Top Kyoto Day Trips

From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

This guided tour helps you discover Kyoto’s dispersed temples, shrines, and cultural attractions in one day. Save time researching and planning your trip, by having the itinerary organized for you. Travel in an air-conditioned coach for a hassle-free day. Highlights include Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, and Kinkaku-ji Temple—admission tickets are included for all.

PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Marvel at Kinkaku-ji, the golden temple known as the Golden Pavilion, which showcases the beauty of this timeless city. Visit Nijo Castle, celebrated for its palace buildings, which are among the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. The castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

From Osaka or Kyoto: Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Kyoto

Amanohashidate & Ine Boathouse Full-Day Tour from Kyoto or Osaka

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Embark on a journey through time in Kyoto & Nara, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. In Nara Park, encounter the free-roaming deer that charmingly bow to you in hopes of a treat and visit the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. Explore the Arashiyama area, which includes the Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, Kimono Forest and Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari & Nara Park Day Trip

Embark on a journey through time in Kyoto, Nara and Uji, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. In Nara Park, encounter the free-roaming deer that charmingly bow to you in hopes of a treat and visit the impressive Todai-ji Temple. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto and discover the city of Uji, renowned for its green tea production. Stroll along the cobblestone path of Byodo-in Omotesando, a paradise for matcha green tea lovers. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Byodo-in Temple, which features its Phoenix Hall built in 1053-highlighted on the obverse side of the 10 yen coin. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

Kyoto & Nara & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

Amanohashidate and Ine Bay are hidden gems for travelers looking for unique tourist attractions. These picturesque destinations offer a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities and immerse yourself in the picturesque view. Explore Amanohashidate, one of Japan's "Three Most Scenic Views." Amanohashidate, which translates to “bridge in heaven,” resembling a pathway that connects heaven and earth. Amanohashidate features nearly 8,000 pine-covered sandbar that connect the two sides of Miyazu Bay, and look like a dragon flying up to heaven. Ine Funaya, the “Venice of Japan,” is celebrated as one of the most picturesque villages in the country. Nestled on a narrow strip between land and sea, this charming fishing village, with its traditional boat houses, showcases the essence of traditional Japanese coastal life. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya Sightseeing Full Day Trip from Kyoto

Kyoto Day Tour: Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji & Kiyomizu

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Whether you’re only in Kyoto for the morning or want to avoid the crowds of tourists, this early morning tour of the city lets you experience the city at its most tranquil. After your sightseeing session, you will still have much of the afternoon and onwards to explore thanks to your early start. As a bonus, learn how to use the city’s public transit from your guide. Entrance fee for Kinkakuji Temple is extra.

Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Hiroshima’s rich history and Miyajima’s breathtaking beauty. Take a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima Island, home to the stunning Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate. Stroll through charming streets, savor local delicacies, and encounter the island’s friendly deer. Then visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where you’ll reflect on the past at the Atomic Bomb Dome and other significant monuments. With seamless transportation and expert guidance, this tour offers an immersive experience of Japan’s culture and heritage.

Hiroshima and Miyajima Full-Day Tour from Kyoto by Bullet Train

Hiroshima and Miyajima Full-Day Tour from Kyoto by Bullet Train

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Kyoto Gion Night Walk & Geisha District Guided Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

9 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Photos courtesy of: - “Red Pumpkin” Yayoi Kusama,2006 Naoshima Miyanoura Port Square * No Reproduction Explore the art island of Naoshima with this hassle-free, luxury day tour accompanied by an English-speaking attendant. In a single day, you will have the opportunity to explore Naoshima’s premier highlights, including the Benesse House Museum, the Naoshima New Museum of Art, and the iconic Red Pumpkin, without worrying about a single logistical detail. The tour price includes all transportation, museum entrance fees and full English support from our attendant throughout the trip. Sit back and relax in our luxury vehicle as we escort you between attractions across the island. - Complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks on board of our luxury bus - Entrance fees for Naoshima museums included - Round-trip Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets between Kyoto and Himeji - Round-trip luxury bus transportation between Himeji and Naoshima

Naoshima Art Island Hassle-free Luxury Tour from Kyoto

12 to 13 hoursFree Cancellation

★There are plans including bullet train tickets 8 options are available The tour with one way ticket will end at Hakata Station. You will receive a QR ticket after your reservation is confirmed; please board the train on your own. (You will meet your guide at Hakata Station) ◆ Yanagawa Sunflower Festival During the limited sunflower season from September 13th to 23rd this tour will visit Yanagawa Sunflower Festival. Approximately 500,000 sunflowers bloom spectacularly across 5 hectares areas. ◆ Scenic Beauty and Relaxation Glide through Yanagawa's picturesque canals, known as the Venice of Japan and enjoy breathtaking views of lush tea fields in Yame. ◆ Hands-on Experiences Try your hand at making traditional Yame washi paper and learn about tea production from expert local artisans. ◆ Culinary Delights Savor a delicious local lunch in historic Yanagawa. ◆ Bilingual Support Enjoy the tour with a professional English & Japanese Speaking guide.

