[Departing from Osaka] Katsuoji Temple Daruma Prayer, Kyoto Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka | Optional Upgrade to Exclusive A5 Premium Wagyu 'Kobe Beef' Lunch & Complimentary Kyoto Matcha Experience (Drop-off in Osaka/Kyoto)
- Katsuoji Temple is a miraculous ancient temple in Osaka Prefecture, famous for its countless Daruma prayer dolls. It is an excellent place to pray for success and breakthroughs, offering different scenery throughout the seasons.
- The Kiyomizu area brings together several cultural highlights, including the World Heritage site Kiyomizu-dera, famous for its 'Kiyomizu Stage' that overlooks the entire city of Kyoto. Stroll along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to fully enjoy the charm of old machiya houses. Yasaka Shrine is the main shrine of the Gion Festival. Nearby, Gion's Hanamikoji Street offers glimpses of geisha and the experience of authentic Kyoto culture.
- Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most popular attractions, with charming natural scenery. Stroll through the bamboo grove, enjoy the view from Togetsukyo Bridge, and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons in the mountains and water, leaving visitors reluctant to leave.
- In the historic city of Kyoto, participate in a matcha experience, taste matcha and ice cream, and immerse yourself in Kyoto's elegant tea culture.
- Kobe beef is the highest grade 'A5' beef among Tajima cattle. Only beef that reaches this grade can be labeled as such, making it a world-renowned premium beef brand.
Package options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 10 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Historic site tour, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
- Trip Information -
- Departure Time and Location:
8:10 AM VIP Villa Namba
8:30 AM In front of Osaka VIP Lounge (Umeda)
- Return Information:
5:30 PM Kyoto VIP Lounge
6:30 PM VIP Villa Namba
- Itinerary Introduction -
- Katsuoji Temple
This is an ancient temple famous for praying for 'victory,' where historical warlords would come to seek success in battle. The most unique feature is the countless adorable 'Daruma dolls' found throughout the temple grounds. You can make a wish to a Daruma for success in your career, studies, or any of life's challenges. It is also a renowned spot for viewing autumn leaves.
Upon entry, you will receive a complimentary blank postcard. By collecting stamps at 6 designated locations within the temple, your postcard will gradually fill with color, eventually revealing a limited-edition colorful Daruma design for the year!
- Arashiyama
Arashiyama is known for its distinct natural beauty throughout the four seasons. You can stand on the iconic 'Togetsukyo Bridge' to admire the flowing Katsura River and the magnificent mountain backdrop, experiencing the vacation atmosphere once enjoyed by nobles a thousand years ago.
Turn into the 'Bamboo Forest Path,' where towering green bamboo creates a serene green tunnel. The rustling sound of the wind through the bamboo leaves has been selected as one of the '100 Soundscapes of Japan,' making you feel as if you have stepped into an ink wash painting.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka
The magnificent wooden 'Kiyomizu Stage' is built over a cliff without the use of a single nail, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Standing on the stage, you can overlook the entire city of Kyoto with a breathtaking view. Additionally, it is said that drinking from the 'Otowa Waterfall' brings blessings for academic success, love, and longevity.
After your visit, stroll down the mountain along 'Ninenzaka' and 'Sannenzaka.' These two stone-paved slopes are lined with preserved traditional machiya houses, souvenir shops, teahouses, and craft stores, making them the perfect places to experience the charm of old Kyoto.
Famous for its auspicious blessings and prayers for victory, this temple is renowned for its powerful protection against evil and its ability to grant sure wins. The grounds are dotted with "Victory Daruma" statues, symbols of victory, providing a boost of positive energy. The autumn foliage is particularly breathtaking, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking to enhance their luck and take stunning photos!
The wooden bridge, a symbol of Arashiyama, blends perfectly with the surrounding nature. The scenery is especially enchanting in spring with its cherry blossoms and in autumn with its vibrant red leaves. It's a popular spot for taking photos and is also perfect for a relaxing stroll and enjoying the beauty of all four seasons.
Starting at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a World Heritage Site, enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto from the famous Kiyomizu Stage, especially spectacular during spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season. Next, stroll along the charming Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, past traditional Japanese shops and teahouses where you can savor matcha sweets as you walk. Then, visit Yasaka Shrine to offer prayers and explore Gion's Hanamikoji Street, where you might encounter maiko in kimonos and immerse yourself in the rich atmosphere of traditional Japanese culture.
The head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism is also a World Heritage Site. Its famous dry landscape garden and Sogenchi Pond showcase the ultimate beauty of Japanese gardens. Here, one can experience the tranquility of Zen, making it the perfect place for relaxation.
A dreamlike bamboo forest path, like stepping into another world. The sound of the breeze rustling through the bamboo leaves is soothing and allows one to deeply experience the beauty of Japanese "wabi-sabi." It's an excellent location for shooting short films and experiencing tranquil nature.
The sightseeing train running along the Hozu River offers stunning views of the valley in all four seasons. It's especially popular during the autumn foliage season. Suitable for both adults and children, it's a perfect choice for creating unforgettable memories.
Kobe beef is one of the three highest-grade Wagyu beef representatives in Japan. When you put a slice of Kobe beef into your mouth, the delicate marbling melts like snowflakes, and the rich juices dance on your tongue. Every bite is filled with a rich aroma, and the aftertaste lingers long afterward. It is simply a luxurious feast for the taste buds!
