Ancient Capital Tour: Kyoto and Nara Highlights from Kyoto/Osaka

Overview

Available languages

English

9 hours

Mobile ticket

Experience western Japan on this day trip through Kyoto and Nara. Explore the serene nature of Arashiyama, stroll the gardens of Kyoto's UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, and enjoy feeding deer in Nara Park.

・Visit the gorgeous golden Kinkaku-ji and its immaculate original gardens

・Explore the serene bamboo grove of Arashiyama

・Walk through Nara Park and feed the wild deer

・See the Great Buddha Statue at Todaiji temple

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tour departs from Kyoto and Osaka on different dates and buses. Choose your departure point carefully when booking.

Infants (0-2 years) free (seat and meal not included); must sit on an adult's lap

Meeting Time at Namba, OCAT 1F (Near Daiso): 8:50 AM

Meeting Time at Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, in the tourist bus parking area: 9:05 AM

Please check in 10 minutes before the booked start time

The bus will depart as scheduled; late arrivals are non-refundable

Schedule subject to change due to traffic or weather conditions for safety

Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended

Our business hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM JST on weekdays. Please note that we are unable to respond to emails outside of these hours.

We cannot provide vegan or halal meals. Please book an option without lunch.

For vegetarian requests, contact us directly (contact tour operator) at least 3 days before the tour

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Lunch(if option selected)

Entry ticket to Kinkaku-ji Temple

English Speaking Guide

Entry ticket to Todai-ji Temple

Air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi

Personal expenses

Hotel pickup and drop-off (the tour begins and ends at the meeting points.)

What To Expect

Arashiyama

First, we'll make our way to Arashiyama, where we'll enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch of seasonal Kyoto specialties (If option selected) before exploring the area. The Sagano Bamboo forest has been a popular nature-viewing destination since the Heian Period. Listen to the distinct rustle of bamboo leaves as you walk through the vibrant green bamboo path. You can also see the "moon-crossing bridge," Togetsukyo, as you walk along the beautiful Katsura River.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Kinkakuji Temple

Later, drive through Kyoto proper and arrive at Kinkaku-ji: the Golden Pavilion. True to its name, the gold-leaf covered temple dazzles in the sunlight, reflected in the mirror-like pond it overlooks. After admiring the sight (and taking some great pictures,) wander through the sprawling garden that has retained its original design from the 14th century. Admission tickets not included in last minute option.

45 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Osaka Namba Dep. without lunch

Lunch: NOT included
Entry Tickets: Todaiji & Kinkakuji
Starting point:
Namba Ocat Building, 1 Chome-4 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0017, Japan

Kyoto Departure/Without Lunch

Lunch is NOT included.
Kyoto departure: Meeting point & Time: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Bus Station in front or Kyoto AVANTI 9:05 AM.
Starting point:
Tourist Bus Terminal, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance (Kyoto Avanti), Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan

Kyoto Departure w/Buffet Lunch

Japanese Feast: Includes an all-you-can-enjoy lunch of about 40 Kyoto specialties.
Kyoto Departure: Meeting point & Time: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Bus Station in front or Kyoto AVANTI 9:05 AM. Admission fee included
Starting point:
Tourist Bus Terminal, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance (Kyoto Avanti), Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan

Osaka Dep w/ Buffet Lunch

Japanese Feast: This option offers an all-you-can-enjoy Japanese-style lunch with 40 assorted dishes.
Entry Tickets: Todaiji & Kinkakuji
Starting point:
Namba Ocat Building, 1 Chome-4 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0017, Japan

Reviews

4.68

444 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

358

Excellent sites in Kyoto & Nara
Phyllis L,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent day visiting historic sites in Kyoto & Nara Park. Opt in for the excellent Japanese buffet lunch at Arashiyama Restaurant. Excellent & so much choice!
Amazing trip of nara with ken!
Cruiser35981108903,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did Kinkakuji, Bamboo Forest, and Nara Deer Park with guide ken! It was amazing experience I just loved the guide very kind and energetic and sweet person I have ever meet in the japan. God bless him and give longer life. I forgot yo take his number but Please pass it on my message to him i still remembering him even after trip ended if possible share mu email with him I wanted to meet him again in my future japan trip. Here i just wanted to share some memories with him. Good bless you ken-san.
Historycal
irvanw2025,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very good trip, new experience and very kind tour guide. Best for trip one day or full trip. Very recommend trip for personal or family.
Historical
Voyager40846698001,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
All good. Yuki explained everything very well both history and fun fact about the places. Took us photos too. The food are also good. The ice cream in Japan are vert tastyy. Thanks Yukii
Great tour guide Ako
B4177PLtimn,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ako was a great guide and it was fun seeing the sites and History of Kyoto, lots of pictures. The bowing deer were also a fun experience
Lots to See and Experience
allyc520,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Tour guide, Tets, was very knowledgeable and friendly. Easy to follow and well planned. Buffet lunch was awesome! Had a great time on the tour.
Superb😍
416dhanaa,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Were so greatful that Yuki is our tour guide . He’s so jolly and good to be with. He explain the history of every temple and other places . We learned a lot from him . Yuki is highly recommended. Good luck and til next visit 👍❤️❤️❤️
Superb day trip experience
angeldanicaa,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing day trip experience with Yuki and he knows Tagalog/Filipino as well so that’s a plus. Would definitely recommend this day tour
Tokyo and nara bus tour.
soungsuc,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was very informative and comfortable. I am very glad the tour guide Machan was very kind and speaks english very fluently.
All right, but too fast.
miguelangellT5871QB,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great, Ma-chan was very friendly throughout. The food was very good. The only bad thing is that you have very little free time and unless you entertain a little, you are already late.