Viator Rating : 5 (13461 reviews)
Kyoto
Kyoto's Best: 1-Day Bus Tour to Top Landmarks
Overview
PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour whisks travelers away on an unforgettable journey through Kyoto's most iconic landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. This expertly planned bus tour offers a convenient and comfortable way to experience the essence of this ancient city in a single day.
What to Expect: The adventure begins at the serene Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where guests can soak in the stunning natural surroundings from its famous wooden terrace. Next, the tour visits Sanjūsangen-dō Temple, home to an awe-inspiring collection of 1,001 Kannon statues. The journey continues to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, where visitors can wander through thousands of vibrant red torii gates. A visit to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers a peaceful escape into nature, followed by a stop at the dazzling Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This tour includes a delicious buffet lunch to refuel for the day's adventures. It also includes admission to Tenryuji Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Travelers can look forward to a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, a professional English-speaking guide, and multilingual audio guidance available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Thai, Indonesian, and UK English. This tour excludes gratuities, food and drinks unless specified, and hotel pickup and drop-off. 
Highlights
See Kyoto's Best in One Day: Visit top temples and shrines quickly and easily.
Professional English-Speaking Guide: Learn about Kyoto's history and culture from an expert.
Comfortable, Air-Conditioned Bus: Travel in comfort between destinations.
Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walk through thousands of bright red gates.
Visit the Golden Pavilion: Witness the beauty of the Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Stroll Through Bamboo Forest: Experience the magic of Sagano Bamboo Forest.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing many temples in one day.
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Tour guide was very knowledgeable and spoke great English.
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The buffet lunch had good variety of food.
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The bus was comfortable and cool in the heat.
Some customers found the buffet lunch to be mediocre.
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Limited time at each stop felt rushed for some travelers.
The Journey
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see temple perched on the hillside of Higashiyama. Founded in 778, predating Kyoto's establishment as the capital, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Marvel at the iconic wooden stage extending out from the main hall, built without a single nail, and drink from the Otowa Waterfall, believed to grant wishes. Experience the blend of history, spirituality, and stunning scenery that makes Kiyomizu-dera a highlight of any Kyoto visit.
Sanjūsangen-dō Temple
Sanjūsangen-dō Temple is renowned for its awe-inspiring main hall, housing 1,001 life-size statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon. This remarkable collection of Buddhist sculptures offers a spectacular and visually stunning experience, showcasing the artistry and devotion of Japanese Buddhist culture. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and witness the power and beauty of these meticulously crafted statues.
Arashiyama (Lunch Break)
Enjoy a delightful lunch break in the scenic Arashiyama district, known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Savor a Japanese-style buffet lunch featuring local foods while enjoying superb views of the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, a symbol of Arashiyama. (Please note: on select dates, a Japanese set meal will be served instead of the buffet lunch). Take this opportunity to relax, recharge, and soak in the picturesque surroundings before continuing your Kyoto adventure.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Immerse yourself in the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a pathway through towering stalks of bamboo that create a mesmerizing green canopy. This natural wonder offers a serene and photogenic experience, with sunlight filtering through the bamboo creating dappled patterns on the ground. Capture the beauty of this iconic Kyoto scene and enjoy a peaceful stroll through this unique and breathtaking forest.
Tenryū-ji Temple
Tenryū-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts one of Kyoto's most exquisite traditional Japanese gardens. Admire the meticulously designed landscape, which has remained largely unchanged for over 700 years. Discover the beauty of seasonal flowers and plants, reflecting the changing colors of nature. Experience the tranquility and artistry of this Zen temple garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple covered in shimmering gold leaf, reflecting its splendor on the surrounding pond. This iconic landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Kyoto's wealth and power. Marvel at the beauty of the pavilion and its harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape, creating a picture-perfect scene that captures the essence of Kyoto's elegance.
Nijo Castle
Pass by Nijo Castle, a historically significant site where the Edo government returned political power to the emperor, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese history. Explore the castle's impressive architecture, including the Ninomaru Palace, known for its 'nightingale floors' that chirp with each step. Discover the rich history and political intrigue that unfolded within the walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates winding up a mountainside, is a captivating and unforgettable experience. Wander through the seemingly endless tunnels of torii, each donated by individuals and businesses seeking blessings for prosperity. Discover the shrine's dedication to Inari, the god of rice and business, and enjoy the stunning views from the higher reaches of the mountain.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, admission fees for Tenryuji Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple, onboard WiFi, multilingual audio guidance, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a buffet lunch (if selected). Vegetarian options are available at the buffet. This tour excludes gratuities, food and drinks unless specified, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a good amount of walking. Also, bring water to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Consider bringing an umbrella or sun protection.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour exceptional for efficiently covering Kyoto's major landmarks in a single day, with consistently praised tour guides like Yuto and At-chan who are described as knowledgeable, warm, professional, and passionate about sharing Kyoto's cultural heritage. Reviewers highlight the well-organized itinerary, excellent value for experiencing UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari's iconic red gates, and the Bamboo Forest, along with the convenience of hotel pickup and multilingual support. Common positives include the comfortable air-conditioned coach, included admission fees, and guides who go the extra mile to ensure group members make connections safely. Potential drawbacks mentioned include the moderate physical demands with stairs and hills at each location, the strict no-refund policy for latecomers, and that the tour pace can feel rushed for those wanting more time at individual attractions, though most travelers feel they see the best of Kyoto without missing anything important.
Frequently Asked Questions
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