Set out on a captivating day tour that whisks you away from Osaka to the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara. Enjoy the timeless beauty of UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the vibrant Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its iconic red torii gates. But the real highlight? Encounter the friendly sika deer at Nara Park, where these charming creatures eagerly greet visitors. With expert guidance, convenient transportation, and a delicious lunch included, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and delightful wildlife encounters. Discover why this day trip is the talk of the town, as you uncover the enchanting secrets of these two remarkable destinations.
Key Points
- Comprehensive day tour from Osaka covering the cultural highlights of Kyoto and Nara, including UNESCO World Heritage sites and interactions with friendly sika deer.
- Roundtrip transportation, multilingual guide, lunch, and entry fees to select sites included in the tour price of £1,770 per person.
- Key stops include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and Nara Park where visitors can feed and interact with the free-roaming sika deer.
- Flexible cancellation policy and "reserve now, pay later" option provide added convenience for booking the 10-hour tour.
- Highly rated by diverse travelers, with the deer interaction in Nara Park highlighted as a memorable experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This comprehensive day tour offers visitors a chance to explore the historical and cultural highlights of both Kyoto and Nara. Priced from £1,770 per person, the tour lasts 10 hours and provides roundtrip transportation from Osaka, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a multilingual guide.
Guests can enjoy the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu-dera Temple, marvel at the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and interact with the free-roaming sika deer in Nara Park.
Lunch is included, and entry fees for select sites are covered. With a flexible cancellation policy and a "reserve now, pay later" option, this tour makes for a convenient and enriching day trip from Osaka.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at Nipponbashi, where guests will rendezvous with their multilingual guide, who’ll be holding a yellow flag for easy identification.
First, they’ll explore the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for 2.5 hours.
Next, they’ll visit the stunning Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and walk through its iconic red torii gates for 70 minutes.
The tour then continues to Nara Park, where they’ll have 1.5 hours to interact with the free-roaming sika deer.
Guests can also choose to visit the optional sites of Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Gion, Hanamikoji Street, and Todai-ji Temple before concluding the tour at the bustling Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street.
Inclusions
Included in the tour package are roundtrip transportation from Osaka, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a multilingual guide proficient in Chinese, English, and Japanese.
Lunch is also provided for participants. Entrance fees to key sights like Todai-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are covered, with adults paying £560 and £400 respectively, and children £530 and £200.
All toll and parking fees are included as well, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. The tour offers great value, allowing visitors to explore Kyoto and Nara’s top attractions without worrying about additional costs.
Meeting Point and Important Information
Where does the tour meet? The tour meets at Nipponbashi Exit 2, 1-chome-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka. The guide will be holding a yellow flag for easy recognition.
There are a few important reminders to keep in mind:
- No outside food or drinks are allowed in the vehicle.
- The departure time and itinerary may change due to traffic during peak season.
- Participants are expected to respect local culture and customs.
- The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Osaka and an air-conditioned vehicle with a multilingual guide.
Customer Reviews
Reviews from past travelers indicate a high level of satisfaction with the Kyoto and Nara Day Tour.
With an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on a single verified booking, the tour has received positive feedback from a diverse group of travelers, including families and solo adventurers.
One reviewer, Stephanie from Malta, praised the tour’s well-organized itinerary, knowledgeable guide, and the opportunity to interact with the friendly sika deer in Nara Park.
The inclusion of UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine further enhanced the tour’s appeal, making it a must-do activity for visitors to the Kansai region.
Exploring Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Although Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, its magnificent wooden structure and scenic hilltop setting make it a truly awe-inspiring destination.
Visitors can explore the temple’s main hall, which offers stunning views of the city from its large veranda.
The temple also features a number of other impressive structures, including:
- The Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from one of the three streams for good luck, health, and longevity.
- The Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love and matchmaking.
- The Tainai-meguri, a pitch-black tunnel that symbolizes the womb of a bodhisattva.
- The Inuyadomon Gate, a National Treasure of Japan.
Discovering Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
The iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine stands as a testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
This Shinto shrine is renowned for its breathtaking vermilion torii gates that wind up the mountainside, creating a mesmerizing visual landscape. Visitors can explore the winding trails, seeing the spiritual atmosphere and admiring the intricate architecture.
The shrine’s significance lies in its dedication to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, fertility, and business. As travelers ascend the paths, they’ll encounter smaller shrines, stone foxes, and panoramic vistas of Kyoto, offering a truly immersive cultural experience.
This iconic landmark is a must-visit for those seeking to connect with Japan’s age-old traditions.
Interacting With Nara Park Deer
Visitors to Nara Park are enchanted by the friendly sika deer that roam freely throughout the tranquil landscape.
These gentle creatures eagerly approach visitors, hoping for delicious senbei crackers that can be purchased from nearby vendors. Feeding the deer is a delightful experience, as they bow their heads and nuzzle visitors’ hands.
Some even perform amusing tricks, such as:
- Bowing to request more treats
- Eating directly from visitors’ palms
- Chasing after anyone carrying food
- Posing for selfies with their distinctive spotted coats
Interacting with Nara’s deer is a truly memorable part of any visit to this iconic Japanese destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
Bringing your own food on the tour is not allowed. According to the tour information, food and drinks are not permitted inside the vehicle. Participants are expected to respect the local culture and customs during the tour.
Is Transportation to the Meeting Point Included?
Transportation to the meeting point at Nipponbashi Exit 2 in Osaka isn’t included in the tour price. However, the tour does provide roundtrip transportation from Osaka to the various sightseeing locations throughout the day.
How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?
The size of the tour group typically ranges from small to medium, with an average of 15-20 participants. The exact group size may vary depending on the specific tour date and demand.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Alter the Itinerary?
The tour’s duration and itinerary can’t be altered, but customers can extend their experience by adding optional visits to Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Gion, Hanamikoji Street, and Todai-ji Temple, subject to availability.
What Happens if I Miss the Departure Time?
If travelers miss the departure time, they’ll miss the tour and won’t receive a refund. The tour operator can’t accommodate late arrivals, as it would disrupt the schedule for the rest of the group. It’s crucial to arrive on time.
Recap
This captivating day tour from Osaka takes visitors on a cultural journey through the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara. Travelers will be awestruck by the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, then delight in the friendly sika deer at Nara Park. With expert guidance, convenient transportation, and a delicious lunch, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of iconic landmarks and delightful wildlife encounters.
