From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with Optional Lunch
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Begin your journey from Osaka or Kyoto, and step into Japan’s most iconic sights (Arashiyama, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha).
Start at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where sunlight filters through towering stalks, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Enjoy a superb meal at Kyoto Wasabi Restaurant. Choose from Kobe Beef Shabu-shabu, Pork Shabu-shabu, Kobe Beef Rice Bowl or Kobe Beef Sukiyaki. (Optional lunch)
Continue to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Stroll through Nara Park and visit Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside the world’s largest wooden structure, marvel at the 15-meter Great Buddha, an awe-inspiring symbol of Japan’s heritage.
Conclude at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates forming a striking path up Mount Inari. This unforgettable sight is among Japan’s most photographed landmarks.
At day’s end, relax on your bus ride back, with the flexibility to return to Osaka or Kyoto.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
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 on the same bus.
Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book under the children's price
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure 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 result in missing the tour, & refunds won't be issued. If you'd like to change your meeting point or are unsure about the meeting point, please notify us at least 2 days before departure for assistance.
The bus will be departing on time (no exceptions).
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 will not be granted.
Please check the photo in the product page & scan the QR code for the meeting point reference.
Upon arrival, please confirm your name with the guide or staff on the participant list.
Please refrain from booking any time-sensitive activities such as restaurant reservations, cruise ship departures, or other scheduled commitments immediately following your tour.
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.
Our contact number may be unavailable outside business hours (Mon–Fri, 9:30AM–6:00 PM JST).
What To Expect
Arashiyama
Your adventure starts with a visit the natural beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, one of the most picturesque sights in Japan. As you stroll through the towering bamboo stalks, you will feel as though you have entered another world. The gentle swaying of the bamboo and the serene atmosphere offer a peaceful escape, making it an unforgettable experience. Be sure to stop for a photo with the iconic bamboo backdrop and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryū-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.
Options
Pork Shabu-shabu /Osaka Dep.
Pork Shabu-Shabu Lunch 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
Vegetarian Curry / Osaka Dep.
Vegetarian Curry Rice (Meet at 7:50AM) Osaka depart Starting point: VIP Villa Namba, 1-chōme-2-1 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0011, Japan
Kobe-Beef Sukiyaki /Osaka Dep.
Kobe Beef Sukiyaki Lunch 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
Kobe-Beef Sukiyaki /Kyoto Dep.
Kobe Beef Sukiyaki Lunch Kyoto VIP Lounge Departure: (Meeting Time: 09:00AM／Departure Time: 09:10AM) Starting point: VIP Lounge Kyoto, Japan, 601-8417 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Nishikujō Toriiguchichō, 6−番地 1F
Kobe-Beef Rice Bowl/Kyoto dep.
Kobe Beef Rice Bowl Lunch Kyoto VIP Lounge Departure: (Meeting Time: 09:00AM／Departure Time: 09:10AM) Starting point: VIP Lounge Kyoto, Japan, 601-8417 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Nishikujō Toriiguchichō, 6−番地 1F
Kobe-Beef Rice Bowl/Osaka dep.
Kobe Beef Rice Bowl Lunch 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
Vegetarian Curry / Kyoto Dep.
Vegetarian Curry Rice (Meet at 9:00AM) Kyoto depart Starting point: VIP Lounge Kyoto, Japan, 601-8417 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Nishikujō Toriiguchichō, 6−番地 1F
No Lunch / Kyoto Departure
No Lunch: There is no lunch included in this option. Kyoto VIP Lounge Departure: (Meeting Time: 09:00AM／Departure Time: 09:10AM) Starting point: VIP Lounge Kyoto, Japan, 601-8417 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Nishikujō Toriiguchichō, 6−番地 1F
Pork Shabu-shabu / Kyoto Dep.
Pork Shabu-Shabu 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
Kobe-Beef Shabu-shabu /Kyoto
Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu Lunch 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
Kobe-Beef Shabu-shabu /Osaka
Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu Lunch 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 / Osaka Departure
No Lunch: 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
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
English or Chinese Speaking Guide
Entrance fee to Todaiji temple (Optional)
Hotel Pick up / Drop off
Lunch (Optional)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
115 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
it was very informative ,...
jackson n,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00it was very informative , linch was included . we got on in Osaka and our guide did an ok job i guess because she just got out of the hospital
Kyoto/Nara tour
Keith M,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The tour covered what it needed to cover so job done. But very much left to our own devices at each place we visited. No criticism of our tour guide but spoke quietly and some rude guests just keep talking when the rest of the coach was trying to listen as she was trying to give us information. Same rude guests left their area in mess with remains of food etc they just didn’t care. Told them to be quiet with no avail. Would I do the trip again no would I recommend the trip well lower your expectations and it should be ok. Seems very rushed been on much better tours with other companies. Booked for Kobe beef Shabu Shabu which was highly disappointing. Could have used beef to sole my shoes.
A long day
Sarah D,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00It was a very long day and whilst our guide was very competent, he had a nervous laugh. Everyone was on time so that was a plus but it was very humid and one big rush
Kyoto-Nara with a wonderful tour guide
Benson T,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is really one of a kind day tour with a super humorous yet informative tour guide Nic. He is very helpful and patient with everyone during the 4 scenic spots. Exhausting for us because it’s more like a trekking and hiking tour with 19,338 steps, my highest so far this lifetime!
Guide Koji
Gwenevere N,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My guide person Koji was very knowledgeable timely and hilarious he assured everyone’s safety and accounted for and kept everyone on the itternary
Amazing trip
Julia S,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had the best day on our Kyoto & Nara Day Trip! 🦌⛩️ Nara was absolutely hilarious, the deer were so cheeky and kept biting when we didn’t feed them fast enough 😂 Such a funny and unique experience. Kyoto was beautiful as always, with so much history and stunning scenery everywhere you look. Today was also 32 degrees and incredibly hot, and unfortunately the air con on our bus stopped working. But a huge shoutout to our guide who handled it so well and quickly swapped our bus over for one with working air conditioning. Great service and much appreciated in the heat! Such a fun day filled with laughs, beautiful sights, and unforgettable memories. Highly recommend this tour if you’re visiting Japan! 🇯🇵✨
A Good Tour with Good Lunch
Wai E,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour provided a good overview of the places we visited. The use of a bus/coach was comfortable, and the optional individual hot pot lunch. We had the Kobe Beef Shabu-shabu and it was very good. The meeting point was a bit chaotic due to overcrowding on a small street and lack of clear signs or personnel giving instructions. This location is used by multiple tour operators, so arrive at least 15 minutes earlier. The tour guide was knowledgeable and provided a description of the places we visited while on the bus. This is not a tour where the tour guide travel with the group around the difference places. This tour provided enough time at each tourist attraction to have an independent good overview.
Great value trip
yost657,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great value trip, great iteniary, less guided, more free roaming personal experience in each location
A great day in Kyoto
578constanzag,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience, the guide Koji was really informative, funny and nice and made the experience better. The places we went were beautiful and we had enough time to enjoy the scenery, visit shrines/temples, eat snacks and take pictures. The included lunch was delicious! Overall a wonderful day, would totally recommend!
Kyoto and Nara is a better wording
Hugh M,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00I realized soon on that I had booked the wrong trip for what I wanted. Nara only took up a little over an hour of the trip. The lunch is worth signing up for. The two Kyoto stops later in the day are must sees although I had already been there. I wish I had paid closer attention when booking and found one that went direct to Nara from Osaka.
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Operated by VIP Japan Tours