Top Kansai Bus Tours

Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destinations, which means it gets crowded during the day. Dodge the biggest crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the ancient Japanese capital on this early-morning, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer, while learning about the long history of this sacred place.

Tour itinerary is designed based on hiring a car/van for 10 hours (JPY 120,000 for up to 5 pax, JPY 140,000 for up to 8 pax) cash payment on the day tour, cash to the driver) to provide ample time to visit Kyoto's most iconic cultural & historic landmarks, ensuring a comprehensive experience of the city's rich heritage. Itinerary (Customizable): 08:00 Meeting at Osaka or Kobe port 10:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 11:30 Kinkaku-ji temple 13:00 Nishiki Market- Lunch break 14:30 Pontocho and Gion area (Geisha district) 16:00 Fushimi Inari shrine 16:45 back to the port 18:00 Drop off in the port and tour finish

Begin your journey from Osaka or Kyoto, and step into Japan’s most iconic sights (Arashiyama, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha). Start at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where sunlight filters through towering stalks, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Enjoy a superb meal at Kyoto Wasabi Restaurant. Choose from Kobe Beef Shabu-shabu, Pork Shabu-shabu, Kobe Beef Rice Bowl or Kobe Beef Sukiyaki. (Optional lunch) Continue to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Stroll through Nara Park and visit Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside the world’s largest wooden structure, marvel at the 15-meter Great Buddha, an awe-inspiring symbol of Japan’s heritage. Conclude at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates forming a striking path up Mount Inari. This unforgettable sight is among Japan’s most photographed landmarks. At day’s end, relax on your bus ride back, with the flexibility to return to Osaka or Kyoto.

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.

Sightsee through Kansai’s most scenic areas, seeing iconic landmarks in Nara and Kyoto in one day, without the hassle of changing trains or getting lost. With pickup times in either Osaka or Kyoto, board a convenient tour bus to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kinkaku-ji and Todaiji Temple as well as 1000 vermilion gates of Fushimi-Inari Shrine and scenic Nara Park.

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or to stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

This private car tour allows you to create your ideal day in Kyoto by choosing from three flexible options: a Kyoto 1-Day Highlights Tour, a Kyoto & Nara cultural journey, or a Kyoto & Osaka adventure. Every itinerary is fully customizable to match your interests and pace. If there are places you'd like to add—or locations you've already visited—we will adjust the route to design the perfect day for you. Travel comfortably by private car with a friendly local guide who brings history, culture, and local stories to life. Whether you want to explore the bamboo forest of Arashiyama, admire the Golden Pavilion, meet Nara’s sacred deer, or enjoy Osaka’s lively streets, you can experience Japan’s most iconic sights at your own rhythm, without rushing or following a set schedule. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors, families, and couples who want a smooth, personalized, and unforgettable sightseeing experience. Discover Kyoto—and beyond—in the most flexible and enjoyable way.

Make the most of your time in Japan with a hassle-free trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima from the city. Leave the planning of your day trip and the details to the experts. In addition to a guide, your tour includes entrance fees to the attractions, as well as your Bullet Train (Shinkansen) and ferry tickets, for a seamless 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.

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.

Discover the delicious side of Kyoto on this small-group foodie tour. Explore popular spots, such as the Nishiki Market, as well as hidden gems, and enjoy at least seven food tastings from obanzai (Kyoto-style cuisine) to local izakaya dishes, served at local restaurants, as well as two drinks such as beer or sake.

See and do exactly what you want on this private and customizable half-day walking tour of Osaka. Your local guide will aim to show you a range of historic and modern sites in Japan’s second-largest city. Choose to visit highlights including Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, the Dotombori District, and more. Your guide will meet you at your hotel so you won’t have to worry about finding them.

