Best of Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Tour from Osaka (7~9 spots)
Description
Experience the cultural essence of Japan’s two most historic cities, Kyoto and Nara, all in one day from Osaka. This tour offers two thoughtfully designed routes to match your travel style: • ★ Kyoto & Nara + Fushimi Inari ★ • (Mon, Wed, Fri) Destination: Kasugataisha Shrine, Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Byodoin Temple, Uji Omotesando, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha • ★ Kyoto & Nara + Arashiyama ★ • (Tue, Thu, Sat) Destination: Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Wakakusayama, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Nonomiya Shrine & Togetsukyo Bridge, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera Temple (During the cherry blossom season , Nikishi Market will be replaced by Maruyama Park and the order of stops will be adjusted) Both adventures begin with a hassle-free departure from Tsurutontan Soemoncho at 8:00 AM, reaching first destination at 9:00 AM and returning back to Tsurutontan Soemoncho at 6:00 PM.
Tour Options
Itinerary
A sacred Shinto shrine adorned with hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns.
One of Japan’s most famous landmarks, known for its vast green spaces, historical temples, and freely roaming deer.
Place where the awe-inspiring Great Buddha, one of Japan’s largest bronze statues, resides inside a massive wooden hall.
[★ Arashiyamai Course ★ ] This gentle grassy hill behind Nara Park offers panoramic views of Nara City and its major landmarks, including the great roof of Todai-ji. It’s an ideal short hike with scenic rewards.
[★ Fushimi Inari Course ★ ] A masterpiece of Buddhist architecture and the iconic image on the Japanese 10-yen coin. Admire its golden Phoenix Hall reflecting over the tranquil pond
[★ Fushimi Inari Course ★ ] A charming street lined with traditional tea houses. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at your own expense and indulge in Uji’s renowned Matcha treats. (Include own expense lunch time).
[★ Fushimi Inari Course ★ ] Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates winding up Mount Inari. As you walk through this mystical pathway, experience the sacred atmosphere that has drawn worshippers and travelers for centuries.
[★ Arashiyamai Course ★ ] Step into a world of tranquility as you stroll through this iconic bamboo forest, where tall, green stalks stretch high into the sky. The sunlight filters through the dense bamboo canopy, creating shifting patterns of light and shadow on the path. The quiet rustle of leaves and the subtle creaking of the bamboo in the wind create a calming soundscape that feels far removed from the city. It’s not just a walk—it’s an experience that feels otherworldly.
[★ Arashiyamai Course ★ ] Tucked within the forest near the bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine is a small but spiritually significant Shinto shrine with a history dating back over a thousand years. It was once used as a purification site for imperial princesses before they entered service at Ise Grand Shrine. The shrine is surrounded by ancient moss-covered trees, low wooden fences, and sacred stones believed to bring good fortune, especially in love and relationships. Its peaceful, tucked-away location makes it a quiet spiritual retreat.
[★ Arashiyamai Course ★ ] Spanning the Katsura River, Togetsukyo Bridge ("Moon Crossing Bridge") is one of Arashiyama’s most famous landmarks. Originally built in the Heian period and later reconstructed in wood, the bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding hillsides, which explode into color in autumn. From the bridge, you can see boats gently floating down the river and possibly even spot monkeys from the nearby Iwatayama Monkey Park. Whether viewed from afar or walked across slowly, the bridge is a perfect photo spot.
[★ Arashiyamai Course ★ ] Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market is a lively, narrow street filled with over a hundred stalls selling fresh seafood, local snacks, and Kyoto specialties — perfect for food lovers.
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its grand wooden stage that offers panoramic views over Kyoto. Take in the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring or vibrant maple leaves in autumn as you wander through the temple grounds.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- In compliance with Japanese law, vehicles cannot operate for more than 10 hours. The tour guide may adjust the itinerary based on real-time conditions.
- Itinerary is subjected to traffic & weather condition.
- The stay time for each spot may depend on the season and on-site situation.
- Please inform us if you will be bring along a baby stroller.
- Infant is free of charge, no seat available.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Optional Main Hall Admission: Byodoin Temple 700Yen, Kiyomizu-dera Temple 500Yen, Todaiji Temple 800Yen
- During the cherry blossom season , Nikishi Market in 'Kyoto & Nara + Arashiyama Tour' will be replaced by Maruyama Park and the order of stops will be adjusted
Reviews(23)
I assume that there will be a lot better tours covering some of this itinerary than this one. Whilst there were some aspects of interest, the overall balance was poor. The time at Nara could have been reduced (an hour looking at field of deer is not that interesting) and an uphill walk in heat back to the coach may not be suitable for some people. Other stops seemed to consist of parking up, being taken for a few minutes walk by the guide who then retired to the bus after setting a "return" time. There was a lot of time on the coach between locations with virtually no commentary or information given out ...seemed like the staff were just going through the motions! Timings were also poor - the allowance for the food market in Kyoto was pitifully short to allow for browsing and getting something to eat only to be followed by another coach segment before returning to Osaka. It was so poor, we returned to Kyoto the following day on the train which was much quicker and cheap (£2.50 per adult) to do our own thing which was more enjoyable. People should also watch out for this tour's switch in routes on alternate days to make sure you get the sights you want
Jo Jun-young was great, he explained all the history for the various locations gave us food recommendation, took some beautiful candid photos of our group, helped with our pictures overall a great day was had and got us back to Osaka early evening. Loved it
My brother and I had such a great time on this tour through Kyoto and Nara! We even made friends on the tour and our guide Joon was so good! Highly recommended!
Iuri was the best japanese guide! All activities went as described, bonus in Nara we were between first arrivals and was not crowded. Very complex and good tour. All must see activities in one day! Totally worth!
Outstanding day in Kyoto and Nara with John! We had an absolutely incredible time on our tour of Nara Park and Kyoto, all thanks to John. He was incredibly knowledgeable, organized, and tailored the day perfectly for our group. From navigating the busy spots in Kyoto to helping us with the deer in Nara, John made everything seamless and stress-free. His insights into the history and culture added so much depth to everything we saw. If you’re booking a tour, definitely ask for John—he is fantastic!
Was a good tour, comfortable transport, good tour guide, English was easy to understand. Wear comy shoes , lots of walking. When at Nara park, walk into the park to feed calmer deer.
This tour I recommend especially if you in Osaka. Nara Park was amazing seeing all the deers. Kyoto I enjoyed as well many temples and shrines. Lilly was awesome sauce!! She spoke great English so you won't have a problem understanding
Jo Jun Young gave us a very comprehensive and well planned tour so we did see the best of Kyoto and Nara. The scenery was amazing and we all got some great photos. Jo gave us great education about each stop so we understood the culture of Japan better. It is definitely a trip that is worthwhile, educational, fun, and a full day of activity.
We had a truly wonderfull experience of our 1 day Kyoto and Nara tour.Our tour guide Jo Jun Young is very accommodating,thoughtfull and very patient.Overall it was a worthy and fantastic trip!!
Our guide Jeon was very knowledgeable and eager to give information about cultural and historical aspects and places. Beautiful itinerary and drive.
