Ancient Capital Tour: Kyoto and Nara Highlights from Kyoto/Osaka

Experience western Japan on this day trip through Kyoto and Nara. Explore the serene nature of Arashiyama, stroll the gardens of Kyoto’s UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, and enjoy feeding deer in Nara Park.

・Visit the gorgeous golden Kinkaku-ji and its immaculate original gardens
・Explore the serene bamboo grove of Arashiyama
・Walk through Nara Park and feed the wild deer
・See the Great Buddha Statue at Todaiji temple

First, we’ll make our way to Arashiyama, where we’ll enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch of seasonal Kyoto specialties (If option selected) before exploring the area. The Sagano Bamboo forest has been a popular nature-viewing destination since the Heian Period. Listen to the distinct rustle of bamboo leaves as you walk through the vibrant green bamboo path. You can also see the “moon-crossing bridge,” Togetsukyo, as you walk along the beautiful Katsura River.

Later, drive through Kyoto proper and arrive at Kinkaku-ji: the Golden Pavilion. True to its name, the gold-leaf covered temple dazzles in the sunlight, reflected in the mirror-like pond it overlooks. After admiring the sight (and taking some great pictures,) wander through the sprawling garden that has retained its original design from the 14th century.

Admission tickets not included in last minute option.

Take a short walk through Nara Park, famous for the 1,200 or so wild deer that live freely within the park. With special “shika-senbei,” you can feed the polite deer which are famous for “bowing.” Within Nara Park you will find the UNESCO World Heritage site, Todai-ji Temple, home to one of the three titanic Great Buddha Statues of Japan.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Tour departs from Kyoto and Osaka on different dates and buses. Choose your departure point carefully when booking.
• Infants (0-2 years) free (seat and 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, in the tourist bus parking area: 9:05 AM
• Please check in 10 minutes before the booked start time
• The activity provider is not liable for losses due to delays
• The bus will departs as scheduled; late arrivals are non-refundable
• Schedule subject to change due to traffic or weather conditions for safety
• Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended
• Emergency call center: +816-6131-5340, available 30 minutes before tour start – 6:30 PM JST on departure date
• For live emergency assistance, visit https://limonbus.livecall.jp
• 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
• Only collapsible strollers are acceptable. They will be stored in the luggage compartment while on the bus.
• 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 Since we only have 1 line for each language, there’s a high possibility that our call center will be busy during the departure time. Please arrive at the pickup location with ample spare time.

• Kyoto dep Last-Minute Seats
  Add
  No Lunch : Feel free to bring and enjoy your own lunch on the tour, or choose a nearby restaurant for dining.
  This Option: Last-minute seats available for the guided bus tour. Entry tickets and lunch not included.
  Starting point:
  Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Tourist Bus Parking, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan
• Kyoto Departure/Without Lunch
  Add
  Lunch is NOT included.
  Kyoto departure: Meeting point & Time: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Bus Station in front or Kyoto AVANTI 9:05 AM.
  Starting point:
  Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Tourist Bus Parking, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan
• Kyoto Departure/Japanese Feast
  Add
  Japanese Feast: Includes an all-you-can-enjoy lunch of about 40 Kyoto specialties.
  Kyoto Departure: Meeting point & Time: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Bus Station in front or Kyoto AVANTI 9:05 AM. Admission fee included
  Starting point:
  Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Tourist Bus Parking, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan
• Osaka Namba Dep. without lunch
  Add
  Lunch: NOT included
  Entry Tickets: Todaiji & Kinkakuji
  Starting point:
  Namba Ocat Building, 1 Chome-4 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0017, Japan
• Osaka dep Last-Minute Seats
  Add
  No Lunch : Feel free to bring and enjoy your own lunch on the tour, or choose a nearby restaurant for dining
  This Option: Last-minute seats available for the guided bus tour. Entry tickets and lunch not included.
  Starting point:
  Namba Ocat Building, 1 Chome-4 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0017, Japan
• Osaka Namba Dep/Japanese Feast
  Add
  Japanese Feast: This option offers an all-you-can-enjoy Japanese-style lunch with 40 assorted dishes.
  Entry Tickets: Todaiji & Kinkakuji
  Starting point:
  Namba Ocat Building, 1 Chome-4 Minatomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0017, Japan

• Lunch(if option selected)
• Entry ticket to Kinkaku-ji Temple (This is not included if you choose a last minute option)
• Entry ticket to Todai-ji Temple (This is not included if you choose a last minute option)
• English Speaking Guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi

• Personal expenses
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (the tour begins and ends at the meeting points.)
• Entry tickets and meals(if the last minute option is selected)

Trending Osaka Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

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
Since we only have 1 line for each language, there’s a high possibility that our call center will be busy during the departure time.
Please arrive at the pickup location with ample spare time.

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by LIMON Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tokyo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 151 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 10 Travelers is accepted for booking.