital of Japan. First visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, then enjoy Kyoto food tour at Yasaka Shrine for Fugu cuisine & Gion for Izakaya (sake).

Start morning in Kyoto bright and early at one of its most iconic sites - the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to beat the crowds. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, known as Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”). Layers upon layers of vermilion torii gates line the lush, wooded hillside, forming a seemingly endless corridor. The vibrant orange and black gates contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery, creating a visually stunning and almost otherworldly path that is highly photogenic.

Fushimi Inari Taisha was founded in the early 8th century (711 AD) and is primarily dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, sake, agriculture, and industry. As you explore the shrine, you will encounter hundreds of fox statues. Said to be the messengers of the god Inari, who is associated with cereal grains, these fox statues often symbolize the deity. Many of these fox statues are depicted holding a key in their mouths, which is said to open the granary.

Tips: Hiking to the summit of the mountain and back will take two to three hours, but many people go only as far as the Yotsutsuji intersection because there are fewer torii gates beyond this point. It will take 30 to 40 minutes to reach Yotsutsuji.

Next, visit Kiyomizudera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on the hillside of Eastern Kyoto, this temple is renowned for its wooden stage that juts out over the hill, providing stunning views of the city and the surrounding nature. The temple's main hall, constructed entirely without the use of nails, is an architectural marvel. Kiyomizu-dera is also celebrated for its sacred waters, which are believed to have wish-granting powers that draw countless visitors who come to drink from its stream. Don’t miss the Hondo (Main Hall), Jishu Shrine, the Otowa Waterfall, and the spiritual experience of the Tainai-Meguri room.

Tips: The scenery at Kiyomizu-dera Temple is distinctively beautiful in each season, offering a unique charm year-round. In spring, the mountains are adorned with charming cherry blossoms; in summer, they are lush with vibrant greenery; in autumn, they are decorated with brilliantly colored leaves; and in winter, they are filled with enchanting trees.

Then, walk up the well-preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. These charming, sloping streets are lined with traditional shops and quaint tea houses, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Kyoto's past. As you stroll through these areas, you can shop for unique crafts, sample local snacks, and perhaps stop at a café to relax and soak in the atmosphere of old Kyoto.

Continue to Yasaka Shrine, the guardian shrine of the Gion entertainment district, which dates back over 1350 years. Yasaka Shrine is particularly favored by those seeking beauty and wealth. Visiting this significant Shinto shrine in Kyoto, you may also find yourself gaining some good luck. The shrine is most famous for its Gion Matsuri in July, during which you can witness the procession where the deities of Yasaka are paraded through the city streets.

Adjacent to the shrine, Gion is Kyoto's famous geisha district. Here, you might catch a glimpse of Geisha (Geiko) in their elaborate kimonos and traditional makeup. As you wander through the cobblestone streets of Gion, take a moment to appreciate the beautifully preserved machiya (wooden townhouses), ochaya (teahouses), and exclusive ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants). Gion is particularly enchanting at dusk when the lanterns are lit and geishas and maiko (apprentice geishas) make their way to evening appointments, making the narrow lanes come alive.

For foodies: Yasaka Shrine area is great for fugu cuisine. Nearby traditional kaiseki restaurants serve premium fugu, blending delicate flavors with the shrine’s cultural ambiance—ideal for a refined culinary experience. Gion’s charming streets are dotted with cozy izakayas offering sake, yakitori, and Kyoto-style small bites. 

Stay overnight in Kyoto.

Optional Activities:
1.Join a Geisha Experience. It offers a chance to see a performance by a geisha, experience the tea ceremony, and learn all about its artful rituals.
2.Kyoto traditional kimono experience. Wear a traditional kimono and stroll through scenic districts like Gion or around Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. Enjoy photo opportunities and the feel of traditional Japan.

Today, you will visit 2 world Heritage Sites Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nijo Castle (World Heritage) before your Kyoto Food Tour at Nishiki Market.

This morning, you will visit one of Kyoto's most iconic sights, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) - a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Zen Buddhist temple is famous for its stunning golden exterior. The temple's stunning visual appeal comes from its top two floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden structure shimmering in the pond in front of it, makes it perfect for photos and quiet reflection. It was originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After Yoshimitsu's death, as per his will, the villa was converted into a Zen temple by his son.

Next, head to Nijo Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage site, to delve deeper into Japan’s feudal history. Constructed in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, its expansive grounds and ornate architecture highlight the power and wealth of the dominant samurai clans during the Edo period (1603-1867).

