Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Kinkakuji Temple & Nara Park | Japan
Experience Japan's ancient capitals on a day trip to Kyoto and Nara! Visit the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Forest Tunnel in Arashiyama, explore the iconic Kinkakuji temple, mingle with adorable deer in Nara Park, and more.
- Tour group can be formed with 1 person, so no need to worry about size limits
- Depart conveniently from downtown Osaka, skipping lengthy waits and intricate train routes
- Explore Arashiyama's renowned Sagano Bamboo Forest Trail and the World Heritage Kinkakuji Temple
- Encounter friendly deer at Nara Park, a delightful highlight of your journey
- Enjoy guided tours in English and Japanese, unraveling the history of Japan's ancient capitals
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included, Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Historic site tour |
| Transport | 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.
— What You Can Expect —
Immerse yourself in the essence of Japan's ancient capitals, Kyoto and Nara! Depart from either Umeda or Namba in Osaka City. Wander through the tranquil Sagano Bamboo Forest Tunnel in Arashiyama, Kyoto, then admire the historic splendor of Kinkakuji in Kansai. Finally, encounter the adorable deer in the picturesque Nara Park.
- Arashiyama
When it comes to experiencing the beauty of autumn leaves and cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Arashiyama is a must-visit destination! The iconic "Togetsu Bridge" spans the Katsura River, marking this area's landmark. Additionally, the enchanting bamboo forest tunnel in Sagano and the 100-meter-long bamboo forest trail transport you to a fairyland on Earth! Don't miss the hidden gem of Tsukuru Nonomiya Shrine, where a "turtle stone" brimming with mystical energy awaits. Legend has it that making a wish upon touching the stone guarantees its fulfillment within a year!
- Kinkakuji Temple (World Cultural Heritage)
Nestled in Kyoto, Japan, Kinkakuji Temple, or the Golden Pavilion, is a breathtaking sight to behold. Its gilded exterior reflects gracefully on the surrounding pond, creating a scene of serene beauty. Originally a shogun's retreat, this architectural marvel combines Zen Buddhist principles with exquisite craftsmanship. As you wander through the meticulously manicured gardens, you'll be transported to a realm of tranquility and aesthetic wonder. Kinkakuji Temple stands as a timeless symbol of spiritual enlightenment and artistic mastery.
- Nara Park
Welcome to Nara Park, a magical escape nestled in Nara, Japan! Here, friendly deer roam freely, offering delightful encounters with nature. Wander along the park's pathways, shaded by cherry trees that burst into bloom during springtime, adding a touch of whimsy to your stroll. Explore hidden shrines and peaceful ponds scattered throughout, providing perfect spots for relaxation and reflection. Don't miss the chance to visit ancient temples and monuments that dot the park, each telling a story of Nara's rich history as Japan's first permanent capital.
— Tour Info —
- Meeting time and place:
8:30 am Hearton Hotel Nishi-Umeda; 9:00 am Namba OCAT Building 1F - Travel length: about 8 hours
- Return information: Arrive in Namba at about 5:40 pm
— Reminders —
- There will be staff holding a "LIMON" sign at the boarding point
- Please note that you will not be able to get off at Umeda on the return journey
- Restaurant locations and meals may differ
- Free for infants under 3 years old. No seat, no meal. Please purchase a child ticket if you need a seat
— How to Use Your Voucher —
- Show the KKDay voucher to the staff
Local emergency contact
Purchase Notice
- The buffet and the beef shabu-shabu gozen are served at different dining places, so special arrangements cannot be made. Passengers who want to eat at the same dining place, please choose the same meal
【Travel conditions】
- Place of departure and destination: Osaka/Kyoto and Nara
- Duration of trip: Day tour
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus company: 神姫観光または関係協力バス会社
- Meals: Breakfast: 0 / Lunch: Depending on package / Dinner: 0
- Accommodation: None
- Minimum requirement: 1
- Tour leader: 0
- Tour guide: 0
【Tour operator】
- Name: 神姫観光株式会社 Shinkobus
- Address: 兵庫県姫路市西駅前町1番地 1 Nishiekimaechō Himeji, Hyogo 670-0913
- Japan Tourism Agency Registration Number: 観光庁長官登録旅行業2108号
- Accredited member of: 日本旅行業協会正会員 JATA
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
On the day of the tour, please take the initiative to show your name on the voucher to assist the staff to confirm the guest list
If the tour is not possible due to unavoidable factors such as weather, we will notify the passengers as soon as possible and refund the full amount
If you fail to report without any notice on the day of the tour, it will be regarded as a no-show, and no refund will be given
Free for infants under 3 years old. No seat, no meal. Please purchase a child ticket if you need a seat
The return journey of this itinerary does not stop at Umeda, and passengers returning to Osaka can only get off at Namba
The buses for Osaka departure and Kyoto departure are different
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 5 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 1 to 4 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 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
Arashiyama is renowned for its iconic Sagano Bamboo Forest, where visitors can stroll through towering bamboo groves. Other highlights include Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens, and Togetsukyo Bridge, offering scenic views of the Hozugawa River and surrounding mountains. Exploring the charming streets with traditional shops and cafes is also a popular activity.
Yes, Arashiyama is an excellent destination for a day trip from Kyoto, often combined with other Kyoto sights or even Nara. A typical day trip entails exploring the Bamboo Grove, visiting temples like Tenryu-ji, and enjoying the river views from Togetsukyo Bridge. Many tours offer convenient transportation, allowing you to seamlessly visit these attractions without self-planning routes or worrying about public transport connections.
To fully explore Arashiyama's main attractions, including the Sagano Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Togetsukyo Bridge, a recommended duration is approximately 3 to 4 hours. This allows ample time for leisurely walks, temple visits, enjoying the natural scenery, and perhaps a quick snack or souvenir shopping. If combining with other areas, adjust your itinerary accordingly.
There is no general entry fee to walk through the main paths of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove itself. However, many adjacent temples and gardens within the Arashiyama area, such as Tenryu-ji Temple, do have separate admission fees. Visitors can freely enjoy the beauty of the bamboo forest's public pathways without charge.
Nara Park is famous for its friendly wild deer, which roam freely and can be fed deer crackers available from vendors. Beyond interacting with the deer, visitors can explore Todai-ji Temple, home to a giant bronze Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its many lanterns. Isuien Garden and Kofuku-ji Temple are also notable cultural sites within or near the park.
To adequately explore Nara Park and its main surrounding attractions like Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and interact with the deer, you should allocate at least 3 to 5 hours. This timeframe allows for walking between sights, enjoying the natural environment, and experiencing the cultural richness without feeling rushed.
Nara Park is conveniently accessible from both Kyoto and Osaka, with travel times being quite similar, usually around 30-50 minutes by express train. The choice often depends on your overall itinerary. For tours originating from a specific city, like a multi-city day trip, departing from downtown Osaka can offer seamless travel without the hassle of navigating multiple train routes, providing a more relaxed experience.
Nara Park is largely walkable, making walking the most common and enjoyable way to explore its main sights like Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the deer areas. For those preferring not to walk long distances, local buses are available with stops near major attractions. Renting a bicycle is another pleasant option to cover more ground at your own pace.
Get Help
