Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka

Osaka , Japan

Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Highlights Full-day Tour From Osaka

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(38 reviews)

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About this experience

Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of Japan's Kansai region on this one-day tour, perfect for adventure seekers and culture lovers. Start at the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on a hillside with breathtaking autumn foliage views. Wander through the historic Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets and the serene Ishibe Alley, lined with traditional wooden houses. Discover the timeless allure of Gion and Hanamikoji Streets, then marvel at the famous "Thousand Torii Gates" of Fushimi Inari Shrine. In Nara Park, interact with friendly deer amid vibrant autumn leaves and visit the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha. This tour offers immersive cultural experiences, insider tips, and unforgettable encounters with Japan's rich traditions and stunning scenery, making it perfect for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty in a single unforgettable day.

Available options

Kyoto station pick-up 9:50AM

Osaka station pick-up 8:40AM

Starting point:<br/>1-chōme-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan

What's included

Multilingual tour guide (English, Mandarin, Japanese)

Air-conditioned bus transportation

Pick-up and drop-off from designated areas (Osaka or Kyoto)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

After meeting at the designated place in the morning,start your beautiful journey.
Pick-up time and location:
8: 40am Nipponbashi Exit 2,
9: 50am Kyoto-Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area

▼10：00 Kyoto（about 2.5 hours）
1: Kiyomizu-dera Temple（Ticket fee excluded）-a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 1200 years of history. Admire the breathtaking view of the city from the wooden terrace. Explore Nineizaka, Sanneizaka, Ishibei-koji Alley, Hanamikoji Street, and Yasaka Shrine.
2: Kimono experience. Tourists who are interested can change into kimono, stroll on the ancient streets, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Take a picture with the beautiful moment.（You can choose any kimono shops including Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. It is recommended that you can borrow from Kiyomizu-dera Temple and return to Fushimi Inari Shrine.Price excluded.）

Stop 2

▼13:30 Kyoto 【Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine 】（about 70 minutes, free time）
Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its " Senbon Torii ". It attracts countless tourists from Japan and abroad every year and ranked Top1 in the survey of the world's largest travel website for three consecutive years as "the most popular tourist attraction for foreigner in Japan". Let's pray for our dear family and ourselves here. In addition, the Ema of Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is also unique with a shape of a white fox which can be doodled into various god expressions.

Stop 3

▼16：00 Nara park（about 1.5 hours, free time）
Nara Park is an urban park located at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa in Nara City where the famous places of interest such as Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are located here. It is a must-see when visiting Nara. Wakakusa which located near the park is a wonderful place to overlook the scenery of Nara, and traditional events such as "Wakakusa Burning Mount." are held here every January. A leisurely stroll is the best way to visit the park. There is large herd of deer. Feeding the cute deer is also the biggest viewing point for tourists.The deer here are also very smart. If they see deer senbei in the hands of tourists, they will take the initiative to come, so be careful of the flocks of deer which may knock you down.
Also, view Todaiji Temple, a Buddhist temple built in the year 752. Marvel at the big Buddha statue.(Ticket excluded)

▼ 17：30 Start to return to Osaka
The only drop-off address is at Osaka station(Nipponbashi Exit 2)

What's not included

Lunch

Entrance fees: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Entrance fees: Todaiji Temple

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

26 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

1. There are two meeting points, Osaka or Kyoto, however the only drop off location for this trip is at Osaka,

2.Due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, the itinerary may change, including shorter sightseeing times or canceled attractions. We hope for your understanding and support for these safety adjustments. And we do not suggest you have other activities at the end of trip to avoiding any losses.

3.The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the 'Gogoday' logo at the meeting point. Please arrive 15 minutes early. No refunds for late arrivals or no-shows. Simply provide your name as it appears on your booking to the guide to join the tour.

4.Please inform us your email address after booking ,Due to the booking platform's privacy settings, we can't receive your email address .

5.Bring some cash, as certain locations may not accept credit cards.

6.This is a shared group tour with participants from various countries. The guide will offer explanations in multiple languages.

7.The bus parking lot is a bit far from the scenic spot. You will have to walk for a while.

8.The last two images in the product gallery show the actual meeting point—please refer to them

Meeting point

Departure time: 9:50am ,Kyoto-Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area,
Address: Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003 Japan,
The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the 'Gogoday' logo at the meeting point. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

Important notes

Simply provide your name as it appears on your booking to the guide to join the tour.
The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the 'Gogoday' logo at the meeting point.

About Osaka

Osaka is a vibrant, bustling city known for its rich culinary scene, historic sites, and modern entertainment. As Japan's second-largest metropolitan area, it offers a dynamic mix of traditional culture and contemporary urban life.

Top Attractions

Osaka Castle

A iconic symbol of Osaka, this castle was originally built in the 16th century and has been beautifully restored. It offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal history and features a museum and scenic park.

Historical 2-3 hours 600 JPY

Dotonbori

A lively and colorful entertainment district known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant nightlife. Dotonbori is a must-visit for foodies and those looking to experience Osaka's energetic atmosphere.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Free (food and shopping vary)

Universal Studios Japan

A popular theme park featuring attractions based on famous movies and characters, including Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and Jurassic Park. It's a great destination for families and thrill-seekers.

Entertainment Full day 8,400-10,600 JPY (varies by season and tickets)

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring a wide variety of marine life, including whales, sharks, and penguins. The aquarium is known for its impressive exhibits and educational programs.

Nature 2-3 hours 2,600 JPY

Shinsekai

A retro district with a nostalgic atmosphere, featuring the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower and a variety of local eateries. Shinsekai is known for its unique blend of old and new, offering a glimpse into Osaka's past.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (food and shopping vary)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Takoyaki

Octopus-filled batter balls, cooked to perfection and topped with savory sauces and bonito flakes. A must-try street food in Osaka.

Snack Contains seafood, can be made vegetarian upon request

Okonomiyaki

A savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and various toppings, cooked on a griddle. Often referred to as 'Japanese pizza.'

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request

Kushikatsu

Deep-fried skewers of various meats, vegetables, and seafood, served with a dipping sauce. A specialty of the Shinsekai district.

Dinner Contains seafood and meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Ramen

Noodle soup dish with various broths, toppings, and noodle types. Osaka is known for its rich and flavorful ramen.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Cycling tours Kayaking and water sports Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional workshops (e.g., calligraphy, ikebana)

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Cherry blossoms in March and April add to the appeal.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Osaka is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public safety. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis and reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km from city center
Itami Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station

By bus

Osaka Station Bus Terminal, Umeda Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Osaka Metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It consists of eight lines that connect major attractions, shopping districts, and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Umeda Namba Shin-Osaka Tennoji

Day trips

Kyoto

50 km • Full day

A historic city known for its temples, shrines, and traditional architecture. Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.

Nara

40 km • Half day to full day

A historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. Nara offers a mix of history, culture, and nature.

Kobe

30 km • Full day

A port city known for its historic sites, scenic views, and delicious beef. Kobe offers a mix of culture, history, and culinary delights.

Festivals

Tenjin Matsuri • July 24-25 Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri • September 14-15 Osaka Castle Illumination • December (specific dates vary)

Pro tips

Use an IC card, such as ICOCA or Suica, for easy and convenient payments on public transportation, vending machines, and convenience stores
Try local specialties, such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, at street food stalls and local restaurants
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and long lines
Explore the city's unique neighborhoods, such as Dotonbori, Shinsekai, and Den Den Town, to experience the diverse culture and atmosphere of Osaka
Take advantage of the city's extensive public transportation system, including the Osaka Metro, JR trains, and buses, to easily navigate and explore the city