One-Day Tour of Kyoto's Highlights from Osaka/Kyoto
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy a culturally enriching tour of Kyoto's most famous landmarks, including Fushimi Inari Temple and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Arashiyama. In just one day, you can see the result of hundreds of years of history, architecture, and cultural practices!
Experience the best of Kyoto in a convenient and comfortable way
Be entranced by the famous vermillion gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
Explore the gorgeous golden Kinkaku-ji and its immaculate well-preserved gardens
Stroll through Sagano Bamboo Forest - listen to the leaves rustle in the wind
Available options
Kyoto Dep / Without Lunch
English Speaking Guide<br/>Lunch NOT Included: Select this to bring and eat your own lunch on the tour, or dine at a nearby restaurant of your choice.<br/>Entry Tickets: Kiyomizudera & Kinkakuji
<br/>Starting point:<br/>Tourist Bus Terminal, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance (Kyoto Avanti), Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan
Kyoto Dep / Lunch Included
English Speaking Guide<br/>Standard Japanese Set Lunch: A blend of seasonal delights, steamed rice, crispy vegetable tempura, and tofu<br/>Admission Tickets: Kiyomizudera & Kinkakuji <br/>Starting point:<br/>Tourist Bus Terminal, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance (Kyoto Avanti), Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan
Osaka Dep. with Lunch
English Speaking Guide<br/>Standard Japanese Set Lunch: A blend of seasonal delights, steamed rice,crispy vegetable tempura, and tofu.
<br/> Entry Tickets: Kiyomizudera & Kinkakuji
<br/>Starting point:<br/>Namba Ocat Building, 1 Chome-4 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0017, Japan
Osaka Dep/Without Lunch
English Speaking Guide<br/>Lunch NOT Included: Select this to bring and eat your own lunch on the tour, or dine at a nearby restaurant of your choice.
<br/>Entry Tickets: Kiyomizudera & Kinkakuji
<br/>Starting point:<br/>Namba Ocat Building, 1 Chome-4 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0017, Japan
What's included
Lunch (if option selected)
English-speaking guide
Entrance ticket to Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizudera
Air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Start your tour at Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan. Spend an hour exploring this iconic site, known for its thousands of striking vermilion torii gates. These gates form a seemingly-endless path which you can wander through on your visit. Originally dedicated to the gods of agriculture, Fushimi Inari is not just a spiritual center but also a symbol of breathtaking beauty and cultural significance.
2
Stop 2
At Kiyomizu-dera, one of the most iconic temples in Japan, walk across the impressive wooden stage, which juts out from the hillside and was constructed without the use of a single nail. The temple boasts a wide view overlooking Kyoto and the beautiful surrounding nature. You can also drink from one of the three rejuvenating streams of Otowa Waterfall, said to bring success, love, and longevity.
3
Stop 3
The gold-leaf covered Golden Pavilion was once the villa of the Ashikaga Shogun, and is now a Zen Temple / UNESCO Heritage Site.
4
Stop 4
We'll walk through the cool and shady Bamboo Forest, which is great for pictures. You will also see the Togetsukyo (moon-crossing bridge).
What's not included
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.4
212 reviews
5★
140
4★
45
3★
15
2★
4
1★
8
Tripadvisor
4.8
846 reviews
5★
732
4★
92
3★
11
2★
4
1★
7
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Ages 0-2 free(seat, meal not included), must sit on an adult's lap
Meeting Time at Namba, OCAT 1F (Near Daiso): 8:50 AM
Meeting Time at Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Tourist Bus Parking 9:05 AM
Please check in 10 minutes before departure, as the bus will not wait for late arrivals
Schedule subject to change due to traffic or weather conditions for safety
Our business hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM JST on weekdays. Please note that we are unable to respond to emails outside of these hours.
Halal and Vegan meals unavailable; please book an option without lunch and bring your own
For vegetarian requests, contact us directly (contact tour operator) at least 3 days before the tour
Folding strollers are allowed. They will be stored with the luggage on the bus.
For any changes or amendments, please contact us at least 24 hours before the tour.
Please note this tour requires walking.
Meeting point
The meeting point is on the first floor (ground floor) of JR Namba OCAT Building, next to the Daiso.
Meeting time: 8:50 AM
Departure time: 9:00 AM
★If you have trouble finding the meeting point, call : +81-6-6131-5340 available from 30 minutes before departure to 6:30PM.
https://limonbus.livecall.jp
Important notes
If you face any difficulties while going to the meeting point, dial the emergency call center from 30 minutes before the departure time until 18:30.
+816-6131-5340 Link for the call center: https://limonbus.livecall.jp
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
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