Osaka Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- Private vehicle
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'Itinerary' list
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
What's not
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under Itinerary
Itinerary
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
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.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Your guide will be waiting at the ticket gate holding a name board.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Japan Guide Agency
- 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
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Osaka
- Its from-price is 267% above the median of the 345 day trips we list in Osaka.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Osaka
Osaka is known as Japan's kitchen, a big-hearted port city of neon canals, street food and a grand castle, with Kyoto, Nara and Kobe close by.
Dotonbori, the canal-side entertainment strip, is the city's beating heart, its giant mechanical crab and glowing billboards reflected in the water. Nearby, the covered arcades of Shinsaibashi and the kitchenware street of Doguyasuji draw shoppers, and Kuromon Market tempts with seafood, wagyu skewers and fruit.
Top-ranked sights in Osaka: Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo), Nara Park (Nara Koen).
Special offers in Osaka
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
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