Kyoto Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity.
Visit Nijo Castle, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Nijo Castle has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built.
Marvel at the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji that shows you the best of the timeless Japanese city, also known as the Golden Pavilion.
Visit the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha and explore the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the beautiful Kimono Forest.
Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please indicate when booking if you're traveling with stroller or large luggage.
Please inform us at least one day in advance if you have placed an order separately from your relatives or friends. This will help avoid the situation where you and your companions are assigned to different vehicles.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned transportation
Guide
Lunch
Admission fees: Nijo Castle & Ninomaru Goten Palace
Admission fees: Kinkaku-ji Temple
What To Expect
Nijo Castle
Nijo-jo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868). It is one of the best-known castles in Japan, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Nijo-jo Castle can be divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and some gardens around them. The entire castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats. The admission ticket for Nijo Castle, which includes access to the Ninomaru-goten Palace, costs 1,300 yen. Please ensure you have the appropriate cash for entry. Thank you. ( During the days when Nijo Castle was closed, visit Heian Jingu Shrine instead. This Shinto shrine is located in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, and is recognized as an important cultural property of Japan. )
Arashiyama
Located in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a well-known tourist destination celebrated for its natural beauty, historic sites, and scenic attractions. This area has been a favored spot since the Heian Period (794-1185) when nobles would visit to enjoy its picturesque landscapes.
Options
From Osaka
Duration: 9 hours
Bus
Starting point:
Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station, 1-chōme-18-14 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
From Kyoto
Duration: 9 hours
Bus
Starting point:
Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance Square Sunken Garden, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tour significantly impacted by weather
John R,
Nov 1, 2025
- Viator
3.00The weather was terrible! It rained all day, we got wet, and another passenger stole one of our umbrellas. There were too many stops, which included stops of picking up and dropping off other tourists, which used up too much time and therefore the amount of time to traverse the sites was too limited. We felt like we were always in a rush to get through and just check the box that we visited a site. All of that said, Theodore Chen-San was a nice guide. English was a little hard to understand at times and he spent too much time speaking about personal things instead of focusing on historical and interesting facts about the sites. We would’ve liked to learn more on the tour. Finally, it was a long day. We left in Osaka at 8:00am and didn’t arrive back until almost 7pm.
A great day touring Kyoto with Jackson.
Lorraine H,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a great day touring the 4 main attractions with our guide Jackson. Everything went smooth and he was very knowledgeable and professional and spoke excellent English. He pointed out the sights not to miss and where best to have lunch etc. it was very crowded due to a national holiday but we still had a great day.
Kyoto sightseeing
Rowena G,
Sep 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fantastic experience and the place was beautiful , historical . Different from the places we visited.
Not worth it!
Tara G,
Sep 7, 2025
- Viator
2.00This tour was basically a bus service to different locations. Our guide Anson provided very little information on each place and did not guide on most locations like the bamboo forest and Fushimi Inari. Nijo castle is lovely but we spent less than 30 minutes and barely walked around. The tour is a quick drive thru of each sight and is not worth the money. You can hop onto the train and visit these places on your own without a guide ; the benefit lies in going with someone who can teach you about the history and significance of the sights you see. This tour fails that.
Whilst good to see...
neil o,
Aug 30, 2025
- Viator
4.00Whilst good to see several places in one day, you are very rushed and dont really have the opportunity to have any flexibility. Some stops were better than others. The bamboo forest and the village around it was great, the kimono forest isnt much of an attraction unless you are there in the evening after dark. Our guide Theodore was very good, very thorough and clearly aware there was a lot to fit in. I would however on reflection have preferred just an afternoon / evening tour of the kimono and bamboo forests with more time to explore alone
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