Overview

This full-day bus tour covers key cultural sites in Kyoto and Nara, focusing on World Heritage landmarks and historic places. The journey begins in Kyoto with a visit to Nijo Castle, a flatland castle built in 1603 featuring two concentric rings and a notable Japanese garden, the Ninomaru Palace Garden. Next, the tour stops at Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, originally built to house sacred Buddha relics and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following Kinkaku-ji, the group visits the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which served as the emperor's residence since 794 during the Heian period. When the palace is closed due to holidays or imperial events, the tour visits Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead, or Nishi Hongan-ji Temple if the closure falls on the 25th. The itinerary then proceeds to Nara, starting with Todai-ji Temple, a former chief temple of the Kokubun-ji system used for national rituals and monk training. Note that participants will walk about 15 minutes from the parking area to Todai-ji. The tour continues to Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which includes 3,000 auxiliary shrines and 3,000 donated lanterns. Kasuga Taisha still holds morning and evening services with prayers for peace and wellbeing. If Nijo Castle is closed on certain days, the tour visits Ryoan-ji Temple instead. The order of visits and arrival times may vary depending on traffic and site congestion. The tour ends with drop-off at Avanti, across from Kyoto Station's Hachijo Exit.

Highlights

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Available sessions

Choose a session on the next step.

Cancellation policy

• Free cancellation up to 24h before the activity, then 88% fee within 24h.

Additional info