Day Tour: Arashiyama Kinkakuji Nara Park Kobe Mosaic

On this one-day tour, you will set off from the ever-grinding city of Osaka and become one with nature at three of its must-visit attractions. Your first destination is Arashiyama, a popular tourist destination wrapped around in a stunning natural setting. You’ll find several small temples scattered about the base of the wooded mountains, against the backdrop of the colorful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves (visit in fall). You’ll also visit its common sightseeing spots, including the Sagano Bamboo Grove and the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Visit the Kinkaku-ji next (the Temple of the Golden Pavillion in English), a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto that attracts many visitors annually. The “gold” in the name refers to the multilayered golden leaves used to cover the Shari-den, a reliquary hall that holds Buddha’s bones. Next, visit one of Japan’s oldest parks, Nara Park! Housing over 1,200 wild deer, this park has been known to protect deer for centuries, considering them gods of the Kasuga Shrine!

Finally, visit Kobe Mosaic, an open mall that overlooks the strikingly beautiful Kobe Port on the ocean side of Harborland. Traipse around the mall, explore the 80 unique shops it holds, buy yourself some Kobe souvenirs for keepsake, and stroll around the port, as the sea breeze lightly caresses your face. This experience also includes optional buffet lunches, Kobe beef steak lunches, and all-you-can-eat Shabu Shabu meals for dinner!