Kyoto Day Trip from Osaka: Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari & Gion
8-10 hours
(3)
Discover Kyoto’s must-see sights from Osaka by private car, weaving through bamboo groves in Arashiyama, historic streets in Gion, and the iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari. With hotel pickup and a flexible itinerary, this full-day experience lets you explore comfortably and at your own pace.
Hotel pickup and dropoff
All vehicle costs
All guide costs
What's not included
Food and drinks
Admission fees
Pickup outside central Osaka or Shin-Osaka
Pickup from one of these locations where our vehicle will collect you:
Begin your Kyoto adventure with a visit to Tenryu-ji, where history and tranquility meet. Explore the majestic temple and its stunning gardens, then wander through the adjacent famous bamboo grove. This serene start sets the perfect tone for the day.
2
Next, we explore Okochi Sanso, the breathtaking estate of a renowned early 20th-century actor. Wander through beautifully maintained grounds and historic buildings, pausing for a peaceful tea break amidst the scenery.
3
Enjoy a leisurely 15-minute walk to the heart of Arashiyama, guided by the charming Hozu River. We'll recommend our favorite spots for lunch and shopping in town. If shopping isn't your thing, we can skip straight to more sightseeing.
4
Experience the historic charm of Gion, known for its old shops and the picturesque stream that flows through it. This brief stop is a window into Kyoto's storied past.
A highlight of the tour, Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. We'll explore beyond the usual paths, sharing stories and insights to deepen your experience of this iconic site.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes private vehicle transportation between Osaka and Kyoto, a professional guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off within central Osaka. Meals, attraction admission fees, and pickups outside central Osaka are not included.
You can choose between an 8-hour or a 10-hour tour. The extended option allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to explore additional sites.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking. Dress for the season, as Kyoto may be slightly cooler in winter and warmer in summer than Osaka.
Yes, please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance. While food and drinks are not included, we can recommend and adjust lunch stops to suit your dietary needs.
You may need to cover the cost of meals, personal purchases, and admission fees at certain attractions. If you are staying outside of central Osaka, an additional pickup fee may apply.
No, our tour is suitable for all ages. However, please let us know if you have very young children or infants with you, so we can make the necessary arrangements for a comfortable tour experience.
Yes, we can arrange for guides who speak languages other than English, subject to availability. Please request this when booking, so we can accommodate your needs to the best of our ability.
We just had a wonderful family tour with our guide Levy! He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great sense of humour and wit that had us laughing most of the trip. He made the trip very manageable for us as we had 2 elderly folk with us and could make alternative arrangements for us when my mum did not really fancy the original sushi lunch we planned for. He speaks both English and Japanese fluently and we learnt a lot about the sites and way of life in Japan from him. Thanks Levy for the superb time and your warm hospitality!
eelaineoh
June 10, 2019
Great private tour
Levy provided a very comfortable and nice tour to see temples/shrines and the bamboo forest. Great for small groups and a crash course to see places that are away from Osaka. Speaks very well English. He made this quick journey stress free.
dchan8
June 4, 2019
eelaineoh
June 10, 2019
Private Family tour with Guide Levy
We just had a wonderful family tour with our guide Levy! He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great sense of humour and wit that had us laughing most of the trip. He made the trip very manageable for us as we had 2 elderly folk with us and could make alternative arrangements for us when my mum did not really fancy the original sushi lunch we planned for. He speaks both English and Japanese fluently and we learnt a lot about the sites and way of life in Japan from him. Thanks Levy for the superb time and your warm hospitality!
dchan8
June 4, 2019
Great private tour
Levy provided a very comfortable and nice tour to see temples/shrines and the bamboo forest. Great for small groups and a crash course to see places that are away from Osaka. Speaks very well English. He made this quick journey stress free.