Experience the cultural essence of Japan’s two most historic cities, Kyoto and Nara, all in one day from Osaka. This tour offers two thoughtfully designed routes to match your travel style: • ★ Kyoto & Nara + Fushimi Inari ★ • (Mon, Wed, Fri) Destination: Kasugataisha Shrine, Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Byodoin Temple, Uji Omotesando, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha • ★ Kyoto & Nara + Arashiyama ★ • (Tue, Thu, Sat) Destination: Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Wakakusayama, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Nonomiya Shrine & Togetsukyo Bridge, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera Temple (During the cherry blossom season , Nikishi Market will be replaced by Maruyama Park and the order of stops will be adjusted) Both adventures begin with a hassle-free departure from Tsurutontan Soemoncho at 8:00 AM, reaching first destination at 9:00 AM and returning back to Tsurutontan Soemoncho at 6:00 PM.

Embark on a journey through time in Kyoto and 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. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

With this car tour, you don’t have to worry about delays waiting for other passengers, as the trip is completely private and just for your personal group. Enjoy the ultimate VIP service with hotel pickup and drop-off included, and an exciting itinerary planned out for you with stops such as Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the atmospheric geisha district of Gion.

The itinerary is fully customizable. You are not required to follow our suggested schedule, and we will be pleased to arrange the tour entirely based on your preferred destinations and pace. Discover Osaka on a fully customizable private car tour, perfect for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and convenience. Create your own itinerary and explore the city at your own pace with a private driver, with the option to add a professional guide for deeper local insight. After booking, coordinate with our team to plan your route. On the day of the tour, enjoy flexible hotel pickup in Osaka and begin your personalized city exploration. Possible stops in Osaka include Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, Umeda Sky Building, and Namba Yasaka Shrine. You may also choose family-friendly and entertainment attractions such as Universal Studios Japan, and the Tempozan Harbor Village area, including the Tempozan Ferris Wheel and waterfront scenery.

Explore Kyoto in Comfort and Style! Discover the timeless beauty of Kyoto on our exclusive, private day trip by car. Tailored just for you, we create a personalized itinerary based on your interests, allowing you to enjoy Kyoto’s iconic sights at your own pace. Visit renowned landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the tranquil bamboo forest of Arashiyama all in one day! The itinerary can be customized based on your requests.

Discover both modern and traditional sides of history-rich Kyoto during this full-day private tour. Travel like a local by public transportation as you tick off the city’s most celebrated sights, from UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle to the well-preserved neighborhood of Higashiyama and streets of Gion, otherwise known as Kyoto’s Geisha district.

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.

Enjoy a day in Osaka with our experienced tour guide giving you history and facts about Osaka City. Walk around Osaka castle park as you head to the main tower and enjoy the history. Have your tour conductor take memorable pictures for you and your group. Get advice on what food to try at Dotonbori, and more. Enjoy a stress-free day with us! Explorer Tours offers small group tours where we operate our private luxury vehicle with a maximum capacity of 11 guests. Our tour conductors and drivers are licensed and trained professionally, so you are sure to be taken care of during your tour. • We do not supply any extra pick up & drop off service. • Tour is not customizable. • Customers will walk include stairs and hills in each places. • Not recommended for travelers who can not walk long distance. This tour includes walking. • Due to the weather and traffic conditions, time schedule might change. • If you select, “I’ll decide later” for the meeting point, please message us on viator

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking l tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore the Kumano Kodo! The Kumano Kodo is an ancient network of pilgrim trails dating back more than 1000 years connecting historic shrines and temples running through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. The most popular route, Nakahechi, along which past emperors traveled, crosses the width of the Peninsula from Tanabe town on the west coast to Shingu and Nachi-Katsuura towns on the east. Hikers of all levels can enjoy quiet mountain hamlets and onsens. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize an 8hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Perfect blend of Kobe’s modern charm and the beauty of Himeji Castle. From breathtaking views and cultural landmarks to local cuisine, this journey offers the best of Japan’s scenery, and flavors.

Kyoto is jam-packed full of temples, shrines, and museums, so you’re bound to feel overwhelmed with all there is to see and do. This private full-day tour of Kyoto whisks you between top sights such as Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine to help you maximize your time. Plus, a private guide means you can set the pace.