Top Kyoto Bus Tours

There are plenty of high-quality bus tours in Kyoto to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Perfect Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour

• Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide

• One-Day Tour of Kyoto's Highlights from Osaka/Kyoto

• Kyoto: Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari

• Nara Park, Osaka & Kobe from Kyoto Full Day Tour

Bus tours in Kyoto are available at a range of prices, depending on what’s included and the tour length. At the low end, a bus tour that merely includes transportation, or a hop-on, hop-off tour, starts at around US$45 per person. Tours that include admission to cultural sites are more expensive, around US$130 per person. Multi- and full-day tours can get pricey, around US$400 per person and up.

Yes, guided bus tours in Kyoto are worth it for travelers who want to cover the city's major cultural and historic sites. Tours typically include expert commentary, convenient transportation between highlights like temples, shrines, and scenic districts, and options that extend to nearby destinations such as Nara, Osaka, and Kobe.

Per one customer who booked the Perfect Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour, "What a wonderful coach tour of Kyoto visiting shrines, temples and the bamboo forest. The lunch was delicious. Our amazing guide, At-Chan, was friendly, enthusiastic, helpful and informative; she made our trip. Definitely an unforgettable tour which we both thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended."

Before booking bus tours in Kyoto, read the tour details to see what’s included: some cover temple admission fees, while others do not, and meals are often not included. Check the itinerary closely to understand how many stops are scheduled, how long you’ll spend at each site, and whether you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Knowing these details will help you differentiate between tour options and pick one that’s best for your group.

To make the most of your Kyoto bus tour, review the tour details in advance so you know what’s included and what to bring. Wear comfortable shoes, as most bus tours include significant walking at temples and shrines. Bring cash for small purchases or admission fees if not included, and carry a refillable water bottle, especially in warmer months.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Kyoto aside from bus tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Kyoto E-Bike Tours

• Kyoto Sake Tasting

• Kyoto Craft Classes

• Kyoto Martial Arts Classes

• Kyoto Photography Tours

Beyond bus tours, you can explore Kyoto on guided walking tours, bike through historic districts, join tea ceremonies, or take a cooking class to experience local culture firsthand. Consider early morning temple visits, food tours through Nishiki Market, or day trips to nearby Nara or Osaka for a different perspective.

Different bus companies in Kyoto vary in route coverage, language options, and inclusions, like admission fees to attractions and meals. You’ll find various group sizes and tour lengths, too. Bus companies have different focuses for their tours, with some offering themed experiences or extended itineraries.

Yes, most guided bus tours in Kyoto use comfortable, air-conditioned coaches to keep you relaxed between stops. Seating tends to be cushioned with ample legroom for a day of sightseeing, though specific amenities can vary by operator, so check tour details if comfort features are a priority.

Yes, most bus tours in Kyoto include a guide who provides commentary and helps navigate the itinerary. Guides may speak English or other languages depending on the tour, and some experiences include bilingual guides to enhance your understanding of the sites you visit or pass along the way. Tour descriptions will list the languages available, so be sure to note that detail as you consider your options.

The best time of day for a bus tour in Kyoto is usually early morning, when major temples and shrines are less crowded, and temperatures are cooler. Morning departures also help you avoid peak traffic and give you more time at each stop before larger tour groups arrive.