Kyoto & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion）is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dazzling golden exterior and serene gardens. The name Golden Pavilion is derived from the gold leaf that the pavilion is covered in. The gold employed was intended to mitigate and purify any pollution or negative thoughts and feelings toward death. The Golden Pavilion is a three-story building on the grounds of the Rokuon-ji temple complex. Each floor has a different architectural style. The pavilion successfully incorporates three distinct styles of architecture, which are shinden, samurai, and zen.

   40 minutes here · Admission not included

2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

   Kiyomizudera is one of Japan's most celebrated temples, recognized as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, located in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, from which it derives its name. The temple is particularly famous for its wooden stage that extends from the main hall, standing 13 meters above the hillside.This stage offers stunning views of the numerous cherry and maple trees below, which explode in vibrant colors during the spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, along with the stage, was constructed without the use of nails and houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon.

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

3. Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

   Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka have thrived since ancient times, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Kyoto. These sloping streets are lined with historic Japanese-style buildings that are characteristic of the city. Along the way, you'll find a variety of shops, including souvenir stores, shops selling various Japanese products, sweet shops, and restaurants.

   60 minutes here

4. Yasaka Koshin-Do

   Yasaka Koshindo, officially known as Daikokusan Kongoji Temple Koshindo, is a fascinating place to stop by on your way to Ichinenzaka. The temple is adorned with colorful and eye-catching“monkeys”, the monkey is considered a godly messenger, and there are three kinds of monkeys – “see no evil, say no evil, hear no evil” – seen everywhere, including the main hall. Visitors can write their wishes, along with the date and their name on a "monkey" painted in their favorite color.

   30 minutes here

5. Uji River

   The Uji River is the only river that originates from Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. It has served as an important waterway connecting Shiga and Osaka since ancient times. The river flows through Uji, dividing the city into two parts and serving as a central focal point, with most shops and restaurants located along its banks. Uji Bridge, the main passage over the river, is considered one of the three oldest bridges in the country.

   30 minutes here

6. Byodo-in Temple is one of Japan's best-preserved national treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most iconic structure within the temple is the Phoenix Hall, which features wing-like corridors on either side of the central hall, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings, selected for the design as the obverse of the 10 yen coin.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

7. Byodoin Omotesando

   Uji is renowned for its green tea production, and this charming street is lined with shops selling a variety of tea and tea-related products. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Uji, as it showcases Japan’s rich tea heritage and provides a glimpse into its fascinating history. As you stroll down the cobblestone path, the air is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly roasted tea leaves. Here you can try tea-flavored “dango” dumplings, noodles, ice creams, and donuts. Take your time to wander through the souvenir shops and eateries. At the end of the street, you will find a Starbucks that serves its popular Matcha Frappé.

   30 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• From Osaka

  Duration: 9 hours Bus Starting point: Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station, 1-chōme-18-14 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan

• From Kyoto

  Duration: 9 hours Bus Starting point: Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance Square Sunken Garden, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8003, Japan

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

cmn, en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

F Trip

Know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please indicate when booking if you're traveling with stroller or large luggage.
• Please inform us at least one day in advance if you have placed an order separately from your relatives or friends. This will help avoid the situation where you and your companions are assigned to different vehicles.
• Not recommended for travelers who use wheelchairs

Photos

Traveler reviews

41 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto & Uji: Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.