Japan Uncovered

FLY AUCKLAND TO TOKYO

Fly from Auckland to Tokyo Narita direct with Air New Zealand.

On arrival in Tokyo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private car.

TOKYO - FULL DAY TOUR - TOKYO OLD & NEW

Enjoy an efficient, one-day tour of Tokyo accompanied by an English-speaking  government-licensed guide. Your guide will introduce both modern and traditional aspects of Japan's dynamic capital.

Today's time with your guide can be tailored to suit you, so the itinerary outlined here is just a suggested one and can be altered to fit your interests. We will put you in touch with your guide well in advance of travel so you can liaise with the guide directly by email.

Begin your day at Senso-ji Temple, one of the most famous temples in Japan and an icon of the city. Senso-ji is 1,300 years old and is famous for its spectacular entrance gate called Kaminarimon. The oldest shopping street in Japan, Nakamise Dori leads to the temple and although is quite touristy, is a great place to try local snacks and for people watching.

From here, take the Ginza Line from Asakusa to Nihombashi (15 minutes) to explore the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, a garden attached to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. The East Gardens are where the majority of administrative buildings are situated along with the remains of the former Edo Castle.

From here, you can walk down to Tokyo Station, itself a remarkable historic building. From the station, walk through the Ginza District, famous for it's department stores and historic retail outlets.

From Ginza walk down to Tsukiji Outer Market, the location of the former fish auction market which moved to Toyosu in 2018. It's a great spot for lunch at one of the local restaurants and there is plenty to choose from, not only seafood.

From the market you can walk to Hamarikyu Gardens nearby. The gardens were created on the site of a 17th century villa of the Shogun Tokugawa family. The main attraction of the gardens is the beautiful Shiori Pond and its teahouse where visitors can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets served in tea-ceremony style.

From Hamarikyu you can walk to Shiodome Station and catch the Yurikamome Line across the Rainbow Bridge into Odaiba, a redveloped area overlooking Tokyo Bay. It's a nice contrast here to the morning's sights.

Finally, head on to teamLab Planets, a very popular modern art museum with interactive walk-through exhibits.

TOKYO - SELF GUIDED EXCURSION - JAPAN'S VIBRANT METROPOLIS

This is a suggested day of exploring based on using the Yamanote Line - the main JR Line which circles Tokyo. It makes navigation on this day easy and stops at many major sights in the city. It's a long day if you try to do everything, so perhaps pick and choose what you're interested in. Get your Suica Card ready and off you go!

We've suggested you kick off your day in Ueno, an older part of Tokyo. You can spend the morning exploring the museums and galleries in Ueno Park and pottering about on Ameyoko a historic shopping/market street near Ueno Station.

From Ueno head clockwise and hop off at Akihabara, a mecca for geeks and gamers. Get off at Hamamatsucho to see Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple.

Back on the Yamanote Line, jump off at Harajuku Station and pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine, just a short walk from Harajuku Station. It's one of the most important shrines in Japan. Yoyogi Park is great for strolling and people watching. The old Olympic park is located here also.

From the Meiji Shrine, walk back to Harajuku where you can explore this shopping and fashion mecca. It's great for people watching, strolling down luxurious Omotesando, hunting for fashion bargains on Takeshita Street or browsing boutiques along Cat Street.

You could walk on and have lunch in Shibuya and spend some time in this area. Shibuya Parco is a great place for retail therapy. Shibuya Crossing is an icon of Tokyo - the busiest street crossing in the world. Grab a Starbucks, take a seat and admire the view. Cross over the street and visit the famous Hachiko Statue.

For amazing views over Tokyo, head up Shibuya Sky which is a bit more relaxed than Tokyo Skytree and is a great place to rest your feet and enjoy amazing city views.

Later on you could head to Shinjuku and spend some time in lovely Gyoen National Garden for a bit of a change of base from busy Harajuku and Shibuya. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the largest parks in Tokyo and features three different garden styles: a traditional Japanese garden, French garden and English lawn garden.

Tokyo Metropolitan Building on the west side of Shinjuku Station has a free observation platform with great city views and is often illuminated outside.

