From Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara: A Captivating Full-Day Private Tour

Embark on a day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara, where you’ll explore historic temples, the enchanting Geisha district, and encounter friendly deer in a park. Customize your itinerary and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Nara Park - Enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Deer Park, a serene haven where you can interact with Japan’s beloved deer. As you wander through the lush, expansive park, friendly deer roam freely, adding a unique charm to your experience. These gentle animals, considered sacred in Japanese culture, are accustomed to visitors and will approach you for a friendly nibble of the special deer crackers available for purchase.

Marvel at the park’s picturesque landscape, with its expansive lawns and seasonal blooms providing a perfect backdrop. The tranquil setting, combined with the opportunity to connect with these graceful creatures, makes for a delightful and memorable stroll in one of Japan’s most cherished natural spaces.

  • Todaiji Temple Cultural Center - Immerse yourself in the splendor of Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine on your Nara tour. At Todaiji Temple, marvel at the Great Buddha Hall, housing one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues, a monumental masterpiece that embodies the grandeur of Japanese Buddhist art. The temple’s vast wooden structure and serene surroundings create a profound and awe-inspiring experience.
  • Kinkakuji Temple - Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto’s iconic Golden Pavilion, shimmering brilliantly against its serene pond backdrop. Stroll through the exquisite gardens, reflecting the harmonious blend of nature and artistry that defines this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and photographers, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s architectural splendor and tranquil elegance.
  • Kyoto Station Building - Lunch Break / Porta Dining
    During your Kyoto tour, take a delightful lunch break at Porta Dining, located beneath Kyoto Station. This bustling underground dining area offers a variety of authentic Japanese dishes in a convenient and vibrant setting. Whether you’re craving fresh sushi, hearty ramen, tempura, or traditional Kyoto cuisine, Porta Dining has something for everyone. Enjoy a quick yet flavorful meal in one of the many restaurants, perfect for recharging before continuing your exploration of Kyoto. It’s the ideal stop for a delicious taste of Japan in the heart of the city!
  • Gion - Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Gion with our exclusive tour. Stroll through Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, renowned for its traditional wooden machiya houses and vibrant cultural heritage. Wander along picturesque streets like Hanami-koji and Shirakawa, where you might catch a glimpse of geisha and maiko in their elegant kimonos. Discover the area’s rich history, visit local teahouses, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of old Kyoto. This tour offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of Kyoto’s cultural and historic essence.
  • Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Embark on a spiritual journey at Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of iconic red torii gates that create a mesmerizing path through lush forest trails. Discover the beauty and mystique of this ancient Shinto shrine, dedicated to the deity of rice and prosperity, with stunning views and serene surroundings. Perfect for hikers and culture enthusiasts, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage in Kyoto.
What's Included
  • Guiding services and tour management
  • Transportation arrangement
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees : Todaiji tempe: ¥800 / person , Kinkakoji temple :¥500 / person
  • Transportation fee(from Tokyo to Kyoto and back): ¥ 28,000/person (In case of holding JR pass: Free)
  • Lunch
  • Guide extra expenses from Tokyo: ¥50,000 (In case of Tokyo station pick up,cash to the guide).
  • Transportation in Kyoto Up to 5 passengers (cash) ¥100,000, 7 passengers: ¥120, 000
  • Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected (In case your experience was exceptional)
Additional Information

Tour itinerary is planned based on hiring a car/ van for 9 hours to cover (cash to the driver):5 passengers: ¥100, 000, 7 passengers: ¥120, 000,more than 7 please let me know in advance)

Within a day from Tokyo, you can have the chance to explore both top temple and shrine in Kyoto and Nara deers park and Todaiji temple .

Itenerary (customizable):

08:30(In case of Tokyo station meeting,extra ¥50,000, please notify the guide 2 days before the tour about the meeting point wether Tokyo or Kyoto) Tokyo Station (Gin-no-Suzu Square -Silver Bell Square-, the most well-known meeting place in Tokyo Station),help you to buy the bullet train tickets and heading to Kyoto using bullet train/Shinkansen
11:00 Meet at Kyoto station and move to Nara
12:30 Nara deers park
13:00 Todaiji temple
14:30 Back to Kyoto
15:30 Kinkakoji temple
16:30 Lunch break
17:30 Fushimi Inari shrine
18:30 Back to Kyoto station,take bullet train to Tokyo
21:30 Arrive Tokyo and tour finish

Location
Nara Park
469 Zoshicho,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
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Mark_t
Jun 29, 2024
Fantastic and highly recommended - Ahmed was a great, very accommodating and knowledgeable guide. He was flexible of our needs, was a great story teller and helped us navigate the city to and from Tokyo- I would recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Rick_m
Jun 13, 2024
Kyoto day tour - Bamboo forest at Arashiyama Park was beautiful and Ahmed did a great job, very inciteful and knowledgeable, great to talk to!
Review provided by Viator
Quenie_p
Apr 18, 2024
We received exceptional - it made the experience so special! - Hi, it was great experience for me & my family! It was short but the itinerary was I believe what best we could do with the limited time we have. Midori-san was so warm, helpful and very attentive. Very knowledgeable with the history of the places we went to! She even went above and beyond and helped us upgrade our shinkansen tickets to reserved bec we were likely going to stand if we kept the non reserved tickets.
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Laura_m
Apr 16, 2024
The Todai-Ji Temple was... - The Todai-Ji Temple was definitely worth the ride to Nara. My guide, Yuji Hino, even explained where the pathway stones came from & why there were arranged the way they were. There is so much symbolism in Japan and I would have missed that. Most signs inside this temple had an English translation, but most of what we saw elsewhere did not. An English speaking guide really enhanced my experience.
Review provided by Viator
Djungst651
Mar 19, 2024
Great time in Kyoto - Amazing temples and shrines. Our guide was very accommodating as our train schedule was delayed. He was knowledgeable and friendly.
Review provided by Viator
Hendrika_r
Nov 14, 2023
Best way to see Kyoto - Most excellent way to see Kyoto, we were able to visit several temples and shrines. Loved the Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and the Fushimi Inari Shrine, really beautiful. Ahmed our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us enough time at each site. Lunch was delicious with traditional food, great suggestion from our guide. Highly recommend this private tour!
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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