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Explore two of Japan’s most iconic regions in a single day. Discover Kyoto’s timeless beauty and Nara’s spiritual charm on a guided tour filled with nature, history, and peaceful moments — all departing conveniently from Osaka.
Highlights
- Stroll beneath the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- Feed and walk among the sacred deer of Nara Park
- Wander through the calming Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Capture the scenic charm of the Togetsukyo Bridge and Kimono Forest
- Learn about Japanese heritage from an expert English-speaking guide
Full Description
Begin your unforgettable journey at 8:00 AM in central Osaka. Your day starts with a comfortable ride to Nara Park, where you’ll meet the friendly deer that roam freely throughout the area. These sacred animals are considered messengers of the gods and love snacking on “shika senbei” crackers, which you can feed them by hand.
Next, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto’s most famous shrine, renowned for its endless path of vibrant red torii gates. As one of the most photographed locations in Japan, this is a chance to immerse yourself in local spirituality and folklore.
Continue on to Arashiyama, a tranquil district that perfectly blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. Here, you’ll have time for lunch at your leisure, with plenty of local restaurants and shops to choose from.
After lunch, explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo stalks sway gently in the breeze. Nearby, the Togetsukyo Bridge provides postcard-perfect views of the surrounding landscape. For a final artistic touch, walk through the Kimono Forest, a colorful installation of 600 artfully designed pillars inspired by traditional kimono fabrics.
At around 5:00 PM, the tour concludes, and you’ll head back to Osaka — filled with memories, photos, and peaceful impressions of Kyoto and Nara.
What You’ll Experience
Nara Park
Enjoy a peaceful walk among Nara’s free-roaming deer. These sacred animals are part of the city’s heritage and love interacting with visitors.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Walk through one of Japan’s most iconic shrine paths, flanked by thousands of vermilion torii gates. Learn about the site’s connection to prosperity and spiritual protection.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Find calm in the towering green bamboo groves. This dreamlike forest is a serene setting ideal for photography and reflection.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Soak in the mountain views and tranquil waters surrounding this historic bridge — a location deeply connected to classical poetry and imperial history.
Kimono Forest
Stroll through a unique collection of illuminated kimono-patterned pillars. This artistic fusion of tradition and design offers a modern take on Kyoto’s elegance.
Itinerary
Meeting point: Harimaya Nippombashi 1-chome, near Exit 2 of Kintetsu Namba Station
Arrive 15 minutes before 8:00 AM
- Bus to Nara Park (1 hour)
- Nara Park – Free time and sightseeing (1 hour)
- Bus to Kyoto (1 hour)
- Fushimi Inari Taisha – Photo stop, walking tour (70 minutes)
- Bus to Arashiyama (45 minutes)
- Arashiyama – Lunch, sightseeing, and shopping (2.5 hours)
- Optional: Bamboo Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kimono Forest
- Return to Osaka via bus (1 hour)
- End point: Harimaya Nippombashi 1-chome
Pricing
From ¥11,500 per person
Includes
- English-speaking tour guide
- Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Toll fees and parking fees
Meeting Point
Harimaya Bld
1-chōme-3-11 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
Meeting time: 07:45 AM (Tour departs promptly at 08:00 AM)
Tour details and guide contact will be emailed to you the evening before departure.
Reviews
“We had a wonderful tour in Kyoto! Our guide, Michael, was incredibly kind and knowledgeable. He shared great local snacks and made sure everything ran smoothly.”
“Lucy and Nat were exceptional guides. Friendly, fun, and full of insights into the culture and history of Kyoto and Nara. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Kansai!”
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