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. (The maximum size for luggage stored in the trunk should not exceed a total of 155cm- combined height, width, and depth.) 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).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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)
Options
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
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
No Lunch / Kyoto Departure
No Lunch: You will have free time to explore the local culinary delights in Arashiyama at your leisure.
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 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
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
No Lunch / Osaka Departure
No Lunch: You will have free time to explore the local culinary delights in Arashiyama at your leisure.
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
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
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 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 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
Reviews
79 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Thank you, Nick!
Hedi Sorgeloos,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I usually avoid guided tours, but this one completely changed my mind, largely thanks to Nick. His explanations added real depth to the day, especially at Todai-ji Temple in Nara, where his storytelling and historical context made the visit genuinely memorable. It was a very busy, tourist heavy day, but Nick knew exactly how to steer us towards quieter corners and lesser known spots, which made a huge difference. The itinerary was packed in the best possible way: Nara and its deer, Todai-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari, the Golden Pavilion, and the Arashiyama bamboo grove. The bus ride was comfortable and relaxed, and the shabu-shabu lunch was surprisingly good. We saw and did an incredible amount in one day without it ever feeling rushed. The absolute highlight for me was Todai-ji Temple, closely followed by Nick’s humor, which kept the whole group engaged and smiling throughout the day. An excellent tour and a genuinely great experience.
Great way to see the...
Stephen P,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to see the major sights. Bus trip was very comfortable and the guide was very knowledgeable.
Great tour.
stephaniekG5794JI,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was a lot of fun. The bus ride was comfortable and the places we stopped at were very interesting. Our host Eric gave great background history on each stop. We did not do the lunch option, and instead found a cute place to eat in town. Would recommend it.
Awesome Kyoto/Nara Day Trip. Thank you Nick!
Rose S,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick our tour guide was great! His friendly nature and sense of humor made our Kyoto/ Nara Day Tour fun. He was very engaging and knowledgeable about local history, culture, and current events. Best tour guide we had in Japan, highly recommend!
Kyoto and Nara Full Day Tour
Candice C,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Very bad service received from VIP Japan Tours. Our tour guide was very unprofessional and unwilling to assist us. He had not contacted us to find out how far we were from the pick up point and had left us behind. There was also no way of reaching out to him for assistance as he had not left a contact number to reach him. When we finally got a hold off him he did not answer our call. Could also not get a hold of anyone at VIP Japan Tours for assistance as well. When we requested a refund for the tour they had refused our request. Please avoid booking with this terrible company. They leave you stranded in a foreign country and are not even apologetic.
Unforgettable, highly recommend it 👌
763bered,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole itenerario was fantastic, the gia Mike was excellent. You can eat on the bus except ice cream. The lunch very rich and very efficient, just enter the restaurants are already waiting for you with lunch so you only start eating.
Unforgettable trip
A Yong W,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is our first trip to Japan. Osaka was the first city we visited. This trip took a day and it was well planned and we visited many places in one day, but not overwhelmed. Our tour guide, Nick, has a great personality and took care of every tour member well. The lunch is over our expectations, which was the best lunch we had while joining a day tour. The members were from many countries and mixed well together. We decided to join the next trip with Nick after the end of the day trip.
A great tour that hits all the best spots to visit
HannaB638,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time and visited all the 3 places we wanted to visit so the choice of the program was spot on. Nick our tour guide was super fun and helpful and also mindful of a long tour and its impact on customers. So he offered many options including a talking tour but also a choice for people to break out on their own for quiet and private time. I would gladly book this again
Tour experience, the best Guide
Climber15206489877,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip, very informative and enjoyable, definitely worth it, the price is nothing compared to the value you get, I don't normally write reviews but the trip was great and the guide was amazing, he would help every person in the tour get guidance and suggestions to get the most of your time in Japan and have a great sense of humor, I definitely recommend! The guide's name is Nick- san
Pushy tour guide and worst lunch ever
Louise D,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00This tour was way below expectations! Upon entering the bus, the bus turned out to smell like garlic. Cause the tour guide had a strong breath of garlic and politely refused the offered peppermint. We were too polite to point out his breathing stench. The description of the lunch did not meet expectations. We visited all the locations but lunch would be in a 120 year old traditional Japanese mansion. That wasn't true. It was a prefab snack bar where we got shabu shabu beef that looked like offal. This is unworthy of Japan and I wouldn't feed my dog yet. We took pictures of it but unfortunately could not include them in this review. 80% of meat was fat. On our comments about the quality qe were laughed at by the guide. This was normal for this kind of beef, but we know better. So book without lunch!! The tour guide was intrusive to several fellow passengers and encouraged them to buy in his cousin's shop which was a lot more expensive than other shops. This tour guide missed the connection with the group. The locations were nice to visit but at the last location we arrived in the dark which made the experience less good.
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Operated by VIP Japan Tours