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Kyoto Day Trips from Osaka

Written by Viator, January 2011

4.5 418 Reviews | Add your review

Osaka is an excellent location from which to explore various tourist attractions in Japan. In particular, Kyoto is widely regarded as one of the Japanese cities that are not to be missed for visitors from abroad interested in Japanese history and culture. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, the city is home to some of most beautiful and fascinating palaces, castles, temples, etc. that can be found anywhere in the country, all of which are easily accessible via day trips from Osaka.

Home to the Emperor’s residence from 794 to 1868, Kyoto boasts some of the most important national heritage sites in existence, many of which are best explored in the halcyon stillness of early to midmorning. Get a head start on the crowds and take a 30-minute train from Osaka, where guides will happily direct you through Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kyoto Handicraft Center, all before lunchtime.

Hoping to sleep in after a long night of sake? Take advantage of tour packages that depart later in the day for an afternoon of sightseeing instead. Recommended sites included the Heian Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall (housing all of the 1,001 statues of Kannon) and the views of Kyoto city from the Kiyomizu Temple.
There are too many noteworthy destinations to list here, but other must-see spots in the Kyoto area accessible from Osaka include the Todaiji Temple and the Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine in Nara. Nara was the site of the original Japanese permanent imperial capital and is home to many historic treasures, as well as some of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan.

Tours & Tickets

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Kyoto Full-Day Sightseeing Tour including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple

4.5 star rating: Recommended 201 Reviews

Experience the magic of Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour of Japan's cultural jewel. You'll visit Kyoto's most popular attractions by coach and enjoy a ...  Read more

Location: Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 9 hours (approx.)

From USD $128.37
$131.57 Save $3.20

Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto including Nijo Castle

4.5 star rating: Recommended 99 Reviews

Explore the cultural treasures of Kyoto and Nara on a full-day tour from Kyoto. See all the highlights of Kyoto including visits to Nijo Castle and the ...  Read more

Location: Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 10 hours (approx.)

From USD $134.52
$151.32 Save $16.80

Kyoto Cooking Class, Sake Tasting and Nishiki Food Market Walking Tour

4.5 star rating: Recommended 25 Reviews

Take a guided walk through Nishiki food markets and enjoy a Japanese cooking class on this small-group walking tour from Kyoto. You'll explore the back streets ...  Read more

Location: Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

From USD $141.99

Kyoto Morning Tour - Kyoto Imperial Palace, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle

4 star rating: Recommended 65 Reviews

Soak up the sights of Kyoto on this guided half-day city morning tour. Travel by coach and visit Nijo Castle, the gold covered Kinkakuji Temple and Golden ...  Read more

Location: Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

From USD $59.79
$67.26 Save $7.47

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