Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

3.7 (158 reviews) Osaka, Japan
Duration9h - 10h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesChinese, English
Group sizeUp to 49 travelers

Overview

Begin your day from VIP Lounge in Osaka or Kyoto.

Your journey begins in Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Discover the beauty of Nara Park, a historic landmark reflecting the city’s timeless charm. Continue to Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the 15-meter Great Buddha inside the world’s largest wooden structure.

Next, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Walk amidst towering stalks and feel the tranquil atmosphere as sunlight filters through the grove. Free time for lunch (note: location may shift to Fushimi Inari depending on traffic).
Lunch Option features world-famous Kobe beef celebrated for its tenderness & rich flavor. You can choose: Shabu-shabu, Sukiyaki, or Beef Rice Bowl. For vegetarian, a flavorful Vegetarian Curry is also available.

Continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Admire its gold-leaf exterior and serene garden.

Finally, visit the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of vermilion torii gates up Mount Inari.

Options

Vegetarian Curry/Osaka dep.

Vegetarian Curry 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

Kobe Beef Sukiyaki/Kyoto

Kobe Beef Sukiyaki Lunch: This lunch option features a Sukiyaki hot pot of premium Kobe beef.
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 Shabu-shabu/Kyoto

Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu Lunch: This lunch option features a hot pot of premium Kobe beef 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

Eel Rice Bowl/Kyoto Depart

Eel Rice Bowl (Unagi Don)
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

Eel Rice Bowl/Osaka dep.

Eel Rice Bowl (Unagi Don)
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

Kobe Beef Sukiyaki /Osaka Dep.

Kobe Beef Sukiyaki Lunch: This lunch option features a Sukiyaki hot pot of premium Kobe beef.
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/Kyoto dep.

Vegetarian Curry 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 Rice Bowl/Kyoto

Kobe Beef Rice Bowl Lunch: This lunch option features a rice bowl of premium Kobe beef.
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 (7:50 Meetup)

No Lunch Option: There is no lunch included in this option.
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 Rice Bowl/Osaka dep.

Kobe Beef Rice Bowl Lunch: This lunch option features a rice bowl of premium Kobe beef.
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

Kobe Beef Shabu-shabu /Osaka

Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu Lunch: This lunch option features a hot pot of premium Kobe beef shabu-shabu."
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

No Lunch / Kyoto (9:00 Meetup)

No Lunch Option: There is no lunch included in this option.

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

What's included

  • Lunch (if the option is selected)
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • English or Chinese Speaking Guide
  • Entrance fee to Kinkakuji temple
  • Hotel Pick up / Drop off
  • Entrance fee to Todaiji temple (Optional)

What to expect

  1. Nara Park
    40m
    Enjoy a relaxing walk through one of Japan's oldest public parks, surrounded by beautiful seasonal scenery and historic landmarks in the heart of Nara.
  2. Todai-ji Temple
    40m · Admission ticket not included
    Visit Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples. Home to the Great Buddha and the Great Buddha Hall—the world's largest historic wooden building—it is one of Nara's most iconic cultural landmarks.
    Time permitting, guests will have the opportunity to visit Todai-ji Temple. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on traffic and operational conditions.
  3. Arashiyama
    1h
    Immerse yourself in the enchanting charm of Arashiyama. Visit to the renowned Bamboo Grove, a magical forest of towering green stalks that create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Wander through this captivating path, where the light filters through the dense bamboo, creating a unique and tranquil experience.

    For travelers who choose the no-meal option, you will have a total of 120 minutes in Arashiyama to explore local dining options and enjoy the picturesque surroundings at your own pace.

    For Travelers Who Have Selected the Lunch Option:
    Enjoy 50 minutes for lunch at Kyoto Shokujidokoro Wasabi, followed by 60 minutes for Arashiyama.
  4. Togetsukyo Bridge
    10m
    Take in scenic views from Arashiyama's iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, overlooking the Katsura River and surrounded by breathtaking seasonal landscapes.
  5. Arashiyama Kimono Forest
    10m
    The "Arashiyama Kimono Forest" in English is called Kimono Forest. It is a public art installation located at Randen Arashiyama Station in Kyoto. The installation features a pathway lined with numerous cylindrical pillars, each wrapped in vibrant kimono fabric encased in clear acrylic.
  6. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
    40m
    Walk through one of Japan's most famous bamboo groves, where thousands of towering bamboo stalks rise on both sides of the path, creating a unique natural corridor. As sunlight filters through the bamboo and the leaves sway in the breeze, visitors can experience one of Kyoto's most iconic landscapes.
  7. Kinkakuji Temple
    40m · Admission ticket included
    Visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dazzling golden exterior and serene gardens. Your ticket is included!
  8. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
    1h 20m
    Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines throughout Japan. Renowned for its endless tunnels of vibrant vermilion torii gates winding through Mount Inari, it is one of Kyoto's most iconic attractions and a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

In front of Kyoto VIP Lounge Departure
(Meeting Time 09:00AM / Departure Time 09:10AM)
*5-minute walk from Kyoto Station Hachijo West Exit (八条西口)*
*Check out the photo reference of the meeting point on our product page.
The guide will be holding a blue flag.

Meeting point

Osaka VIP Villa Namba Departure
(Meeting Time: 07:50am / Departure Time: 08:00am)
*3-min walk from subway Midosuji Line Namba Station Exit 7*
*Check out the photo reference of the meeting point on our product page.
The guide will be holding a blue flag.

End point
End point

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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 in the same bus.
  • Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book with children's price
  • Please arrive 10 minutes before 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 miss the tour, & refund won't be issued. If you'd like to change your meeting point or unsure about the meeting point, pls notify us at least 2 days before departure for assistance.
  • The bus will be departing on time (no exception).
  • 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 may not be granted.
  • 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. 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.
  • Upon arrival, please confirm your name with the guide or staff on the participant list.
  • Contact number may be unavailable outside business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:30AM–6:30PM JST).

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

3.7 (158)
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9,176.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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