Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
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.
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. 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.
Our contact number may be unavailable outside business hours (Mon–Fri, 9:30AM–6:00 PM JST).
What To Expect
Nara Park
Nara, 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.
Todai-ji Temple
Todaiji 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.
Options
Kobe-Beef Rice Bowl/Osaka dep.
Kobe Beef Rice Bowl Lunch: ※Only Available for Osaka Departure Option. This lunch option features a rice bowl of premium Kobe beef. Osaka Villa Namba Departure: (Meeting time: 7:50AM/Departure time: 8:00AM) Starting point: VIP Villa Namba, 1-chōme-2-1 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0011, Japan
Kobe-Beef Shabu-shabu /Osaka
Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu Lunch: ※Only Available for Osaka Departure Option. This lunch option features a hot pot of premium Kobe beef shabu-shabu." Osaka Departure (8:00 am) Starting point: VIP Villa Namba, 1-chōme-2-1 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0011, Japan
Pork Shabu/Osaka (7:50 Meetup)
Kyoto Pork Shabu-shabu Lunch: Explore the historical Kyo-machiya charm & savor Pork Shabu-shabu Osaka Departure (7:50 Meet up)
No Lunch / Osaka (7:50 Meetup)
No Lunch Option: There is no lunch included in this option. Osaka Villa Namba Departure: (Meeting Time: 07:50AM／Departure Time: 08:00AM) Starting point: VIP Villa Namba, 1-chōme-2-1 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0011, Japan
Pork Shabu/Kyoto (9:00 Meetup)
Kyoto Pork Shabu-shabu Lunch: Explore the historical Kyo-machiya charm & savor Pork Shabu-shabu. Kyoto Departure (9:10 am)
Kobe-Beef Sukiyaki /Osaka Dep.
Kobe Beef Sukiyaki Lunch: ※Only Available for Osaka Departure Option. This lunch option features a Sukiyaki hot pot of premium Kobe beef. Osaka Villa Namba Departure: (Meeting time: 7:50AM/Departure time: 8:00AM) Starting point: VIP Villa Namba, 1-chōme-2-1 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0011, Japan
No Lunch / Kyoto (9:00 Meetup)
No Lunch Option: There is no lunch included in this option. Kyoto VIP Lounge Departure: (Meeting time: 9:00AM/Departure time: 9:10AM) Starting point: VIP Lounge Kyoto, Japan, 601-8417 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Nishikujō Toriiguchichō, 6−番地 1F
What‘s Included
Lunch (if the option is selected)
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
English or Chinese Speaking Guide
Entrance fee to Kinkakuji temple
Hotel Pick up / Drop off
Entrance fee to Todaiji temple (Optional)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
154 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great tour. So many...
Melissa F,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great tour. So many lovely things to see and experience. It was hot but manageable. Lunch was amazing!
Self guided not what we paid for.
H4335FBcathya,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Unfortunately with two of our stops on this tour it was more a guide yourself . Not what I paid for. Was taken to the deer park & then given instructions on how to find the Toda-ji Temple . Eventually found it. Second time was trying to find the Bamboo Forest. We were given rather confusing directions from a street corner & unfortunately we never found the proper forest only the edge of it ( I think). Eric seemed nice but very hard to understand his English. Compared to our tour in Hiroshima this tour failed to impress.
Amazing time!
Adrianne P,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gary was great! He made sure we all had a lovely time.
Best of Kyoto & Nara in One Day!
Midori M,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was the highlight of my trip! It’s the perfect way to see all the iconic spots in Kyoto and Nara efficiently. ・Amazing Guide: KOJI-san was so energetic and fun—he kept everyone smiling the whole day! ・Perfect Pace: I loved that we had enough free time at each stop to explore and shop at our own pace. It never felt rushed. ・Unique Experience: Even with the crowds, this tour offered a fresh and interesting perspective on Japan’s beauty. A must-do if you want a fun, stress-free, and fulfilling day. Thanks for the memories, KOJI!
Highly recommend
marzi2023,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Kept us all engaged with his cultural insights.
This was the worst...
Kelli L,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00This was the worst excursion I have ever taken. Our tour guide gave us very little information about the history and culture of Japan, that is why I book excursions. For me the worst part was that he would walk us to activity, many times with confusing turns in the path and would leave us , completely on our own to explore and make it back to the bus. On three occasions today, I found myself lost and stressed that I wouldn’t make it back in time. I have never booked an excursion where you’re expected to know what to do and where to go without guidance. This was a definite zero for me
One day Osaka-Kyoto bus tour - somewhat can be improved upon
Yvonne T,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Good but there’s room for improvement. Example the itinerary should have contingency plans for alteration when facing lousy weather; the waiting /meeting spots were all unsheltered, and last stop in Kyoto (after the shrine) guests who did not wish to continue the attraction-visit due to the rain and bad traffic, could not wait in the bus nor in any comfortable sheltered cafes. We were put in a no choice spot with no eatery or seats for an hour plus. Other than the rigid program/schedule which Eric our guide closely adhered to, Eric was knowledgeable with the history of Japan, he was jovial and made the bus ride less boring. Thumbs up to him.
It was a long day but...
Glenn S,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a long day but worth it. Hary our tour guide was fun , entertaining and very knowledgeable about the history of Kyoto and Nara.
Exhausting! Too much for...
Jane O,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Exhausting! Too much for one day and probably too long in some of the stops. Great guide tho who was very helpful.
Excursion well...
MariaEugenia F,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized excursion. They leave you free time to see things on your own. Very friendly and helpful guide
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Operated by VIP Japan Tours