There are so many places to eat in Shinjuku but for something traditional, head to Omoide Yokocho, a historic alley consisting of small Izakaya restaurants. Shinjuku comes to life in the evenings with the bright lights of the big city.

TRAVEL TO HAKONE - MOUNT FUJI - SYMBOL OF JAPAN

Today you will need to make your own way to Shinjuku Station in order to catch the Romance Car directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station. It's about 90 minutes. If you're lucky you'll be able to see Mount Fuji from the right side of the train on approach to Hakone.

Armed with your Hakone Free Pass you will be able to travel by Funicular Railway, Cable Car, Bus and even by Pirate Ship to explore this beautiful area of hot springs, pine clad hills and lakes in the shadow of Mount Fuji.

The Romance Car terminates at Hakone Yumoto. Hakone Yumoto is worth a little bit of an exploration. Sample some of the snacks on offer and cross the bridge over the river.

From Hakone Yumoto, get onto the Hakone Tozan Railway and head to Chokoku-no-Mori Station (OH56), about 15 minutes from Hakone Yumoto. It's just a short stroll from here to the Hakone Open-Air Museum which is highly acclaimed. You'll probably want to spend an hour or so here before jumpring back on the train for one station to Gora.

At Gora, jump on the retro Cable Car which will transport you steeply uphill to the Hakone Ropeway which will in turn whisk you high over the trees to Owakudani, a volcanic area with venting steam and a sulphurous aroma. On a clear day as you crest the hill you'll be greated with views of Mount Fuji.

At Owakaduni you need to change to the second ropeway and you can visit the small Hakone Geo-museum. You can try the famous Kurotomago black eggs here also if you wish.

The second ropeway will take you down to beautiful Lake Ashi where you can board a 'pirate ship' for a sightseeing cruise across the lake to Motohakone-ko. It's a lovely peaceful 30-minute cruise and a highlight of the day. You'll cruise past Hakone-jinja Shrine near the end. From Motohakone-ko you can walk to the shrine if you want to see it close up. Part of the walk here is along the historic Tokaido route, which once connected Tokyo with Kyoto.

Back at the bus station in Motohakone-ko - where the boats dock, catch the Hakone Tozan bus from here to your accommodation. It's line H and stop 137 you need. From here you can walk to your accommodation at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu.

This evening enjoy your traditional Ryokan style accommodation and a Kaiseki multi-course dinner.

HAKONE - TAKAYAMA - INTO THE ALPS

This morning you could explore Hakone further if you wish.

Alternatively, make your way by Hakone Tozan bus to Gora Station and board the train at Hakone Yumoto to Odawara at around 10 am. At Odawara change to the Bullet Train to Nagoya where you will change on to the Hida Wide View Train, which has wide panoramic windows offering scenic views as you head into the Japanese Alps. You'll be in Takayama around 3 pm.

Hakone is where art and nature meet and if you would like to explore the other Art  Museums in Hakone you could spend the morning in Hakone and head up to Takayama later in the day, departing around 1 pm.

If you went to the Open Air Museum yesterday, this morning you could pay a visit to Pola Museum of Art. From Gora Station there is a free shuttle to Pola which takes about 8 minutes.

The museum features a collection of over 9,500 works of art by mainly Japanese, and European artists, that include modern and contemporary paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and glassware. Highlights of the collection include works from Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Sugiyama Yasushi.

You have plenty of time in the morning to visit the museum, have and early lunch in Hakone Yumoto and jump on a 1 pm train to Takayama via Odawara and Nagoya.

TAKAYAMA - CHARMING ALPINE TOWN

Enjoy the day to explore Takayama.

You will have a professionally licensed English-speaking guide with you for the morning, with whom you can explore Takayama.

Today's time with your guide can be tailored to suit you, so the itinerary outlined here is just a suggested one of some things to see and can be altered to fit your interests. We will put you in touch with your guide well in advance of travel so you can liaise with the guide directly by email to arrange what you would like to do.

Takayama is a charming Japanese mountain town with bags of charm, lots of things to see and do and somewhere easily explored on foot. It's a great contrast to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. It's also a wonderful place to try out Alpine cuisine, including Hida Beef.

You could start your day with a visit to Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market, open daily between 7 am and noon and one of the biggest morning markets in Japan. It takes place at two locations: One is held in front of the Takayama Jinya, and the other at the Miyagawa River side.

