
Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour worth booking?
Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour is a 9.3-hour experience in Osaka, Japan, from $54 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (35)
- Duration
- 9.3 hours
- From
- $54 per person
Daily departures with a minimum of one traveler. Your tour is guaranteed to depart on the day of your choice. Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple and step back in time while strolling through historic streets, then encounter geisha in Gion. Experience the Senbon Torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine and enjoy interacting with the friendly deer in Nara Park—a perfect way to see Kyoto and Nara in one day. Travel with a local professional driver offering reliable and attentive service, sharing insights into Japanese customs and culture. Optional kimono experience available—reserve in advance to complete your cultural journey.
What you get
About this experience
Daily departures with a minimum of one traveler. Your tour is guaranteed to depart on the day of your choice. Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple and step back in time while strolling through historic streets, then encounter geisha in Gion. Experience the Senbon Torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine and enjoy interacting with the friendly deer in Nara Park—a perfect way to see Kyoto and Nara in one day. Travel with a local professional driver offering reliable and attentive service, sharing insights into Japanese customs and culture. Optional kimono experience available—reserve in advance to complete your cultural journey.
What's included
Included
- Vehicle fuel costs and highway tolls.
- Small-group tour only provides a driver-guide.
- Bus tour: Tour guide
- Vehicle service charges listed in the itinerary.
- Driver and guide service fee
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Accommodation costs, meals, local self-paying projects
- Other personal consumption expenses
What you'll see and do
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple (about 2.5 hours, including lunchtime) Route 1: Kiyomizu-dera Temple( fee excluded)- Nineizaka & Sanneizaka - Ishibei-koji Alley -Hanamikoji Street- Yasaka Shrine. Tourists have the freedom to choose scenic spots based on their preferences and physical abilities. Route 2: Kimono experience. Tourists who are interested can change into kimonos and take a stroll through the ancient streets, and visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. (You can visit any kimono shops, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. It is recommended that you borrow from Kiyomizu-dera Temple and return to Fushimi Inari Shrinefor a discounted price.)
150 minutes here · Admission not included
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine (about 70 minutes, free time) Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its " Senbon Torii ". It attracts countless tourists from Japan and abroad every year and ranked Top 1 in the survey of the world's largest travel website for three consecutive years as "the most popular tourist attraction for foreigners in Japan". Let's pray for our dear family and ourselves here. In addition, the Ema of Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is also unique with the shape of a white fox which can be doodled into various god expressions.
70 minutes here · Admission included
Nara Park
Nara Park (about 1.5 hours of free time) Nara Park is an urban park located at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa in Nara City where famous places of interest such as Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are located here. It is a must-see when visiting Nara. Wakakusa which is located near the park is a wonderful place to overlook the scenery of Nara, and traditional events such as "Wakakusa Burning Mount." are held here every January. A leisurely stroll is the best way to visit the park. There is a large herd of deer. Feeding the cute deer is also the biggest viewing point for tourists. The deer here are also very smart. If they see deer senbei in the hands of tourists, they will take the initiative to come, so be careful of the flocks of deer that may knock you down.
