Exploring Kyoto and Nara’s captivating history and stunning landscapes is a must-do for any traveler to Japan. This day tour offers an immersive experience, taking visitors through iconic sites like the renowned Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the tranquil Nara Park. From the striking wooden architecture to the friendly deer, each destination promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this tour provides an enriching journey that’ll have you eager to discover more.
Key Points
- This day tour explores the historical and cultural highlights of Kyoto and Nara, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Nara Park.
- The tour is priced from Kč 1,112 per person and is available in English, Japanese, and Chinese with a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers breathtaking views from its wooden terrace, while Fushimi Inari Taisha is known for its vibrant orange torii gates.
- Nara Park is famous for its friendly deer that visitors can interact with and feed.
- The tour includes optional activities such as shopping and kimono rental, and transportation is provided via air-conditioned coach.
Tour Overview
This day tour offers an opportunity to explore the historical and cultural highlights of Kyoto and Nara. Priced from Kč 1,112 per person, the 9-hour experience is available in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
Travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The tour includes visits to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Nara Park, with an optional stop at Todai-ji Temple.
Guests can choose to add activities like shopping on Ninenzaka and Sannen-zaka streets and renting a kimono. Transportation is by air-conditioned coach, with drop-off in Osaka.
Flexibility and accessibility may vary.
Looking for more options in Nara? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at either Kyoto Station or Osaka, depending on the booking option selected.
Travelers first visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where they’ll have 2.5 hours to explore the temple’s stunning architecture and take in the breathtaking views.
Next, they’ll head to Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its thousands of vibrant torii gates, spending around 70 minutes there.
The tour then moves to Nara Park, where participants can interact with the friendly deer and have 1.5 hours of free time.
An optional visit to Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, is also available for an additional fee.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the first major attraction on the tour’s itinerary. Perched on a hillside, this iconic Buddhist temple offers breathtaking views of Kyoto.
Visitors can explore the temple’s main hall, admiring its intricate architecture and ornate decor. The temple’s famous wooden terrace, cantilevered over the hillside, provides a stunning vantage point to overlook the city.
Guests have ample time to wander the grounds, soaking in the temple’s serene atmosphere and rich history. With its striking location and well-preserved structures, Kiyomizu-dera is a must-see highlight of the day tour.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
After exploring the serene Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the tour then takes visitors to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates. Visitors can stroll through the winding trails, surrounded by the striking gates, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine is a photographer’s dream, offering endless opportunities to capture stunning images.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 70 minutes |
| Highlights | Thousands of torii gates, serene atmosphere |
| Accessibility | Moderate difficulty, some steep steps |
| Tip | Bring comfortable shoes for the hike |
Nara Park
Next, the tour takes visitors to Nara Park, a serene oasis famous for its friendly deer population.
Roaming freely throughout the park, the deer are accustomed to human interaction and will even bow for treats. Visitors can purchase deer crackers to feed the animals, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature.
Beyond the deer, the park features historical temples, shrines, and lush landscapes that showcase Japan’s natural beauty.
With 1.5 hours of free time, guests can explore the park at their own pace and enjoy this tranquil sanctuary.
- Nara Early Bird Tour (Kyoto Departure Option Available)
- From Osaka: Kyoto and Nara Day Tour With Deer Sightings
- Nara: Private Tour of Japans Oldest Shrine, Omiwa Shrine
- Nara: World Heritage Gangoji Temple & Naramachi Old Town
- Osaka: Kyoto, Nara, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Tour
- From Osaka: Kyoto and Nara Day Tour With Deer Sightings
Todai-ji Temple
The tour then proceeds to Todai-ji Temple, an impressive 8th-century Buddhist temple known for housing the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Visitors can admire the colossal Daibutsu, standing at over 15 meters tall. The temple complex also features the massive Daibutsuden, the world’s largest wooden building.
| Todai-ji Temple | ||
|---|---|---|
| Highlights | – Daibutsu (Great Buddha) statue | – Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) |
| – Impressive architectural design | – Historic Buddhist temple complex | |
| Admission | – Standard entry fee | – Optional fee for Daibutsu Hall |
| Duration | – 1 hour | – Flexible, depends on interest |
| Accessibility | – Not wheelchair-friendly | – Some stairs and uneven surfaces |
Additional Experiences
Along With the main attractions, the Kyoto and Nara Day Tour offers optional activities that allow travelers to further enjoy the region’s culture and natural beauty.