Sanmachi Suji is a historical area in Takayama's centre, consisting of three streets lined with traditional buildings and shops. The area was first developed in the Edo Period (17th-19th centuries) as a merchant district and is now home to many historic buildings, including sake breweries, temples, and shrines. This is the focus of town and a great place to wander. Pop into Kusakabe Heritage House in this district.

Also in the centre of town is The Takayama Showa Museum, an interesting little museum which recreates life in Japan during the 1950's. It's definitely worth a stop here.

Situated in Takayama's old town next to the Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine and about a 25-minute walk from Takayama Station, The Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall is home to 11 of the floats which are used during the spring and autumn Takayama Festivals.

The Hida no Sato Folk Village is a museum exhibiting about 30 traditional farmhouses which reflect the architectural styles of the mountainous regions of Japan.

The houses were built during the Edo Period (1603-1868) and were relocated from their original locations to create the museum in 1971. It's located about 2 km from the station in the South West of town.

Takayama's Teramachi is a heritage district in Takayama, in the Higashiyama walking area, on the outskirts of downtown. It's a great place to explore if you want some easy hiking and to see temples and shrines.

This historically rich area is home to 13 temples and five shrines, which visitors can explore via walking paths, all within minutes walk of each other. None are large, but they are all very well kept and contain many historic buildings.

TRAVEL TO KANAZAWA - HISTORIC SAMURAI TOWN

Make your own way to Takayama Station and travel by rail to Kanazawa.

On arrival at Kanazawa Station make your own way to your hotel. At the station, you can admire the huge wooden gate, which symbolizes a traditional Japanese instrument called a tsuzumi (hand drums).

Kanazawa is famous for its Samurai heritage. This afternoon you could walk in the footsteps of Samurai in the Nagamachi Samurai District. Here you'll find restored Samurai houses, be able to have a go at silk-dyeing (reservations required), visit the Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum with its Samurai displays and explore Nomura Samurai House, which holds the remains of the highly ranked Nomura Samurai family.

Kanazawa's lively and colourful Omicho Market has been the largest fresh food market since the Edo Period, with about 200 shops and stalls.

Here you'll find local seafood and produce, flowers, clothing, kitchen tools and much more. It's a great place to people watch and browse the stalls as well as enjoying some of the best seafood in the country. There are plenty of great place for dinner here.

KANAZAWA - SELF-GUIDED EXCURSION - SAMURAI & GEISHA

Enjoy the day at leisure exploring Kanazawa.

Kanazawa's Kenroku-en Garden is one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens, featuring a variety of flowering trees which provide the garden with a different beauty each season.

The spacious grounds used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, constructed by the ruling Maeda family centuries ago. It's a place you can easily spend a couple of hours or more admiring the landscaped gardens where feudal lords have strolled over the centuries.

Seisonkaku Villa within the gardens, is one of the most elegant remaining Samurai villas in Kanazawa, built in 1863 as a retirement home for the mother of Maeda Nariyasu, the 13th daimyo of the Kaga Clan. Today, it is open for public viewing and features a collection of her personal belongings.

Kanazawa Castle Park adjoins the gardens and is a lovely place to enjoy the open space and stunningly reconstructed castle. From 1583 to the end of the Edo Period, Kanazawa Castle, was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan. It burnt down several times over the centuries, most recently in 1881, where only two storehouses and the Ishikawa-mon Gate survived.

By the Castle Park is the Gyokusen Inmaru Garden, a reconstructed Edo-era garden where it's possible to enjoy a Tea Ceremony at Gyokusen-an Rest House. Be sure to visit Oyama Shrine here also, a rather unique monument.

Close to one of the garden entrances are a handful of small museums which are worthy of a look. You'll find the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History and Kaga Honda Museum, the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art and the National Crafts Museum. If your interests extend to Zen Buddhism, the DT Suzuki Museum is a few minutes walk from here.

Also nearby is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art which is highly recommended for it's unique interactive experiences.

Kanazawa has three preserved Geisha Districts, of which the Higashi Chaya District is the most prominent.  Kanazawa Asanogawa Enyukai Hall, a renovated  traditional townhouse, introduces local geisha culture with various exhibits.

