Full-Day Excursion to Kyoto, Nara and Uji from Osaka or Kyoto

Overview

Embark on a day of cultural discovery through Kyoto, Nara and Uji. Accompanied by a guide, you will explore the iconic sites of these three locations, blending nature with Japanese historical heritage. The itinerary includes a visit to Nara Park, where you can observe the free-roaming deer, as well as a stop at Todai-ji Temple. In Kyoto, you will discover the famous torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha. The excursion also leads to Uji, a town renowned for its green tea. You can stroll along the paved path of Byodo-in Omotesando and visit Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose Phoenix Hall is featured on the 10-yen coin. Two departure points are available: Kyoto Station or Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station in Osaka. Transport is provided by air-conditioned bus.

Itinerary

1. Parc de Nara

   Nara Park is one of the must-see areas in Nara City and is one of the oldest parks in Japan. The vast area covers 660 hectares and is renowned for its free-roaming deer and world-famous temples. These tame creatures are believed to be sacred messengers of the Shinto gods and walk freely in Nara. Over time, these cute deers have learned to bow to visitors-a sign for a treat. For over 1,300 years, humans and deer have peacefully coexisted in Nara. Today, they are protected as Natural Monuments, and revered as holy animals in Nara.

   · 50 min

2. Temple de Tōdai-ji

   Todaiji is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara.  The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites including temples, shrines, and places in the city of Nara. The temple's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), was recognized as the world's largest wooden building. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15-meter-tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.

   · 30 min· Admission not included

3. The Kyoto Prefectural Uji Park is an island park surrounded by the Uji River, which divides the water's flow downstream. The park is connected to the riverbanks by three bridges. There are many scenic features including a 13th-century stone pagoda that stands 15 m tall. In spring, the park offers beautiful views of cherry blossom forests, and birds can be seen flying in the sky. Red-colored bridges connect the pathways on both sides of the river, and it's interesting to see ducks diving into the fast-flowing river to catch fish.

   · 30 min

4. Byodo-in Temple is one of Japan's best-preserved national treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most iconic structure within the temple is the Phoenix Hall, which features wing-like corridors on either side of the central hall, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings, selected for the design as the obverse of the 10 yen coin.

   · 30 min· Admission not included

5. Byodoin Omotesando

   Uji is renowned for its green tea production, and this charming street is lined with shops selling a variety of tea and tea-related products. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Uji, as it showcases Japan’s rich tea heritage and provides a glimpse into its fascinating history. As you stroll down the cobblestone path, the air is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly roasted tea leaves. Here you can try tea-flavored “dango” dumplings, noodles, ice creams, and donuts. Take your time to wander through the souvenir shops and eateries. At the end of the street, you will find a Starbucks that serves its popular Matcha Frappé.

   · 40 min

6. Uji River

   The Uji River is the only river that originates from Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. It has served as an important waterway connecting Shiga and Osaka since ancient times. The river flows through Uji, dividing the city into two parts and serving as a central focal point, with most shops and restaurants located along its banks. Uji Bridge, the main passage over the river, is considered one of the three oldest bridges in the country.

   · 20 min

7. There are around 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine, to worship the Shinto god of rice, Inari. The shrine is renowned for Senbon Torii, thousands of vermilion red torii gates, which create a stunning and immersive tunnel-like pathway up the sacred Mount Inari. In the 1300 years since its establishment in 711AD, people have gathered here to pray for bountiful harvests, business prosperity, the safety of their home and family, and the fulfillment of all other wishes.

   · 1 h 20 min

How to use your ticket

Tips: * We will send you a message requesting your email address. After we receive it, we will email you specific tour guide information around 6 PM the day before your trip. This will help ensure a smooth experience and facilitate communication with your guide on the day of the tour. * The meeting point cannot change on the day of the trip. If a change is necessary, please inform us at least one day in advance. * Please arrive at the meeting point 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Latecomers or no-shows will not be eligible for a refund. * Please indicate when booking if you're traveling with strollers or large luggage.

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Infants must sit on an adult's lap.
• Not recommended for travellers with spinal problems.
• Not recommended for travellers with cardiovascular problems.
• Not recommended for pregnant women.
• Public transport is available nearby.
• Prams or strollers are permitted for babies and young children.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• Please specify during booking if you are travelling with a stroller or bulky luggage.
• Please inform the organiser at least 24 hours in advance if you have made separate bookings from your companions to be assigned to the same vehicle.
• Not recommended for wheelchair users.
• The group is limited to a maximum of 45 participants.
• Confirmation is immediate upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure date.

• No refund is possible for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure.

Who is it for?

• Travellers staying in Osaka or Kyoto
• Enthusiasts of Japanese history and culture
• Families with young children (strollers accepted)

What makes it different

• Circuit combining three major destinations (Kyoto, Nara, Uji) in a single day
• Transport included via air-conditioned bus
• Two possible departure points for greater flexibility

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 444978P6

Activity offered by F Trip via Viator.