Kyoto 1 Day Tour from Kyoto
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A popular Sunrise Tours plan visiting the renowned sights of Kyoto including several World Heritage sites. This tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. The tour will visit Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Sanjusangen-do Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This tour takes participants to famous temples, a shrine, a castle, and other majestic places of interest in Kyoto. This standard tour is recommended for those traveling to Kyoto for the first time.
Available options
Western-style Menu Lunch
Vegetarian meal: If you would like a vegetarian meal, please indicate them when booking. On the day of the tour, can NOT be changed.<br/>Please note: Halal, gluten-free, and other meal requests are not available.
Indian Thali Menu Lunch
Indian Thali Menu: Menu will be a Indian thali menu.<br/>Please note: Halal, gluten-free, and other meal requests are not available.
No Lunch
Lunch is not included: There will be time allotted for the Kyoto Station vicinity. Please purchase
your own lunch.
What's included
Lunch (only if you select "With Lunch" option when booking)
Air-conditioned and heated tour bus
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter fee
Admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
A World Heritage site. Tour the historical castle completed in 1626, which was built to provide lodging for the Tokugawa Shogun and as a palladium for Kyoto Imperial Palace. The impressive, elaborate carvings and decors in the Ninomaru Palace are a must-see. The tour will not enter the Honmaru Palace and Painting Gallery. Please refer to "Information travelers need from you" regarding alternative destinations on the day of closure.
2
Stop 2
A World Heritage site. The wooden architecture is covered in thin layers of pure gold and is surrounded by a beautiful pond.
3
Stop 3
See the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was used as the Emperor's residence until about 150 years ago. On days when the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed to visitors, the tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (disembark for sightseeing) as an alternative destination. This shrine is famous for the god of learning, and its main hall is a designated national treasure. The shrine is especially great to see during the plum blossom and autumn leaf seasons. Please refer to "Information travelers need from you" regarding alternative destinations on the day of closure.
4
Stop 4
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of some 40,000 inari-jinja shrines located all over Japan. The bright red Senbon Torii gates are a must-see attraction.
5
Stop 5
Visit the world's longest wooden structure, housing 1,001 life-size statues of Buddhist Kannon deities dating back to the 13th century.
6
Stop 6
The view of Kyoto from the World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu-dera is superb. The historic shopping lane that leads to the temple adds to a wonderful experience.
What's not included
Fees other than those listed in Includes
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
538 reviews
5★
248
4★
200
3★
53
2★
23
1★
14
Tripadvisor
4.3
44 reviews
5★
26
4★
9
3★
5
2★
2
1★
2
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
As the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed to visitors on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) and on days when there is an Imperial Household Agency event, the tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead. If the closed day falls on the 25th, the tour will visit Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December. (Closed on the following day if Tuesday is a holiday.) If closed, Ryoan-ji Temple will be visited instead
Participants will walk from the parking lot to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (about 15 min one-way)
Refunds will not be issued in case the tour visits aforementioned alternative destinations
The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations
Seats may not be designated
[Only for guests selected With Lunch option] Lunch will be a Western-style set menu. For those who would like a vegetarian meal, please make sure to inform us at the time of reservation. If requests are not provided in advance, same-day changes cannot be accepted. Halal, gluten-free, and other meal requests are not available
[Only for guests selected With Indian Thali Lunch option] Lunch will be an Indian thali set menu suitable for vegetarians. Menu: 3 kinds of curry (bean curry, vegetable curry, spinach and potato curry), vegetable pakora (Indian-style vegetable tempura), plain yogurt, naan or roti, rice (Indian rice), salad, 1 serving of non-alcoholic drink
Customers for Indian thali lunch and Western-style lunch will be served in separate dining area. On the day of the tour, the meal cannot be changed to a Western-style lunch/Indian thali lunch
Halal, gluten-free, and other meal requests are not available
For those who don't require lunch, please make a booking for the 'No Lunch' option. Customers with No lunch option will have free time to eat on their own in the Kyoto Station area
Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with bus seats or lunch. If bus seats or lunch is required, please make a booking under the child rate
Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour
Meeting point
Please meet at Sunrise Tours desk in Kyoto Avanti B1 floor, across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit.
Important notes
• If you have arrived at the pickup location but have trouble finding the meeting point, you can call the local operator JTB Sunrise Tours on +81 3 5796 5454 (Operated between 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.
• In case bookings have been made separately, you may be assigned to be on separate tour buses.
・You can refer to below link for specific directions:
https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/access/avanti
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
![[Kyoto & Nara Day Trip] Arashiyama Train & Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Shrine's Thousand Torii Gates & Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Forest Path & Kimono Forest (Departure from Osaka)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/nwrlvoqxc4roubxbiywr.jpg)
![[Kyoto & Uji Day Trip] Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) & Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Byodo-in Temple & Uji River & Matcha Food Street & Rabbit Shrine & Lady Murasaki Statue (From Osaka or Kyoto)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/fcvsx3iy6rtmczptcua9.jpg)
![[Kyoto Arashiyama & Katsuoji Temple Popular Scenic Spots] Arashiyama Train & Fushimi Inari Shrine's Thousand Torii Gates & Popular Katsuoji Temple Little Dharma One-Day Tour | Depart from Osaka](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/nwr7e1fvsttjwnvhvuxt.jpg)
![[Kyoto & Arashiyama & Nara] Nara Park (Deer Crackers Included) & Fushimi Inari Shrine or chiikawa Shop & Arashiyama Train & Bamboo Forest One Day Tour (From Osaka)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/q32nuioacqyxapntqdop.jpg)
