Kansai Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,827 reviews)- Choose from 39 Kansai tours
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The best Kansai tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaKansai travel expert at TourRadar
- Legend of Japan
- Discover Japan on a Budget: 8-Day Ultimate Starter
- Japan's Big Four 11 Days
- Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
- Japan in a Week (8 Days)
- Independent Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka City Stays
- Japan Highlights (3 destinations)
- Best Japan Family Tours with Daily Start, No Group
- Japan: Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Trek (6 destinations)
- Japan - EXPO Osaka
Legend of Japan
186 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was fantastic. The views and history were amazing.”
Marie, traveled in March
Kansai's treasures unfold from Osaka Castle's historic grounds to Kyoto's Gion district. Traditional Koyasan temples offer overnight stays, while activities include samurai skill workshops and visits to the iconic Fushimi Inari shrine. The tour highlights authentic cultural experiences and local culinary adventures.
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Osaka, Koya-san, Kyoto, Hakone Age Range up to 39 year olds Operator TruTravels From
- US$2,495
Your base at Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto and Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka puts you in the heart of Kansai. The UNESCO Fushimi Inari Shrine awaits exploration, while audio guides enhance local cuisine experiences with convenient transportation provided.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
- US$1,258
Kansai's cultural richness comes alive through Kyoto's temples including Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari, while Osaka's vibrant Dotonbori district showcases modern Japan. Traditional tea ceremonies and local cuisine represent the ancient capital's heritage.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
- US$2,233
The cultural heritage of Kansai spans from Kyoto's Imperial Palace to Nara's Todaiji Temple. The traditional Gion district and vibrant Dotonbori in Osaka showcase regional contrast. Quality hotels provide comfortable bases throughout the journey.
Duration 5 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
- US$1,556
Japan in a Week (8 Days)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Contiki knocked it out of the park 10/10.”
Bryan, traveled in April
Kansai's finest attractions range from Kyoto's Golden Pavilion to Osaka's Dotonbori street food paradise. Nara's Great Buddha, geisha spotting in Gion district, and optional Universal Studios visits create a perfect blend of traditional and modern Japan.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $2,015
10% Off- US$1,814You save $201
Independent Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka City Stays
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything ran like clockwork. Very well done.”
Peter, traveled in September
This 9-day private tour through Kansai costs approx. $560 per day. Highlights include Kyoto's Kinkakuji Temple and Gion district, plus Osaka Castle and the vibrant Minami entertainment area. Stays at Kyoto Century Hotel and Imperial Osaka include expert guides and 3 authentic Japanese lunches.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus From
10% Off- US$5,029
Discover Kansai's treasures from Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine to Osaka's Kuromon Market. Experience traditional sake brewing, explore the historic Gion district, and enjoy local street food in Dotombori.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,880
10% Off- US$3,492You save $388
Best Japan Family Tours with Daily Start, No Group
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Japan is an enchanting country. Well worth seeing!”
Brynn, traveled in July
From Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Temple to Osaka's Dotonbori district, Kansai's cultural heritage shines. Visits include Nara's Great Eastern Temple and the traditional streets of Sannenzaka, while Kuromon Market offers local life experiences.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Agate Travel From $4,559
20% Off- US$3,647You save $911
Sacred sites dot the landscape from Kyoto's Ginkaku-ji to Osaka's Dotombori district. Ancient pilgrimage paths include the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo, while traditional temples at Koya-san and authentic onsen baths at historic Yunomine offer unique stays.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kyoto, Koya-san, Kumano, Koguchi, Osaka Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- US$3,295
The EXPO 2025 on Yumeshima island and Kyoto's Golden Pavilion showcase Kansai's diversity. Osaka's Dotonbori district and Kuromon Market offer cultural immersion, with convenient stays at the centrally-located Ibis Osaka Umeda Hotel.
