Overview
Available languages
4 hours 40 minutes
Mobile ticket
This tour is recommended for those traveling to Kyoto for the first time. Visit popular sightseeing spots efficiently, all before noon! This tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. Visit the World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle. The impressive, elaborate carvings and decors in the Ninomaru Palace are a must-see. Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, with its beautiful golden Shariden (a building in which Buddha's ashes are enshrined), and see its elegantly beautiful garden. See the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was used as the Emperor's residence until about 150 years ago.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations. Seats may not be designated
As the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed to visitors on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) and on days when there is an Imperial Household Agency event, the tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead. If the closed day falls on the 25th, the tour will visit Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December, and from Dec. 26 to Jan. 3. (Closed on the following day if Tuesday is a holiday.) If closed, Ryoan-ji Temple will be visited instead
After sightseeing at Kyoto Imperial Palace, the bus will stop by the lunch venue for the 1-day tour. After that, participants will be dropped off at Kyoto Station
Refunds will not be issued in case the tour visits aforementioned alternative destinations
Seats may not be designated
This tour ends in front of Kyoto Avanti (across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit), and does not include return trip transportation expenses from Kyoto to Osaka and assistant service
Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with bus seats. If bus seats are required, please make a booking under the child rate
The tour will be accompanied by an English-speaking assistant (not a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter) on the outbound trip from Hotel Granvia Osaka to the Sunrise Tours Desk in Kyoto Avanti B1F
Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour
What To Expect
Nijo Castle
A World Heritage site. This castle was built on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. The impressive, elaborate carvings and decors in the Ninomaru Palace are a must-see. *The tour will not enter the Honmaru Palace and Painting Gallery.
Kinkakuji Temple
A World Heritage site. The wooden architecture is covered in thin layers of pure gold and is surrounded by a beautiful pond.
Options
Round trip from Kyoto
Kyoto Avanti : Please come to the meeting point by 8:20am Sunrise Tours Desk in Kyoto Avanti B1F Starting point: JTB SUNRISE TOURS DESK KYOTO, Japan, 601-8003 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Higashikujō Nishisannōchō, ３１ B1F AVANTI
From Osaka, Tour Ends at Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Osaka: Please come to the meeting point by 7:15am Hotel Granvia Osaka 1F (in front of elevator) Starting point: Hotel Granvia Osaka, 3-chōme-1-1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan
What‘s Included
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter fee
Admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
Food and drinks
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
366 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Super good experience
Q558XEbenedettab,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00All Amazing and guide really interesting!
KEICY THE 10/10💪🫰
NorthStar37049433313,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Keicy was an amazing tour guide in Nara! His friendly personality, enthusiasm, and in-depth knowledge made the tour both fun and informative. He shared fascinating insights about Nara's history and culture, answered all our questions, and made everyone feel welcome. Thank you, Keicy, for making our experience so memorable. Highly recommended!
Great History
madelinesU2931XS,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Keicy was such a great guide. He shared so much history and information about each sight. We had the best time with him seeing the beautiful sights.
Plenty of Temples, feeding deer, and one impressive Buddha statue
E1784QHjoshuaj,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00KC was an excellent host. His concern for everyone goes far beyond normal generosity.
Awesome time on the tours!!
831gabss,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Yuki-san, was amazing. She is extremely knowledgeable, and very personable and kind. We had a lot of fun listening to, and learning from her about all these temples.
Beautiful locations
Compass07946883607,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice locations, with a very informative and omoshiroi tour guide. Well organized. Also appreciate that someone escorted us through the transit system
Kyoto half day tour
Franz V,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Learned so much about Japanese history and traditions from our very energetic and knowledgeable guide KC.
KC gave great tour!
RockPasta,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00KC provided a thoughtful, educational, and often humorous tour through the KYOTO sites this morning. Had we done any of these locations ourselves, we likely would have agonized over smaller details - but KC gave great highlights, the overall story, and we were able to see much more in the same unit time! the weather turned sour for us, but The tour works fine from under an umbrella! If rain is forecasted bring some really good shoes with that umbrella unless you want wet socks!
Informative and historically interesting tour of Kyoto.
jenslT5394VF,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very friendly and helpful guide, good at explaining the history of the tours and the attractions. Very professional, and showed a different perspective of Kyoto.
Refreshingly humorous.
AndreasyChristiane,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very funny tour guide with good explanations of the sights.
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