Kyoto Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

4.3
(24 reviews)

9 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

Visit Nijo Castle, 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 Castle has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built.

Marvel at the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji that shows you the best of the timeless Japanese city, also known as the Golden Pavilion.

Visit the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha and explore 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's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Guide
Lunch
Nijo Castle & Ninomaru Goten Palace Ticket: 1,300 yen
Kinkaku-ji Temple Ticket: 500 yen

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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. )

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 2

    Located in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a well-known tourist destination celebrated for its natural beauty, historic sites, and scenic attractions. This area has been a favored spot since the Heian Period (794-1185) when nobles would visit to enjoy its picturesque landscapes.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    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.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    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.

    40 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 8

    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.

    1 hour 10 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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.
Supplied by F Trip

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Cancellation Policy

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

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4.3 Based on 24 24 reviews
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