Kyoto and Nara Small Group Tour from Osaka

Namba , Japan

Kyoto and Nara Small Group Tour from Osaka

Active

11h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your Kyoto & Nara Small Group Tour from Osaka provides the ultimate opportunity to experience incredible sites and stunning landscapes. Kick off your tour with a small group and an expert guide at the Golden Pavilion, appreciating its impressive architecture. Next, explore the red torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, before strolling beneath bamboo stalks in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Following lunch, head to Nara, famous for its cultural heritage and wildlife. Discover the fascinating Great Buddha at the Todai-ji Temple and encounter the sacred deer of Nara Park.

Looking for an adventure that combines nature and history? Your full-day Kyoto & Nara Small Group Tour from Osaka is the perfect option! With a small group setting and a professional guide, take in the wonders of these 2 cities. Travel comfortably with a bus pick-up and end with a train transfer back to Osaka. Book this seamless adventure now!

Available options

Kyoto and Nara Small Group Tour from Osaka

What's included

All transportation

Train: Nara-Osaka

Hand-picked expert tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Depart from Osaka

Stop 2

Drive to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple)

Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Stop 4

Head to Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk through the many red torii gates

Stop 5

Arrive in Nara and visit Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha

Stop 6

Free time in Nara Park: meet the friendly Sika deer

The tour ends in Osaka - the return to Osaka will be by train, accompanied by your guide

What's not included

Meals & drinks

Personal travel insurance

Entrance fees Kyoto & Nara (approx. 1300 JPY per person)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You will be picked up by bus in Osaka

You will return to Osaka from Nara by train (ticket is included), accompanied by a guide

While we aim to visit all scheduled locations, some sites are subject to availability due to weather or other factors. In such cases, we will visit alternative sites or adjust the order of the itinerary

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the Tully's Coffee, Kintetsu Namba Building, Osaka.

About Namba

Namba is the vibrant, bustling heart of Osaka, renowned for its lively streets, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern entertainment, offering a unique experience to every traveler.

Top Attractions

Dotonbori

A bustling street known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and iconic Glico Running Man sign.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Free to explore (food and shopping costs extra)

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

A long shopping street filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great place for shopping and people-watching.

Shopping 2-4 hours Free to explore (shopping costs extra)

Hozenji Yokocho

A narrow, atmospheric alleyway with a moss-covered Buddha statue and traditional wooden buildings. It offers a glimpse into old Osaka.

Historical 30-60 minutes Free to explore (food and drinks cost extra)

Amerikamura (Amemura)

A trendy district known for its youth culture, street fashion, and vintage shops. It's a great place to experience Osaka's modern subcultures.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore (shopping costs extra)

Namba Parks

A modern shopping mall with a rooftop garden and a variety of shops and restaurants. It's a great place for shopping and relaxation.

Shopping 1-3 hours Free to explore (shopping and dining costs extra)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Takoyaki

Octopus-filled dough balls, cooked in a special mold and topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.

Snack Contains seafood, gluten, and soy

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and various toppings like pork, shrimp, and cheese.

Main Dish Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request

Kushikatsu

Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.

Snack Contains meat and seafood, gluten, and soy

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths (tonkotsu, shoyu, miso) and toppings like chashu pork, egg, and bamboo shoots.

Main Dish Contains gluten, soy, and sometimes seafood

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby mountains Biking along the river Kayaking or paddleboarding Visiting onsen (hot springs) Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting temples and shrines Attending a traditional festival

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city. Cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn add to the charm.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

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 police presence. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis and check the meter
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Namba
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 20 km from Namba

By train

Namba Station, Osaka Namba Station

By bus

Namba Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Osaka Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects to major attractions and neighborhoods in Namba and beyond.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Dotonbori Shinsaibashi Nipponbashi Amerikamura (Amemura) Hozenji Yokocho

Day trips

Osaka Castle

3 km from Namba • Half day

A stunning castle with a rich history, offering beautiful views of the city and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

Universal Studios Japan

15 km from Namba • Full day

A popular theme park featuring a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.

Kobe

30 km from Namba • Full day

A nearby port city known for its beef, scenic views, and historical sites. It's a great place for a day trip to explore a different side of Japan.

Festivals

Osaka Asian Film Festival • March Sumiyoshi Matsuri • July 30-31 Tenjin Matsuri • July 24-25

Pro tips

Use an IC card (like ICOCA or Suica) for convenient payments on public transportation and at some shops and vending machines
Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki from street vendors for an authentic Osaka experience
Visit Dotonbori at night to see the neon lights and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere
Explore Hozenji Yokocho for a glimpse into old Osaka and traditional izakayas
Use Google Maps or Japan Travel app for navigation and real-time updates on train schedules and delays