From Osaka or Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour
Begin your day from VIP Lounge in Osaka or Kyoto. Your journey begins in Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Discover the beauty of Nara Park, a historic landmark reflecting the city’s timeless charm. Continue to Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the 15-meter Great Buddha inside the
📍Meeting point: VIP Lounge Kyoto near AEON Mall (08:50 Meet-up/09:00 Departure) Add: 601-8417, Kyoto, Minami Ward, Nishikujo Toriiguchicho, 6−番地 1F Exit Kyoto Station from Hajicho West Exit (八条西口). There is a VIP LINER Bus stop sign in front of VIP Lounge Kyoto.
Begin your day from VIP Lounge in Osaka or Kyoto. Your journey begins in Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Discover the beauty of Nara Park, a historic landmark reflecting the city’s timeless charm. Continue to Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the 15-meter Great Buddha inside the world’s largest wooden structure. Next, immerse yourself in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Walk amidst towering stalks and feel the tranquil atmosphere as sunlight filters through the grove. Free time for lunch (note: location may shift to Fushimi Inari depending on traffic). Lunch Option features world-famous Kobe beef celebrated for its tenderness and rich flavor. You can choose from these three classic styles: Shabu-shabu, Sukiyaki, or Beef Rice Bowl. Continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Admire its gold-leaf exterior and serene garden. Finally, visit the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of vermilion torii gates up Mount Inari.
Travel Insurance for Japan
SafetyWing covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and adventure activities. Plans from $1.5/day.
What To Expect
Stop 1
⏱ 1h 20mNara, Japan’s historic capital. Discover the serene beauty of Nara Park and explore Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden structure in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be awed by Japan’s colossal Buddha statue, towering 15 meters high.
Stop 2
Pass byTodaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nara, is home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world, and the world’s largest wooden building.
Stop 3
Pass byThe Manyo Botanical Garden, also known as the Kasuga Taisha Garden, is a botanical garden located next to the Kasuga Shrine at 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara, Nara, Japan.
Stop 4
Pass byTamukeyama Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine near Tōdai-ji, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is a Hachiman shrine, dedicated to the kami Hachiman. It was established in 749. Kami enshrined here include Emperor Ojin, Emperor Nintoku, Empress Jingū and Emperor Chūai in addition to Hachiman.
Stop 5
⏱ 2hImmerse yourself in the enchanting charm of Arashiyama. Visit to the renowned Bamboo Grove, a magical forest of towering green stalks that create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Wander through this captivating path, where the light filters through the dense bamboo, creating a unique and tranquil experience. For travelers who choose the no-meal option, you will have a total of 120 minutes in Arashiyama to explore local dining options and enjoy the picturesque surroundings at your own pace. For Travelers Who Have Selected the Lunch Option: Enjoy 50 minutes for lunch at Kyoto Shokujidokoro Wasabi, followed by 60 minutes for Arashiyama.
Stop 6
Pass byThe Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or Sagano Bamboo Forest is a natural bamboo forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. It consists mostly of mōsō bamboo and has several pathways for tourists and visitors. The Ministry of the Environment considers it a part of the soundscape of Japan.
Stop 7
Pass byYusai-tei in Arashiyama is a modern art gallery and dye studio offering a hands-on kimono-dyeing workshop.
Stop 8
Pass byŌkōchi Sansō is the former home and garden of the Japanese jidaigeki actor Denjirō Ōkōchi in Arashiyama, Kyoto. The villa is open to the public for an admission fee and is known for its gardens and views of the Kyoto area. Several of the buildings are recorded as cultural properties by the national government.
Stop 9
⏱ 50 minFor Travelers Who Have Selected the Lunch Option (Departure from Osaka Only): You will enjoy a delightful Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu, accompanied by an informative explanation of the world-famous Kobe beef, renowned globally for meeting the strictest standards among Japan’s three major Wagyu breeds. Its finely textured, tender meat features intricate marbling that melts during cooking, creating a soft, velvety texture that delights the palate. Lunch will be served at Kyoto Shokujidokoro Wasabi, located on the historic grounds of Jurakudai, the site of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's renowned Golden Castle. This traditional townhouse, with a history spanning over 100 years, provides a unique and memorable dining experience. For Travelers Who Have Selected the Lunch Option: 50 minutes for lunch, followed by 60 minutes in Arashiyama. For Travelers Who Have Selected the No Lunch Option: No scheduled activities here, with 120 minutes to explore Arashiyama.
Stop 10
Pass byTenryū-ji, formally known as Tenryū Shiseizen-ji, is the head temple of the Tenryū-ji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, located in Susukinobaba-chō, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, primarily to venerate Gautama Buddha, and its first chief priest was Musō Soseki.
