Kyoto & Nara Day Trip: Fushimi Inari & Arashiyama
- Feed the free-roaming deer and see the maple leaves at Nara Park, the first stop from Osaka
- Walk through the vermilion Senbon Torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha and write a wish on an ema plaque
- Stroll the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove path and enjoy the quiet among the green bamboo
- See the Kimono Forest at Arashiyama Station, where 600 pillars form a path of light
- Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and its World Heritage garden in Arashiyama (admission not included)
- Ride the Sagano Romantic Train in Arashiyama if you wish, at your own expense
Package options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Spring Cherry Blossom |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Where does the Kyoto and Nara day trip from Osaka go?
This Kansai day trip from Osaka covers the best-known sights of Kyoto and Nara in one day, combining traditional Japanese culture with natural scenery.
- First stop: Nara Park, to get close to the relaxed, free-roaming deer.
- Next: Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, to walk among the seemingly endless Senbon Torii gates.
- Last stop: Kyoto's Arashiyama area, for the bamboo grove path or Tenryu-ji Temple.
- Guide: led throughout by a professional guide who explains Japanese culture and local customs. When there are fewer passengers, a small vehicle is used instead, with the driver doubling as guide and giving simple explanations.
- Good for: families, friends and couples.
What can you do at Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama?
Deer in Nara, torii gates at Fushimi Inari, and bamboo, temples and food in Arashiyama.
- Nara Park: more than 1,000 free-roaming sika deer walk right up to visitors and even "bow" for deer crackers. Feed them, take photos and enjoy the maple leaves.
- Deer crackers: each group receives 1 pack.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: the head shrine of more than 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, with over 1,300 years of history.
- Senbon Torii: walk through the rows of vermilion gates, one of Kyoto's best-known photo spots.
- Ema: write a wish on a wooden ema plaque.
- Arashiyama: set your own pace with these recommended spots:
- Bamboo Grove path: a quiet walk among swaying bamboo.
- Tenryu-ji Temple: a World Heritage Site whose garden is framed by the mountains (admission not included).
- Togetsukyo Bridge: the symbol of Arashiyama, crossing the Katsura River with mountain views.
- Kimono Forest: kimono fabrics turned into a forest of light, with 600 pillars along the path at Arashiyama Station.
- HANNARI-HOKKORI foot bath: a hot spring foot bath at Arashiyama Station.
- Sagano Romantic Train: optional, at your own expense; recommended trains are in the itinerary.
What is there to eat and buy on the Kyoto and Nara day trip?
Meals are not included. Here is where you can find lunch and snacks.
- Arashiyama: snack stalls and restaurants. On the shopping street, try matcha desserts, freshly grilled dango, tofu and yuba dishes, Japanese wagashi sweets and seasonal snacks.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: plenty of snacks along the approach to the shrine, plus shops selling fox-themed souvenirs, omamori charms and traditional Japanese goods.
Togetsukyo Bridge, the symbol of Arashiyama, with views of the Katsura River and the mountains
Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and feel the serene atmosphere
Try Kyoto treats on the Arashiyama shopping street: matcha desserts, grilled dango, tofu, yuba and seasonal snacks
Meet and feed deer up close at Nara Park
Walk the world-famous Senbon Torii, passing through row after row of vermilion gates
Visit Kyoto's historical Fushimi Inari Shrine
Try Kyoto snacks and shop for fox-themed souvenirs, omamori charms and traditional Japanese goods on the Fushimi Inari approach street
Purchase Notice
Tour conditions
- Departure / destination: Osaka / Kyoto
- Duration: Day trip
- Transportation: Bus
- Bus company: Yoshitomo Co., Ltd.
- Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
- Accommodation: None
- Minimum group size: 1
- Tour leader: 1
- Tour guide: 0
Children
- Aged 2 and under: free on an adult's lap without a seat. Please note this when booking and let us know in advance, to avoid overloading.
- Aged 2 and above: same price as adults.
Luggage
- Free allowance: 1 piece per person, any size. Please note it when booking.
- Undeclared luggage: if it makes the vehicle overcrowded, the driver-guide may refuse boarding, with no refund.
- Extra pieces: JPY 2,000 each.
Itinerary changes
- Arrival times: may vary due to unpredictable traffic, weather, holidays or crowds on the day.
- Driver working hours: under Japanese law, drivers may work a maximum of 10 hours. To keep the driver and the journey safe, the itinerary may be adjusted to actual conditions:
- shorter sightseeing time
- a different order of stops
- cancelling some stops
- We sincerely ask for your understanding and support for adjustments made to ensure safety.
- No refunds: we apologize for any inconvenience caused by the above or other force majeure circumstances, but no refunds can be given in these cases. This is to keep drivers and travelers safe and the whole group running smoothly.
