Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comKyoto and Nara Day Tour (From Osaka) - Golden Pavilion, Todaiji
based on 12 reviews
Duration: 10.5 hours (approx.)
Location: Osaka, Japan
Product code: 2142OSA_P910
See both Kyoto and Nara in this great one day tour from Osaka.
Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face. Enjoy this morning tour to see some of the main highlights of this wonderful city, steeped in culture.
Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784.
Nara is located in the Kinai plain, less than one hour from Kyoto. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples.
Tour Highlights Include:
- Nijo Castle
- Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Buffet Lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center
- Todaiji Temple
- Deer Park
- Kasuga Shrine
Kinkakuji Temple - Golden Pavilion
- Daily
Unavailable Dates:
- 29 December to 5 January
Passengers commencing the tour from central departure point (Last Tour pick up point - Hotel Granvia Osaka) will need to be there by 7.45am at the latest in order to check in for the tour.
Return details: Tour concludes upon arrival at Kintestu Namba Station (in Osaka) at approximately 6.00pm. Hotel Pickup: Selected Osaka hotels as per the list below. If you are staying at one of the following hotels and wish for a hotel pick up, you MUST enter your hotel details (Name and address) in the 'Hotel Pick Up" box. If you do not indicate this at the time of booking, you will be required to call the supplier and advise them of this information directly. The supplier contact details will be on your voucher once you have a confirmed booking.If your hotel is not on the list below, you will need to make your way to the Last Pick up point - the Hotel Granvia Osaka - by 7.45am
Hotel Pick Up List and Times:
PLEASE NOTE: Hotel pick up is ONLY available from the hotels listed below.
- Granvia Osaka: 7.40am
- Hilton Osaka: 7.20am
- Swissotel Nankai Osaka: 7.10am
- Nikko Osaka: 7.10am
- New Hankyu Hotel: 7:20am
- Hotel Pick ups
- Motorcoach transportation to Osaka Station
- JR Rail transportation to Kyoto Station (approx. 30 minutes)
- Join Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Tour as below (Motorcoach)
- Nijo Castle
- Kinkakuji Temple
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Buffet Lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center
- Todaiji Temple
- Nara Park
- Kasugu Shrine
- Motorcoach to Kintetsu Nara Station
- Kintetsu train to Kintetsu Namba Station (Osaka ) (approx. 40 minutes)
The Kyoto Residence of the Tokugawa Shogun built in 1603, Nijo Castle is noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors.
Note: On Tuesday's in January, July, August and December when Nijo Castle is closed, the tour will visit Ryoanji Temple instead. Ryoanji Temple is a temple of Zen Buddhism. Well known for its karesansui garden - a type of dry garden composed of 15 rocks over white sand. This garden is believed to represent the philosophy of Zen.
Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto's most popular temple is the home of perhaps the world's most authentic and exquisite Japanese Garden, as well as the celebrated Golden Pavilion.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The ancient Imperial Palace clearly shows the Japanese taste for purity, simplicity and calmness. The residence of the Imperial family until the capital was relocated to Tokyo in 1868. View the Shishinden Imperial state chamber where enthronement ceremonies took place.
Note: On Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and some other days when Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed, the tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu instead. This shrine is known as the god of study. Many people go here to pray for success in passing school entrance examinations. "Ushi-san" (Mr. Cow), the familiar of the god of Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine, is always lying stretched out, and he seems quite content to be caressed by visitors. When supplications for improved academic performance and examination success are made, he is said to pass these on to the god of the shrine. That explains the presence of so many cows within the grounds of Kitano-Tenmangu. White cows, black cows, brindle cows, calves - all stand in readiness for the visitor. While originally the cow was the symbol of a good harvest, at some point it came to represent scholarship after being associated with Sugawara Michizane for so long. Not only that, but in the process of being rubbed by countless visitors praying for good health, this cow's body has been polished to a high gleam.
Buffet Lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center
Enjoy a buffet lunch (free soft drinks included, alcoholic drinks not included) and shopping at Kyoto Handicraft Center. Enjoy demonstrations of Japanese traditional arts and crafts.
Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple, constructed in the 8th century, is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. In it's huge precincts are various national treasures of Japan. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is one of the world's largest wooden buildings. Once of Japan's best-known temples, it enshrines a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha. A wonder of religious architecture.
Deer Park
Over 1,000 tame deer roam freely in the verdant 1,250 acres peaceful park. If you wish to feed the deer, they will gladly eat from your hand. Special food is sold in the park grounds (not included).
Kasuga Shrine
The most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara, it features some 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns.
- Prices are listed as a guide only. For an exact price quote, select a date
- Infants aged 5 years and under are free of charge, as long as the infant is sitting on parent's lap. No meals are included for infants.
- If a seat (or meal) is required for an infant, they must pay the Child Price. In this case, you must enter the infants age as a Child age when submitting your booking request.
- Child prices are applicable for children aged 6 - 11 years
- Prices are per person.
- Currency is set to USD. Change currency
- Our pricing is updated constantly to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.
- Learn more about our low-price guarantee.
- Hotel pick up (from selected Kyoto hotels only)
- Transportation by Motorcoach, JR Rail and Kintetsu Rail
- Admission Fees
- Lunch
- English speaking guide
- Tax
- Entering Treasures Hall
- Entering Manyo Botanical Gardens at Kasuga Shrine
- This tour must be booked at least 3 days in advance of your travel date
- Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking, unless you are booking within 7 days of tour date. In this case, confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
- Tours are conducted in English unless otherwise stated
- You will be asked for your full name, nationality, gender and age to follow the necessary procedures before entering Kyoto Imperial Palace
- This tour is wheechair accessible, however passengers who require assistance must provide their own carer.
- Please note that the train journey from Osaka to Kyoto and vice versa are non-reserved local trains.
- Some parts of pathway on this tour have gravel surface.
Bookings cancelled or amended 8+ calendar days in advance of the scheduled departure or commencement time will not be charged any fees; between 3 and 7 calendar days in advance of the scheduled departure or commencement time will be charged a 50% cancellation fee; within 2 calendar days of the scheduled departure or commencement time will be charged a 100% cancellation fee.
Local Operator Information:Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
Was this information helpful?
We want to know what you think
Is there additional information we could provide to help you decide if this tour or activity is right for you?
Share your feedback »
Note: Do not use this link for customer support. Instead you must click the 'Customer Care' link at the very top of this page.
Book before you go!
Trust the worldwide leader
- Save money & time
- Avoid disappointments!
- Flexible cancel policy - no fee for changes
- Customer care available 24/7
Since 1999, over 2 million travelers have experienced more with Viator!
I was met at the agreed upon time by a fantastic tour escort, who looked after me from Osaka to Kyoto. ... Read more ›
Mark F, Australia, June 2008