The castle features two concentric rings of fortifications, each consisting of a wall and a wide moat. After passing through the grand Kara-mon (gate), you will enter Ninomaru Palace, which is divided into five buildings with numerous chambers. The interiors are adorned with masterful paintings by the Kano school, reflecting the cultural and artistic heritage of the era. The castle is renowned for its "nightingale floors," (that sing and squeak at every move, making it difficult for intruders to move about quietly), designed as a security measure against intruders. Don’t miss the excellent Ninomaru Palace Garden, which was designed by the tea master and landscape architect, Kobori Enshu.

For foodies: Head downtown to visit Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto’s Kitchen." This vibrant market is the perfect place to sample a variety of local dishes, such as cute Japanese sweets wasabi salt, fresh sashimi skewers to tako tamago (small octopus head stuffed with a quail egg on a stick). Enjoy browsing through the stalls and trying different Kyoto delicacies. 

Today, you will depart from Kyoto to Osaka. Along the way, you will visit Uji & Nara to make the most of your day.

Driving to Uji takes about 40 minutes. Uji is renowned for its green tea and is the perfect spot to delve into traditional Japanese tea culture. In the 7th century, Buddhist monks introduced green tea from China to Japan. Initially, monks ground the leaves into a powder to help them stay awake during long periods of meditation. It wasn't until the Kamakura period (1192-1333) that it became a popular beverage. Gradually, green tea powder became a vital ingredient in the tea ceremony, especially popular among the aristocracy.

Visit Byodoin Temple, a Buddhist temple from the Heian period, now listed as a World Heritage Site. Its most famous structure, the Phoenix Hall, is depicted on the Japanese ten-yen coin. Inside the hall, you can find many valuable artworks and relics, including a designated National Treasure, and the statue of Amida Buddha.

The street leading to Byodoin Temple, spanning 300 meters, is Uji's busiest Matcha street, lined with restaurants on both sides. No matter what delicacy you indulge in - be it ice cream or sweets - the unique aroma of green and roasted tea permeates the air. Japan's oldest tea shop is located in Uji.

Uji also has a river sharing the city’s name, the Uji River, which divides the town in two. You can take a leisurely stroll along the river, and visit Uji Bridge, an important setting in the Tale of Genji, now one of Kyoto’s most romantic spots.

Uji Tea Ceremony For Foodies (Optional/Self-pay): If you want to experience the joy of tea-making firsthand, consider joining a tea workshop in Uji. Learn how to prepare tea, how to grind matcha to perfect fineness, and sample different tea beverages.

After finishing your tour of Uji, head to Nara, just 50 minutes away. Nara holds a special place in Japanese history as the country's first permanent capital, predating Kyoto. Nara boasts eight World Cultural Heritage sites, making it Japan's second most culturally rich city after Kyoto.

Visit Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most historically significant temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for housing the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, which stands just over 16m high and consists of 437 tonnes of bronze and 130kg of gold. It represents Vairocana Buddha and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas. Todaiji's main hall, Daibutsu-den (Big Buddha Hall), is one of the world’s largest all-wood buildings, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two-thirds of the original temple hall's size.

Walk to Nara Park, adjacent to Kasuga Taisha. This park is famous for its hundreds of freely roaming deer, considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition. Purchase some shika senbei (deer crackers) to feed the deer as you stroll through the park.

Head to Kasuga Taisha (Kasuga Grand Shrine), Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its lanterns, which have been donated by worshippers. Hundreds of bronze lanterns can be seen hanging from the buildings, while thousands of stone lanterns line its approach and the surrounding woods. These lanterns are lit twice a year during the Lantern Festivals in February and August, creating an ethereal and mesmerizing atmosphere.

After the tour, drive to Osaka (typically takes around 50 minutes) and stay overnight.

Enjoy Kobe Food Tour from Osaka, Explore Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum (Kobe Sake Brewery Tour), Sannomiya Station (Kobe Beef Tour), Meriken Park (view modern landmarks of Kobe), and Nankinmachi (Chinatown Food Tour).

Explore Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum at Nada Sake District. Sake is fermented rice in Japan and the Nada Sake District is one of the biggest producers of the alcoholic beverage. It has been an area where sake has been made since around the 17th century.

The Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum is an excellent destination to explore sake culture! This museum, transformed from a sake brewery in the early 1900s, vividly presents the entire traditional sake brewing process through scaled dolls and scenes. The two-story exhibition area meticulously showcases every step of sake production, from rice selection and steaming to fermentation, with real tools and video explanations, making visitors feel as if they have traveled back in time to a brewery of the past.

