Osaka / Kyoto / Tokyo

About the destination: Osaka is a big modern city in Japan. It's the main metropolis of the Kansai region and the biggest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio. It's a lively and thrilling place that has a definite charm. Its history is rich, its scenery is stunning, and it's well-situated close to the major cultural centres of Kyoto and Nara, and only a few hours by bullet train to Tokyo. Osaka has two main city centres, Kita, north side, and Minami, south side. Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district. Osaka’s main attractions are the impressive, beautifully restored, castle and the truly wonderful aquarium. Osaka has some striking modern architecture, a lively nightlife scene and tasty local cuisine. To experience the city’s nightlife head to bustling Dōtonbori, a street packed with restaurants and bars. There are also some beautiful places to visit just outside of the city. Minoo is a suburb of Osaka which offers lovely woodland, an impressive waterfall, hiking opportunities and a relaxing spa. Osaka combines historical, cultural and artistic attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese metropolis. Japan's third-largest city offers an exciting atmosphere, with fantastic connections to some of the most historic cities in Japan.

About the destination: For over a millennium, Kyoto was the capital of Japan and it's likely the best preserved of all its cities. It's a stunning, lively city where modern life intersects with old traditional Japan. The city is nestled amongst the mountains of Western Honshu and serves as an ideal base for exploring the Kansai region. The city is steeped in heritage sites and culture, boasts a wide variety and number of eateries and is relatively easy to get around. Its rich culture and heritage seep from every piece of architecture and tradition. Kyoto is home to thousands of temples and shrines, including the spectacular golden Kinkaku-ji, Ryoanji with its Zen garden, the popular Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo with its life-size statues of Kannon and the more serene Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama. Also in Arashiyama, you'll find the famous Bamboo Grove. A fantastic thing to do in Kyoto is a walking tour of Gion, one of the main Geisha districts. Its wooden buildings and lamps create the perfect atmosphere. Kyoto is one of the world's greatest historical cities, brimming with temples, shrines, teahouses and imperial residences. Kyoto is a city steeped in culture and heritage and is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in Japanese history and culture.