Katsuoji Temple Day Trip Departure from Osaka Namba

Experience a carefully curated one-day Kansai sightseeing tour departing from Osaka Namba, covering some of the most iconic cultural and natural landmarks across Osaka and Kyoto. This tour is designed for travellers who want to make the most of their time in Japan — blending history, nature, spirituality, and authentic Japanese cuisine into a single unforgettable day.

The journey begins at Katsuoji Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple nestled in Minoh City, Osaka. Known as the "Temple of Victory," this ancient site dates back to the Heian period and is famed for its thousands of winning daruma dolls that fill the temple grounds. Visitors can try the unique 64 Hexagram Daruma Fortune — a one-of-a-kind fortune experience found only at Katsuoji — and stroll through the vast 264,000-square-metre grounds adorned with seasonal blooms including cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, and autumn leaves.

A highlight of this tour is a first-of-its-kind experience in Japan: Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu served as part of an inbound bus tour. Only Tajima cattle graded at the highest A5 level are permitted to bear the Kobe Beef name, and guests will have the rare opportunity to savour its extraordinary tenderness, rich flavour, and beautiful marbling in a relaxed dining setting.

The tour continues to Kyoto, where guests will participate in a traditional tea ceremony — a hands-on introduction to one of Japan's most cherished cultural practices, suitable even for first-timers. Afterwards, guests are given free time to explore Arashiyama, one of Kyoto's most celebrated districts. Stroll along the iconic Bamboo Grove, cross the historic Togetsukyo Bridge reflected in the gentle Oi River, and visit Tenryu-ji Temple — a Rinzai Zen temple set against the stunning natural backdrop of Arashiyama and Mount Kameyama. The day concludes with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site best known for its dramatic wooden stage and sweeping views over Kyoto.

Guests meet at the designated meeting point in front of VIP Villa Namba in Osaka Namba at 08:00, with the bus departing promptly at 08:10. No ticket counter exchange is required — simply provide your name to the guide upon arrival at the meeting point.

The tour kicks off with a visit to Katsuoji Temple in Minoh City, where guests can explore the sprawling grounds, admire the sea of daruma dolls, and take part in the unique 64 Hexagram Daruma Fortune experience. The peaceful mountain surroundings and seasonal foliage make this a wonderful first stop for photography and quiet reflection.

Lunch is a standout affair — guests will be treated to Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu, Japan's most prestigious brand of beef, in what marks the first time this experience has been offered on an inbound bus tour. Following lunch, the group heads into Kyoto for a traditional tea ceremony, offering a rare and immersive insight into Japanese culture that guests of all backgrounds can enjoy.

Free exploration time at Arashiyama follows, where guests can wander through the ethereal Bamboo Grove, cross the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, and visit Tenryu-ji Temple with its serene Zen garden. The day wraps up at the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a World Heritage Site perched on the hillside of eastern Kyoto. The tour ends at 17:30 at Kyoto VIP Lounge, with a final return drop-off at VIP Villa Namba at 18:30.