Kyoto Full-Day Bus Tour: Nijo, Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari (EN/ES)





Description
Discover the essence of Kyoto in one day with our exclusive bus tour to the city's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Avoid the stress of public transport as we take you to the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the breathtaking Golden Pavilion, and the endless red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha. Led by a professional guide, you will explore Japan's rich history and stunning landscapes, from Nijo Castle’s serene gardens to the panoramic views at Kiyomizu-dera. **Please note that if Nijo Castle is inaccessible due to local circumstances, the tour will visit the spectacular Sanjūsangen-dō Temple instead.** The itinerary is subject to minor changes based on weather or traffic to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience through the best of Kyoto.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your adventure by departing the bustling city of Kyoto and heading towards some of the area's most iconic sites. First, you will head to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The bus ride will take approximately 40 minutes.
Your first stop is the enchanting Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, where you will enjoy early access to explore this iconic place before the crowds arrive. A magical place where you'll stroll through towering bamboo stalks that create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Take in the sights and sounds of nature as you walk along the winding paths, perfect for photography and meditation.
After enjoying the tranquility of Arashiyama, you'll be able to explore the magnificent Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, only if you have purchased a valid entry ticket. (The bus ride will take approximately 30 minutes.). This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is covered in brilliant gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond. Take time to explore the meticulously landscaped gardens and learn about the temple’s rich history.
Next , you'll visit Nijo Castle, in case you have previously purchased the ticket. This UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. ( The bus ride to Nijo Castle will take approximately 30 minutes.)Walk through the castle grounds and discover the famous Ninomaru Palace, renowned for its "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked upon, designed to protect against intruders. Immerse yourself in the historical significance of this former residence of the shogun.
Continue your journey to Kiyomizu-dera, a historic temple perched on a hillside that offers breathtaking views of the city below. (The bus ride to Kiyomizu-dera will take approximately 30 minutes). Remember, access is only permitted if the ticket has been purchased in advance. Marvel at the wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, surrounded by cherry and maple trees. Visit the main hall and the sacred spring, Otowa Waterfall, where you can drink from the streams for health, longevity, and success. Before to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you will have free time to go to lunch.
Next, head to Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its thousands of vermillion torii gates forming a stunning mountain pathway.(The bus ride to Fushimi Inari will take approximately 30 minutes). Enjoy free time before walking through the iconic gates, reaching the main shrine and beyond, while taking in the serene scenery and spiritual atmosphere, with smaller shrines along the way. The tour ends at Fushimi Inari, and the guide will give you instructions on how to get to Kyoto Station on your own.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The itinerary is subject to possible changes due to weather conditions, traffic, road closures, or specific circumstances on the day of the activity.
Reviews(818)
Very good guide (Heli), explained everything very well and in Spanish and English, and thanks to the driver (Nishisan), he was also very kind and drove great
Heli and Nishy Heli is an excellent guide and explains things very well.
It was a great tour, they take you to the most important points of Kyoto with enough time to get to know them, buy souvenirs and eat. The organization is very good, although we went in summer and it was very hot, the fact that the transfers are by bus helps a lot. Heli is a great guide, lively and takes great care that the group does not separate, answers questions and takes photos even though we were a large group, her bilingual handling is also very good. The driver Nishisan is very kind and cheerful, great service
Everything fabulous, the guide Heli and the driver Nishi very kind, they show you the main attractions of Kyoto and Heli's explanations were very good.
Both the guide Heli and the driver Nishi have been super attentive and kind. The explanations were a 10 It has been a very good experience
Very good experience, we felt very comfortable :)
Angeles was a great guide, she gave us free time, told the history, everything was very clear and enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Very good option for seeing different key tourist spots in Kyoto. It is difficult to see everything this city offers, so it is great to be able to see so many places and have time to explore them. It is very well organized and Ángeles was a very good guide, both in telling us relevant information and managing the group.
Angeles was our guide and she was very good, she explains everything clearly. Very complete tour. Very intense but complete
Very good tour with Ángeles. We were able to see the main jewels of Kyoto very comfortably thanks to the bus. The guide Ángeles was very kind and provided us with a lot of interesting information. Ideal if you have little time to visit Kyoto.



