Nara Park

Begin your day from VIP Lounge in Osaka or Kyoto and dive into a day filled with wonder and discovery. Visit the iconic Nara Park, where you can interact with the friendly, free-roaming deer that symbolize the city. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you stroll through this historic park. Then, explore Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for being the largest wooden structure in the world and home to the awe-inspiring 15-meter-tall Great Buddha statue. This magnificent temple offers a blend of cultural heritage and impressive architecture that will leave you in awe. Lunch Option (departure from Osaka Only): You will enjoy a delightful Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu, accompanied by an informative explanation of the world-famous Kobe beef, renowned globally for meeting the strictest standards among Japan’s three major Wagyu breeds. Its finely textured, tender meat features intricate marbling that melts during cooking, creating a soft, velvety texture that delights the palate. Lunch will be served at Kyoto Shokujidokoro Wasabi, located on the historic grounds of Jurakudai, the site of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's renowned Golden Castle. This traditional townhouse, with a history spanning over 100 years, provides a unique and memorable dining experience. No Lunch Option: You will have free time to enjoy lunch in Arashiyama at your leisure, whether you opt for a traditional dining spot or explore the local culinary delights. Next, head to the tranquil beauty of Arashiyama. Wander through the famous Bamboo Forest, where towering green stalks create a unique and calming atmosphere as sunlight filters through. This enchanting path offers an unforgettable experience. Itinerary Details: For Travelers Who Have Selected the Lunch Option: 50 minutes for lunch, followed by 60 minutes in Arashiyama. For Travelers Who Have Selected the No Lunch Option: 120 minutes in Arashiyama. Continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its gold-leaf exterior and peaceful gardens. With your included ticket, marvel at the shimmering reflection of the pavilion on the surrounding pond. Conclude your journey at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a revered Shinto shrine and Important Cultural Property. Walk through the iconic tunnel of thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up Mount Inari. Each gate represents a prayer or offering to Inari Okami, the deity associated with prosperity, household safety, and success. End of Tour and Return At the end of the day, board the bus for your return journey. Choose between finishing in Kyoto or Osaka, based on your preferred location to end your day.

Begin your unforgettable journey from the exclusive Osaka Villa Namba or Kyoto VIP Lounge and immerse yourself in a day of wonder! Your adventure starts with a visit the natural beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, one of the most picturesque sights in Japan. As you stroll through the towering bamboo stalks, you will feel as though you have entered another world. The gentle swaying of the bamboo and the serene atmosphere offer a peaceful escape, making it an unforgettable experience. Be sure to stop for a photo with the iconic bamboo backdrop and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Savor an unforgettable dining experience at "Kyoto Wasabi," a charming, centuries-old Kyoto townhouse that has been welcoming guests for over 120 years. Begin your culinary adventure with the epitome of luxury—our exquisite Kobe beef shabu-shabu. Delicately sliced wagyu beef, world-renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavor, is gently cooked in a savory broth right before your eyes. Next, immerse yourself in the heart of traditional Kyoto cuisine with our Kyoto Pork Shabu-shabu, where tender pork and silky tofu are simmered in a fragrant, flavorful broth. For a lighter yet equally satisfying option, indulge in our signature Vegetarian Curry Rice, offering a comforting blend of spices and fresh ingredients or indulge in a delicious dinner featuring Kobe beef shabu-shabu, prepared with Japan’s finest wagyu beef, renowned worldwide for its tenderness and rich flavor. Every dish is a celebration of authentic Japanese craftsmanship and flavor. Continue your journey to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Experience the charm of Nara Park, where you can interact with friendly deer, and visit Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure and another UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at Japan’s colossal Buddha statue, standing 15 meters tall. Next, immerse yourself with the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a revered Shinto shrine designated as an Important Cultural Property. Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, this iconic shrine creates a stunning tunnel-like pathway up the sacred Mount Inari. As you stroll through the gates, you will encounter a series of shrines, each honoring the deity Inari Okami, who is celebrated for prosperity in business, household safety, and success in various pursuits. At the end of the tour, return by bus with the option to disembark at either Kyoto or Osaka, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred conclusion for the day.

Discover the heart of ancient Japan on a morning tour of Nara, where history, nature, and culture come together in a perfect half-day adventure. Explore World Heritage Sites, stroll through Nara Park, and interact with the adorable wild deer that make the city so unique. Begin your journey with a smooth departure from Kyoto Station at 8:00 AM. Take in the scenic views as you pass by Fushimi Castle and Heijokyo Palace, two historic landmarks that set the tone for your tour. Your first stop will be the magnificent Todaiji Temple, one of Nara’s most iconic landmarks. As you approach the temple, the awe-inspiring Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) will greet you. This incredible wooden structure is home to the Great Buddha of Nara. Just steps from Todaiji Temple lies Nara Park, a vast and peaceful green space that is home to over 1,400 wild deer. These deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods and roam freely throughout the park, adding a unique charm to the area. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with these friendly creatures. As you walk through the park, you’ll also pass by the majestic Nandaimon Gate, the grand entrance to Todaiji Temple. This iconic gate is flanked by two fierce guardian statues, which add to the awe-inspiring atmosphere of the temple complex. Next, visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, one of Nara’s most sacred and beautiful sites. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its 3,000 stone lanterns that line the pathways leading to the shrine. These lanterns, which are lit during special festivals, create a magical and serene atmosphere, especially in the early morning light.

