Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with Optional Lunch from Osaka or Kyoto

About this experience

Begin your journey from Osaka or Kyoto, and step into Japan’s most iconic sights (Arashiyama, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha). Start at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where sunlight filters through towering stalks, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Enjoy a superb meal at Kyoto Wasabi Restaurant. Choose from Kobe Beef Shabu-shabu, Pork Shabu-shabu, Kobe Beef Rice Bowl or Kobe Beef Sukiyaki. For vegetarian, a flavorful Vegetarian Curry is also available. (Optional lunch) Continue to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Stroll through Nara Park and visit Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside the world’s largest wooden structure, marvel at the 15-meter Great Buddha, an awe-inspiring symbol of Japan’s heritage. Conclude at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates forming a striking path up Mount Inari. At day’s end, relax on your bus ride back, with the flexibility to return to Osaka or Kyoto.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 50min

   Explore one of Kyoto's most beloved sightseeing districts, celebrated for its scenic riverside, historic atmosphere, and seasonal beauty. From fresh spring greenery to vibrant autumn foliage, Arashiyama is a destination that showcases the charm of Kyoto in every season. For travelers who choose the no-meal option, you will have a total of 120 minutes in Arashiyama to explore local dining options and enjoy the picturesque surroundings at your own pace. For Travelers Who Have Selected the Lunch Option: Enjoy 50 minutes for lunch at Kyoto Shokujidokoro Wasabi, followed by 60 minutes for Arashiyama.

2. Stop 2 · 10min

   Togetsukyō Bridge, meaning "Moon-Crossing Bridge", is a landmark wooden bridge in Kyoto's Arashiyama district, spanning the Katsura River. It's renowned for its scenic beauty, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, and has a history dating back over a thousand years.

3. Stop 3 · 10min

   The "Arashiyama Kimono Forest" in English is called Kimono Forest. It is a public art installation located at Randen Arashiyama Station in Kyoto. The installation features a pathway lined with numerous cylindrical pillars, each wrapped in vibrant kimono fabric encased in clear acrylic.

4. Stop 4 · 40min

   Walk through one of Japan's most famous bamboo groves, where thousands of towering bamboo stalks rise on both sides of the path, creating a unique natural corridor. As sunlight filters through the bamboo and the leaves sway in the breeze, visitors can experience one of Kyoto's most iconic landscapes.

5. Stop 5 · 40min

   Nara, Japan’s historic capital. Discover the serene beauty of Nara Park and explore Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden structure in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be awed by Japan’s colossal Buddha statue, towering 15 meters high.

6. Stop 6 · 40min

   Visit Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples. Home to the Great Buddha and the Great Buddha Hall—the world's largest historic wooden building—it is one of Nara's most iconic cultural landmarks. Time permitting, guests will have the opportunity to visit Todai-ji Temple. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on traffic and operational conditions.

7. Stop 7 · 1h 20min

   Immerse yourself with the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a revered Shinto shrine designated as an Important Cultural Property. Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, this iconic shrine creates a stunning tunnel-like pathway up the sacred Mount Inari. As you stroll through the gates, you will encounter a series of shrines, each honoring the deity Inari Okami, who is celebrated for prosperity in business, household safety, and success in various pursuits. At the end of the tour, return by bus with the option to disembark at either Kyoto or Osaka, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred conclusion for the day.

Tour & ticket options

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

Meeting & pickup

• VIP Lounge Kyoto near AEON Mall (08:50 Meet-up/09:00 Departure) Add: 601-8417, Kyoto, Minami Ward, Nishikujo Toriiguchicho, 6−番地 1F Exit Kyoto Station from Hajicho West Exit (八条西口). There is a VIP LINER Bus stop sign in front of VIP Lounge Kyoto.
• Osaka VIP Villa Namba Departure (Meeting Time: 07:50am / Departure Time: 08:00am) *3-min walk from subway Midosuji Line Namba Station Exit 7* *Check out the photo reference of the meeting point on our product page. The guide will be holding a blue flag.

Tour schedule and order of sightseeing spots may change depending on local traffic conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Meeting Points: Osaka VIP Villa Namba Departure (Meeting Time: 07:50AM／Departure Time: 08:00AM) 3-minute walk from subway Midosuji Line Namba Station Exit 7. Kyoto VIP Lounge Departure (Meeting Time: 09:00AM／Departure Time: 09:10AM) 5min walk from Kyoto Station Hachijonishiguchi Exit (Hachijo West Exit). ※Location reference photo available on product page. Kindly verify your meeting point in advance and arrive 10-15 minutes before the departure time. Please check the participants list with our guide to confirm your name. If you wish to get off at Kyoto/Osaka, please kindly let us know beforehand. Please adhere to the scheduled time, as we cannot accommodate delays or wait for any reason. The tour will depart promptly as scheduled to respect everyone’s time. Refunds will not be issued for no show, late arrivals or arrivals at the wrong location, even if contact is made prior to departure. In general, we do not send out confirmation emails prior to departure. If you would like more information, please notify us at least 2 days before departure for assistance. Contact number may be unavailable outside business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:30AM–6:30PM JST).

Before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The tour schedule may change without prior notice due to weather, road traffic conditions, and other unforeseen reasons. (There might be delays in returning to the designated location.) If the tour is cancelled by the supplier due to extreme weather or natural disaster, you will receive a full refund.
• This tour will depart regardless of weather or traffic conditions, unless you are notified otherwise by the local operator. Trip Advisor / Viator and your local tour operator will not be responsible for itinerary changes due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Depending on the number of participants, English and Chinese commentary might be given on the same bus.
• Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book under the children's price
• Please arrive 10 minutes before departure at your selected meeting point, as your assigned bus & guide will be based on that specific location. The guide has a list of participants for each bus & may not be able to accommodate guests who arrive at a different meeting point. Late arrival or arrival at the wrong location will result in missing the tour, & refunds won't be issued. If you'd like to change your meeting point or are unsure about the meeting point, please notify us at least 2 days before departure for assistance.
• The bus will be departing on time (no exceptions).
• Please adhere to the scheduled time. We are unable to accommodate delays or wait for any reason. The tour will depart promptly as scheduled to respect all customers' time.
• In case of late arrival or arrival at wrong location, regardless of contact prior to the departure time, refunds will not be granted.
• Upon arrival, please confirm your name with the guide or staff on the participant list.
• Please refrain from booking any time-sensitive activities such as restaurant reservations, cruise ship departures, or other scheduled commitments immediately following your tour.
• Regarding luggage, we allow one piece of luggage per person during the excursion. Please also ensure that the luggage is manageable and fits comfortably within our vehicle. Please also be aware that any items stored in the trunk will not be accessible in between stops on the tour, so keep all valuables with you.
• In general, we do not send out confirmation emails prior to departure. If you would like more information or need to clarify something, please contact us and we will send you the relevant details.
• Contact number may be unavailable outside business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:30AM–6:30PM JST).

Cancellation policy

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