From Osaka or Kyoto: Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Kyoto

About this experience

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Marvel at Kinkaku-ji, the golden temple known as the Golden Pavilion, which showcases the beauty of this timeless city. Visit Nijo Castle, celebrated for its palace buildings, which are among the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. The castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 40min

   Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion）is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dazzling golden exterior and serene gardens. The name Golden Pavilion is derived from the gold leaf that the pavilion is covered in. The gold employed was intended to mitigate and purify any pollution or negative thoughts and feelings toward death. The Golden Pavilion is a three-story building on the grounds of the Rokuon-ji temple complex. Each floor has a different architectural style. The pavilion successfully incorporates three distinct styles of architecture, which are shinden, samurai, and zen.

2. Stop 2 · 1h 10min

   There are around 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine, to worship the Shinto god of rice, Inari. The shrine is renowned for Senbon Torii, thousands of vermilion red torii gates, which create a stunning and immersive tunnel-like pathway up the sacred Mount Inari. In the 1300 years since its establishment in 711AD, people have gathered here to pray for bountiful harvests, business prosperity, the safety of their home and family, and the fulfillment of all other wishes.

3. Stop 3 · 1h

   Nijo-jo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868). It is one of the best-known castles in Japan, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Nijo-jo Castle can be divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and some gardens around them. The entire castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats. The admission ticket for Nijo Castle, which includes access to the Ninomaru-goten Palace, costs 1,300 yen. Please ensure you have the appropriate cash for entry. Thank you. ( During the days when Nijo Castle was closed, visit Heian Jingu Shrine instead. This Shinto shrine is located in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, and is recognized as an important cultural property of Japan. )

4. Stop 4 · 50min

   The bamboo forests of Arashiyama are a must-see when visiting Kyoto, serving as a symbol of the city. This stunning and serene natural attraction is known for its towering bamboo stalks and tranquil ambiance. Walking along the peaceful paths surrounded by lush greenery will help put your mind at ease. You can truly feel time slow down as you take in the beauty of nature. The groves are especially captivating when a light breeze dances through, causing the tall bamboo stalks to sway gently back and forth.

5. Stop 5 · 20min

   Nonomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the Arashiyama district on the west side of the city of Kyoto. Unlike most shrines that feature iconic vermilion torii gates, Nonomiya Shrine has a distinctive black torii gate known as a kuroki torii. Despite its small size, the shrine has a lengthy history, founded in antiquity as a purification shrine for imperial princesses who were appointed as priestesses for Ise Shrine. Nonomiya Shrine has a reputation for helping and interceding on behalf of women, and many parishioners are women who want to find love or wish for children and a safe childbirth. Many of the omamori on sale at the shrine reflect the theme of women’s happiness, and you can find a variety of amulets available at the shrine office.

6. Stop 6 · 20min

   The Togetsukyo Bridge is the most iconic landmark in Arashiyama. Originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185), it was reconstructed most recently in the 1930s. This famous bridge spans the Katsura River and provides picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and riverscape.

7. Stop 7 · 20min

   The Kimono Forest is a distinctive textile art installation made up of 600 clear acrylic cylinders, each standing 2 meters tall. These pillars are adorned with vibrant kimono fabrics featuring a range of designs, from elegant floral patterns to geometric shapes and traditional Japanese symbols. The installation showcases 32 traditional Kyo-yuzen designs. The Kimono Forest is a must-see attraction that provides a unique and enchanting perspective on traditional Japanese textiles and craftsmanship.

Tour & ticket options

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

Meeting & pickup

• To find your way, search for "Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance Square Sunken Garden" on Google Maps. From the JR Tokai Kyoto Station Hachijo East Exit, go straight for 110 meters.
• Note: Please exit from Exit 2 of Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station.

End point

• To find your way, search for "Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance Square Sunken Garden" on Google Maps. From the JR Tokai Kyoto Station Hachijo East Exit, go straight for 110 meters.
• Note: Please exit from Exit 2 of Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station.

Tips: * We will send you a message requesting your email address. After we receive it, we will email you specific tour guide information around 6 PM the day before your trip. This will help ensure a smooth experience and facilitate communication with your guide on the day of the tour. * The meeting point cannot change on the day of the trip. If a change is necessary, please inform us at least one day in advance. * Please arrive at the meeting point 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Latecomers or no-shows will not be eligible for a refund. * Please inform us at least one day in advance if you have placed an order separately from your relatives or friends. This will help avoid the situation where you and your companions are assigned to different vehicles.

Before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please indicate when booking if you're traveling with stroller or large luggage.
• Please inform us at least one day in advance if you have placed an order separately from your relatives or friends. This will help avoid the situation where you and your companions are assigned to different vehicles.
• Not recommended for travelers who use wheelchairs

Cancellation policy

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