Kyoto and Nara Highlights Day Trip
About this activity
Highlights
- Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine's torii gates
- Discover Todai-ji Temple's Great Buddha
- Stroll through Nara Park with friendly deer
- Experience traditional Japanese culture
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private car transportation
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Your first stop is the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, where endless vermillion torii gates await your exploration. Let your guide capture stunning photos of you at this must-see Instagram hotspot before heading to your next destination.
The temple is famous for the Great Buddha of Nara. Officially also known as Konkomyo Shitenno Gokokuji Temple [Note 2], the temple was built by Emperor Shomu in the Nara Period (8th century) using all the national resources at his disposal.
Lunch Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-free options are available with advanced request.
Walk around Nara park where you can see many deers and capture unforgettable moments.
Kasuga Taisha is a shrine located in Kasugano-machi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, and is registered as one of the “Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara” on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Horyu-ji Temple (formerly known as Horyu-ji Temple) is a temple associated with Prince Shotoku, located within the Horyu-ji Mountains in Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture, and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (cultural heritage) in 1993 as “Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area.
After soaking in the rich heritage, enjoy a smooth drive back to Kyoto. Conclude your day with a scenic evening drive through the atmospheric streets of Gion, where Kyoto’s charm truly shines.
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.
- Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
- Children under 6 years old can join for free if they do not occupy a seat.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for temple grounds and parks.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty and historic sites.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Traveler reviews
10/10 recommend
This was such a nice tour! 1000% worth every penny. Meri was an amazing guide. She gave us the perfect amount of information without being overbearing. She even shared about her own life/family so it’s always a plus to hear from a local. She and a private driver came to get us right at our hotel. Which was amazing. We left by 9am and were back at the hotel at 5pm (eight hours). The driver was great to have instead of taking the train to Nara and all the sights. He’d also drop us off at an entrance and then pick us up wherever we exited, which saved a lot of walking. Nara itself was a must see. The huge Buddha makes it worth it on its own, along with several 1,000+ year old structures. And by the way, lunch was included and delicious. Definitely great for couples or moreso families of 4-5 to take away the stress of transport while getting to see so many things.
Amazing tour!
Meri was a wonderful tour guide! We had a very enjoyable tour.
Wonderful visit to Nara and Kyoto
We had a wonderful day with Meri visiting Nara and Kyoto! We highly recommend it.
1 day in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with travel guide Meri.
Today we had fantastic day with our guide Meri visiting many interesting places in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
Highly recommend this VIP treatment to Kyoto’s amazing sites
We loved every minute of our tour! It was such a VIP experience to be taken door to door of all the major sites in Nara and Kyoto and have everything taken care of for you. Meri was so friendly and knowledgeable. Without her we would have been ignorant of the significance of the historical sites and artefacts and she has a great sense of humour too! She took us to an amazing local restaurant for lunch where I had the best tonkatsu of my life! An amazing day that my family and I will cherish forever.