Discover the cultural treasures of Kyoto and Nara on a captivating day tour. Begin in Kyoto, exploring iconic landmarks like the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, renowned for its towering bamboo stalks. Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousands of vermillion torii gates forming a mesmerizing tunnel through the forested hillside. Next, venture to Nara, Japan's first capital, famous for its friendly deer and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Witness the majestic Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, and stroll through Nara Park, where sacred deer roam freely. Conclude your tour at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, adorned with thousands of vermilion lanterns. Reflect on the profound history and beauty of Kyoto and Nara, leaving you with cherished memories of Japan's cultural treasures.
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
At Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, travelers will be captivated by the iconic pathway of thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. This Shinto shrine, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity, features stunning traditional architecture, including the main shrine building and various smaller shrines scattered along the hiking trail. Visitors can explore these sacred grounds, enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto, and experience the serene and spiritual ambiance that pervades the shrine complex.
Arashiyama, located in Kyoto, Japan, is a picturesque and serene district renowned for its natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Travelers to Arashiyama will be enchanted by the iconic bamboo grove, where towering bamboo stalks create a tranquil and otherworldly atmosphere. In addition to the bamboo grove, visitors can explore the historic Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, spanning the Katsura River, offers a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Arashiyama also features the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where travelers can hike to the top of a hill to interact with wild monkeys and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto. The area's charming streets are lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and restaurants, providing a delightful blend of cultural experiences and natural splendor.
Nara Park, situated in Nara, Japan, is a picturesque and historic park renowned for its serene ambiance and friendly deer population. Spanning over 500 hectares, it is home to several iconic landmarks, including Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the Nara National Museum. Visitors can stroll through lush greenery, interact with the freely roaming deer, and explore centuries-old cultural treasures. Nara Park is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil retreat amidst Japan's ancient capital.
Todai-ji Temple, located in Nara, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the country. Constructed in the 8th century, it houses the Daibutsuden, or Great Buddha Hall, which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. The main attraction of Todai-ji is the colossal bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana, known as the Great Buddha of Nara, which stands at over 15 meters tall. Surrounded by serene gardens and ancient stone lanterns, Todai-ji Temple is a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage and a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
The Kasuga Taisha Museum, located in Nara, Japan, is dedicated to showcasing the cultural and religious significance of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum exhibits a collection of sacred artifacts, including ancient religious objects, intricate sculptures, and historical documents related to the shrine's history and rituals. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Shintoism and learn about the role of Kasuga Taisha in Japanese spirituality. With its informative displays and serene atmosphere, the Kasuga Taisha Museum offers a captivating glimpse into Nara's cultural heritage.
We offer pickup from hotels in Osaka and Kyoto. Please provide your pickup location in advance and be ready 15 minutes before departure. Important Note: For last-minute bookings, your reservation will be confirmed but pickup will only proceed once explicitly arranged. We reserve the right to cancel if pickup cannot be coordinated.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Kyoto & Nara Private Day Tour lasts about 10 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
Prices start at $517 per person for this Osaka experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 4 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:00 PM.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. We offer pickup from hotels in Osaka and Kyoto. Please provide your pickup location in advance and be ready 15 minutes before departure. Important Note: For last-minute bookings, your reservation will be confirmed but pickup will only proceed once explicitly arranged. We reserve the right to cancel if pickup cannot be coordinated. Pickup points include Ryokan Sanga, Ryokan Kinsuikan.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 58 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Milkyway Tours.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
We had an amazing time! Danni is an extremely safe, courteous, and friendly driver. He managed our itinerary exceptionally well—we were able to see all the planned destinations and even fit in an extra stop while staying perfectly on schedule.
Our driver Hassan was very professional and knowledgeable, he was in constant contact through WhatsApp before and during our day trip. Visited Fushimi inari taisha shrine, Golden Palace, Bamboo forest, Kyoto. Highlight of our day was visiting the deer at Nara park.
We had a fantastic day out with Zohaib. He was extremely accommodating, helpful and knowledgeable. Also very friendly and made everyone feel comfortable. Highly recommend.
Our trip to Nara & Kyoto was quite memorable because of our guide Zamad Jutt!! Very professional & knowledgeable
Sunny & Talal were perfect tour guides. So very kind and respectful. They are ambitious and smart. We felt safe when driving and had a nice time with both of them! Good luck in school guys! 😃 They drove us where ever we wanted and suggested beautiful places to go! We loved it! We went from Osaka to Nara to Kyoto! They shared information about the places then let us go and explore! From the deer in Nara to the bamboo & Kimono Forest, with more adventures in between! Such a great day!
Sunny & Talal were wonderful guides! My wife and I were traveling from Tokyo to Osaka and while we were on the Shinkansen, we scheduled this private vehicle afternoon tour of both Nara and Kyoto for the afternoon of the day that we arrived in Osaka. Sunny & Talal suggested great locations to visit, while also accommodating the sites we wanted to visit, and we were able to see many historic and modern sites in both Nara and Kyoto in one short afternoon. Great job and THANK YOU, Sunny & Talal!
Driver and guide were very friendly and ensured we saw all the things we wanted to see. The tour was what we expected
We had a great experience, we got to do many things! We wish we would prioritized our time better in different areas that we went to. But overall it was great and Ali stayed in contact with us via what’s app and recommended a great ramen place to eat in Kyoto! We only paid to go into 1 temple that we thought would be nice to see and it was for the ojakko-ji which was around 600yen to get in. We opted out of buying biscuits for the deer in Nara but you could do that as well. Lots of people, which was expected but Overall nice experience!
AB was such an amazing tour guide. He was friendly, knowledgeable and great to be around. He gave us the perfect tour and was very accommodating. I would highly recommend.
Today’s tour was phenomenal. I was traveling with my boys and we had specific things we wanted to do before leaving Japan. They created a tour that was specific to our needs and our timeframe. Our true guide was very knowledgeable. I would absolutely recommend this tour.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto & Nara Private Day Tour | 10 hours | 4.6 (58) | $517 | |
 Nara Early Morning Tour Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available | 4h 30min | 4.9 (1,174) | $68 | View |
 From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour | 9 hours | 4.8 (988) | $54 | View |
 Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option | 8 hours | 4.9 (330) | $217 | View |
 Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour from Osaka or Kyoto | 9–10 hours | 3.7 (155) | $50 | View |
 Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with Optional Lunch from Osaka or Kyoto | 9–10 hours | 4.3 (125) | $58 | View |
 Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari & Nara Park Day Trip | 9 hours | 4.9 (101) | $55 | View |