Sample Itinerary

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

Osaka

Your airport pick up will meet you at Kansai International Airport (assuming your flight arrives after 8:00am and before 21:30) and will take to your hotel in Osaka by public transportation. They will give you an orientation, hand you your transportation tickets, give you your rental pocket internet device, check you into your hotel, and answer any of your questions. You will be on your own for dinner but your airport pick up will make a few suggestions. Osaka is huge city with down to Earth people who are very proud of their cuisine, most notably okonomiyaki (a pancake-based dish containing vegetables, meat, and/or seafood), takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and udon noodles. These dishes are not fancy but are like the people of Osaka, friendly and open. The train from Kansai Airport to Namba Station in Osaka will take about 45 minutes.

Rural Kyoto

Today you will take a train to Kyoto and then to the rural town of Kameoka. You will meet your guide/host at Kameoka Station who will take you to your home for the next 2 nights. This quaint rural town is located on the other side of the mountains that surround Kyoto but is a world away. You will stay in your guides home and they will show you around their neighborhood before settling in for the evening dinner and conversation. If the weather is nice you may consider an evening stroll before heading to bed. The train from Namba Station in Osaka to Kameoka Station will take about 1 hour.

Rural Kyoto

Today you will start your in depth exploration of Kameoka along with your guide/host. Here the possibilities are endless: you can explore Kameoka by bicycle or on foot and also learn about Japanese cooking, flower arrangement, pottery, and much, much more. If you are interested your guide may introduce you to some of their artisan friends which will further expand your understanding of Japan. For lunch (not included) you will stop in a local restaurant that tourists could ever find. In the evening you will head back to your host’s home for dinner. This is really the best way to experience Japan.

Rural Kyoto & Kyoto

Today you will cross the mountains and head to Kyoto, formerly the imperial capital of Japan. If you are traveling in Japan during the warmer months you may consider taking a traditional boat ride from Kameoka to the Arashiyama area of Kyoto. These boat are expertly guided down the river much as they were during the Edo Period. While in Arashiyama you will take a stroll through Kyoto’s famous bamboo forest before exploring other areas of this amazing part of the city. For accommodations you can chose from a ryokan inn, machiya townhouse or hotel. The trip from Kameoka to Arashiyama by train take only 15 minutes.

Kyoto

Your private local guide will meet you at your hotel and will show you the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto. Your guide will not work from a predetermined itinerary and will show you sights that are interesting to you. They are also very flexible and can make on the fly changes to fit your style, mood, weather and crowds. Possible sights in Kyoto include Higashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Gion, Nishiki Market, Kimono Museum, National Museum, Manga Museum, and many other possible temples, gardens, museums and so on. Only the best local guides can offer this kind of flexibility. Due to the flexible nature of your sightseeing, we do not include transportation, entry fees or meals while you are with your guide. If you have any specific sights you want to visit with your guide please let us know.

Nara

Nara is located near Kyoto and was the imperial capital from 710 until 784 before it was moved to Heijo-kyo (Kyoto). During this period, a large number of shrines and temples were erected under the protection of the imperial family and aristocrats. However, the monks in the surrounding hills started ro gain too much influence and eventually tried to seize power from the Shinto emperor. It was decided to move the capital to Heian-kyo, nowadays known as Kyoto. Many of the temples built at the height of Nara power, like the Todaiji and Horyuji temples, are currently registered as World Heritage Sites. Both Japanese and foreign tourists visit the city to see these temples, to walk among the free-roaming deer of Nara park or to visit some of the beautiful scenic mountains surrounding the city. You will return to Kyoto for the evening. The train from Kyoto Station to Nara Station will take about 45 minutes.

Today will be your last day in Japan and your last chance for sightseeing and shopping. You will take a train from Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport following the directions in your personalized tour organizer.

What Our Customers Have To Say

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

John Moawad

Classical Japan Tour

It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...

Marina Boyer

North Central Exploration

Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...

Edan Ecker

Shoguns and Samurai

I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...

Our Team Of Local Experts

Our team of Japan experts have all lived in Japan for years and know its the hidden treasures. Our team is here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.

Jeff Aasgaard


Tour Sales Director

Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.

Michiyo Kakiuchi

Tour Arrangement Manager

Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.

Izumi Yamauchi

Tour Arrangement team

Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.

Why Rediscover Tours

Great trips don't just happen; it takes expert knowledge and years of experience to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on Rediscover Tours to make your perfect Japanese experience. Our dedication to excellence makes the difference.

Trips Made for You


Your Japan travel expert will create your trip just for you


Your interests and travel style will be front and center when designing your tour


Accommodations will be selected based on your style and we will inform them of all your special meal and physical requirements


Japan Experts


Your Japan expert has lived in Japan or is Japanese


They know the hidden treasures of Japan that you will love and most tourists miss


Most of our team lives in Japan giving them first hand knowledge of the latest trends and experiences for you to enjoy


Finest Guides


Private local guides add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour


We only hire the best guides and review each trip with them insuring excellent experience


Your private guide will listen to you, show you sights of interest and will make on the fly changes to match the weather and crowds


With Confidence


Our office in Japan is here to assist and support you


Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000


You will arrive comfortable in the knowledge that all details are taken care of and that our Japan office is just a call away