6 Best Byodo-in Temple Day Trips from Kyoto

Most day trips reach Byodo-in as part of a bigger loop with Nara, Fushimi Inari or Kinkaku-ji, so time at the temple is tight. If your guide allows it, pay the extra few hundred yen for the timed visit inside the Phoenix Hall; it’s the only way to see the Buddha up close.

1.Kyoto & Nara & Uji Day Tour: Nara Park Cute Deer & Fushimi Inari Taisha Thousand Torii Gates & World Cultural Heritage Todai-ji & Byodo-in & Uji Matcha Food Street & Uji River & Uji Park & Asagiri Bridge Day Tour

See Nara’s deer, Todaiji, Uji’s matcha quarter and Fushimi Inari in one day, with transfers and an English or Chinese-speaking guide.

Most Popular★ 4.8

“It was very exciting and really nice to see so much in just one day. The bus was clean well maintained and most of all our tour guide Rox was really friendly helpful and very fun to guide and explorec with. Truly great value and…”

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3.Kyoto & Uji World Heritage One-Day Tour: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Byodo-in Temple & Uji Matcha Food Street (Departing from Osaka or Kyoto)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera and Uji in one day, with round-trip transport, a bilingual guide and free time for temples and matcha.

★ 4.9

“It was a great experience. Our tour guide, Mr. Chen, was very enthusiastic, excellent at switching between Chinese and English, and provided clear explanations. The driver and vehicle condition were also excellent. Highly recommended.”

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4.One-Day Tour of Three Ancient Capitals in Kansai, Japan: World Heritage Sites Todai-ji Temple & Byodo-in Temple & Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Thousand Torii Gates & Adorable Deer in Nara Park & Uji Matcha Gourmet Street (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)

Visit Nara, Uji and Fushimi Inari in one day, with deer, the Great Buddha, matcha stops and transport from Osaka or Kyoto.

★ 4.8

“Tina was a great host as she and our driver were generous with time during the tour. My rating for itinerary doesn't reflect their ability but would have preferred to have closer parking meetups rather than spending the time walking to and from the sights…”

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5.Osaka: Kyoto & Uji Tour, Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera, Byodo-in

Explore Kyoto and Uji in a comprehensive day tour featuring iconic temples, scenic river walks, and authentic matcha experiences—perfect for culture lovers.

★ 5.0

“A day in Kyoto and Uji was enjoyable and relaxing. Our tour guide gave us the awesome insights about local culture, life and history. It was a wonderful experience!”

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6.Uji Walking Tour – Byodo-In Temple and Tea Ceremony From Kyoto

Fascinate yourself with the mysteries of Uji's ancient streets and discover the captivating secrets waiting to be unveiled on this immersive cultural journey.

★ 3.5

“Historic architecture is well worth seeing especially in Uji apart from a good green afternoon tea . Highly recommended this landmark for Kyoto tour.”

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