【Multi-Departure】YokaBus Tea Fields Yame and Yanagawa River Boat

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

This bus tour lets guest enjoy quick access to the popular scenic Sagano trolley train as well as an exciting river descent down the Hozugawa river in Kyoto, both of which are popular attractions in high demand and perfect for groups, families, and individuals who have limited time in Kyoto. These activities allow guests to appreciate the natural scenery of Kyoto's four seasons at any time of the year from both the train and boat. From cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, the changing leaves of autumn, or the snowy fields in winter, this tour will provide guests with unforgettable experiences and imagery. After the tour, guests will have time to explore the Arashiyama bamboo grove and surrounding area. Visit local souvenir and snack shops at this iconic Kyoto locale before getting back on the bus to head back to Kyoto Station.

Kyoto Bus Tour: Sagano Railway & Hozugawa River Boat Ride

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Nara Private Tour Flexible Pickup from Kyoto Osaka or Nara

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Kyoto Hozugawa River Boat Sagano Romantic Train Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Explore many of Nara's top landmarks in just one day on this deluxe, full-day coach tour. Heading out from Kyoto, pass by Fushimi Castle and Heijo Palace, before arriving in Nara. Visit Todai-ji Temple—one of the world’s largest wooden buildings—then meet the 1,400 deer that inhabit Nara Park. A stop at Kasuga Taisha Shrine is followed by a Japanese-style lunch (if selected). Finally, visit the Uji area of Kyoto, where you'll make and sample traditional matcha tea.

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

2 hoursFree Cancellation

With an experienced local guide fluent in both English and Japanese (with previous experience guiding Hollywood actors, Lance Gross!) All of our members were born and raised in Japan, so we have an in-depth understanding of the country. This allows us to share the hidden charms of Japan that only locals know. In addition, we offer free Japanese language support in case of emergencies. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in accidents and incidents involving unlicensed or inexperienced drivers who are not from Japan at other companies. Our strength lies in providing the highest level of safety and reliability through our Local English-Speaking Guides. In addition to hands-on activities such as ninja training and chopstick-making, our strong local connections grant access to exclusive experiences — including invitations-only Ochaya and private geisha or maiko performances. (We are a Guide Service Company)

Kyoto Customizable Tour with Local English Guide (Amanohashidate)

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in Kyoto

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What are people saying about Kyoto

Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide

Haidon_S, Sep 2026

Tour Phenomenal, Haruki Rocks!

Haruki was a wonderful guide. Not only was he super knowledgeable on all aspects of Japan but also humorous, down to earth and had an exceptionally patient calming demeanor. Additionally, he knew some great angles for pics and made sight seeing as a soloist a walk in the park :~)

Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

Johnathan_C, Sep 2026

Highly-recommended tour through the back streets of northern Kyoto

This was our first experience using e-bikes, and I have to say that we are converts! Navigating Kyoto's hills can be very challenging, but the e-bikes enabled us to move along at a good pace without having to overly exert ourselves. The tour was wonderful, and our guide, Henry, was very knowledgeable and informative, spicing up his narratives with his wry British humor. As promised, once we had seen Kinkaku-ji, the tour took us off the beaten path to visit lesser-known temples and shrines, plus a wonderful ride through Kyoto's northwestern hills. Genko-an Temple was the most interesting, with its “bloody ceilings”, made from the floorboards at the site of a mass samurai ritual suicide, and the “Window of Confusion” and “Window of Enlightenment”. The pace of the tour was good -- not too tiring, not too slow -- and varied enough to keep it interesting throughout the half-day. Very glad we took this tour, and NORU KYOTO BIKE TOURS did a great job! I highly recommend this tour!

Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya Sightseeing Full Day Trip from Kyoto

Keith_S, Sep 2026

Exceptional

This was indeed a once in a lifetime experience. Not something you would even consider or know about if not for the tour. It’s always great to see and experience something other than the big city. This tour certainly fit the bill. Cruise was an outstanding tour guide sharing his knowledge and expertise along the way to ensure we were well informed. Would definitely recommend this tour if you’re looking to get away from the city and crowds.