Duration 7 days Destinations Osaka, Kyoto Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Paradise Reise Service From
20% Off- US$2,600
What people love about Kansai Tours
- Legend of Japan
Excellent tour! I had such a great time with TruTravels. Our tourguide Marion and Claire were such sweethearts and gave a lot of tips and advice and a lot of history information. My group also so cool and we had so much fun for 12 days, time was flying so fast! This tour is great to discover the most popular places in Japan in a short time. I had no problems to travel with my group (with my luggage) and we did some additional activities like Teamlabs, Harry Potter Café, Nara Park, etc. I recommend apps like DeepL or Klook and also to buy a sim card beforehand as tourist sim card can be expensive in Japan (or maybe use eSim). The accommodation were also okayish, Tokyo and Osaka were a bit tight but the quality was good for the money. The activities like sushi workshop, kendo, tea ceremony, etc. were such amazing things and brought me closer to the culture. Overall I would book again with TruTravels, everything was great and amazing for my first time in Japan! ??
The experience was amazing. They worked with me for a personal experience and made things so simple. Educated and experienced tour guides, and definitely something I would recommend to others for a small, guided tours.
Best Japan Family Tours with Daily Start, No Group
What our customers ask about Kansai Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights during a general tour of the Kansai Region?
The Kansai Region combines centuries-old traditions with modern Japanese culture. Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kinkaku-ji Temple stand as essential stops while Osaka's Dotonbori district pulses with neon lights and street life next to the historic Osaka Castle. In Kyoto the Fushimi Inari Shrine's winding paths of red torii gates lead visitors up the sacred mountain. Nara Park offers a unique experience where deer roam freely near the Great Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple. A TourRadar traveler shared "The blend of traditional temples and modern city life in Kansai was absolutely fascinating especially the contrast between peaceful Kyoto and energetic Osaka."
When is the best time to visit the Kansai Region for a general sightseeing tour?
Spring in the Kansai Region (March to May) brings cherry blossoms that transform temple grounds and city parks. Fall months (October to November) offer mild temperatures and red maple leaves particularly around Kyoto's gardens and Koya-san's mountain paths. While summer (June to August) brings festivals and celebrations winter (December to February) rewards visitors with peaceful snow-covered temples and shorter lines at popular sites. Guests at the Ibis Osaka Umeda Hotel often note the appeal of springtime with one TourRadar traveler saying "Visiting in April was perfect - the weather was mild and we caught the tail end of cherry blossom season in Kyoto's historic districts."
How long should I plan to stay in the Kansai Region for a comprehensive general tour?
To explore the Kansai Region properly plan for 7-10 days. Most visitors spend 3-4 days discovering Kyoto's cultural heritage 2-3 days exploring Osaka's contemporary scenes and food districts and 1-2 days visiting Nara or Koya-san. At minimum a 3-day itinerary covers essential spots in Kyoto Osaka and Nara staying at places like the Ibis Osaka Umeda. According to a TourRadar traveler "Our 8-day tour gave us enough time to explore both the main attractions and hidden gems of Kansai without feeling rushed."
What are the must-visit temples and shrines in the Kansai Region?
The Kansai Region's religious sites tell stories spanning more than a millennium. Essential visits include Kyoto's gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji Temple the mountain paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine Nara's Todai-ji Temple with Japan's largest bronze Buddha and the intimate Hozenji Temple in Osaka's busy Dotonbori area. A TourRadar traveler shared "The Fushimi Inari shrine trek was incredible - walking through the endless red gates while learning about Shinto traditions from our guide was unforgettable." Many visitors choose the New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto as a base for temple visits.
What are the best food experiences in Kansai Region?
Osaka known as "Japan's Kitchen" leads the region's food culture. Key experiences include browsing Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh seafood trying Osaka's street food specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) in Dotonbori and experiencing kaiseki dining in Kyoto's Gion district. One TourRadar traveler noted "Don't miss the street food tour in Dotonbori - our guide took us to hidden spots where we tried the best kushikatsu." The Hot Spring from Deep Water Osaka Hinode Hotel places guests near these culinary highlights.
How do I get around between cities in the Kansai Region?
Japan's railway network makes traveling the Kansai Region straightforward and reliable. The Shinkansen bullet train connects major cities while local trains and buses reach smaller destinations. Most organized tours handle transportation between sites. Typical journey times are 30 minutes between Osaka and Kyoto and 45 minutes to Nara. A TourRadar traveler confirms "The bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto was incredibly smooth and punctual - just 2 hours and 21 minutes." Many tours use hotels like Shinagawa Prince Hotel situated near transport hubs.