Kyoto Popular Spots Day Tour | Kifune Shrine + Kawayakozuki Experience + Nanzenji Temple + Sanzen-in Temple (Osaka/Kyoto Pick-Up)
- A cool and limited route to visit Kifune Shrine and enjoy the summer mountain and riverbed scenery
- Visit the ancient temples of Sanzen-in Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple in Kyoto and admire the Japanese gardens and dry landscape design
- Take a full bus ride to and from Osaka and visit Kyoto's popular summer resort
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Summer Festival, Autumn Maple |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Historic site tour |
| Transport | Walking, Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
This tour departs from Osaka and takes you to Kyoto's popular summer attractions for a cool and comfortable day trip.
In the morning, visit Nanzenji Temple or Rurikoin Temple to experience the tranquility and greenery of the ancient temples. Then head to Sanzenin Temple to enjoy the harmonious scenery of the gardens and traditional buildings. In the afternoon, visit the Kifune Shrine located in the mountains, take a walk along the stream, and enjoy the cool air that is only available in summer. Bus transfers are arranged throughout the trip, making it easy to travel to and from Osaka, which is suitable for travelers who want to escape the summer heat and experience the cultural atmosphere of Kyoto.
※ Rurikoin Temple Visit Period: July 1 (Tuesday) to August 13 (Saturday), 2025 (self-funded project, please make your own reservation)
The temperature in Kibune in summer is 3-5 degrees lower than in the city. Due to the abundant moisture in the mountains, it is a very suitable destination for a cool day trip in Kyoto in summer.
Rurikoin Temple is only open in spring (fresh green) and autumn (red leaves), and is a popular limited-time attraction where you'll have to wait a year if you miss it.
In summer, the greenery outside the window and the shadows of the trees are reflected on the desktop, like a natural landscape painting. Sitting indoors, you can slowly feel the relaxation of body and mind.
If you want to experience the "summer romance" in Kyoto, then Kibune's riverbed cuisine is definitely worth a try. Even if you just drink tea, you can feel the coolness wrapped in the water vapor.
Sanzen-in Temple is located in the Ohara Mountains of Kyoto and is one of the important temples of the Tendai sect. The temple is located in a quiet cedar forest, with different scenery in each season, and is known as the "secret place in the mountains".
Nanzenji Temple has fresh green in spring and red leaves in autumn. In particular, the maple forest around Suirokaku surrounds the entire walkway like flames in autumn, making it one of the famous places for red leaves in Kyoto.
Purchase Notice
【Travel conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Kyoto
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Bus
Bus company name: FLY Kanko Co., Ltd. Relations Cooperation Company
Meals: Breakfast 0 times Lunch 0 times Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum number of people in a group: 4
Tour guide: 1
【Travel planning/implementation】
Operating company name: JRT Group Co., Ltd.
Address: Room 510, Floor 5, Ginza Ishii Haru, 6-14-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
License number: Tokyo Governor's Registered Travel Business No. 2-8353
Reminders
A minimum of 4 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 4 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
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please be sure to arrive at the designated pick-up location at the designated time and do not be late. Since this itinerary cannot be transferred to other flights or joined midway, if you fail to participate in the one-day tour due to your own reasons, you will be responsible for the corresponding losses. Please understand.
During weekends and red days in Japan, you may encounter traffic jams and attractions may close early. We will reduce or shorten the itinerary according to the actual situation. We hope you can understand that the tour guide or driver will do their best to serve you. Please do not make dinner reservations, as you will not be able to catch a flight or Shinkansen on that day.
The above itinerary is for reference only. Traffic conditions are beyond our control. Please avoid arranging activities on that night. We apologize for any delays.
If you have luggage, please make a note when placing the order. If there is no note, the driver has the right to refuse to board the luggage.
The company is not responsible for the inability to join the tour or the poor quality of the scenery due to force majeure such as traffic, weather, etc., and no refunds or rescheduling are possible. Please understand.
If affected by traffic congestion, facility maintenance, etc., the itinerary or stay time of each attraction will be adjusted. Please inform us if you are aware of the situation.
The company will not provide any refund if the passenger abandons the tour due to personal reasons.
Vehicle type: Cars are assigned based on the number of people. When traveling with a small number of people, a driver and accompanying personnel will be arranged to provide full travel services. No additional tour leader will be assigned. Please note.