- We always aim to give you the best travel experience, but sometimes the itinerary has to be adjusted flexibly to actual conditions. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Tips
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Reminders
A minimum of 1 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a shared ride with fixed itinerary. Customers participating in this tour are requested to adhere to the time allotted at each attraction and follow the instructions of the driver/guide.
If you leave the group midway through the trip, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refund will be given. Furthermore, you will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from this.
No refunds will be given for any absences or cancellations due to personal issues, lateness, or other reasons. Please take note.
When there are fewer passengers, a small vehicle with a driver/guide providing simple explanations will be used. Please be aware that this is a shared ride service, meaning you will be traveling with other guests. Stops are not allowed outside of designated tourist attractions.
The transportation and tourist attractions in this itinerary will be kept as faithful as possible to the original plan. However, in the event of special circumstances such as traffic congestion, inclement weather, large tourist crowds, or other force majeure events, the company reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary to ensure the safety of travelers and the smoothness of the trip.
According to Japanese law, the maximum working hours for drivers are 10 hours. To ensure driver safety and the stability of the itinerary, adjustments may be made based on actual circumstances, including reducing sightseeing time at attractions or canceling certain attractions. We apologize for any inconvenience. No refunds can be requested for these adjustments. We sincerely hope for your understanding and support.
FAQs
1. What is the best time of day and season to visit Fushimi Inari-taisha?
To best experience Fushimi Inari-taisha, consider visiting early in the morning, around 7-8 AM, or late in the afternoon, after 4 PM. This avoids large crowds, allowing for a more serene walk through the torii gates and better photo opportunities. Seasonally, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal. Spring offers comfortable weather and potential cherry blossoms nearby, while autumn boasts stunning fall foliage, creating a beautiful contrast with the vermilion gates.
2. Is there an entrance fee to visit Fushimi Inari-taisha?
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Fushimi Inari-taisha. The shrine grounds, including the famous Senbon Torii gates, are open to the public 24 hours a day, every day, allowing visitors free access to explore its extensive trails and sub-shrines.
3. What are the famous 'Senbon Torii' gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha, and what is their significance?
The 'Senbon Torii' refers to the thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that line the pathways up Mount Inari at Fushimi Inari-taisha. Each gate is a donation by an individual or a company, given in gratitude for good fortune or as a prayer for prosperity. The continuous tunnels of gates create a unique and iconic visual, symbolizing a path to the sacred realm and a connection to the fox deity Inari Okami.
4. What kind of prayers or blessings can visitors seek at Fushimi Inari-taisha?
At Fushimi Inari-taisha, visitors primarily pray for good harvest, business prosperity, and general good fortune, as the shrine is dedicated to Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of rice, sake, and business. Many visitors purchase and write wishes on 'Ema' (votive tablets), often shaped like fox faces or torii gates, and hang them at designated areas, hoping their prayers will be answered.
5. What is the best way to experience Nara Park, especially regarding the deer and seasonal views?
To fully experience Nara Park, visitors can purchase deer crackers from vendors and hand-feed the friendly wild deer, which are considered messengers of the gods. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the expansive park, admiring the natural scenery. During autumn, the park's maple trees display beautiful fall foliage, as mentioned in the tour features, making it an excellent spot for scenic views and photography.
6. What unique attractions or activities can visitors experience in Arashiyama, such as the Bamboo Grove or Sagano Scenic Railway?
In Arashiyama, visitors can wander through the iconic Bamboo Grove, a serene pathway lined with towering bamboo stalks. Another popular activity is the Sagano Scenic Railway (Torokko train), which offers picturesque views of the Hozugawa River gorge (note: this is a self-paid option). Additionally, the vibrant Yuzen Light Forest, featuring illuminated kimono poles, provides a unique visual experience, as highlighted in the product features.
7. What cultural insights and local information does the professional guide provide during a Kyoto & Nara day tour?
During the Kyoto & Nara day tour, the professional local guide shares valuable cultural insights and explains the local customs and traditions of Japan. They provide historical context for sites like Fushimi Inari-taisha, Nara Park, and Arashiyama, enriching your understanding of each location. This expert commentary helps travelers appreciate the significance of the attractions and immerse themselves in the local culture.
8. How long is the typical duration for exploring each major attraction like Fushimi Inari-taisha, Nara Park, and Arashiyama within a day tour?
On a Kyoto & Nara day tour, the time allocated for each major attraction like Fushimi Inari-taisha, Nara Park, and Arashiyama is carefully planned by the professional guide. This ensures visitors have sufficient time for key experiences, such as traversing the torii gates, interacting with Nara's deer, and exploring Arashiyama's Bamboo Grove, while maintaining a smooth flow throughout the day without feeling rushed. The guide optimizes the schedule for a comprehensive visit to each site.
