Kyoto and Nara in a Day - Excursion in Japan - Japanspecialist
Kyoto and Nara in a Day
One day (11 hours), EUR 150,-
Get to know the best of two of Japan's most historic cities; Kyoto and Nara.
This package offers guests the chance to visit landmarks like Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, The Kyoto Imperial Palace, and tour scenic sightseeing spots like Todai-ji temple and Kasuga Taisha shrine in Nara. A highlight is exploring Nara Park, where you can walk around the picturesque park while also meeting the free-roaming cheeky deers. All this is with the accompaniment of an English-speaking guide for a stress-free experience.
Itinerary
Our tour starts at Avanti's Sunrise Tours Desk/ Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure. After meeting your guide, you'll depart as a group by bus to our first sight-seeing location.
Sit back and enjoy the scenic bus ride as Kyoto's suburbs zip by while our guide runs you through the day's program and the ins and outs of Kyoto and Nara.
The tour kicks off with two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The first location is Nijo Castle, which, artfully crafted from cypress wood, was home to some of the area's most iconic shoguns (political leaders).
Next up is Kinkaku-ji Temple, better known as the 'Golden Pavilion,' as it's covered with thin layers of real gold leaf. The spectacular pavilion looks as if it is floating above the surrounding pond.
The tour will also visit the former Imperial Palace. However, we will visit the Nishi Honganji Temple instead on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Enjoy a Japanese/Western-style buffet for lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, we leave for Nara Park, where we visit Todai-ji, an architectural wonder and once a holder of the title for the world's largest wooden construction. Todai-ji is also home to an impressive 15m tall bronze Buddha. From there, the tour visits the vermillion Kasuga Taisha Shrine, one of the tour's other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Strolling through Nara Park, you will be able to meet the crowds of deer that love to welcome and follow guests and love eating treats. Finally, before returning to Kyoto, the tour stops off at some of the city's best souvenir shops, so you're sure to find the perfect memento.
The tour finishes at Avanti's Sunrise Tours Desk/ Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo.
Incorporate this excursion into a tailor-made itinerary
We believe that every trip to Japan should be unique and full of memories that last a lifetime. With our Online Consultancy Service, our experts are will create a custom itinerary incorporating not only this excursion, but all the others you wish to experience during your time in Japan.
The price of this service is EUR 50,- and fully reimbursable if you book your tour with us.
What is covered during the consultation?

Experience Japan your way with our experts
We are part of JTB, the largest travel company in Japan and one of the biggest in the world, with over 100 years of experience. We are passionate about this wonderful country, having spent decades designing adventurous itineraries for our clients.
Your tailor-made holiday in four simple steps
The price of this service is EUR 50,- and fully reimbursable if you book your tour with us.
Length: One day (11 hours)
Visiting places: Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Departing from: Kyoto
Price: EUR 150,-
- The tour may be cancelled if the minimum number of participants (1) is not achieved 4 days before the scheduled start date.
- When the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed (Mondays, Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday, May 14-17 for the Aoi Festival, New Year's holidays etc.) you will be taken to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead.
- On January 25 and October 25 Nishi Hongan-ji Temple will be visited instead of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
- Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays (and Wednesdays if Tuesday is a national holiday) in January, July, August, and December. An alternative destination is Ryoan-ji Temple.
- There is a 15-minute walk from the carpark to the Todai-ji Temple.
- If someone in your group uses crutches or a wheelchair or has a persistent ailment that makes walking long distances problematic, please let us know when making your reservation.
- If Nara Nagomikan is closed on the day of the tour or inaccessible due to road congestion, it may be excluded from the itinerary.
- A sedan or taxi van may be used instead of a bus, depending on the number of attendees.
- Lunch is provided as a set menu. For vegetarian or other dietary options please consult with your agent at the time of booking.
- Admission fees
- Transportation
- Lunch
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How to begin
Get in touch with us in a way that suits you, either via an online meeting or by sending over your requirements using our enquiry form. Both options cost EUR 50,- which is fully reimbursable if you book your tour with us.
Online meeting
Book a 30 minute online meeting with one of our consultants to discuss all your preferences and create a customised itinerary.
Enquiry form
Share your preferences via a simple form then we will create a tailor-made itinerary and a quote for you within five days.