This tour only provides Chinese or Japanese tour guides. If you need an English tour guide, please make a note when placing an order. It will be arranged based on the situation. Please note that if there is no note, the Chinese tour guide will be preset.
As this is a group tour, there may be guests from other countries and languages traveling with you.
Please wear light clothing and shoes and bring warm clothing if necessary.
Please note that weather conditions may affect the best viewing period for flowers or red leaves. The tour will not be cancelled or refunded due to this.
The flower viewing period or maple viewing period will be slightly affected by weather conditions and may be slightly earlier or later. After the tour is completed, it will not be affected by the flowering/maple viewing conditions and will proceed as usual. Please be advised.
Due to the large number of people during the flower/maple viewing season, there is a possibility of serious traffic jams, so it is recommended to bring your own light meals.
After the trip begins, if the trip is terminated due to force majeure such as weather conditions or natural disasters, the fees will not be refunded. Any additional expenses such as return transportation costs or local accommodation costs must be borne by the passenger.
Day tours do not include personal travel insurance or personal accident insurance. Please purchase these insurances if needed. Outdoor activities and high-risk sports carry their own risks and dangers. Please assess your health and fitness. The company assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage caused by accidents or unforeseen circumstances. Please understand that.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 2 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Kifune Shrine offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city, making it a highly worthwhile visit, especially for those seeking natural beauty and spiritual solace. It's particularly renowned for its unique water-related deities, stunning stone steps lined with red lanterns, and the serene riverbed scenery, especially during summer. The refreshing mountain air and vibrant seasonal foliage provide a distinct experience that complements other Kyoto attractions.
Kifune Shrine is unique for several reasons. It is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dedicated to the god of water and rain, making it a popular spot for praying for good fortune and relationships. Visitors can try omikuji (fortunes) that reveal messages when floated on water. The iconic stone steps, adorned with traditional red lanterns, create a picturesque path leading to the main hall. In summer, the surrounding Kibune River is famous for kawadoko (riverbed dining) where meals are served over the cool stream, offering a distinctive cultural experience.
Kifune Shrine showcases distinct beauty throughout the year. Summer (June-August) is popular for escaping the heat and enjoying the fresh mountain air and kawadoko dining along the river. Autumn (late October to November) is breathtaking, with vibrant red and gold foliage coloring the mountainside. Winter (December-February) offers a magical, snow-covered landscape, sometimes featuring special illuminations. Spring (March-May) brings new greenery, though cherry blossoms are less prominent here compared to other Kyoto spots.
For a comprehensive visit to Kifune Shrine, including exploring the main shrine, the inner shrine, and the water fortune area, it is recommended to allocate about 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows ample time for appreciating the natural surroundings, taking photos, and experiencing the unique water omikuji. If you plan to enjoy a meal at a riverbed restaurant nearby during the summer, you should account for additional time, typically 1.5 to 2.5 hours for dining.
Yes, Kifune Shrine holds special evening illumination events. The most famous is often during the autumn foliage season, where the red lanterns along the stone steps and the surrounding trees are lit up, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere. Occasional winter illuminations may also occur, especially during snowfall. These events typically take place for a limited period, and specific dates and times are usually announced on the shrine's official channels.
To reach Kifune Shrine from Kyoto city center, take the Eizan Electric Railway (Eiden Line) from Demachiyanagi Station to Kibuneguchi Station. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes. From Kibuneguchi Station, you can either take a short local bus ride (Kyoto Bus No. 33) directly to the Kifune Shrine area, which takes about 5-10 minutes, or enjoy a scenic 20-30 minute walk along the river to the shrine. The walk is particularly pleasant in good weather.
Nanzenji Temple is one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples. Its main highlights include the massive Sanmon Gate, which offers panoramic views from its upper balcony. Another notable feature is the Suirokaku Aqueduct, a red-brick arch bridge built during the Meiji period, offering a unique blend of ancient and modern architecture. Visitors can also explore several sub-temples with beautiful Zen gardens, such as the Hojo Garden with its dry landscape, perfect for quiet contemplation.
Exploring Sanzen-in Temple thoroughly typically requires about 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows visitors to comfortably wander through its picturesque moss gardens, particularly the Shuhekien Garden and Yuseien Garden, and appreciate the serene atmosphere. You can also visit the Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall, which houses a beautiful Amida Buddha statue, and explore the various temple buildings and smaller halls. The tranquil surroundings encourage a leisurely pace.
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