Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

Nara Park is one of the must-see areas in Nara City and is one of the oldest parks in Japan. The vast area covers 660 hectares and is renowned for its free-roaming deer and world-famous temples. These tame creatures are believed to be sacred messengers of the Shinto gods and walk freely in Nara. Over time, these cute deers have learned to bow to visitors-a sign for a treat. For over 1,300 years, humans and deer have peacefully coexisted in Nara. Today, they are protected as Natural Monuments, and revered as holy animals in Nara.

Todaiji is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara.  The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites including temples, shrines, and places in the city of Nara. The temple's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), was recognized as the world's largest wooden building. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15-meter-tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.

The Kyoto Prefectural Uji Park is an island park surrounded by the Uji River, which divides the water's flow downstream. The park is connected to the riverbanks by three bridges. There are many scenic features including a 13th-century stone pagoda that stands 15 m tall. In spring, the park offers beautiful views of cherry blossom forests, and birds can be seen flying in the sky. Red-colored bridges connect the pathways on both sides of the river, and it's interesting to see ducks diving into the fast-flowing river to catch fish.

Byodo-in Temple is one of Japan's best-preserved national treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most iconic structure within the temple is the Phoenix Hall, which features wing-like corridors on either side of the central hall, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings, selected for the design as the obverse of the 10 yen coin.

Uji is renowned for its green tea production, and this charming street is lined with shops selling a variety of tea and tea-related products. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Uji, as it showcases Japan’s rich tea heritage and provides a glimpse into its fascinating history. As you stroll down the cobblestone path, the air is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly roasted tea leaves. Here you can try tea-flavored “dango” dumplings, noodles, ice creams, and donuts. Take your time to wander through the souvenir shops and eateries. At the end of the street, you will find a Starbucks that serves its popular Matcha Frappé.

The Uji River is the only river that originates from Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. It has served as an important waterway connecting Shiga and Osaka since ancient times. The river flows through Uji, dividing the city into two parts and serving as a central focal point, with most shops and restaurants located along its banks. Uji Bridge, the main passage over the river, is considered one of the three oldest bridges in the country.

There are around 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine, to worship the Shinto god of rice, Inari. The shrine is renowned for Senbon Torii, thousands of vermilion red torii gates, which create a stunning and immersive tunnel-like pathway up the sacred Mount Inari. In the 1300 years since its establishment in 711AD, people have gathered here to pray for bountiful harvests, business prosperity, the safety of their home and family, and the fulfillment of all other wishes.