5 (1)
Kyoto
Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Private Tour: Top Sights in 1 Day!
480
Overview
The Kyoto, Osaka and Nara Customized Private Car tour takes you on a special trip into Japan's old culture and past. This full-day tour starts in Kyoto or Osaka and goes to Kyoto and Nara. See cool places like Kyoto’s Arashiyama area and the pretty Kinkaku-ji temple.
What to Expect: You will then visit Nara and play with the friendly wild deer in Nara Park. The tour gives you a ride and includes entry fees. If you want, you can choose to have a yummy lunch with a buffet or a Beef Shabu Shabu set. You will get to see many famous places. These include Nara Park, Nara National Museum, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Todai-ji Temple, and Kyoto Imperial Palace. This private tour will be in an air-conditioned vehicle and can pick you up from Kyoto, Osaka, or Nara.
This experience includes complimentary pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, parking fees, and fuel surcharge. It excludes any special ride or cruise not included in this package. This tour will be a memorable experience for you and your family. 
Highlights
See Kyoto and Nara in One Day: Visit many famous temples and parks in Kyoto and Nara on a full-day trip.
Ride in a Private Car: Travel in a comfy, air-conditioned car just for you and your group.
Play with Deer at Nara Park: Meet the friendly wild deer that roam freely in Nara Park.
Choose Your Lunch: Enjoy a tasty buffet or a Beef Shabu Shabu lunch.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers really liked having a private tour because it was easy to customize.
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Many visitors thought the driver was very kind, helpful, and knew a lot about the area.
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People enjoyed seeing many famous places in one day.
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Families with kids thought it was a great way to travel.
Some visitors wished they had more time at each stop.
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A few people had problems with meeting their driver.
The Journey
Nara Park
Step into a world where nature and history intertwine at Nara Park, a sprawling sanctuary home to over a thousand freely roaming deer. These gentle creatures, considered sacred in Shinto belief, eagerly interact with visitors seeking deer crackers. Beyond its charming inhabitants, Nara Park boasts a treasure trove of historical landmarks, including the colossal Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple, the graceful five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple, and the vibrant Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Whether you're strolling beneath cherry blossoms in spring or admiring the fiery hues of autumn foliage, Nara Park offers an enchanting experience that captures the essence of Japan's cultural and natural heritage.
Nara National Museum
Delve into the world of Japanese Buddhist art at the Nara National Museum, nestled within the serene confines of Nara Park. Established in 1889, the museum showcases a remarkable permanent collection of Buddhist statues, paintings, scrolls, and ceremonial objects, primarily from Japan. Explore the original building, seamlessly connected to a modern new wing by an underground passage. Don't miss the annual autumn exhibition of treasures from Todai-ji Temple. With comprehensive English explanations, the Nara National Museum offers an enlightening journey through Japan's artistic and spiritual legacy.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Behold the shimmering splendor of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple in northern Kyoto entirely adorned with gold leaf on its upper two floors. Originally built as the retirement residence of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, this iconic landmark was later transformed into a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect. Mirrored in the tranquil pond before it, Kinkaku-ji is a breathtaking sight, representing the opulence and artistic refinement of the Muromachi period. Despite its history of fires, the pavilion has been meticulously restored to its former glory, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge
Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Arashiyama, where the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, also known as the "Moon Crossing Bridge," gracefully spans the Hozugawa River. Reconstructed in the 1930s, the bridge offers stunning views of the wooded slopes, especially enchanting when framed by cherry blossoms. Adjacent to the bridge, discover the mesmerizing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a pathway winding through towering stalks of bamboo. The gentle sway of the bamboo in the breeze creates a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Explore the local workshops where artisans have crafted exquisite bamboo products for generations, offering a unique glimpse into traditional craftsmanship.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Embark on a spiritual journey through the thousands of vibrant red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a significant Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. These gates wind their way up Mount Inari, creating a mesmerizing tunnel of color that leads to smaller shrines and scenic viewpoints. Foxes, believed to be Inari's messengers, are prominently featured throughout the shrine grounds. Dating back centuries before Kyoto became the capital, Fushimi Inari offers a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance, inviting visitors to explore its enchanting pathways and connect with Japan's ancient traditions.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kiyomizu-dera, the "Pure Water Temple," perched on the forested hillsides east of Kyoto. Established in 780, the temple derives its name from the pristine waters of the Otowa Waterfall. Its most iconic feature is the wooden stage extending 13 meters from the main hall, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In spring, cherry blossoms create a sea of pink, while autumn transforms the hillside into a tapestry of vibrant colors. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera provides a profound connection to Japan's spiritual and cultural heritage, inviting visitors to marvel at its architectural grandeur and natural splendor.
Todai-ji Temple
Marvel at the grandeur of Todai-ji, the "Great Eastern Temple," a landmark of Nara and one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. Constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan, Todai-ji's Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) once held the record as the world's largest wooden building. Inside, behold one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu), a 15-meter-tall seated figure representing Vairocana, flanked by two Bodhisattvas. Todai-ji stands as a testament to the enduring power of Buddhist art and architecture, inviting visitors to contemplate its colossal scale and profound spiritual significance.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Step back in time at the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho), the former residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868. Located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (Kyoto Gyoen), the palace offers a glimpse into the lives of emperors and empresses. Reconstructed in 1855 after numerous fires, the complex features long walls, elegant gates, serene halls, and tranquil gardens. Although the capital moved to Tokyo, the enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were still held in the palace's main hall. Explore the meticulously preserved architecture and imagine the historical events that unfolded within these hallowed grounds, offering a fascinating insight into Japan's imperial past.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes free pickup from Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. You'll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with private transportation. Parking fees and fuel costs are covered. This tour does not include any special rides or cruises. If you need to be picked up, contact the tour operator after booking to arrange a meeting point. This tour starts and ends in a convenient central location.
Hot Tip
Some visitors suggest planning out the day with the driver beforehand so they make sure you get to see what you want most. Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of walking!
Review Summary
Customers generally say the Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara private car tour offers excellent value and flexibility, with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation. Many appreciate the ability to customize the itinerary and the convenience of pickup from major cities. Some travelers note that entrance fees and meals are not included, which can add to the overall cost, and a few mention that the pace can feel rushed if too many sites are chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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