90 minutes here
Todai-ji Temple
Todaiji Temple(Price excluded) Also known as Suzumushi Temple was built in 752 by Emperor Shengmu to house the Great Buddha and serve as the main temple of Japanese temples. It is the home mountain of the Huayan Sect. The building was destroyed by two fires and was rebuilt in 1692 which is two-thirds the size of the original building. The main Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, with a front width of 57 meters and a depth of 50 meters, is the largest wooden building in the world. In the hall of the Great Buddha, there is a large Buddha statue that stands over 15 meters high. In the Todaiji Temple, there are also the South Gate, the Nigatsu-do, and the Hokke-do. (Admission fee for the main hall of Todaiji Temple: Adults, JP600, Children,JP300; Admission fee for the main hall+ Museum: Adults, JP1000, Children, JP400 )
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Shinsaibashi
Tourists can choose to spend about 1 hour in the Shinsaibashi area of Osaka. After the tour is over, tourists with the pick-up and drop-off combo at the meeting point can disband directly in the Shinsaibashi area to end the tour. Tourists with the Hotel B&B pick-up/drop-off/transfer combo please wait for the shuttle bus to arrive, and then return to the hotel/B&B to conclude the trip. Shinsaibashi Shopping Street: One of the most famous shopping streets in Osaka. There are large department stores, chain beauty drugstores, old brand stores and small shops selling all types of goods. Hello kitty and Disney boutiques are also located here. This is the gathering place of the beauty drugstores selling cosmetics and skin care products that girls like. Most stores have Chinese shopping guides and support UnionPay card payment, so you can easily enjoy shopping.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Osaka
09:50 AM Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit - Station Front Sightseeing Bus Parking Lot
Meeting point
Osaka
08:40 AM Osaka Nihonbashi Exit 2(Namba Shinsaibashi area)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour group ends in Osaka and does not return to Kyoto. Guests boarding from the Osaka and Kyoto meeting points will be dropped at the Osaka Nihonbashi Exit 2 (Shinsaibashi area in Namba).
Options you can book
Small Group [Hotel pick up]
Duration: 9 hours Car: 4-9 person per group.Please ask the customer service whether the hotel is within the pick-up range before ordering. Small Group: A driver-guide is provided for this small-group tour with limited sightseeing commentary.Minimum group size applies for depar
Kyoto Bus: 09:50. Ends Osaka
Duration: 9 hours Bus Starting point: Higashikujo Kamitonodacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8002, Japan
Bus Tour From Osaka: 08:40 AM
Duration: 10 hours Bus Starting point: 1-chōme-3-6 Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en, zh-CN
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Scenic Bend
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The night before the tour, you will receive a departure reminder email in your mailbox, which contains the vehicle registration number, the contact information of the guide and the pick up time. Guides do not initiate contact with guests.Please wait for the bus at the specified location according to the meeting time in the email.
- Kindly understand that the above itinerary schedule may be adjusted according to weather, road conditions and other reasons.
- One-day trip itinerary, it is not recommended to carry luggage, if you need to carry luggage, please register clearly when you book your order. 1 luggage is allowed per person. An extra 100 yuan per piece will be charged if you failed to make a note when booking your order or if it turns out more than 1 piece of luggage per guest.
- Foldable stroller can be carried, please be sure to inform customer service when placing an order, if not informed in advance, the driver has the right to refuse customer to board.
- During the trip, please carry your passport and valuables with you and keep them safe. If there is any loss, theft, damage, etc., you will be responsible for it yourself.
- Please note that if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal problems, lateness, etc., no fees will be refunded.
- If a person leaves the group on his own during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no fees will be refunded. And if this results in personal or property safety, you must bear the consequences yourself.
- Once confirmed, the date cannot be changed, late or no-show will be non-refundable.
- For small group tour,children will occupy a seat and will be charged the same price as adults. For bus tour, Children 0-2 years old are free of charge for carrying and not occupying a seat.
- Traffic jams may occur on weekends and red days, so if you are worried about traffic jams, you can avoid joining the tour on weekends or red days.
- The remaining hours are allotted for the travel time and lunch time.
- The tour group ends in Osaka and does not return to Kyoto.
- Small-group tour only provides a driver-guide.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
35 verified traveler reviews for Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Terrible Assistance & Tour Guide
Gave a 5 min grace period for being late. Arrived 10 mins after. Told guide that I would be 8-10 mins late prior to the arrival time. Took him 20 mins to respond to me. Provided instructions in Japanese to find the location to where to meet them. Refused to provide exact location of where to meet them. Nothing was in English despite being an English tour. Refused to refund me.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We truly appreciate your honest feedback, and we take your concerns very seriously. To participate in the tour, you need to be aware of specific tour information and arrive at the boarding place 10minutes prior, the tour information includes the bus license number and the tour guide's contact details. The tour information have been sent to you one day prior to the departure date. One day tour is a carpooling trip. If you don't wait, it will be deemed to be cancelled automatically and the cost will not be refunded. Please gather on time according to the boarding time. Once again, thank you for your review. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future. Best regards,
via Viator
This was an independent...
