Best of Kyoto Half Day Small Group Tour from Osaka
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6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Your Best of Kyoto Half-Day Small Group Tour takes you from Osaka to explore Kyoto’s top sites. Begin at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where stunning bamboo stalks create a striking backdrop for photos. Continue to the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple and admire its centuries-old architecture, Mirror Pond, and UNESCO charm. Finally, wander through the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine’s iconic red torii gates before being dropped off in central Kyoto.
If you’re looking for the best Kyoto tour from Osaka with a small group, this experience is calling your name! Avoid an overcrowded tour group and join an expert guide to discover Kyoto’s top destinations. Travel comfortably with pick-up from Osaka and enjoy a convenient drop-off in Kyoto.
Available options
Best of Kyoto Half Day Small Group Tour from Osaka
What's included
Hand-picked expert tour guide
All Transportation
Detailed itinerary
1
07:00 - Depart from Osaka
2
Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
3
Explore the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple)
4
Head to Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk through the many red torii gates. The tour ends in Kyoto
What's not included
Meals & drinks
Entrance fees
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour begins in Osaka, and ends only in Kyoto
While we aim to visit all scheduled locations, some sites are subject to availability due to weather or other factors. In such cases, we will visit alternative sites or adjust the order of the itinerary
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of the Tully's Coffee, Kintetsu Namba Building, Osaka
About Namba
Namba is the vibrant, bustling heart of Osaka, renowned for its lively streets, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern entertainment, offering a unique experience to every traveler.
Top Attractions
Dotonbori
A bustling street known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and iconic Glico Running Man sign.
Entertainment
2-3 hours
Free to explore (food and shopping costs extra)
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
A long shopping street filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great place for shopping and people-watching.
Shopping
2-4 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Hozenji Yokocho
A narrow, atmospheric alleyway with a moss-covered Buddha statue and traditional wooden buildings. It offers a glimpse into old Osaka.
Historical
30-60 minutes
Free to explore (food and drinks cost extra)
Amerikamura (Amemura)
A trendy district known for its youth culture, street fashion, and vintage shops. It's a great place to experience Osaka's modern subcultures.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Namba Parks
A modern shopping mall with a rooftop garden and a variety of shops and restaurants. It's a great place for shopping and relaxation.
Shopping
1-3 hours
Free to explore (shopping and dining costs extra)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Takoyaki
Octopus-filled dough balls, cooked in a special mold and topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Snack
Contains seafood, gluten, and soy
Okonomiyaki
Savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and various toppings like pork, shrimp, and cheese.
Main Dish
Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request
Kushikatsu
Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
Snack
Contains meat and seafood, gluten, and soy
Ramen
Noodle soup with various broths (tonkotsu, shoyu, miso) and toppings like chashu pork, egg, and bamboo shoots.
Main Dish
Contains gluten, soy, and sometimes seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby mountains
Biking along the river
Kayaking or paddleboarding
Visiting onsen (hot springs)
Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting temples and shrines
Attending a traditional festival
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
These seasons offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city. Cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn add to the charm.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Osaka is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis and check the meter
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Namba
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 20 km from Namba
By train
Namba Station, Osaka Namba Station
By bus
Namba Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Osaka Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects to major attractions and neighborhoods in Namba and beyond.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dotonbori
Shinsaibashi
Nipponbashi
Amerikamura (Amemura)
Hozenji Yokocho
Day trips
Osaka Castle
3 km from Namba • Half day
A stunning castle with a rich history, offering beautiful views of the city and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
Universal Studios Japan
15 km from Namba • Full day
A popular theme park featuring a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Kobe
30 km from Namba • Full day
A nearby port city known for its beef, scenic views, and historical sites. It's a great place for a day trip to explore a different side of Japan.
Festivals
Osaka Asian Film Festival • March
Sumiyoshi Matsuri • July 30-31
Tenjin Matsuri • July 24-25
Pro tips
- Use an IC card (like ICOCA or Suica) for convenient payments on public transportation and at some shops and vending machines
- Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki from street vendors for an authentic Osaka experience
- Visit Dotonbori at night to see the neon lights and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere
- Explore Hozenji Yokocho for a glimpse into old Osaka and traditional izakayas
- Use Google Maps or Japan Travel app for navigation and real-time updates on train schedules and delays
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