Kaikaro is is the largest chaya in the Higashi Chaya District. It's a refurbished 200-year-old chaya house with vermilion-lacquered stairs, vegetable-dyed tatami mats, fusuma-e (paintings on sliding-door panels), and a Japanese tearoom with tatami made of gold-laced woven straw, all of which help reproduce the atmosphere of a historic chaya house.

Kazuemachi Chaya District is just across the bridge and offers a quiet riverside geisha area.

South of the Sai River is Nishi Chaya District, a well-preserved Edo-era Teahouse District. It consists of just one street but packs plenty of historic charm. The Nishi Chaya Museum is worth having a look at here.

KANAZAWA - KYOTO - TREASURE OF JAPAN

Make your own way to Kanazawa Station and travel to Kyoto by train via Tsuruga.

In Kyoto, you could take a stroll along the Philosopher's Path at the foot of the Higashiyama hills in Eastern Kyoto.

You can begin with a visit to Ginkaku-ji Temple and walk this lovely streamside path to Nanzen-ji at the southern end.

It's not far from here to Gion which is a great place to go out for dinner and enjoy walking the streets of this historic and atmospheric district of Kyoto.

HIROSHIMA - SELF GUIDED EXCURSION

This morning you can head on the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima, which is a journey of about 90 minutes.

On arrival in Hiroshima, exit the station via the south gate and jump on a tram (numbers 2 or 6) to the Atomic Bomb Dome site (about 10 minutes - get off at Genbaku-domu-mae).

Cross the Motoyasu-bashi Bridge and walk down to the Peace Memorial Museum. While the exhibitions may be harrowing for some, the museum offers a balanced and extraordinarily human outlook on the devastation wrought on Hiroshima and why the city was selected as a target.

Spend some time exploring the memorials in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Afterwards, head over to nearby Miyajima Island. See the famous Itsukushima-Jinja Shrine, composed of many buildings, including a prayer hall, main hall, as well as a noh theatre stage, linked together by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea. The shrine and its torii gate were built over water, with the illusion that they are floating on the sea during high tide.

Daisho-in Temple is one of the most important temples of Shingon Buddhism and is located at the base of Mount Misen, on which the sect's founder, Kobo Daishi, first began the practice of Buddhism on the island of Miyajima. It's just 10 minutes on foot from the shrine.

If you feel energetic you could head up Mount Misen. Take the Miyajima Ropeway to the top from where you can walk a further 30 minutes or so to the actual summit where there are temples, shrines and views to be had.  You can walk down if you really want to stretch your legs.

Afterwards, catch the ferry back to the mainland and catch the train back to Kyoto.

KYOTO - FULL DAY EXCURSION - JAPAN'S CULTURAL CAPITAL

Enjoy an efficient, one-day tour of Tokyo accompanied by an English-speaking  government-licensed guide. Your guide will introduce both modern and traditional aspects of Japan's dynamic capital.

Today's time with your guide can be tailored to suit you, so the itinerary outlined here is just a suggested one and can be altered to fit your interests. We will put you in touch with your guide well in advance of travel so you can liaise with the guide directly by email.

Begin you day at Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a significant Buddhist temple in Eastern Kyoto and one of the highlights of Kyoto. Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside. The stage affords nice views of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of colour in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance.

From Kiyomizu-Dera head to Yasaka Shrine, a famous shrine in Kyoto which was founded over 1350 years ago. Located between Gion District and Higashiyama District, the shrine is often visited by those walking between the two districts.

Long connected with the Kyoto Geisha community centered in the nearby Gion District, Yasaka-jinja Shrine is a bustling, colourful and pleasant downtown shrine that lies at the heart of much of Kyoto's festive tradition.

From here walk to Nijo Castle, a flatland castle in Kyoto built in 1603 as the residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. It's an unusual castle for Japan and is most famous for its Nightingale Floors.

From here, head to Sanjusangendo, the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto, famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, as well as for being the longest wooden structure in Japan. It was founded in 1164 and was rebuilt a 100 years later, after being burnt down.

Nishiki Market is a great spot explore for lunch.

