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 (This is not included if you choose a last minute option)

Entry ticket to Todai-ji Temple (This is not included if you choose a last minute option)

English Speaking Guide

Air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi

Personal expenses

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

Entry tickets and meals(if the last minute option is selected)

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

Kyoto Departure/Japanese Feast

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

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

Osaka dep Last-Minute Seats

No Lunch : Feel free to bring and enjoy your own lunch on the tour, or choose a nearby restaurant for dining
This Option: Last-minute seats available for the guided bus tour. Entry tickets and lunch not included.
Starting point:
Namba Ocat Building, 1 Chome-4 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0017, Japan

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 dep Last-Minute Seats

No Lunch : Feel free to bring and enjoy your own lunch on the tour, or choose a nearby restaurant for dining.
This Option: Last-minute seats available for the guided bus tour. Entry tickets and lunch not included.
Starting point:
Tourist Bus Terminal, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance (Kyoto Avanti), Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan

Osaka Namba Dep/Japanese Feast

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

4.63

364 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

282

Perfect for seeing the best of both destinations
Sylvia G,
Jun 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our guide Masa gave us a lot of information about the places to visit, started and finished on time, I highly recommend it
Our tour guide Kelly was...
Marie O,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our tour guide Kelly was very good, giving just enough information about the places we visited. The deer at Nara were so cute but be careful, they could get aggressive when you have their cookies. There happened to be a heat wave while we were visiting and the Bamboo Forest was very hot and crowded. Sadly, it didn't meet expectations. The optional lunch buffet which we availed of was convenient and good.
Kyoto and Nara with Hama
Henrique C,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Very good! Hama our guide was very kind and helpful! Would definitely recommend this tour. Everything went smooth.
Amazing day
rjbarr,
Jun 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Very enjoyable and informative day. Our guide was excellent and we learned so much from him. There is a lot of walking involved on this trip. The buffet lunch was lovely
It was a great day with a...
Rhi B,
May 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It was a great day with a great guide. Yuki was full of great tips and advice for post tour adventures also.