From Osaka : Kyoto Nara 1-Day Bus Tour

Exploring the iconic sights of Kyoto and Nara from Osaka has never been easier. This 1-day bus tour promises an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to wander through Nara Park’s serene deer population and marvel at the striking Kiyomizu-Dera temple. With convenient transportation and ample time for self-guided exploration, the tour offers an exceptional value for those seeking to uncover the rich history and natural beauty of these renowned Japanese destinations. What awaits on this extraordinary day trip may just surprise you.

Key Points

• This 10-hour bus tour from Osaka takes visitors to explore the highlights of Nara and Kyoto, including Nara Park’s deer, Kiyomizu-Dera, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
• The tour is available in Chinese, Japanese, and English, accommodating up to 2 participants, and offers a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• At Nara Park, visitors can enjoy a 2.5-hour self-guided tour and interact with the freely roaming deer, designated as national natural treasures.
• The tour includes a 1.5-hour self-guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu-Dera, known for its impressive wooden stage and stunning views.
• Visitors will have 1.5 hours of free time to explore the iconic Senbon Torii (a thousand vermilion gates) at Fushimi Inari Taisha, the shrine dedicated to the deity of rice and prosperity.

Tour Overview

The "From Osaka: Kyoto Nara 1-Day Bus Tour" offers a comprehensive day trip experience, with a price range of £58.52 per person.

This 10-hour tour accommodates up to 2 participants and is available in Chinese, Japanese, and English.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and travelers can enjoy a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

No upfront payment is required, as the tour allows for reserve now and pay later.

The itinerary highlights include self-guided tours of Nara Park and Kiyomizu-Dera, as well as free time at the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Nara Park

Nara Park, home to over 1,000 freely roaming deer, is a popular destination for visitors.

Considered sacred, these deer are designated as national natural treasures. Visitors can wander through the park, feeding the deer with special crackers.

The 2.5-hour self-guided tour allows ample time to explore the lush greenery and interact with the friendly deer. Visitors are advised to respect the deer and avoid feeding them anything other than the designated crackers.

The park’s serene atmosphere and unique wildlife make it a must-see on the Kyoto Nara 1-Day Bus Tour.

Kiyomizu-Dera

One of Kyoto’s most famous temples, Kiyomizu-Dera was founded in 778 and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Known for its wooden stage and stunning views, the temple is especially picturesque during cherry blossom and autumn seasons.

Visitors can:

• Admire the temple’s impressive architecture and craftsmanship
• Explore the grounds and take in panoramic vistas of Kyoto
• Participate in traditional rituals and ceremonies
• Purchase unique souvenirs from the temple’s shops and stalls

The self-guided tour at Kiyomizu-Dera lasts approximately 1.5 hours, allowing ample time to discover the temple’s rich history and cultural significance.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its Senbon Torii (a thousand vermilion gates) that create a picturesque pathway up Mount Inari, Fushimi Inari Taisha draws visitors with its stunning visual appeal.

Travelers will have 1.5 hours of free time to explore this iconic Shinto shrine. They can wander through the vermilion gates, accompany the fox statues, and climb the mountain trails.

The shrine’s significance lies in its representation of the god Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and success.

Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere and capture the iconic imagery that makes Fushimi Inari Taisha a must-see during the Kyoto Nara tour.

Transportation and Meeting Details

The tour transportation is provided by a bus/coach, with a 1-hour journey each way between the starting point and the various attractions.

The meeting point is at 1-chōme-1-3 Dōtonbori, where travelers should look for the Easy Go sign, and the guide will be wearing an orange jacket with Easy Go branding.

The return location is also 1-chōme-1-3 Dōtonbori.

Some key details:

• No food allowed in the vehicle
• Smoking prohibited throughout the journey
• No toilet on the bus
• The driver will serve as the tour leader, without guided tours at attractions.

Important Information

Travelers must respect the deer in Nara Park and only feed them the designated deer crackers.

No food is allowed on the vehicle. The itinerary may change due to public holidays and traffic conditions.

Smoking is prohibited throughout the journey, and there’s no toilet on the bus.

In smaller groups, the driver will serve as the tour leader without guided tours at attractions. Admission tickets to Kiyomizu-Dera aren’t included.

If the return time is delayed due to unavoidable reasons, travelers must cover additional costs like taxi or hotel.

Food Policy

Since no food is allowed on the vehicle, travelers are expected to respect the deer in Nara Park and only feed them the designated deer crackers.

The tour has the following food policy guidelines:

• No outside food or drinks permitted on the bus.
• Purchasing and feeding the deer with official deer crackers is allowed and encouraged.
• Littering or feeding the deer with non-designated food items is strictly prohibited and disrespectful to the animals.
• Travelers should plan accordingly and have meals before or after the tour to ensure they don’t violate the food policy.

Additional Notes

Although admission tickets to Kiyomizu-Dera aren’t included in the tour price, travelers can purchase them upon arrival.

It’s worth noting that if the return time is delayed due to unavoidable reasons, such as traffic or public holidays, travelers will need to cover any additional costs, like a taxi or hotel stay.

The tour operator emphasizes the need for flexibility, as the itinerary may be subject to change due to these factors.

Lastly, it’s important to respect the deer in Nara Park and only feed them the designated deer crackers provided.

Things To Know

Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour?

The tour information does not indicate an option for a private tour. It appears to be a group tour limited to a maximum of 2 participants, with no private tour alternative mentioned.

Can We Stop for a Meal During the Tour?

No, the tour does not include any meal stops. The tour itinerary consists of self-guided visits to Nara Park, Kiyomizu-Dera, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Travelers must respect the no food policy and only feed designated deer crackers.

Is There an Audio Guide Available at the Attractions?

No, there’s no audio guide available at the attractions. The tour is self-guided, and the driver serves as the tour leader without providing guided tours at the sites.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks on the Bus?

Travelers are not allowed to bring their own snacks on the bus. The tour has a strict no-food policy, and guests should only feed the deer at Nara Park using the designated deer crackers provided.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is limited to 2 participants. The tour policy prohibits bringing food on the bus, and travelers must respect the deer and only feed them designated deer crackers.

Sum Up

This 1-day bus tour from Osaka to Kyoto and Nara offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can marvel at the serene deer of Nara Park, admire the stunning Kiyomizu-Dera temple, and explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. With convenient transportation and ample time for self-guided exploration, this tour provides an immersive and memorable journey through some of Japan’s most iconic destinations.