This afternoon you could take a stroll along the Philosopher's Path at the foot of the Higashiyama hills in Eastern Kyoto. You can being with a visit to Ginkaku-ji Temple and walk this lovely streamside path to Nanzen-ji at the southern end.

It's not far from here to Gion which is a great place for dinner.

NARA - SELF GUIDED EXCURSION - FOUNDATION OF JAPAN

Today you could make a visit to nearby Nara. From Nara Kintentsu Station, on the way to Nara park, stands a famous mochi shop called Nakatanidou, where crowds of visitors flock to daily.

Nakatanidou's pride and claim to fame is their dramatic mochi-pounding process, a tradition known as mochitsuki in Japanese. They perform high-speed mochitsuki every day at the shop, churning out hundreds of pieces of mochi, fresh and warm from the pounding.

Kofukuji Temple is an easy five-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.

During the Heian period, Kofukuji was the temple of the most powerful family in Japan, the Fujiwara's. It was established in Nara in 710, at the same time as the capital. If you pay to enter only one of the buildings here, make it the Kofukuji Kofukuji National Treasure Museum which contains many extremely valuable documents and treasures from Nara 's history as the capital of Japan.

From here you could take a stroll to pretty Yoshikien Garden, with a pond, moss garden and tea ceremony garden which is free to visit. Neighbouring Isuien Garden is als great, but there is a fee to enter.

Next up, head on to Todai-ji Temple which houses the Great Buddha statue designated as a national treasure, and the world's largest wooden structure.

For a great view over Nara, hike up the stairs to Nigatsudo. At Mount Wakakusa you can pay to enter an enclosed deer park if you wish.

Nara's grandest shrine houses four main deities and many lucky gods Kasuga Taisha is considered one of the most sacred sites in all of Japan. As a place where numerous gods are enshrined, it attracts both devotees and tourists seeking an iconic Shinto experience. It is famous for its beautifully lit bronze lanterns.

There is another area of Nara you may want to explore at Nishinokyo, to the West of Nara Park. This is home to Yakushi-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Horyuji Temple.

KYOTO - SELF-GUIDED EXCURSION

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore the Arashiyama district in the North West of Kyoto by the wide Katsura River.

This is an area home to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Walkway.

Temples here include Tenryu-ji and Ryon-ji.

Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge and head up to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama for views over the area.

A visit to the hilltop Okochi Sanso Villa and Garden is also recommended here, especially if you want to get away from the crowds a little bit.

For a great scenic trip from Arashiyama, take the Sagano Romantic Train for 25 minutes through a lovely valley. Return to Arashiyama by normal train or by Hozugawa Riverboat.

Not too far away are the famous Kinkaku-ji Temple and Ryoanji Temple Rock Garden which you might want to combine with a visit to Arashiyama.

KOYA SAN - JAPAN'S CENTRE OF BUDDHISM

Today travel from Kyoto to Koya San, following the steps of pilgrims over the centuries to the centre of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

Set in the peaceful wooded area of Wakayama Prefecture among magnificent ancient forests and towering sacred mountains, the secluded temple town of Koya San is one of Japan’s most enchanting destinations.

First founded as a tranquil retreat in 816 by Kobo Daishi, one of Japan's most revered religious figures, the town is now inhabited by roughly 3,000 people, features a university dedicated to religious studies as well as over a hundred sacred temples.

You'll travel by rail from Kyoto to Koya San via Osaka. If you arrive early enough in the day, you can head to the 1 pm Goma Fire Ceremony at Shojoshin-in Temple,  which is just a few metres from the entrance to Okunoin.

This afternoon you can explore the religious complexes in the centre of Koya San. Everything is within walking distance, including Okunoin.

As the most important temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect, Kongobu-ji ranks as one of the most important Buddhist temples in all of Japan. While the façade is not as grand of some of Japan’s other great temples, the interior is truly beautiful. The ‘Plum Room’ and ‘Willow Room’ both feature elaborately painted fusuma and the Banryutei Rock Garden is the largest rock garden in Japan.

Under 5 minutes walk to the west of Kongobu-ji Temple, Danjo-Garan or simply ‘Garan’ is another of Koyasan’s most renowned temples – one the temples built during the lifetime of Koba Daishi and a really majestic structure.

