Osaka Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide

This private day tour is designed for travelers arriving at Osaka Port (Tempozan) by cruise ship who want to make the most of their day exploring the timeless former capital of Kyoto. Your friendly government-licensed English-speaking guide and private vehicle pick you up right at the port and drive you comfortably to Kyoto, about an hour away. Over a relaxed day you discover Kyoto's most iconic sights at your own pace. Marvel at the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), walk beneath thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, stroll the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and take in the views from the wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera. Wander the historic geisha district of Gion, sample local flavors at Nishiki Market, and step back into the age of the samurai at Nijo Castle. As this is a fully private, customizable tour, you choose which sights to visit from the itinerary list, with no trains or crowds to navigate.

1. 1

   Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

   15 min

   You can see Japan's background that is off-limits to ordinary tourists after the tour. This short trip is a fantastic and great value way of experiencing Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine! We are here to help you discover new things, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is so more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Most people are satisfied by a scenic view of it. But this has a lot of stories to tell that will connect you to the Japan's history and culture and your guide will show you deeper. You will see a fascinating story attached to the origin of the shrine dedicated to the god of grains – that’s what “Inari” means. This is also why you’ll see statues of the fox around the shrine. “Kitsune” or the fox is a servant to the god Inari. They are cunning tricksters, clever minded animals who make perfect guides for the treacherous business world. You may would want the foxes on your side after this tour.

2. 2

   Nijo Castle

   15 min

   Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).

3. 3

   Gion

   15 min

   Exploring the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District—Gion can be daunting for a first-time visitor. Eliminate the worry of getting lost by going on a guided tour. It’s a great way to discover hidden places.

4. 4

   Nishiki Market

   15 min

   Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related.

5. 5

   Kiyomizu-dera Temple

   15 min

   Discover one of Kyoto’s most popular temples—Kiyomizu-dera Temple by going on a comprehensive 1-hour guided tour. Exploring the temple grounds with a guide means you’ll be able to learn about Japan’s history and culture.

6. 6

   Kyoto Imperial Palace

   15 min

   The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Gyoen.

7. 7

   Pontocho District

   15 min

   Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. It is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of Kamogawa River. The alley is packed with restaurants.

8. 8

   Ginkakuji Temple

   15 min

   Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple along Kyoto's eastern mountains (Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today's temple.

9. 9

   Tofuku-ji Temple

   15 min

   Tofukuji (東福寺, Tōfukuji) is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto that is particularly famous for its spectacular autumn colors. The temple was founded in 1236.

10. 10

    To-ji Temple

    15 min

    Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji), literally "East Temple", was founded at the beginning of the Heian Period just after the capital was moved to Kyoto in the late 700s.

11. 11

    Kinkakuji Temple

    15 min

    Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

12. 12

    Ninna-ji Temple

    15 min

    Ninnaji (仁和寺) is one of the many great temples in Kyoto which are listed as World Heritage Sites. It is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.

13. 13

    Shugakuin Imperial Villa

    15 min

    Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency.

14. 14

    Ryoan-ji Temple

    15 min

    Ryoanji Temple (龍安寺, Ryōanji) is the site of Japan's most famous rock garden, which attracts hundreds of visitors every day.

15. 15

    Arashiyama

    15 min

    Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185).

16. 16

    Tenryu-ji Temple

    15 min

    Tenryuji (天龍寺, Tenryūji) is the most important temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. It was ranked first among the city's five great Zen temples.

17. 17

    Daikaku-ji Temple

    15 min

    Daikakuji (大覚寺) is a large temple in the northern part of Kyoto's Sagano district. It was originally built in the early 800s as the detached palace of Emperor Saga.

18. 18

    Katsura Imperial Villa

    15 min

    Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design.

19. 19

    Yoshimine-dera

    15 min

    Yoshiminedera (吉峰寺) is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism located in Kyoto's western mountains.

20. 20

    Kennin-ji Temple

    15 min

    Kenninji Temple (建仁寺) locates very close to the bustle of Hanamikoji and Shijo streets. The grounds are expansive and pleasant to walk, and feature beautiful dry landscape gardens.

21. 21

    Kibune Shrine

    15 min

    Kibune (貴船) is a small town in a forested valley in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, which developed around Kifune Shrine.

22. 22

    Kurama-dera

    15 min

    Kurama (鞍馬) is a rural town in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, less than one hour from the city center. Kurama is best known for its temple Kurama-dera and its hot spring.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

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