Discover Kyoto & Nara: A Day of Tradition, Nature & Charm Join us on a captivating one-day journey through Japan’s cultural heartlands — where sacred shrines whisper ancient tales, bamboo forest breathe tranquility. Tour Itinerary (It might be subject to change based on weather and traffic conditions. Thank you for your understanding.) 08:00 AM | Departure from Osaka (Please note: Boarding is not available in Kyoto. Guests from Kyoto please gather directly at Nara Park by 8:50 AM. We appreciate your understanding!) 1. Nara Park ❀ Begin your adventure in Nara, where over 1,000 sacred deer roam freely as revered messengers of the gods. Feed them special shika senbei (deer crackers) and capture unforgettable moments with these gentle creatures. 2.Fushimi Inari Taisha ❀ Walk through the iconic vermilion torii gates of this legendary shrine, dedicated to the god of prosperity. With over 10,000 gates winding up the mountain, the mystical atmosphere has enchanted visitors—and filmmakers—for centuries. (Featured in "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Detective Conan"!) 3.Arashiyama ❀ ►Bamboo Forest Stroll through the famed bamboo groves, where sunlight filters through swaying stalks, creating a tranquil escape. ►Nonomiya Shrine Nonomiya Shrine, dating back to the Heian Period (1,000+ years), is famed for love and academic blessings. Its rare Kuroki Torii (unpainted gate) rises quietly within Arashiyama’s bamboo forest. ►Tenryu-ji Temple As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s renowned for the breathtaking Sogenchi Garden, which beautifully incorporates borrowed scenery and vibrant autumn hues. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance and soak in the historic significance of this esteemed Zen Buddhist temple. ►Togetsukyo Bridge From this historic bridge, admire sweeping views of Arashiyama—where passing rickshaws offer a nostalgic glimpse into old Japan. ►Kimono Forest A dazzling fusion of tradition and modernity, this art installation features 600 vibrant pillars adorned with Kyoto’s exquisite Kyo-Yuzen textile patterns—perfect for a whimsical photo stop! Arashiyama also boasts a delightful array of local street food and charming restaurants - feel free to explore and indulge. Don't miss the Rilakkuma Tea House where you can snap photos with the beloved childhood character, or unwind at the Arashiyama footbath to soak away your fatigue. 16:30 PM | Return to Kyoto 17:30 PM | Return to Osaka *During the peak-season, our return journey to meeting point may take slightly longer than planned for the traffic congestion, with an estimated arrival between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your kind understanding during this busy travel period.

Discover Nara's must-see landmarks on the deluxe coach tour and make Matcha (green tea) by yourself in Uji, Kyoto! In this tour, we will take you to the most famous places in ancient Nara & Kyoto such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Byodoin Temple, which are registered as the World Heritage Sites. Let's dive in to the mesmerizing historical sites around Nara and Kyoto! With our friendly English-speaking native guide, enjoy historic landmarks with magnificent views as well as your free time along the way. Departing from Kyoto Station at 8am, a comfortable air-conditioned coach will pass by Fushimi Castle and Heijokyo palace on the way to Nara. First, we will visit Todaiji Temple, a must-see tourist spot in Nara. The center of the Todaiji complex is the Daibutsuden Hall housing the Great Buddha of Nara and it is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Nara Park is adjacent to the temple, so take a walk through Nara Park and come into contact with Nara's wild deers. You can also give them rice crackers which are sold at roadside stalls and on the way to shrines in Nara Park. When you feed them, they may give you a lovely bow! Next, we will head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Do not miss the 3,000 stone lanterns; you will find them magical. After exploring Nara, we will visit Uji area which is the home of matcha. Then, you have lunch break. Guests who booked the tour with "lunch option" will enjoy a Japanese lunch. Next, we will visit Byodoin Temple, well-known for its Phoenix Hall which is depicted on 10 yen coins. It is also registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. After sightseeing at Byodoin Temple, let's try making Uji Matcha from scratch! Matcha is powder of finely ground green tea leaves. In Japan, in addition to the use for tea ceremonies, it is widely used in making sweets and cooking. Matcha that you make by yourself will taste special. Near Matcha place, you will find many small shops, restaurants, and other attractions, so you can buy souvenirs there. After the matcha experience, the tour bus takes you back to Kyoto Station. The tour includes commentary from both our friendly tour guide and a multilingual audio guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese and Ukrainian. The coach has an antibacterial coating and is regularly ventilated. Enjoy the tour on a comfortable air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi.

