Kyoto Bus Tour from Osaka by Train: Nijo & Bamboo grove

Duration12h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish, Spanish

Group sizeUp to 45 travelers

Overview

Discover the best of Kyoto on a full-day tour with round-trip train transfers from Osaka and a guided sightseeing tour by bus. Start your journey with a comfortable self-guided train ride to Kyoto, where you'll meet your professional guide before exploring the city's most iconic landmarks.

Visit the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, admire the dazzling Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), discover the historic Nijo Castle, and take in the panoramic views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. End the day at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding through the mountainside.

If Nijo Castle is unavailable due to local circumstances, it will be replaced with a visit to the impressive Sanjūsangen-dō Temple.

After the tour, return to Osaka by train at your own pace. Please note that the train journeys between Osaka and Kyoto are self-guided.

The itinerary may vary slightly due to weather or traffic conditions.

Options

Without tickets

This option does not include tickets. It includes Round-trip train transfer from/to Osaka

With tickets

Tickets + train included: Entry to Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera + round-trip train from/to Osaka

What's included

Bilingual English/Spanish guide
Transportation from the meeting point
Admission to Nijo Castle (if option selected)
Round-trip train transfer from/to Osaka
Admission to Golden Pavilion (if option selected)
Admission to Kiyomizu-dera (if option selected)

Lunch

What to expect

20m

Start your adventure by taking the train from Osaka to Kyoto. Please note that this train journey is self-guided.
Kyoto
40m

Once you arrive in Kyoto, meet your guide at the designated meeting point.
Begin your adventure by departing the bustling city of Kyoto and heading towards some of the area's most iconic sites. First, you will head to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The bus ride will take approximately 40 minutes.
1h 20m

Your first stop is the enchanting Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, where you will enjoy early access to explore this iconic place before the crowds arrive. A magical place where you'll stroll through towering bamboo stalks that create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Take in the sights and sounds of nature as you walk along the winding paths, perfect for photography and meditation.
Kinkakuji Temple
45m · Admission ticket included

After enjoying the tranquility of Arashiyama, you'll be able to explore the magnificent Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, only if you have purchased a valid entry ticket. (The bus ride will take approximately 30 minutes.). This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is covered in brilliant gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond. Take time to explore the meticulously landscaped gardens and learn about the temple’s rich history.
Nijo Castle
1h 30m · Admission ticket included

Next , you'll visit Nijo Castle, in case you have previously purchased the ticket. This UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. ( The bus ride to Nijo Castle will take approximately 30 minutes.)Walk through the castle grounds and discover the famous Ninomaru Palace, renowned for its "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked upon, designed to protect against intruders. Immerse yourself in the historical significance of this former residence of the shogun.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
2h 30m · Admission ticket included

Continue your journey to Kiyomizu-dera, a historic temple perched on a hillside that offers breathtaking views of the city below. (The bus ride to Kiyomizu-dera will take approximately 30 minutes). Remember, access is only permitted if the ticket has been purchased in advance.
Marvel at the wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, surrounded by cherry and maple trees. Visit the main hall and the sacred spring, Otowa Waterfall, where you can drink from the streams for health, longevity, and success. Before to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you will have free time to go to lunch.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
1h 30m

Next, head to Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its thousands of vermillion torii gates forming a stunning mountain pathway.(The bus ride to Fushimi Inari will take approximately 30 minutes). Enjoy free time before walking through the iconic gates, reaching the main shrine and beyond, while taking in the serene scenery and spiritual atmosphere, with smaller shrines along the way. The tour ends at Fushimi Inari, and the guide will give you instructions on how to get to Kyoto Station on your own.
20m

After the tour, take the train back to your starting point in Osaka. Please note that this train journey is self-guided.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your tour starts in Osaka with a self-guided train journey to Kyoto. Your confirmed departure time and digital tickets will be sent the day before.

On arrival, meet your guide outside Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande.

Please arrive at Shin-Osaka Station and the meeting point at least 10 minutes early.

End point

The tour ends at Fushimi Inari, and the guide will give you instructions on how to get to Kyoto Station on your own to board the train back to Osaka

Additional information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The itinerary is subject to possible changes due to weather conditions, traffic, road closures, or specific circumstances on the day of the activity.
Due to circumstances beyond the tour operator’s control, it is possible that Nijo Castle may not be accessible for the visit. In such cases, the tour will instead include a visit to Sanjūsangen-dō Temple.

Cancellation policy

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