Kyoto Bus Tour: Iconic Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kiyomizu Temple

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto Bus Tour: Iconic Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kiyomizu Temple

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About this experience

Explore Three of Kyoto's Most Iconic World Heritage Sites in a Day!

Kyoto is a beautiful city, but it can be crowded and navigating the logistics can be hectic. Join this comprehensive bus tour to visit three must-see temples in Kyoto: Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Enjoy a complimentary multilingual audio guide available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Operated by one of the most reputable companies in the area, this bus tour is perfect for groups, families, and individuals looking to make the most of their limited time in Kyoto.

Available options

Kyoto Bus Tour: Iconic Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kiyomizu Temple

What's included

Japanese-speaking guide

Admission to all temples visited during the tour

Transportation (Buses)

On-board audio guide (English, Chinese, and Korean)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

【Kinkakuji Temple】
Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The center of the temple complex is a golden building standing above a large pond. The building has a unique structure; each floor demonstrates a different architectural style. The top two floors of this building are covered with gold foil to show off the prosperity of the era when it was first built. However, the original temple was burned down by one of the apprentice monks in 1950 and was reconstructed in 1955.

Stop 2

【Ginkakuji Temple】
GinkakuThe "Temple of the Silver Pavilion" is one of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites. Unlike the "Golden Pavilion," this temple is not covered in silver, even though that was the creator's original intention. Instead, it is known for its beautiful Zen rock garden, traditional landscaping, and architecture.

Stop 3

【Kiyomizudera Temples】
Founded in the early Heian Era, this temple offers sweeping panoramas of Kyoto from its mountainside perch. The temple is named for the waters that flow beneath it, which are legendary for their wish-granting powers.

Transfer:
Drive through Western part of Kyoto for Kinkakuji, and then drive across to GInkakuji, then head south to Kiyomizu-dera temple by bus. Enjoy the scenery of the ancient and current city of Kyoto through the bus window.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hotel transfer

Available languages

Audio guide

KO EN ZH-CN

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We offer GPS-enabled multilingual audio guidance, available in English, Chinese and Korean.

Please note that a Japanese-speaking guide will accompany the tour and you will be sharing the ride with Japanese tourists.

The boarding ticket you receive also serves as an entry pass for major sightseeing locations. Please keep it safe until the end of the tour, as lost tickets cannot be reissued. Boarding tickets can be exchanged starting from three days prior to your boarding date.

Please make your own way to the bus terminal. The bus will depart on time, and late arrivals will not be permitted to join the tour with no exceptions (no refunds will be issued.)

Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure time for prompt boarding.

At each sightseeing spot, the guide will display the return time before departure for the next stop. Please be sure to confirm it and return to the bus on time. If you do not follow the instructions, the bus will depart for the next destination without waiting.

Meeting point

JR Kyoto Station Karasuma Exit
KYOTO Sightseeing "OKOSHI" Bus Terminal

Important notes

Please check in at the ticket booth at the meetup location in Kyoto Station.
Arrive at the Meeting Point by 9:10~20AM.
Meeting Point: JR Kyoto Station - Kyoto Sightseeing "OKOSHI" Bus Karasumaguchi Terminal.
https://x.gd/6N1SC
Exchange your voucher at the ticket window.
The bus leaves at 9:30 AM.

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.