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Overview
See the best that the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara have to offer during this full-day tour of the cities’ top temples and sights. It’s a great introduction to the culture and traditions of ancient Japan, along with some time at a nature park thrown in for good measure.
Begin your excursion by stopping by two of Kyoto’s most important highlights with your guide, starting with a stop at Nijo Castle, which was the home of the Tokugawa Shogun until the mid-1800s. This World Heritage-listed site, constructed in 1603, is renowned for the contrasts between its intricate interior and solemn exterior façade.
Head next to Kinkaku-ji, the city’s most popular religious site and what is considered by many to be one of the world’s most elaborate Japanese gardens. Check out the temple’s Golden Pavilion, a 3-story building sheathed in gold leaf and situated beside a picturesque pond, where you can take some great photos.
Move on next to Kyoto’s Imperial Palace, where you have a chance to see the Shishin-den, a key site for important state ceremonies, before wandering the palace’s beautiful grounds.
If you’ve chosen the upgraded option, take a break for an included lunch, then re-board your bus for the drive south to Nara, where you stop by two of the temples and shrines that form the city’s own UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Todai-ji, a religious complex known for housing one of the world’s largest statues of the Buddha (Great Buddha Hall) before continuing to the adjacent Nara Park.
Make your next stop of the day at Kasuga Shrine, renowned for the more than 3,000 lanterns lining its interior. Finish your excursion at Nara’s Deer Park, a famous section of Nara Park with free-roaming groups of deer.
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Ratings & Reviews
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Great tour with great stops
Steven_H, Jul 2025
The one day tour is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time. All 5 stops were spectacular and the guide (KC) did a fantastic job of explaining everything. Of course, at each site you could spend many hours, but this was a great way to see a lot and learn a lot in Kyoto and Nara.
Super fun!
Heidi K, May 2025
It was packed full of great experiences! Our tour guide Kaicy was wonderful! He made it fun and educational. Allowed just enough time at stops.
Very enjoyable
Laureen_D, May 2025
KC was hands down the best tour guide we had during our two-week stay in Japan—and that's saying a lot because we had several excellent guides. He was incredibly knowledgeable and informative, sharing insights with the perfect balance of politeness and humor. We were laughing all day long while learning so much. KC's genuine personality and warmth made the experience unforgettable. We absolutely loved him and can’t recommend him highly enough!
Our guide was excellent. Was very responsive to the needs of this variable group.
Pamela_M, May 2025
Enjoyable experience. Meet our needs & expectations. We were able to manage the lenght of the trip..
Itinerary
Nijo Castle
A World Heritage site. Tour the historical castle completed in 1626, which was built to provide lodging for the Tokugawa Shogun and as a palladium for Kyoto Imperial Palace. The impressive, elaborate carvings and decors in the Ninomaru Palace are a must-see. The tour will not enter the Honmaru Palace and Painting Gallery. Please refer to "Information travelers need from you" regarding alternative destinations on the day of closure.
50 minutesAdmission IncludedKinkakuji Temple
A World Heritage site. The wooden architecture is covered in thin layers of pure gold and is surrounded by a beautiful pond.
45 minutesAdmission IncludedKyoto Imperial Palace
See the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was used as the Emperor's residence until about 150 years ago. On days when the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed to visitors, the tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (disembark for sightseeing) as an alternative destination. This shrine is famous for the god of learning, and its main hall is a designated national treasure. The shrine is especially great to see during the plum blossom and autumn leaf seasons. Please refer to "Additional Information" regarding alternative destinations on the day of closure.
40 minutesKasuga Grand Shrine
This Nara Period shrine is designated as a World Heritage Site. The deer of Nara Park are thought to be the shrine messengers. From January 2025, the Main Sanctuary special visit area will be newly added to the itinerary. Visitors can get closer to the Main Sanctuary and view the hanging lanterns in the corridor.
1 hourAdmission IncludedTodai-ji Temple
A World Heritage site. This is the symbol of the Nara Period and one of the world's largest wooden structures. Its huge main hall and bronze Great Buddha are impressive to behold.
1 hourAdmission Included
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Lunch (only if you select "With Lunch" option when booking)
- National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
- Other admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
Exclusions
- Fees other than those listed in Includes
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- As the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed to visitors on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) and on days when there is an Imperial Household Agency event, the tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead. If the closed day falls on the 25th, the tour will visit Nishi Hongan-ji Temple.
- Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December, and from December 26 to January 3. (Closed on the following day if Tuesday is a holiday.) If closed, Ryoan-ji Temple will be visited instead.
- Participants will walk from the parking lot to Todai-ji Temple (about 25 min one-way). Please inform us at the time of booking if any person in your group is using crutches or a wheelchair, or has a chronic illness that makes it difficult to walk for long distances.
- Until December 2024, the tour will visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine but will not enter areas requiring admission. From January 2025, the tour will also enter the Main Sanctuary special visit area. However, in case the special visit area cannot be entered due to events or operational circumstances, the Kasuga Taisha Museum or Manyo Botanical Garden will be visited instead.
- Refunds will not be issued in case the tour visits aforementioned alternative destinations.
- The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations.
- Seats may not be designated.
- [Only for guests selected With Lunch option] Lunch will be a Western-style set menu. For those who would like a vegetarian meal, please make sure to inform us at the time of reservation. If requests are not provided in advance, same-day changes cannot be accepted. Halal, gluten-free, and other meal requests are not available.
- For those who don't require lunch, please make a booking for the 'No Lunch' option. There will be time allotted for the Kyoto Station vicinity. Please purchase your own lunch.
- Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with bus seats or lunch. If bus seats or lunch is required, please make a booking under the child rate.
- Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour.
- [Only applicable from 2025 for guests who selected Osaka Departure] Travel will be in the non-reserved seat section of the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station.
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.