This was an independent tour activity with a driver and private transport visiting 3 places and exactly our style of tour. We zbsolutely enjoyed the day. Our driver was excellent and messaged us with clear instructions and important points of interest. He even went above and beyond when people were late or got lost.
via Viator
Great sample tour stopping at great locations
A lot of locations in a limited amount of time. Definitely make sure that you are rested and ready to hustle. It is definitely a sampler tour, but it is done right. We didn't have too much time in Kyoto so it was perfect for us to see many locations in one stop. My family and I had a great time. The bus was comfortable, and the stops were great. We found our way back from Osaka to Kyoto easily with public transportation.
via Viator
DO NOT book with this company
Do not book with this company!!! Customer service is horrible.. I attempted to book this trip in 3 months and the date reverted back to “tomorrow”. I booked and paid for it. I messaged viators customer service and the company’s customer service; Viator couldn’t get a hold of the company and the company told me directly, since the tour is booked for the next day, it’s no refunds. I asked them multiple times just to change the date, they refused and said i should just show up to the tour. I explained that I live in the states and won’t be there for a few months. They said the policy is not refunds or changes. Even though I literally booked the same day as I attempted to change the date… Also, the actual tour guide messaged me to confirm the details and stated “sorry my English is not that great”, this is supposed to be an English speaking tour! I lost $270 and no tour! I am scheduled with another company with much better reviews! Again, DO NOT BOOK WITH THEM!
Response from the operator: Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and please accept our most sincere apologies for the unacceptable experience you’ve described. To ensure fairness, please adhere to the cancellation policy on the page.While our policy does not allow refunds or date changes for next-day bookings, we take your feedback seriously — especially regarding customer service and guide English level. To future guests: we welcome you to review our policy carefully, and we are working to improve our service and clarity. Thank you for helping us get better. Thank you again for your honest feedback — it helps us become better. Best regards
via Viator
I really enjoyed the...
I really enjoyed the experience. Love to visit the places again next time I visit Japan. Overall it was amazing.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're so glad to hear that you really enjoyed the experience and that it left such a positive impression on you. It would be our great pleasure to welcome you again next time you visit Japan. To future guests: you are warmly invited to come and create your own amazing memories with us. Best regards
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $54 to $81
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Scenic Bend, who run 26 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.6.
See everything Scenic Bend runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Osaka.
How much does Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $54 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Osaka usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour take?
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Plan for about 9.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Osaka is not rushed.
Is Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 35 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Osaka, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour?
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Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Osaka can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Osaka and add a light layer if any part of the 9.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Osaka within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Osaka?
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On Outty we rank every Osaka experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour: Castle, Dotonbori, Gems & Lunch, Osaka Sumo Experience with Live Show and Audience Challenge, Chopstick Making Osaka: Customize Your Chopsticks. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Osaka?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Osaka?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour?
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Included: Vehicle fuel costs and highway tolls; Small-group tour only provides a driver-guide; Bus tour: Tour guide; Vehicle service charges listed in the itinerary; and Driver and guide service fee. Not included: Food and drinks; Accommodation costs, meals, local self-paying projects; and Other personal consumption expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour?
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09:50 AM Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit - Station Front Sightseeing Bus Parking Lot Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Japanese, English and Chinese. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Foldable stroller can be carried, please be sure to inform customer service when placing a. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Osaka. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour?
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Across 35 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Osaka & Kyoto & Nara Top Hightlights English Speaking Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Small Group [Hotel pick up], Kyoto Bus: 09:50. Ends Osaka, Bus Tour From Osaka: 08:40 AM. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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