Participants can:
- Explore the charming streets of Ninenzaka and Sannen-zaka, known for their well-preserved traditional architecture.
- Visit the iconic Yasaka Shrine and stroll through the quaint Ishibei-koji alley.
- Opt for a kimono rental to experience an authentic Japanese cultural tradition (additional cost).
- Delve deeper into the natural and historical wonders of the area, including Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple.
Transportation and Logistics
For the transportation and logistics of the Kyoto and Nara Day Tour, the tour operator provides an air-conditioned bus or coach service to transport participants between the various sightseeing locations. The tour departs from either Kyoto Station or Osaka, with the Osaka pickup at 8:40 AM and the Kyoto pickup at 9:50 AM. At the end of the tour, participants are dropped off at the Nipponbashi Exit 2 in Osaka. The meeting point for the tour varies by booking option, with details provided via email the night before.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Air-conditioned bus/coach |
| Departure Locations | Kyoto Station, Osaka |
| Pickup Times | 8:40 AM (Osaka), 9:50 AM (Kyoto) |
| Drop-off Location | Nipponbashi Exit 2, Osaka |
| Meeting Point | Varies by booking, details provided |
Things To Know
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own food on the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some tours may have specific policies regarding outside food and drinks allowed on the bus or during the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Length?
Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour length. The tour is fixed at 9 hours, and the itinerary and transportation logistics are predetermined. Extending the duration would likely require booking a separate, customized tour.
Do I Need to Tip the Tour Guide?
Tipping the tour guide is generally not required, as the tour price includes their services. However, if the guide provides exceptional service, a small tip of 5-10% is appreciated to show your satisfaction.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any specific discounts for seniors or students. However, some attractions may have reduced admission fees for certain age groups or students upon presentation of valid identification. It’s best to check on the attraction’s website for any available discounts.
Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Time During the Day?
Guests are generally allowed to leave the tour group during the scheduled free time at each attraction, but they’re responsible for making their own way back to the designated meeting point. It’s important to follow the tour’s schedule and rejoin the group on time.
Sum Up
This captivating day tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and history of Kyoto and Nara. From the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple to the friendly deer of Nara Park, this experience promises unforgettable moments. With the option to add unique experiences like kimono rentals, travelers can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of these iconic Japanese destinations.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Historical Tours in Nara
- Nara Heritage Walkabout From Nara Park to Todaji Temple
- Private Journey in Nara’s Historical Wonder
- World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience
- Nara Heritage Walkabout From Nara Park to Todaji-Ji Temple
- Nara: Kasuga Taisha, World Heritage and Sacred Deer Shrine
- Nara: World Heritage Yakushi-ji & Toshodai-ji in 3 Hours
More Tour Reviews in Nara
- Nara Highlight Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
- Nara Private Custom Tour With Local Guide
- Nara Private Day Trip – Enjoy Your First-Time Visit to Nara!
- Special Price for Sushi Experience in Nara
- Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
- Learn How to Make Sushi! Standard Class-Nara
Still browsing? Here are more Nara experiences we've covered recently
- Nara Highlight Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
- Nara Private Custom Tour With Local Guide
- Nara Private Day Trip – Enjoy Your First-Time Visit to Nara!
- Special Price for Sushi Experience in Nara
- Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
- Learn How to Make Sushi! Standard Class-Nara
- Kickstart Nara City With Local
- Nara Adventure: Todaiji, Kasuga Shrine, Nara Park, Hozanji Temple
- Private Nara Experience With Local Guide
- Learn How to Make Sushi! Light Class- Nara School
- The 20 Best Tours In Nara
- Kimono Rental