Silk Way Explore
Kansai Week
Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe in one week: street food, temples and deer, harbour views, and a day at Osaka University with an introduction to Nara Institute of Science and Technology.
- Osaka street food
- Kyoto temples
- Nara deer
- Kobe harbour
Who it's for: Travellers who want Japan's cultural heartland, and students or parents interested in Osaka University and the Kansai area.
Itinerary
- Day 1 · Arrive in Osaka
Airport meeting, check-in and an evening in Dotonbori with street food. - Day 2 · Osaka Castle and pop culture
Osaka Castle, then Den Den Town's anime and game shops and local snacks. - Day 3 · University day
Osaka University: campus tour, admissions and scholarship talks and lunch with international students. - Day 4 · Nara and NAIST
Nara Park and Todai-ji, the old merchant lanes of Naramachi, and an info session on graduate and research study at Nara Institute of Science and Technology. - Day 5 · Kyoto
Fushimi Inari at sunrise, Kiyomizu-dera and the Arashiyama bamboo grove. - Day 6 · Kobe
Harbour promenade and Kitano's old foreign houses, with an optional trip to Himeji Castle. - Day 7 · Free morning and departure
A next-steps chat and transfer to the airport.
Itineraries are indicative; exact dates, cities and universities are confirmed when you register your interest.
The order of days is flexible. Kobe and Himeji can be swapped for more time in Kyoto.
Places on this trip
Included
- University day at Osaka University: campus tour, admissions and scholarship talks, lunch with students
- Introduction to Nara Institute of Science and Technology
- Local guide and coordinator
- Welcome pack with study and scholarship overview
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
Your guides
Every group has between one and three guides, depending on the size and the programme:
- Tourism guide. Leads the sights, the daily route and the fun extras.
- Country and language guide. Helps with everyday life, local customs and speaking practice.
- University contact. Arranges and joins the university visits, talks and questions.
Small groups may have one guide who covers all three roles. Fun places beyond our packages →
Interested in this trip?
Leave your email and we will send you dates and a short plan. We note which trip you were looking at, so you do not have to explain.