Nara gets very crowded during the afternoon and it could be hard to take great photos. In our tour we go to the main sites of Nara (Kofuku-ji Temple, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Grand Shrine) before the crowd comes. A great tour for people that want to maximize their experience in Nara! *Please be at the meeting spot, 10 minutes early than the scheduled time. Since we have other groups in the tour, we CANNOT accept any late guests. and will not be given a refund. *We will pick you up at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate, on the northern side of the station where you can see Kyoto Tower just outside. It is right next to the Hotel Granvia. *This tour has up to 12 people. *We will be using the public train to go from Kyoto to Nara which takes around 1 hour. (Guests who choose the Kyoto Station Departure Option). *Please note that the 4-hour tour duration applies only to the Kyoto Station Departure Option. For the Kintetsu Nara Station Meet-up, the tour is 3 hours.

Set out on an unforgettable day trip to visit three of the Kansai region’s most celebrated destinations: the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, the charming deer of Nara, and the vibrant energy of Osaka. Departing from Kyoto, this tour offers an ideal mix of history, culture, and dynamic cityscapes, all packed into one exciting day. The journey begins with a comfortable bus ride from Kyoto Station, offering views of the city as you head to your first stop: Fushimi Inari Shrine. Known for its seemingly endless rows of bright red torii gates winding up Mount Inari, this iconic site invites you to explore at your own pace. Walk through the serene pathways surrounded by lush forest, and if you reach the summit, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto—a perfect moment for photos. The next stop is Nara Park, home to the city’s famous free-roaming deer. These friendly creatures are a symbol of Nara and make for a delightful and memorable experience. In the afternoon, the adventure shifts to Osaka, starting with a visit to the surroundings of Osaka Castle. This historic landmark, with its impressive white and gold design, is surrounded by picturesque gardens and a moat, offering great photo opportunities and a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. The day continues in Dotonbori, Osaka’s bustling entertainment hub. Here, the dazzling neon lights and lively streets create an electrifying atmosphere. Indulge in Osaka’s renowned street food, such as takoyaki or okonomiyaki, or simply enjoy the vibrant scene. The tour concludes with your return to Kyoto Station, leaving you with cherished memories of Kansai’s history, culture, and lively city life. Don’t miss this chance to explore Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka in one incredible journey.

Embark on a comfortable ride through Japan's ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto to see the Sagano Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, the glimmering Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji, and Nara's famous deer park. First, we'll make our way to Arashiyama, where we'll enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch of seasonal Kyoto specialties before exploring the area. The Sagano Bamboo forest has been a popular nature-viewing destination since the Heian Period. Listen to the distinct rustle of bamboo leaves as you walk through the vibrant green bamboo path. You can also see the "moon-crossing bridge," Togetsukyo, as you walk along the beautiful Katsura River. Later, drive through Kyoto proper and arrive at Kinkaku-ji: the Golden Pavilion. True to its name, the gold-leaf covered temple dazzles in the sunlight, reflected in the mirror-like pond it overlooks. After admiring the sight (and taking some great pictures,) wander through the sprawling garden that has retained its original design from the 14th century. After Kinkaku-ji, board your bus again and head south to Nara. Take a short walk through Nara Park, famous for the 1,200 or so wild deer that live freely within the park. With special "shika-senbei," you can feed the polite deer which are famous for "bowing." Within Nara Park you will find the UNESCO World Heritage site, Todai-ji Temple, home to one of the three titanic Great Buddha Statues of Japan. After a day full of sightseeing, relax on your comfortable ride home to your departing station. Note: Please do not feed the deer anything other than the shika-senbei.

Kyoto & Osaka and Nara Japan's vibrant metropolis, is a city that seamlessly blends modernity with deep-rooted tradition. Often referred to as the "Nation's Kitchen," Osaka is renowned for its culinary scene, offering delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) that are beloved by locals and tourists alike. The city pulses with energy, particularly in districts like Dotonbori, where neon lights illuminate a riverside promenade filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Beyond its lively urban environment, Osaka is home to historic sites such as Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city's resilience and heritage. The castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens, offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. For a more modern experience, the Umeda Sky Building provides breathtaking views of the city skyline, while Universal Studios Japan brings movie magic to life. Osaka is also known for its warm and welcoming people, making it a city where visitors quickly feel at home. Whether you're exploring its historical landmarks, indulging in local cuisine, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, Osaka offers an unforgettable experience that captures the heart of Japan.

Meet your knowledgeable guide at the meeting point and begin your cultural half-day walking tour of Japan's first historical capital. As you walk by the shopping arcade, explore a Japanese old town extremely different from a metropolis like Tokyo. Walk between the historical buildings, and go inside a traditional merchant's house to see how people around here live in the past. Next, take a break from walking to observe the mysterious pyramid-shaped structure in the middle of the quiet town. Admire the view of the city of Nara from the hill, then visit Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn about the distinct Japanese religious culture as you see a huge temple with a great Buddha statue, then explore a beautiful shrine housing hundreds of lanterns. In this area, meet and feed the wild deer living in Nara Park. For over 1,200 years, locals have believed that deer are sacred divine messengers. Interact with them and see how polite they are. At the end of the tour, savor a delicious Japanese lunch dish made only using local Nara vegetables and fresh meat.