You'll be staying in a traditional temple-stay tonight which is akin to a traditional Ryokan. The temples have been welcoming pilgrims for centuries. One of the highlights is the Shojin Ryori Dinner you will be served at your temple-stay. This is a vegetable-based cuisine prepared by and served to monks as their daily diet.

This evening visit Okunoin Cemetery at night, which offers a fantastically different experience than the daytime. Your evening tour will meet at 7 pm and will take about two hours, walking slowly along the approach to Okunoin.

A monk living in Koyasan (qualified as a guide in the precincts of Kongobuji) will be your guide.

KOYA SAN - TRAVEL TO OSAKA

Depending on your accommodation, Prayer Services are usually held in your temple around 06:30 or 7 am. You are welcome to participate in this service.

When you have checked out of your temple lodging, hop on the bus back to the cable car station, get the cable car back down to Gokurakubashi Station and travel on to Osaka's Nankai Namba Station using your Koya San World Heritage Ticket.

On arrival in Osaka make your own way to your hotel.

This afternoon you may wish to visit Osaka Castle. Situated within the Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Castle is the symbol of Osaka.

Building of the castle was completed in 1585 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple.

The Umeda Sky Building is a spectacular high rise building in the Kita district of Osaka, near Osaka and Umeda stations. The 173 metre tall building consists of two towers that are connected with each other by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor.

The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck.

If you want to go shopping, you can explore Kita and Shinsaibashi Districts.

OSAKA - JAPAN'S FOOD CITY

Osaka is well-known in Japan for it's cuisine. Today you'll have time to explore the city on your own and in the evening join a 3-hour guided food-focused small group walking tour to discover the best of Osaka's cuisine.

Originally developed in the early 20th century, Shinsekai stands today as an exciting food and entertainment district with an old, nostalgic feel. At the district's centre stands the famous Tsutenkaku Tower, and the area is also known for its many 24-hour kushikatsu restaurants.

Located in the Nipponbashi area, Den Den Town is an electronics district comparable to Tokyo's Akihabara. The area has also become known as an otaku (geek) paradise with numerous manga and anime retailers as well as maid and cosplay cafes located there - it's quite a sight.

You can dive into the culinary scene at Kuromon Market, an atmospheric public market dating back to the Edo Period that stretches around 600 metres. The market's many shops sell predominantly fish, meat and produce, with a fair few also selling street food and providing areas where customers can eat.

You can visit Doguyasuji Shotengai. Known historically as a centre of kitchen wares, this old shopping arcade is where many come to buy cooking and dining equipment. The place exudes and old-timey atmosphere and boasts many interesting kitchen supply and homeware shops.

A short distance south of the Dotonbori Canal, you’ll find the incredibly atmospheric Hozenji Yokocho, which is a narrow pedestrian-only lane lined with traditional restaurants.

This traditional district is made up of two restaurant-lined alleys and retains an old time atmosphere reminiscent of Kyoto's Pontocho. In one alley stands Hozenji Temple where local merchants and visitors alike pour water over the temple's statues for luck.

If you walk south through the Shinsaibashi-suji arcade, you’ll eventually get to Ebisu-bashi Bridge, which takes you over the famous Dotonbori Canal. One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, Dotonbori is a popular shopping and entertainment district and is also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.

Early this evening meet your guide at 5:30 pm and head out to explore.

Your tour guide for this evening's Osaka experience has extensive knowledge of the local foodie scene and you'll go where only the locals get their authentic, delicious daily soul food.

You'll mix it with a bit of history, culture and hopefully a few laughs on the way.

You'll get a very unique perspective and discover 5 authentic, delicious eateries on this tour; food from a hidden restaurant , backstreet stall, specialised eatery, standing joint & markets whilst walking through arcades, side alleys and plazas rarely visited or known by outsiders.

You should get a real and deep impression of Osaka giving you an understanding of the inner workings of this amazing area.

FLY TO AUCKLAND

Make your own way to Namba Station and catch the train to Osaka Itami Airport.

Fly from Osaka Itami to Tokyo Narita with Air New Zealand (operated by ANA Wings).

Fly from Tokyo Narita to Auckland with Air New Zealand.

ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Arrive back in New Zealand.