expedia
Skip to main content
A traditional Japanese gate with ornate decorations and a building in the background. 1
A yellow stool with two teddy bears and a duck on top. 2
A traditional Japanese structure with a heart-shaped hanging decoration and wooden planks on the ground. 3
A traditional Japanese building with a reflection in the water, surrounded by trees and a mountainous backdrop. 4
A boat on a green lake surrounded by trees with autumn leaves. 5
By F Trip

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very Good
Free cancellation available
The previous price was ฿2,448 and current price is ฿2,241 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 9h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

  • Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity.

    Visit Nijo Castle, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Nijo Castle has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built.

    Marvel at the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji that shows you the best of the timeless Japanese city, also known as the Golden Pavilion.

    Visit the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha and explore the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the beautiful Kimono Forest.

    Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

Activity location

  • Nijo Castle
    • 541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-jo-dori, Nakagyo-Ku,
    • 604-8301, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance Square Sunken Garden
    • Higashikujo Nishisannocho
    • 601-8003, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

From Osaka

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English

Duration: 9 hours
Bus
Starting point:
Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station, 1-chōme-18-14 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan

Starting time: 8:00
Price details
฿2,065.84
฿1,859.26 x 1 Adult฿1,859.26
Paid at activity฿381.85
Total
The previous price was ฿2,447.69 and current price is ฿2,241.11
10% off
Until Sun, 20 Sep

From Kyoto

  • Activity duration is 9 hours9h
    9h
  • English

Duration: 9 hours
Bus
Starting point:
Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance Square Sunken Garden, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan

Starting time: 9:00
Price details
฿2,065.84
฿1,859.26 x 1 Adult฿1,859.26
Paid at activity฿381.85
Total
The previous price was ฿2,447.69 and current price is ฿2,241.11
10% off
Until Sun, 20 Sep
Return to your original page

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Air-conditioned transport
  • Inclusions
    Guide
  • Exclusions
    Lunch, dishes, and drinks are not included.
  • Exclusions
    Admission fees: Nijo Castle & Ninomaru Goten Palace
  • Exclusions
    Admission fees: Kinkaku-ji Temple

Know before you book

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Please indicate when booking if you're travelling with stroller or large luggage.
    • Please inform us at least one day in advance if you have placed an order separately from your relatives or friends. This will help avoid the situation where you and your companions are assigned to different vehicles.
    • Not recommended for travellers who use wheelchairs
    • Many of Kyoto's scenic spots are quite expansive, and visitors often end up walking over 10,000 steps in a day. Please wear comfortable shoes.
    • Not suitable for those with mobility issues or individuals over the age of 75.
    • Please fasten your seatbelt and refrain from talking loudly while on the bus.

Activity itinerary

Nijo Castle

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket not included
Nijo-jo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868). It is one of the best-known castles in Japan, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Nijo-jo Castle can be divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defence), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defence), and some gardens around them. The entire castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats. The admission ticket for Nijo Castle, which includes access to the Ninomaru-goten Palace, costs 1,300 yen. Please ensure you have the appropriate cash for entry. Thank you. ( During the days when Nijo Castle was closed, visit Heian Jingu Shrine instead. ) The tour guide will lead visitors to the entrance of each scenic spot and provide explanations, after which visitors can explore on their own.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

  • 50m
The bamboo forests of Arashiyama are a must-see when visiting Kyoto, serving as a symbol of the city. This stunning and serene natural attraction is known for its towering bamboo stalks and tranquil ambiance. Walking along the peaceful paths surrounded by lush greenery will help put your mind at ease. You can truly feel time slow down as you take in the beauty of nature. The groves are especially captivating when a light breeze dances through, causing the tall bamboo stalks to sway gently back and forth. The tour guide will lead visitors to the entrance of each scenic spot and provide explanations, after which visitors can explore on their own.

Nonomiya Shrine

  • 20m
Nonomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the Arashiyama district on the west side of the city of Kyoto. Unlike most shrines that feature iconic vermilion torii gates, Nonomiya Shrine has a distinctive black torii gate known as a kuroki torii. Despite its small size, the shrine has a lengthy history, founded in antiquity as a purification shrine for imperial princesses who were appointed as priestesses for Ise Shrine. Nonomiya Shrine has a reputation for helping and interceding on behalf of women, and many parishioners are women who want to find love or wish for children and a safe childbirth. Many of the omamori on sale at the shrine reflect the theme of women’s happiness, and you can find a variety of amulets available at the shrine office. The tour guide will lead visitors to the entrance of each scenic spot and provide explanations, after which visitors can explore on their own.

Arashiyama Kimono Forest

  • 20m
The Kimono Forest is a distinctive textile art installation made up of 600 clear acrylic cylinders, each standing 2 metres tall. These pillars are adorned with vibrant kimono fabrics featuring a range of designs, from elegant floral patterns to geometric shapes and traditional Japanese symbols. The installation showcases 32 traditional Kyo-yuzen designs. The Kimono Forest is a must-see attraction that provides a unique and enchanting perspective on traditional Japanese textiles and craftsmanship. The tour guide will lead visitors to the entrance of each scenic spot and provide explanations, after which visitors can explore on their own.

Togetsukyo Bridge

  • 20m
The Togetsukyo Bridge is the most iconic landmark in Arashiyama. Originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185), it was reconstructed most recently in the 1930s. This famous bridge spans the Katsura River and provides picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and riverscape. The tour guide will lead visitors to the entrance of each scenic spot and provide explanations, after which visitors can explore on their own.

Kinkaku-ji

  • 40m
  • Admission ticket not included
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion）is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dazzling golden exterior and serene gardens. The name Golden Pavilion is derived from the gold leaf that the pavilion is covered in. The gold employed was intended to mitigate and purify any pollution or negative thoughts and feelings towards death. The Golden Pavilion is a three-story building on the grounds of the Rokuon-ji temple complex. Each floor has a different architectural style. The pavilion successfully incorporates three distinct styles of architecture, which are shinden, samurai, and zen. The tour guide will lead visitors to the entrance of each scenic spot and provide explanations, after which visitors can explore on their own.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

  • 1h 10m
There are around 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine, to worship the Shinto god of rice, Inari. The shrine is renowned for Senbon Torii, thousands of vermilion red torii gates, which create a stunning and immersive tunnel-like pathway up the sacred Mount Inari. In the 1300 years since its establishment in 711AD, people have gathered here to pray for bountiful harvests, business prosperity, the safety of their home and family, and the fulfillment of all other wishes. The tour guide will lead visitors to the entrance of each scenic spot and provide explanations, after which visitors can explore on their own.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Nijo Castle
    • 541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-jo-dori, Nakagyo-Ku,
    • 604-8301, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance Square Sunken Garden
    • Higashikujo Nishisannocho
    • 601-8003, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station
    • 14 18
    • 542-0073, Osaka, Osaka, Japan

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Kyoto your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Kyoto

With so many things to do in Kyoto, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Kyoto. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Kyoto to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.