Kyoto and Nara Deer Sightseeing Day Trip From Osaka

The Kyoto and Nara Deer Sightseeing Day Trip from Osaka promises a cultural adventure packed with iconic landmarks and encounters with friendly deer. Priced at $65.84 per person, the tour departs Nipponbashi and includes transportation, guide services, and access to must-see sites like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Todaiji Temple. While feedback is mixed, the opportunity to explore these two historic destinations in a single day trip makes it an enticing option for visitors to the Kansai region. The decision to join this tour, however, may depend on prioritizing sights over potential organizational challenges.

Good To Know

• The tour takes visitors on a day trip from Osaka to explore the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara, including sights like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Todaiji Temple.
• The tour is priced at $65.84 per person and can accommodate up to 26 participants, with free admission for children under 3.
• The tour includes transportation, driver and guide services, and admission tickets to the temples, providing a hassle-free sightseeing experience.
• While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is suitable for most travelers, with a meeting point near public transportation.
• Negative reviews suggest potential organizational and service issues, cautioning prospective travelers about the overall quality of the tour experience.

Tour Overview

This Kyoto and Nara Deer Sightseeing Day Trip from Osaka offers a convenient way for travelers to explore the historic and natural wonders of these two renowned Japanese destinations.

Priced from $65.84 per person, the tour accommodates up to 26 participants and departs at 8:30 am from Nipponbashi, Osaka.

Included are driver and guide services, transportation, entrance tickets to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Todaiji Temple, and free admission for children under 3.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but most travelers can participate.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

Inclusions

The Kyoto and Nara Deer Sightseeing Day Trip from Osaka includes a driver and guide service fee, toll and parking fees, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour also provides English and Mandarin-speaking guides to ensure a seamless experience. Admission tickets to two popular attractions, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Todaiji Temple, are included in the price.

The tour is free for children under 3 years old, who must sit on laps during the journey. The inclusions cover the key elements needed for a hassle-free day trip to explore the natural and cultural wonders of Kyoto and Nara.

Accessibility and Participation

Is the Kyoto and Nara Deer Sightseeing Day Trip from Osaka wheelchair accessible? No, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

However, most travelers can participate in the experience. There are a few key details about accessibility and participation:

1. The tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchairs.
2. Infants must sit on laps during the trip.
3. No heart problems or serious medical conditions are required to join.
4. The meeting point is located near public transportation, making it accessible for many travelers.

Cancellation and Payment

Travelers have the flexibility to freely cancel their Kyoto and Nara Deer Sightseeing Day Trip from Osaka up to 24 hours before the experience starts, with no charges applied.

This provides peace of mind for any last-minute changes in plans. Plus, a "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option is available, allowing travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment.

This convenient booking process ensures a seamless experience from start to finish. Whether travelers need to adjust their plans or prefer to pay closer to the departure date, the cancellation and payment policies cater to their needs.

Exploring Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

One of the highlights of the Kyoto and Nara Deer Sightseeing Day Trip is a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This historic Buddhist temple is renowned for its large veranda that offers stunning views of the city.

During the tour, visitors can:

1. Admire the temple’s impressive wooden structure and architectural design.
2. Explore the various shrines and halls, including the Main Hall, which houses a famous statue of the Eleven-Faced Kannon.
3. Witness the famous "Jishu Shrine", which is believed to help visitors find love and relationships.
4. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and soak in the rich cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Discovering Nara: Todaiji Temple and Deer Park

After exploring the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, the tour continues its journey to the ancient city of Nara. Travelers will visit the grand Todaiji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Nearby, they’ll encounter the tame deer of Nara Deer Park, known for their friendly disposition and willingness to interact with visitors. These gentle creatures are considered the messengers of the gods and roam freely throughout the park.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The tour departs from Nipponbashi in Naniwa Ward, Osaka at 8:30 am.

Travelers will be picked up by an air-conditioned vehicle and driven to the day’s destinations. The meeting point is easily accessible, being located near public transportation.

The journey includes:

1. Driving through the scenic countryside between Osaka and Kyoto.
2. Visiting the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto.
3. Traveling to Nara to explore the renowned Todaiji Temple and Deer Park.
4. Returning to the original meeting point in Osaka at the end of the day.

Traveler Ratings and Feedback

Travelers have provided rather limited feedback on this day trip, with only a single review available across Viator and Tripadvisor. This lone review paints a disappointing picture, awarding the tour a 1-star rating. The reviewer cited a lack of organization, long wait times, and a poor guide as their main grievances.

The overwhelming negative sentiment suggests this day trip may not live up to expectations. Prospective travelers should carefully weigh the few available comments before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Photos at the Temples and Deer Park?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos at the temples and deer park during the tour. However, specific rules may apply, such as no flash photography or restricted areas, so it’s best to follow the guide’s instructions.

Is There a Dress Code or Specific Attire Required?

There’s no specific dress code for this tour, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire. Shorts, t-shirts, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.

Are There Any Food or Beverage Options Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any food or beverage options. Travelers will need to bring their own snacks and drinks. There are no designated meal breaks, so it’s recommended to pack a light lunch or snacks to enjoy during the tour.

Can We Extend Our Stay in Kyoto or Nara After the Tour?

The tour does not include an option to extend your stay in Kyoto or Nara after the day trip. However, you could choose to remain in either city on your own to explore further after the tour concludes.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Rates for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t seem to offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, you may be able to find separate reduced admission fees for the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Todaiji Temple when visiting on your own after the tour.

The Sum Up

The Kyoto and Nara Deer Sightseeing Day Trip from Osaka offers an opportunity to explore iconic landmarks, but travelers should be cautious due to limited positive feedback about organization and wait times. While the tour includes transportation and guide services, the overall experience may not align with expectations based on previous participants’ concerns. Prospective travelers should thoroughly research the tour before booking to ensure it meets their needs and preferences.