Enjoy the Autumn Leaves in Kyoto and Nara! Introducing One-Day Bus Tours to Popular Destinations
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We're featuring some fantastic bus tours that take you to World Heritage sites and other must-see locations in Kyoto and Nara. Don't miss the opportunity to visit these iconic spots when you come to Japan. *Note: This tour is specifically designed for visitors to Japan.
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At GTN, our mission is "Making Your Stay in Japan Great". We offer diverse solutions to support foreign nationals and foster a cross-cultural society. Through addressing social issues, we strive to create an inclusive environment that enables individuals to live their lives to the fullest, no matter where they are in the world.
Let's Take a Bus Tour of Kyoto and Nara!
When you visit Japan in the fall, you're in for a treat with beautiful autumn leaves everywhere you look.
Kyoto and Nara stand out as some of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, captivating visitors from around the world with their historic temples and traditional streetscapes bathed in vibrant reds and yellows.
In this article, we're spotlighting one of Sunrise's top-rated bus tours that lets you explore these renowned spots in Kyoto and Nara—all in just one day!
If you're planning a trip to Japan, you won't want to miss this.
One-Day Kyoto & Nara Tour: Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Starts/Ends in Kyoto)
*Please be aware that some dates may already be fully booked at the time of your inquiry. Thank you for your patience.
*Note: This tour is specifically designed for visitors to Japan.
★ Reservations can also be made at GTN, located in Haneda Airport Garden. Make sure to drop by when you arrive at Haneda Airport, the gateway to Tokyo!
Contact Information for Tour Reservations:
GTN Haneda Airport Garden Branch
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (as of September 2023)
TEL: 03-6822-3033
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Table of Contents
- Head Out on a One-Day Tour from Kyoto Station!
- Explore Kyoto's Famous Landmarks: Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Discover Nara's Must-See Attractions: Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Click here for tour details and reservation site
- Book your Sunrise Tour at GTN Haneda Branch
Head Out on a One-Day Tour from Kyoto Station!
On the tour day, let's meet at 8:20 AM at the Sunrise Tour Desk located in "AVANTI," which is right across from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.
◆From there, we'll hop on a bus to our first stop, Nijo Castle.
◆Departure time: 8:30 AM
Explore Kyoto's Famous Landmarks: Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto is a leading tourist destination in Japan, well-known for its streets filled with traditional Japanese culture and scenery.
We'll explore various spots where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of the area.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, a World Heritage site, was built in 1603.
The Ninomaru Palace within the castle grounds features over 3,000 lavishly decorated paintings, some of which are designated as National Important Cultural Properties. It's a must-see spot when you visit.
Nijo Castle
Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Grounds close at 5:00 p.m.)
Recommended Visit Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Travel Time: About 20 minutes by bus
Kinkakuji Temple
The allure of Kinkakuji Temple lies in its golden architecture and lush green gardens. It's also listed as a World Heritage site.
The temple's reflection in the "Mirror Pond" makes for an incredibly beautiful and popular photo spot.
Don't miss the stunning autumn leaves if you visit during the fall season!
Kinkakuji Temple
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Open year-round)
Recommended Visit Time: About 45 minutes
Travel Time: Approximately 20 minutes by bus
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the emperor's residence until about 150 years ago.
These days, it's open to visitors year-round. The surrounding Kyoto Imperial Garden is also open to the public, offering a peaceful park setting where both locals and tourists can relax and take in the sights.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Visiting Hours:
September: 9:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. (Last exit at 4:30 p.m.)
October-December: 9:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. (Last exit at 4:00 p.m.)
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), New Year holidays (December 28 to January 4)
Recommended Visit Time: About 40 minutes
*On days when the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine will serve as an alternative visit.
After visiting the Kyoto Imperial Palace, we'll break for lunch.
(Photos are for reference only.)
*If you require a vegetarian meal, please make sure to specify this when you make your reservation. If we are not notified in advance, we won't be able to accommodate changes on the day of the tour. Unfortunately, Halal and gluten-free options are not available.
