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Gigative · Experiences

Kyoto Day Tour: Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji & Kiyomizu

10h4.7 / 5 · 1,198 reviews on Viator / Tripadvisor
Arashiyama Sakura
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Arashiyama Sakura

About this experience

Kyoto's best sites in one stress-free day — no trains, no ticket queues, no getting lost. Board the bus from Osaka or Kyoto Station and spend the day at Japan's most iconic landmarks. Walk Fushimi Inari's famous torii gates, the bamboo grove and Nonomiya Shrine at Arashiyama, the gold-leaf Kinkaku-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera's wooden stage with sweeping rooftop views. Entrance tickets to both temples included. No shopping stops. - Depart from Osaka (Umeda) or Kyoto Station — two convenient starting points - Fushimi Inari — walk the iconic vermillion torii gates up the forested mountain - Arashiyama — bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine and Togetsukyo Bridge in one visit - Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion — entrance ticket included - Kiyomizu-dera wooden stage, sweeping rooftop views — entrance ticket included - Real-time audio in 75+ languages — English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean and more. - Guaranteed departure for solo travellers and small groups — book with confidence

What to expect

  1. Stop 1 · 1h 20min

    Begin at the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Walk the famous tunnel of thousands of vermillion torii gates winding up the forested mountainside — the path seems to stretch endlessly ahead, making it one of the most photographed sights in Japan.

  2. Stop 2 · 40min

    Walk through the ancient Sagano Bamboo Grove with your guide — towering green stalks filter the light and the rustling sound is unlike anywhere else in Kyoto. Guests also have free-roaming time in Arashiyama to explore the surrounding area at their own pace.

  3. Stop 3 · 15min

    A small atmospheric shrine tucked along the bamboo path, linked to the classic Japanese tale The Tale of Genji. Accessible during free-roaming time in Arashiyama.

  4. Stop 4 · 10min

    600 illuminated kimono-fabric poles near Randen station — a striking visual installation along the walking path between the bamboo grove and the main street. Accessible during free-roaming time.

  5. Stop 5 · 15min

    The iconic moon-crossing bridge spanning the Oi River with Arashiyama's forested hills as a backdrop. Accessible during free-roaming time in Arashiyama.

  6. Stop 6 · 45min

    The gold-leaf covered Golden Pavilion was once the villa of the Ashikaga Shogun and is now a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reflected in its still mirror pond, it is one of Kyoto's most iconic sights.

  7. Stop 7 · 1h 20min

    Walk the traditional Higashiyama approach street and climb to Kiyomizu-dera's famous wooden stage — built without a single nail, jutting from the hillside with sweeping views over Kyoto's rooftops. Drink from the three streams of Otowa Waterfall, said to bring success, love, and longevity. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What’s included

  • Lunch (if option selected)
  • Multilingual guide with real-time audio translation (75+ languages)
  • Entrance ticket to Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizudera
  • Air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi

Not included

  • Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Osaka Departure — No Lunch

Lunch not included: No lunch is included in this option. Guests may bring their own or purchase food independently during the lunch break. Entry Tickets: Kiyomizudera & Kinkakuji Starting point: Hearton Hotel Nishiumeda, 3-chōme-3-55 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan

Kyoto Departure — Buffet Lunch

Buffet Lunch : Buffet lunch at Restaurant Arashiyama — a mix of international and Japanese fusion dishes. Admission Tickets: Kiyomizudera & Kinkakuji Starting point: Tourist Bus Terminal, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance (Kyoto Avanti), Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan

Osaka Departure — Buffet Lunch

Buffet Lunch: Buffet lunch at Restaurant Arashiyama — a mix of international and Japanese fusion dishes. Entry Tickets: Kiyomizudera & Kinkakuji Starting point: Hearton Hotel Nishiumeda, 3-chōme-3-55 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan

Kyoto Departure — No Lunch

Lunch not included: No lunch is included in this option. Guests may bring their own or purchase food independently during the lunch break. Entry Tickets: Kiyomizudera & Kinkakuji Starting point: Tourist Bus Terminal, Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance (Kyoto Avanti), Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan

Meeting & pickup

  • Meet in front of Hearton Hotel. Take the Sakurabashi Gate exit from Osaka Station, turn right and walk 3 minutes. The hotel will be on your left. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to departure! Meeting time: 7:50 AM Departure time: 8:00 AM
  • Meeting Point: 9:05 (Dep. 9:15)Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, in the tourist bus parking area infront of Kyoto AVANTI.

End point

  • Meet in front of Hearton Hotel. Take the Sakurabashi Gate exit from Osaka Station, turn right and walk 3 minutes. The hotel will be on your left. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to departure! Meeting time: 7:50 AM Departure time: 8:00 AM
  • Meeting Point: 9:05 (Dep. 9:15)Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, in the tourist bus parking area infront of Kyoto AVANTI.

Umeda (Osaka) Departure Please meet in front of Hearton Hotel Nishiumeda by 7:50 AM. Take the Sakurabashi Gate exit from Osaka Station, turn right and walk approximately 3 minutes — the hotel will be on your left. Bus departs 8:00 AM sharp. Meeting point map: https://limonbus.app.box.com/s/tfyicdvc1sect98j9ci5bcb4050l7yth Kyoto Departure Please meet at Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Tourist Bus Parking, in front of AVANTI, by 9:10 AM. Bus departs 9:20 AM sharp. Meeting point map: https://limonbus.app.box.com/s/ymwb3xdz1czwfm6u6mueoo859tyhot71 Look for staff in yellow LIMON clothing at the meeting point. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before departure — the bus leaves on time and cannot wait for late arrivals. Emergency contact on departure day (until 5:00 PM only): +81 90-9541-0363 For other enquiries, our team is available Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM JST. Note our phone line may be busy during peak departure times — we recommend arriving early rather than calling on the day.

Before you go

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants (0-2 years) free; no seat or meal included, and must sit on an adult's lap
  • Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended
  • Please check in 10 minutes before departure, as the bus will not wait for late arrivals
  • Kindly note the itinerary may be adjusted based on traffic, weather, or timing on the day.
  • Folding strollers are allowed. They will be stored with the luggage on the bus
  • Halal and Vegan meals unavailable; please book an option without lunch and bring your own
  • For vegetarian requests, please contact us at least 3 days before the tour
  • For any changes or amendments, please contact us at least 24 hours before the tour
  • For enquiries, our team is available Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM JST

Cancellation policy

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