The museum not only provides a variety of sake but also offers unique products like cosmetics made from sake lees. What sets it apart is the complimentary tasting of freshly squeezed unpasteurized sake - retaining the original rice fragrance and freshness, providing a refreshing and unique taste experience. Before you leave, don't forget to try the sake lees ice cream, where the rich rice fatty aroma intertwines with a sweet and delicious flavor!

At lunchtime, you can explore the streets around the Sannomiya Station (神户三宫站), which is famous for locals to enjoy the famous Kobe Beef and other delicious Japanese food. Kobe Wagyu Beef is incredibly famous! It is known for its delicate texture, beautiful marbling, and rich, flavorful taste, often referred to as the "Rolls-Royce of Beef." (PS: The name "Kobe" actually comes from here—his father, Joe Bryant, dined at a Japanese restaurant in Philadelphia, where he particularly enjoyed the Kobe beef and decided to name his son "Kobe".)

In the afternoon, time to explore Meriken Park (美利坚公园). Meriken Park used to be a dedicated port for foreign steamships, but in 1987, it was transformed into a seaside park specifically to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Kobe Port's opening. The term "Meriken" in the name is a phonetic translation of "American" during the Meiji era. One of the park's most popular spots is the "BE KOBE" photo spot, established to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Kobe Port's opening. The park also houses the Kobe Maritime Museum, designed to resemble a ship just setting sail with its sails raised, which is quite interesting. The park offers a great vantage point for viewing the Kobe Port Tower, a Kobe landmark standing at 108 meters tall. You can climb to the top observation deck for panoramic views of the entire cityscape (self-pay). A section of the park also preserves a damaged pier from the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake as a memorial to the disaster, reminding everyone to cherish the present.

After a stroll, you can take a break with a cup of coffee before exploring the modern art installations and sculptures within the park, enjoying a relaxing walk in the sea breeze. In the evening, the park hosts a light show accompanied by music and fountains, creating a romantic atmosphere.

At last, stroll to Nankinmachi for a China Food Tour. Nankinmachi is a vibrant Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns in Japan. The district features traditional Chinese-style buildings, creating a distinctive atmosphere and is home to a wide variety of Chinese restaurants serving authentic dishes from different regions of China. Enjoy your Chinese food adventure.

At last head back to Osaka for overnight.

Osaka, Japan's third-largest city and a major economic hub, is renowned for its rich history, diverse cuisine, distinctive culture, and robust economic strength. The city's unique sense of humor and open personality make it an exceptionally interesting place, more colorful than most cities. Acres of concrete are covered with dazzling neon lights and brightly colored storefronts. Osaka is a city that loves to eat, known as the "nation's kitchen." It boasts a wide variety of culinary delights.

Sample for your fee day Food Exploration:

Start your free day at Osaka Castle Park, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of Osaka’s historical grandeur. Originally built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful daimyo who aimed to unify Japan, it was the largest castle of its time. After multiple renovations and reconstructions, today's Osaka Castle has been transformed into an open park, covering a total area of 105.6 hectares, making it a must-visit attraction.

Walking into the scenic area of Osaka Castle, you'll be amazed by the massive scale and precision of the moats, gates, and stone walls. The largest stone slab is 11 meters wide, and many stones are inscribed with the crests of the 64 daimyō (feudal lords) tasked with the castle’s construction back in 1620. The most breathtaking feature is the Main Tower (Tenshukaku) of Osaka Castle, which stands tall against the sky at the center of the extensive castle grounds. The castle tower's interior is a museum showcasing artifacts related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the castle's history. The observation deck on the 8th floor offers a panoramic view of Osaka Castle Park and the Osaka Plain.

In the afternoon, explore Osaka Food Streets: 

1.Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street: Osaka’s ultimate foodie paradise! Neon-lit streets buzz with energy, offering takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (fried skewers). Endless stalls, lively crowds, and bold flavors make it a must for a culinary adventure!

2.Dotonbori: As the heart of Osaka's culinary scene, it's famous for its vibrant street food culture. Besides, must-try local dishes such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, you can also try fugu sashimi (pufferfish), Ramen, Crab Delicacies, or takoyaki-style hotdogs.

3.Kuromon Market: This 190-year-old market, known as "Osaka's kitchen," is a fantastic food tour spot (fresh seafood). Dive into ultra-fresh sashimi, crispy takoyaki, and sweet tamagoyaki (egg rolls). Don’t miss grilled scallops, unagi (eel), oden, or unique Japanese sweets.

It is time to end your unforgettable 7 Days Japan Food Tour. Your driver will ensure a smooth transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your departure flight.

Trip Extension: If you'd like to extend your adventures in Japan, consider exploring other notable regions like Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, etc. Feel free to contact us to customize your extended itinerary.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your tour of Asia. We are dedicated to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey home!