Private Kyoto Tour: Temples, Hidden Alleys & Local Stories

Mary_D, Sep 2026

Masaya made it a very...

Masaya made it a very enjoyable afternoon. He sent an itinerary for our approval and made a slight adjustment to fit our interests before we met. Really appreciated his communication prior, informative information, walking through and adjusting to our pace, and really grateful for all of the recommendations.

Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

John_F, Sep 2026

We loved this experience if you’re in the area.

What a wonderful cultural experience this was. A great experience if you’re in the area near the golden temple. Otherwise it’s a bit far away from everything in Kyoto. Our tea master and all of the helpers were so kind and welcoming and we really felt like part of Japan.

From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

Naomi_B, Sep 2026

Amazing tour!

This tour was most enjoyable! We were given a reasonable amount of time at each stop (3 stops) and each stop had much to explore as well as beautiful scenery. Our tour guide Willa was excellent, she was knowledgeable and friendly, helping me and my family book a reservation for a matcha experience as well as sending restaurant options for lunch! Overall, a very enjoyable experience, however would note that the bamboo forest can be very crowded and make sure to check the weather and prepare, as the day we went it was very hot. Would recommend!

10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour

Jessica_A, Sep 2026

10 sites one day!

Our day in Kyoto with Mieko was absolutely unforgettable! ❤️🇯🇵 We booked the 10 Sites in One Day tour, and Mieko made the entire experience so special. She was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, patient, and genuinely excited to share Kyoto with us. She didn’t just show us the sights, she helped us understand the history, culture, traditions, and little details that we would have completely missed on our own. We covered SO much in one day, but somehow the day never felt rushed. Mieko kept everything organized, helped us navigate, answered all of our questions, and made sure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves throughout the day. What really touched us was how personal and thoughtful she was. Our son became engaged during our Japan trip, and Mieko even brought a special gift to celebrate his engagement. It was such a thoughtful gesture and meant so much to our family. ❤️ That little act of kindness is something we will always remember. By the end of the day, it honestly felt like we were exploring Kyoto with a friend rather than simply taking a tour. If you’re visiting Kyoto and want to see the highlights while also experiencing the culture and heart of this incredible city, I cannot recommend Mieko enough. She was truly one of the highlights of our Japan trip! Thank you, Mieko, for an amazing day, your kindness, and the beautiful memories we’ll take home with us. 🌸⛩️❤️

From Osaka or Kyoto: Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Kyoto

Alun_M, Aug 2026

This was an excellent...

This was an excellent tour with our guide Chris. Chris was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited and took great care of us all. He was also a fantastic photographer! 😊 There is quite a bit of walking, but there was still a good amount of time at each stop and you have the option to do as much or as little as you like. We would highly recommend this tour.

Ninja 1-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Entry

Michael_S, Aug 2026

Amazing experience. Well worth it. Great for kids.

Great experience for the whole family. The instructor was patient and hands on with the kids, made them feel like real ninjas for the hour. Sword handling, throwing stars, all of it taught properly but kept fun and not overly serious. My younger one loved it as much as older one did. Well run, good energy, would recommend for any family visiting Kyoto.

Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Paul_H, Aug 2026

Kind and knowledgeable guide - highly recommended

Nori communicated with us before our trip and took great care to plan our personalized itinerary. He took us to some beautiful Temples and as a retired educator, shared his great knowledge about Japan’s history and all the places we visited. He paced our tour to our comfort level. I would strongly recommend a private tour when you have limited time to tour Kyoto. It was a wonderful way to see this beautiful city.

Amanohashidate & Ine Boathouse Full-Day Tour from Kyoto or Osaka

Kien_L, Jul 2026

A fantastic journey into a truly scenic site of rural coastal Japan!

This wonderfully scenic journey into the rural west coast of Japan is highly recommended with its beautiful fishing villages, gentle beaches and dramatic lush green mountains. Boat and monorail tours are recommended options to fully explore this exciting experience! Jay, who was our tour guide, has a quirky sense of humour and is an excellent organizer, ensuring that we saw everything to schedule!

Kyoto Day Tour: Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji & Kiyomizu

Jaime_L, May 2026

Great one day tour to Kyoto from Osaka

Excellent tour to see the most important attractions of Kyoto in just one day. Modern and Confortable buses. Great guide, who spoke excellent english and japanese (aussie guy living many year in Japan). No waste of time visiting stores in this tour like many tours around the world. Highly recommend it. I will travel with the same company my next time in Japan.