Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, beckons visitors to explore its renowned landmarks. The Kyoto Day Tour offers a chance to take in the city’s captivating sights, from the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. But the true highlight? Interacting with the free-roaming sika deer at the Nara Deer Park, a unique and unforgettable experience. With transportation, a professional guide, and lunch included, this tour promises an enriching journey through Kyoto’s timeless beauty.
Key Points
- A guided day tour in Kyoto that visits Arashiyama’s bamboo groves, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nara Deer Park, priced from $70 per person.
- Includes round-trip transportation, a professional English-speaking guide, and lunch, suitable for travelers of all ages.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Arashiyama, with its iconic bamboo grove and historic Tenryū-ji Temple.
- Hike through the thousands of vibrant orange torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, offering stunning photo opportunities.
- Interact with the friendly sika deer and visit historic temples within the Nara Deer Park.
👉 Check out our guide to the 5 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Kyoto
Contents
- Key Points
- Overview of the Kyoto Day Tour
- Exploring Arashiyama
- Visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Experiencing the Nara Deer Park
- Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
- Meeting Point and Transportation
- Participant Information
- Cancellation and Booking Policies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Children Under 3 Occupy a Seat on the Tour Bus?
- Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
- Do We Get to Interact With the Deer in Nara Deer Park?
- Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?
- What Is the Exact Duration of the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Kyoto
- More Tours in Kyoto
- More Tour Reviews in Kyoto
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Kyoto we have recnetly reviewed
Overview of the Kyoto Day Tour
The Kyoto Day Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and natural wonders.
Priced from $70 per person, this guided excursion takes travelers to the serene Arashiyama district, the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the charming Nara Deer Park.
With a maximum of 40 participants, the tour provides round-trip transportation and a professional English-speaking guide.
Lunch is included, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including children under 3 who can sit on laps.
Flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior make this tour an attractive option for those seeking to discover Kyoto’s highlights.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kyoto.
Exploring Arashiyama
As visitors approach the picturesque Arashiyama district, they’ll be greeted by a serene landscape of towering bamboo groves that sway gently in the breeze.
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers an array of captivating attractions:
- Strolling through the iconic Bamboo Grove, a lush, green tunnel that creates a mesmerizing, otherworldly atmosphere
- Visiting the historic Tenryū-ji Temple, a Zen temple with stunning gardens and panoramic views of the Arashiyama mountains
- Exploring the charming Togetsukyo Bridge, a renowned landmark that offers sweeping vistas of the Katsura River
- Experiencing the traditional rickshaw rides for a unique perspective of the area
- Discovering Arashiyama’s quaint shops and artisanal workshops along the picturesque streets.
Visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine
After exploring the serene beauty of Arashiyama, the day tour takes visitors to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Nestled in the mountains, this renowned Shinto shrine is famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates winding up the hillside. Guests can hike through the peaceful pathways, capturing stunning photos of the iconic gates. The experience provides a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heritage and the significance of Shinto beliefs. The shrine’s tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit destination on the Kyoto day tour.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Nestled in the mountains |
| Significance | Renowned Shinto shrine |
| Iconic Feature | Thousands of vibrant orange torii gates |
| Activities | Hiking, photography |
Experiencing the Nara Deer Park
Next, the Kyoto day tour takes visitors to the enchanting Nara Deer Park. Nara’s famous sika deer roam freely, greeting visitors with their gentle demeanor.
Tourists can purchase special deer crackers to feed the deer, who’ll politely bow in thanks. The park also features several historic temples, including the impressive Todaiji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue.
Visitors can explore the serene park paths, take in the beautiful natural surroundings, and interact with the friendly deer. The Nara Deer Park offers a delightful and unique experience during the Kyoto day tour.
- Free-roaming deer
- Feeding the deer
- Historic temples
- Scenic park paths
- Friendly deer interactions
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The Kyoto day tour includes a professional English-speaking guide who accompanies participants throughout the excursion.
Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is provided, making it a convenient and comfortable experience.
Lunch is also included, ensuring travelers are well-fed during the day.
Personal expenses, however, aren’t covered and will be the responsibility of each participant.
The tour is accessible to most travelers, with accommodations for infants and children under 3.
Booking and cancellation policies offer flexibility, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Meeting Point and Transportation
The tour meeting point varies depending on the location selected by participants during booking.
Once the meeting point is chosen, travelers need to arrive 10 minutes prior to the 9:00 AM departure.
Transportation for the day will be provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, with the type dependent on the number of travelers.
The tour is accessible for those with wheelchairs and strollers, and it’s conveniently located near public transportation options.
At the end of the tour, you will be returned to the original meeting point.
- Meeting point selection available
- 10-minute early arrival required
- Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
- Wheelchair and stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
Participant Information
Infants must sit on laps, and children under 3 are admitted free of charge as long as they don’t occupy a seat.
Customers should notify the tour operator when booking if traveling with children under 3.
Most travelers can participate in this tour.
The vehicle is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and the tour meeting point is located near public transportation.
Cancellation and Booking Policies
Customers can cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour begins (local time). This flexible policy allows travelers to secure their spot while staying flexible with their plans.
The tour also offers a "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option, further enhancing convenience.
Some key cancellation and booking details include:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
- "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option available
- Secure your spot while staying flexible with plans
- Convenient and flexible booking policies
- No hidden fees or charges for cancellations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Children Under 3 Occupy a Seat on the Tour Bus?
Infants and children under 3 years old do not need to occupy a seat on the tour bus. They can sit on a parent’s lap during the tour.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary cannot be customized, as it’s a pre-set group tour. However, the tour operator does allow parents to bring children under 3 for free, as long as they sit on a parent’s lap and don’t occupy a seat.
Do We Get to Interact With the Deer in Nara Deer Park?
Yes, visitors can interact with the friendly deer in Nara Deer Park. The deer are tame and are known to approach and even bow to visitors who offer them special deer crackers available for purchase on site.
Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?
The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions or food allergies. Travelers should notify the tour operator about any special dietary needs when booking, and the lunch provided will be adjusted accordingly.
What Is the Exact Duration of the Tour?
The tour lasts the entire day, though the exact duration is not specified. It includes visits to Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and Nara Deer Park, with transportation and a provided lunch during the tour.
Kyoto Day Tour to Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari and Nara Deer Park
“While the places we visited were amazing we were not incredibly happy with the tour itself. The tour guide didn’t know anything beyond her script…”
Recap
The Kyoto Day Tour provides a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks. From the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine and the delightful Nara Deer Park, this guided excursion offers a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the highlights of Kyoto. With round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and a delicious lunch included, it’s an ideal choice for travelers of all ages.
