1-Day Kyoto & Nara Tour

Explore the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara on this popular one-day tour, taking you to some of Japan's most iconic World Heritage sites. With a licensed English-speaking guide, you’ll visit famous landmarks, including Kyoto’s Nijo Castle, the stunning Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the historic Kyoto Imperial Palace. After lunch, the tour heads to Nara, where you’ll see Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of Nara Park, known for its friendly, free-roaming deer.

This thoughtfully organized day tour provides an efficient way to experience the best of these two culturally rich cities. In Nara, you’ll also visit the revered Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a site surrounded by hundreds of traditional lanterns. Perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded introduction to Japan’s heritage, this tour blends sightseeing with unique experiences, all in a single day.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Kyoto’s Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji Temple

• Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace for a glimpse of historic Japan

• Discover Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha in Nara

• Stroll through Nara Park and meet the friendly deer

• Experience the serene atmosphere of Kasuga Taisha Shrine

• Guided by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide

What’s Covered

• Licensed English-speaking guide

• Air-conditioned transportation

• Admission fees to all listed sites

• Option to include lunch

What’s Extra

• Meals if choosing the option without lunch

• Personal expenses

• Gratuities

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• You can select a preferred drop-off point from designated Kyoto hotels and stations when booking.

• Nara Nagomikan is not part of the tour itinerary for 2024.

• If Kyoto Imperial Palace or Nijo Castle is closed, alternate sites will be visited instead.

• Health precautions are in place, including bus sanitization, temperature checks, and a requirement for masks.

• At least one participant is required for the tour, with cancellations possible if this number isn’t met four days before.

• The tour includes a 15-minute walk to Todai-ji Temple, so please inform us if mobility assistance is needed.

• Activity schedules and arrival times may vary due to traffic or road conditions.

• Please show your e-voucher at the designated check-in location on the tour day.

Meeting Point 

Sunrise Tours Desk inside Avanti (across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit)

〒601-8003 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, 31 B1F AVANTI

Note: All transportation on this tour is by bus. Stops will be made for pick-up at hotels along the way.

Tour Itinerary

08:30 - Departure

• Depart from Sunrise Tours Desk inside Avanti (across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit)

• Travel by bus with pick-up stops at designated hotels along the way

Nijo Castle

• Duration: 50 minutes
  Begin the tour with a visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Japan's Edo-period architecture and rich history.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

• Duration: 45 minutes
  Explore the iconic Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple with shimmering gold leaf that reflects beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

• Duration: 40 minutes
  Walk through the historic grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, offering a glimpse into Japan’s imperial past.

Lunch Break

• Duration: 50 minutes
  Enjoy a Japanese/Western-style buffet lunch. Vegetarian options are available. For travelers without a lunch plan, enjoy free time around the Kyoto Station area.

Travel from Kyoto to Nara

• Duration: 90 minutes
  Journey to Nara via the Nara Keinawa Expressway, taking in scenic views along the way.

Todai-ji Temple & Nara Park

• Duration: 90 minutes
  Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue, followed by a stroll through Nara Park, famous for its friendly deer that roam freely.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

• Duration: 40 minutes
  Experience the serenity of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its hundreds of traditional lanterns. Please note the tour does not enter areas requiring additional admission.

Nara Nagomikan

• Duration: 20 minutes
  Enjoy some time at Nara Nagomikan, a popular souvenir shop offering a variety of local specialties. This stop may be omitted if the facility is closed or due to traffic conditions.

18:30 - 19:30 - Drop-off Service

• After returning to Kyoto Station, participants will be dropped off at their hotels, concluding the day’s tour.

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