Stop 11
Pass byNonomiya Shrine, or the Shrine in the Country, is a Shinto shrine in the Arashiyama district on the west side of the city of Kyoto, Japan, close to its bamboo forest.
Stop 12
Pass byThis Buddhist temple in a serene forest with views is popular in fall when its maples change color.
Stop 13
Pass byFudo-in is a temple in the holy Koyasan Buddhist mountain retreat. It is located off of the main road between the Visitor center and Okunoin cemetery.
Stop 14
Pass byIwatayama Monkey Park is a commercial park located in Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan. The park is located atop Mount Arashiyama, on the opposite side of the Ōi River of the train station. It is inhabited by a troop of over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys.
Stop 15
Pass byThe Fukuda Art Museum posesses a collection that consists of approximately 2000 items, prinmarily Japanese paintings dating from Edo period (1603 - 1868) .
Stop 16
Pass byThe "Arashiyama Kimono Forest" in English is called Kimono Forest. It is a public art installation located at Randen Arashiyama Station in Kyoto. The installation features a pathway lined with numerous cylindrical pillars, each wrapped in vibrant kimono fabric encased in clear acrylic.
Stop 17
⏱ 40 minAdmission includedVisit to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dazzling golden exterior and serene gardens. Your ticket is included!
Stop 18
Pass byShrine with 10th-century origins featuring annual festivals to mark natural & historical events
Stop 19
Pass byPainted canvases, ceilings & screen doors by Insho Domoto in a space designed by the artist himself.
Stop 20
Pass byTogetsukyō Bridge, meaning "Moon-Crossing Bridge", is a landmark wooden bridge in Kyoto's Arashiyama district, spanning the Katsura River. It's renowned for its scenic beauty, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, and has a history dating back over a thousand years.
Stop 21
⏱ 1h 20mFushimi Inari Shrine, a revered Shinto shrine designated as an Important Cultural Property. This iconic shrine is renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, which create a stunning and immersive tunnel-like pathway up the sacred Mount Inari. As you walk through the gates, you’ll pass through a series of shrines, each representing a different aspect of the deity Inari Okami, who is worshipped for prosperity in business, household safety, and success in various endeavors.
Stop 22
Pass byThis garden is registered as a scenic beauty spot by Kyoto City and the earthen jar burried in the garden creates beautiful sound when drips of the flowing water on the ground touch the ceramic bottom.
What’s Included
- ✓Lunch (if the option is selected)
- ✓All Fees and Taxes
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓English or Chinese Speaking Guide
- ✓Entrance fee to Kinkakuji temple
What’s NOT Included
- ✗Hotel Pick up / Drop off
- ✗Entrance fee to Todaiji temple (Optional)
Additional Info
- 🚇Public transportation options are available nearby
- 👶Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 🚶Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- •The tour schedule may change without prior notice due to weather, road traffic conditions, and other unforeseen reasons. (There might be delays in returning to the designated location. If the tour is cancelled by the supplier due to extreme weather or natural disaster, you will receive a full refund.
- •This tour will depart regardless of weather or traffic conditions, unless you are notified otherwise by the local operator. Trip Advisor / Viator and your local tour operator will not be responsible for itinerary changes due to unforeseen circumstances.
- •Depending on the number of participants, English and Chinese commentary might be given in the same bus.
- •Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book with children's price
- •Please arrive 10 minutes before at your selected meeting point, as your assigned bus & guide will be based on that specific location. The guide has a list of participants for each bus & may not be able to accommodate guests who arrive at a different meeting point. Late arrival or arrival at the wrong location will miss the tour, & refund won't be issued. If you'd like to change your meeting point or unsure about the meeting point, pls notify us at least 2 days before departure for assistance.
- •The bus will be departing on time (no exception).
- •Please adhere to the scheduled time. We are unable to accommodate delays or wait for any reason. The tour will depart promptly as scheduled to respect all customers' time.
- •In case of late arrival or arrival at wrong location, regardless of contact prior to the departure time, refunds may not be granted.
- •Please check the photo in the product page & scan the QR code for the meeting point reference.
- •Contact # may not be responsive outside of business hours, 9:30am~6pm JST (weekdays only)
- •Regarding luggage, we allow one piece of luggage per person during the excursion. Please also ensure that the luggage is manageable and fits comfortably within our vehicle. (The maximum size for luggage stored in the trunk should not exceed a total of 155cm- combined height, width, and depth.) Please also be aware that any items stored in the trunk will not be accessible in between stops on the tour, so keep all valuables with you.
- •In general, we do not send out confirmation emails prior to departure. If you would like more information or need to clarify something, please contact us and we will send you the relevant details.
- •Upon arrival, please confirm your name with the guide or staff on the participant list.
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