Full Day Guided Tour to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka by Van

Kyoto , Japan

Full Day Guided Tour to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka by Van

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(388 reviews)

7h - 8h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara.
Walk the path of Fushimi Inari Shrine with 1,000 Torii gates lining the path to the top of the mountain. Walk in the old town of Gion. See the deers in Nara Park. Visit the great Buddha in Todai temple.

We at Explorer Tours provide comfortable small group tours with maximum 11 ppl per van. Our tour guides take you to each destinations. All entry tickets are included in our price. Unlike big bus tours, we provide personal touch for everyone.

• We do not supply any extra pick up & drop off service.
• Tour is not customizable.
• Customers will walk include stairs and hills in each places.
• Not recommended for travelers who can not walk long distance. This tour includes walking.
• Due to the weather and traffic conditions, time schedule might change.
• If you select, “I’ll decide later” for the meeting point, please message us on viator.

Available options

Full Day Guided Tour to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka by Van

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

WiFi on board

English Speaking Guide

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Meet your tour conductor either in Shinsaibashi or Umeda DT Tower, and board our comfortable, luxurious private vehicle and travel 1 hr from Osaka to Kyoto.

Stop 2

Fushimi Inari Taisha, founded in the year 711 to worship the Shinto god of rice, Inari. Consistently listed as one of the most popular places in Japan. It is the most visited shrine in all of Japan. Over 2.5 million Japanese will visit the shrine during the first three days of the new year to pray for good luck, particularly in work and business.

Join them and other tourists and locals climbing through the 1,000= torii gates that line the hillside and bask in over 1300 years of history.

Stop 3

Walk around the Gion area and take in the traditional townscape of Kyoto. You will also have your lunch and free time in this area. Enjoy a bite and you can also shop for souvenirs in some of the traditional old stores in the area. If you are lucky, you might see a Geiko or Maiko (Geisha) walking around the area.

Stop 4

Here our tour conductor will talk about the history of Nara and the nearby temples while assisting you in feeding and playing with the famous bowing deer of Nara Park.

Vendors sell crackers to feed the deer for 200 yen per pack.

Stop 5

Todaiji Temple was built to pray for the peace of the country. The Great Buddha Hall, where the Great Buddha sits, is one of the largest wooden structure in the world, with a width of about 57m, a depth of about 50m, and a height of about 48m. Originally completed in 751, the structure was destroyed in 1181 and 1567. The current building we see today was rebuilt in 1709, and was registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Stop 6

Walk toward The Great South Gate, or Nandaimon, the main gates of Todai-ji temple, and bask in its size of this great structure. The Nandaimon gate, which stands at the entrance of the approach to Todaiji Temple, is a massive structure with a height of about 25.5m, and the Ni-o guardian statues located in Nandaimon are also a site to behold. Walk through this great gate, and see the magnificent large wooden Ni-o statues. housed in the great Nandaimon Gates.

Stop 7

Arrive in Nara Park and disembark with your tour conductor here at Yumekaze Plaza for a quick bathroom stop before continuing with the tour.

After you visit Nara Park, you will board our private vehicle and you will be driven back to Osaka. You will be dropped off at your pick-up point.

What's not included

Gratuity

For lunch, you will have free-time in a designated area where you can walk around and pick a lunch spot for you and your group.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

65 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

323 reviews

5★

291

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Before entering each destination, your tour conductor will hand you an entry ticket.

If you have any further questions, contact us via
e-mail: contact@exp-tours.jp WhatsApp: +81-80-2747-7470 .

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.