9 hours
E-voucher
English
Overview
Meet your guide and group at one of two convenient departure points, either in central Osaka or central Kyoto.
Begin your exploration of UNESCO-recognized Kyoto, capital of Japanese culture, in the Arashiyama district. Visitors who arrive in this striking area in April will be treated to the visual feast of blooming cherry blossom trees, while those who arrive in November are likely to experience fiery fall colors. During the summer, observe locals participating in cormorant fishing. Another pleasant option for your time in Arashiyama is the Sagano Bamboo Forest, where you can enjoy a walk along the edge of Tenryuji temple.
Take a break around mid-day for lunch. Guests who have paid for the lunch option will enjoy a traditional meal. After, continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), where you can admire this elegant complex’s collection of serene gardens and neatly manicured grounds and learn about its construction. Continue to the Great Buddha Statue at Todaiji Temple, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
Leaving Kinkaku-ji, continue to Nara and proceed to Nara Park, a preserve known for the 1,200 wild deer that freely roam its grounds. Visitors can purchase “senbei” snacks to feed the animals.
Following your trip to Nara Park, return by bus to your original departure point.
Operated by
LIMON Tours -DMC Japan
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
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405 traveller ratings
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The best of Kyoto for the first time visitors
sandrarN285WX, Sept 2025
It was convenient to visit Fushimi inari, Kyomizudera shrine, Kinkakuji and Arashiyama in one day without worrying about parking or train connections, We had lovely experience in spite of the huge crowds in temples and shrines. Our guide Maria made a very pleasant experience with images, maps and explanations. Would recommend if you don’t mind busy places.
Great tour and even better guide
olgakN7925JS, Sept 2025
Our guide Maria was great - she is knowledgeable and happy to spend time with you if you have any questions. I’m in Kyoto for one day and this tour was a perfect opportunity to see all main tourist attractions! Would recommend!
Kyoto and Nara - Day trip with Limon tours
SandyAnu, Sept 2025
The tour operations were very smooth and it was exactly what you have paid for. Our lovely guide was Jewell and she did a fantastic job of showing us around and well explained the attractions. If you visiting Japan and taking up this trip in summer , keep your expectations at check . All the attractions are very picturesque on paper but not earth shatteringly amazing in summer. But I’m sure this trip is amazing over the winter and during the cherry blossom period. Nonetheless Lumin Tours is highly recommended if you are taking up this trip!
Wonderful one day tour of Kyoto
monicacF5714OE, Sept 2025
Maria did an excellent job as our tour guide. We appreciated the balance between guided tour and free time. The temples and shrines were all so different and enjoyable. It never felt like we were repeating an experience. The tradition Kyoto lunch was perfect.
Itinerary
Arashiyama
First, we'll make our way to Arashiyama, where we'll enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch of seasonal Kyoto specialties (If option selected) before exploring the area. The Sagano Bamboo forest has been a popular nature-viewing destination since the Heian Period. Listen to the distinct rustle of bamboo leaves as you walk through the vibrant green bamboo path. You can also see the "moon-crossing bridge," Togetsukyo, as you walk along the beautiful Katsura River.
2 hoursKinkakuji Temple
Later, drive through Kyoto proper and arrive at Kinkaku-ji: the Golden Pavilion. True to its name, the gold-leaf covered temple dazzles in the sunlight, reflected in the mirror-like pond it overlooks. After admiring the sight (and taking some great pictures,) wander through the sprawling garden that has retained its original design from the 14th century.
Admission tickets not included in last minute option.
45 minutesAdmission IncludedNara Park
Take a short walk through Nara Park, famous for the 1,200 or so wild deer that live freely within the park. With special "shika-senbei," you can feed the polite deer which are famous for "bowing." Within Nara Park you will find the UNESCO World Heritage site, Todai-ji Temple, home to one of the three titanic Great Buddha Statues of Japan.
1 hourTodai-ji Temple
Todai-ji is home to one of the three Great Buddha Statues in Japan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was first established in the 8th century!
30 minutesAdmission Included
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Lunch(if option selected)
- Entry ticket to Kinkaku-ji Temple
- English Speaking Guide
- Entry ticket to Todai-ji Temple
- Air-conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi
Exclusions
- Personal expenses
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (the tour begins and ends at the meeting points.)
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour departs from Kyoto and Osaka on different dates and buses. Choose your departure point carefully when booking.
- Infants (0-2 years) free (seat and meal not included); must sit on an adult's lap
- Meeting Time at Namba, OCAT 1F (Near Daiso): 8:50 AM
- Meeting Time at Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, in the tourist bus parking area: 9:05 AM
- Please check in 10 minutes before the booked start time
- The bus will depart as scheduled; late arrivals are non-refundable
- Schedule subject to change due to traffic or weather conditions for safety
- Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended
- Our business hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM JST on weekdays. Please note that we are unable to respond to emails outside of these hours.
- We cannot provide vegan or halal meals. Please book an option without lunch.
- For vegetarian requests, contact us directly (contact tour operator) at least 3 days before the tour
- Please note this tour requires walking.
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.