*If you prefer to skip lunch, please book the tour plan that does not include a meal.
Kyoto & Nara 1-Day Bus Tour Without Lunch
Discover Nara's Must-See Attractions: Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine
After lunch, we'll head to Nara, which is about an hour away by bus.
Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple, constructed during the Nara period (710-794), stands as a world-class example of Japanese wooden architecture.
Many structures and Buddhist statues within Todaiji have been designated as national treasures and are also listed as World Heritage sites. The famous Great Buddha of Nara is housed in Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall.
During the autumn leaf season, the Great Buddha Hall and Nara Park come alive with vibrant colors from maple and ginkgo trees. Don't miss the unique beauty of the season!
◆Note: It's a 15-minute walk from the parking lot to Todaiji Temple. If you use a wheelchair, crutches, or have a medical condition that affects your ability to walk long distances, please inform us at the time of reservation.
From the parking lot, we'll walk to Todaiji Temple and Nara Park for sightseeing.
Afterward, we'll head back to the parking lot and take a bus to Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Nara Park
Nara Park is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations and a must-visit when you're in Nara. The park offers a rich blend of history, culture, and nature, making it a highly recommended stop on your journey.
You'll also get a chance to meet the park's mascot, the deer.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha Shrine was built about 1,300 years ago and is also a World Heritage site.
The expansive shrine grounds are surrounded by lush nature and feature a striking red shrine pavilion, the main hall, a national treasure hall, a tea shop, and a café.
At Kasuga Taisha, you'll also find a variety of omikuji (fortune papers) and omamori (amulets) with deer motifs. Don't forget to check them out during your visit!
After touring Kasuga Taisha, enjoy some shopping time at Nara Nagomikan.
Nara Nagomikan is one of the largest gift shops in Nara, and its spacious layout allows you to leisurely select souvenirs from Nara.
(Set for 2023)
Please note: we may skip the visit to Nara Nagomikan if it's closed or if there's road congestion.
The tour will conclude once we return to Kyoto Station.
Click here for tour details and reservation site
Tour Details:
One-Day Kyoto & Nara Tour: Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Starts/Ends in Kyoto)
Click Here for the Sunrise Tour Reservation Page
*Currently selling dates for September to December 2023.
*Please check the calendar on the linked page for tour dates and availability.
*Please be sure to check the [Disclaimer and Guaranteed Itinerary: Itinerary and Places to Visit] section on our website when making your reservation.
A nationally certified interpreter/guide in English will accompany you to popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto and Nara, including World Heritage Sites such as Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Experience the best of Kyoto and Nara, Japan's two ancient capitals, in a single, efficient day.
This is the most popular standard course on the Sunrise Tour in the western Japan area.
You can also enjoy the drive from the outskirts of Kyoto to Nara.
What's Included:
- National tour guide (in English)
- Admission and transportation fees as per the itinerary
- Lunch
Book your Sunrise Tour at GTN Haneda Branch
Make sure to drop by when you arrive at Haneda Airport, the gateway to Tokyo!
At the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store, we can help book and arrange your Sunrise Tour.
We can't wait to welcome you soon!
★How to get to GTN Haneda Airport Garden Branch
Directly connected to the arrival lobby of Haneda Airport International Terminal!
Walk straight towards the parking lot and bus stop from the 2nd floor arrival lobby, and you will see the entrance to Haneda Airport Garden.
From the Haneda Airport Garden entrance, walk straight through the passageway towards the hotel entrance.
When you see the Omotenashi Center (information counter), walk into the Haneda Sando on the right side of it and you will find our store.
For more detailed directions, check out the video below!
★How to get to GTN from Haneda Sando (instagram)
GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store
225 Haneda Airport Garden 2F, 2-7-1 Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-0041
At GTN, our mission is "Making Your Stay in Japan Great". We offer diverse solutions to support foreign nationals and foster a cross-cultural society. Through addressing social issues, we strive to create an inclusive environment that enables individuals to live their lives to the fullest, no matter where they are in the world.
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