Osaka Kyoto Bus Tour: Arashiyama, Kinkakuji & Kiyomizu-dera

Osaka Kyoto

Osaka to Kyoto Bus Tour

When you're exploring Japan, one of the most popular and efficient ways to see the sights is by taking a one-day tour. It's incredibly convenient for visiting multiple nearby regions all at once, and you truly get a packed itinerary. That's why I booked an Osaka bus tour that covered a fantastic Kyoto itinerary: Arashiyama, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari Shrine.

I booked my tour through Kkday, and the specific one I took was a Korean-language tour. If you're looking for tours in other languages, you can find them here.

Kyoto Bus Tour: Arashiyama

Our first destination was Arashiyama, once a popular retreat for ancient aristocrats. The iconic Togetsukyo Bridge is a highlight, and a bustling shopping street stretches along the riverbanks. Be warned, the lines can get quite long here! And if you're hoping for a coffee from the famous % Arabica, expect a significant wait.

Another must-see is the enchanting Chikurin Bamboo Grove. While it might not be a grand, sprawling spectacle, it's definitely worth a visit for its unique atmosphere and towering stalks of bamboo.

If you move with a bit of purpose, you can comfortably explore everything in Arashiyama within the allotted time.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

This is another indispensable stop on any Kyoto tour. Honestly, for me personally, Kinkakuji is a 'one-and-done' kind of place. While it's called the Golden Pavilion, it doesn't quite sparkle as much as you might imagine, and there isn't much else to see beyond the main structure, so it didn't leave a huge impression.

Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple)

Meaning 'Pure Water Temple,' Kiyomizu-dera was the third stop on our Kyoto bus tour. It's renowned as one of Japan's most famous temples.

The temple itself is magnificent, but climbing up to its famous wooden stage offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city – a truly spectacular sight.

Just like Arashiyama, the path leading down from Kiyomizu-dera is lined with various shops where you can grab snacks or pick up souvenirs. (Expect crowds here too!) I personally enjoyed some local cucumber and mochi treats.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

The final stop on our Kyoto day trip tour was Fushimi Inari Shrine, famously known as the 'Fox Shrine.'

You'll find fox statues everywhere, believed to be messengers of Inari, the Shinto god of rice.

And then there are the seemingly endless rows of vibrant vermilion torii gates, creating a truly iconic pathway.

The names of donors, often individuals or companies, are inscribed on the back of each gate.

The full path is quite extensive, so if you're on an Osaka Kyoto bus tour, you'll likely only have time to explore a portion of it.

After all these incredible sights, your Osaka travel itinerary covering Kyoto in a single day comes to a fulfilling close. It's incredibly rewarding, though you'll definitely feel pleasantly tired by the end!

While exploring these sites independently is wonderful, if you're looking to visit them all within a limited timeframe, this Osaka bus tour is an excellent choice.

If you're planning an Osaka Kyoto bus tour, make sure to check out any ongoing promotions to save some money!