Kobe Beef Sukiyaki Hot Pot: Made with high-quality Kobe beef, this hot pot is served with a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sukiyaki sauce, slowly simmered with vegetables, tofu, and konjac noodles for a rich and complex flavor. The meat is tender and flavorful, a classic Japanese hot pot dish.
Sukiyaki Kobe Beef Donburi: Made with thinly sliced Kobe beef, this dish is slowly simmered in a sukiyaki-style sauce, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. The fully flavored beef is served over steaming white rice, accompanied by onions and other toppings, creating a mild yet layered Japanese donburi.
Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu with Deluxe Crab Feast: The finest Kobe beef, meticulously selected for its snow-white, evenly marbled texture, is renowned for its tender and delicate flavor. Paired with sweet, succulent, and firm crab, the elegant and multi-layered flavors unfold slowly in your mouth.
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
Departure/Destination: Osaka/Kyoto
Duration: Same-day round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company: Heisei Enterprise Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch (varies by plan), Dinner 0
Minimum group size: 10
Tour Leader: 1
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company: Heisei Enterprise Co., Ltd.
Address: 5F HEG Building, 5-22-26 Honcho, Shiki City, Saitama Prefecture
License Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2095
Travel Agency Association: All Nippon Travel Agents Association (ANTA) Regular Member
Reminders
A minimum of 10 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
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The arrival and visit times for each attraction may vary depending on the weather and traffic conditions on the day. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Please adhere to the meeting time and the schedule of each tour.
The itinerary may be changed due to factors such as transportation and road conditions, which may also cause delays in return time.
Children under 3 years old who do not occupy a seat can participate for free. If facility fees are required on-site, please pay on-site.
FAQs
1. Is there an entry fee to explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove itself does not require an entry fee to walk through the main path. However, some specific temples or gardens located within the broader Arashiyama area, such as Tenryu-ji Temple or Okochi Sanso Villa, do have separate admission charges if you choose to enter them. Exploring the iconic bamboo path is freely accessible to visitors.
2. What unique experiences can visitors have at Katsuo-ji Temple?
At Katsuo-ji Temple, visitors can experience a unique tradition of praying for good luck and success. The temple is famous for its countless Daruma dolls, which are miniature representations placed by worshippers. You can purchase a Daruma doll, write your wish on it, and leave it at the temple, or take it home as a symbol of perseverance. The temple grounds also offer beautiful seasonal scenery, making it a serene place for reflection.
3. What makes Byodo-in Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and what can be seen there?
Byodo-in Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its iconic Phoenix Hall, which is depicted on the Japanese 10-yen coin. The temple is a superb example of Heian period Buddhist architecture, known for its elegant design and the stunning reflection of the Phoenix Hall in the adjacent pond. Visitors can explore the tranquil gardens, view the exquisite artwork and statues inside the hall, and appreciate its thousand-year history as a testament to Japanese cultural heritage.
4. When is the best time to appreciate the seasonal beauty of Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge?
Arashiyama offers captivating natural scenery throughout the year, with each season presenting a different charm. Spring (March-April) is popular for cherry blossoms, while autumn (late November-early December) transforms the mountainsides into vibrant hues of red and gold, especially stunning around Togetsukyo Bridge. Summer provides lush greenery, and winter offers a quiet, often snow-dusted landscape. The bamboo groves are beautiful year-round. Consider visiting during late autumn for the most dramatic colors.
5. What does the Kyoto Matcha experience involve during the day trip?
The Kyoto Matcha experience typically involves visiting a traditional tea house or specialized shop where you can learn about and participate in a simplified version of the Japanese tea ceremony. You'll have the opportunity to taste authentic Matcha tea, often accompanied by traditional Japanese sweets. Many experiences also include trying Matcha-flavored ice cream, allowing you to immerse yourself in Kyoto's elegant tea culture and enjoy its distinctive flavors.
6. What is the significance of the A5 premium Kuroge Wagyu (Kobe Beef) mentioned in the tour?
The A5 premium Kuroge Wagyu, also known as Kobe Beef, signifies the highest possible grade for Japanese beef. "A5" indicates superior yield grade and the finest quality in terms of marbling, color, texture, and fat quality. It refers to beef from Tajima cattle raised in Hyogo Prefecture, following strict criteria. This upgrade offers a luxurious culinary experience, celebrated worldwide for its tenderness, rich flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it a highly sought-after delicacy.
7. How much time is typically spent exploring the Byodo-in Temple Phoenix Hall and its gardens?
Visitors typically spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring Byodo-in Temple, including its Phoenix Hall and gardens. This allows ample time to admire the exterior of the Phoenix Hall, stroll through the picturesque Jo-do style gardens, and visit the Hoshokan Museum which houses many of the temple's treasures, including temple bells and statues of the Bodhisattvas. The duration can vary based on individual interest in the architecture and history.
8. What are some highly recommended activities to enjoy while strolling through Arashiyama's bamboo forests?
While strolling through Arashiyama's bamboo forests, visitors can enjoy several activities. The primary experience is walking along the serene bamboo path, appreciating the towering stalks and unique atmosphere. You can also visit nearby temples like Tenryu-ji, which has a direct path connecting to the bamboo grove. Another popular option is to rent a rickshaw for a guided tour, offering a relaxed way to explore the area and learn about its history from a local perspective.
