Kyoto Day Trip Bus Tour: Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera from Kyoto

Highlights

  • Visit Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Sanjusangendo in one day
  • Enjoy a "Kyoto pork and tofu dish" in a historic townhouse
  • Experience 120 minutes of free exploration in scenic Arashiyama
  • English-speaking guide included for international guests

What to expect

Enjoy a luxurious day tour of Kyoto's World Heritage sites, including Kinkaku-ji, Sanjusangendo, and Kiyomizu-dera, with free time in Arashiyama. Relish a "Kyoto pork and tofu dish" lunch in a historic townhouse.

Packages (3)

Schedule

  1. Meet and check-in at Kyoto VIP Lounge
  2. Departure
    Check-in closes 10 minutes before departure.
  3. Kinkaku-ji
    Explore the iconic golden pavilion, a symbol of Kitayama culture, overlooking the Mirror Pond. The garden is a designated special historic site and scenic beauty.
  4. Arashiyama
    Stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, a 400-meter path offering seasonal beauty alongside the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.
  5. Lunch
    Enjoy Kyoto tofu dishes in a townhouse over 120 years old.
  6. Sanjusangendo
    Visit this National Treasure, known for its 120-meter wooden structure and 1001 statues of Kannon, offering a unique glimpse into history and Buddhist art.
  7. Kiyomizu-dera
    Discover this historic temple from the Nara period, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its "stage" and stunning seasonal views, especially cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
  8. Tour ends at Kyoto VIP Lounge

Location and Directions

  • Check-in / Check-out

    Kyoto VIP Lounge

    Terada Building 1F, 6 Nishikujō Toriiguchichō, Minami Ward, Kyoto, Japan, 〒601-8417

    Kyoto VIP Lounge — Terada Building 1F, 6 Nishikujō Toriiguchichō, Minami Ward, Kyoto, Japan, 〒601-8417

Reviews

4.50
2 reviews
51
41
30
20
10
I don't have enough time.
Posted Date: 2025/10/13
moto
I think three spots are the best. There isn't enough time to sit and relax. However, if you're looking for the highlights, I think it's a good tour.各箇所、3カ所がベストかと思われる。座ってゆっくりする時間がない。ただ、いいとこ取りなら、いいツアーだとおもう。
Machine translated from Japanese
The English tour was very enjoyable.
Posted Date: 2026/04/11
けいちゃん
I participated in a day trip tour of Kyoto's cultural heritage sites, including Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Sanjusangendo, and Kiyomizu-dera. I joined the English tour for my Canadian husband. It was a small group with two Japanese families, two Chinese families, and just us, which made for a cohesive experience.

The bus had comfortable seating, and even though it was a holiday and we expected it to be crowded, the driving was safe and there were no issues at all.

The tour guide started with a Chinese…
I participated in a day trip tour of Kyoto's cultural heritage sites, including Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Sanjusangendo, and Kiyomizu-dera. I joined the English tour for my Canadian husband. It was a small group with two Japanese families, two Chinese families, and just us, which made for a cohesive experience.

The bus had comfortable seating, and even though it was a holiday and we expected it to be crowded, the driving was safe and there were no issues at all.

The tour guide started with a Chinese explanation, then guided us in English, and finished with a Japanese explanation, which was excellent. They were friendly, approachable, and I was impressed. They made an effort to engage with everyone in turn, which created a very pleasant atmosphere.

The shabu-shabu lunch was a bit disappointing; it felt more like a meal for foreigners who have never tried Japanese food. Since all the bus tour guests started eating at the same time, we had to wait for small plates to arrive, and the rice came only after the pot was bubbling, which was a bit unfortunate. But I guess that's how it goes with tours.

However, since the tour guide was so good, overall, I think it was a great value for the price, allowing us to efficiently visit the temples.
京都の文化財巡り 金閣寺、嵐山、三十三間堂、清水寺 日帰りツアーに参加しました。カナダ人の夫の為に英語ツアーに参加。日本人家族が2組、中国人の家族2組、私達夫婦だけの小規模な人数だったのもまとまりがよく良かったかと思います。

バスもゆったりとした席で連休だった為に混雑は予想を超えるものであったにもかかわらず、運転も安心できるもので全く問題はありませんでした。

ツアーガイドさんは最初中国語でガイド始めたのち、英語で私達のガイド、日本語で最後説明と素晴らしい出来でした。感じよく、親しみやすく、感心しまし…
京都の文化財巡り 金閣寺、嵐山、三十三間堂、清水寺 日帰りツアーに参加しました。カナダ人の夫の為に英語ツアーに参加。日本人家族が2組、中国人の家族2組、私達夫婦だけの小規模な人数だったのもまとまりがよく良かったかと思います。

バスもゆったりとした席で連休だった為に混雑は予想を超えるものであったにもかかわらず、運転も安心できるもので全く問題はありませんでした。

ツアーガイドさんは最初中国語でガイド始めたのち、英語で私達のガイド、日本語で最後説明と素晴らしい出来でした。感じよく、親しみやすく、感心しました。順番に偏りが無いよう常に皆とお話ししていてとても感じがよかったです。

ランチのしゃぶしゃぶは、ちょっと期待外れでこれは日本食を食べたことのない外人の為のランチでした。他のバスツアーの客と一斉に食事が始まったため、大人数で小皿は来ないわ、ごはんは鍋がぐつぐつ煮えてから来るわ、ちょっと残念でしたが、ツアーならこんなもんなのか、という感じでした。

でもツアーガイドさんがとてもよかったので、総合的に見てこの値段で効率的にお寺を回れてとても良いと思います。


Machine translated from Japanese

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