About this experience
Visit world heritage sites and other popular areas in Kyoto and Nara.
Why you'll love it
What's included
What's included
Not included
What to expect
Meet at Hotel Granvia Osaka
7:15 AMMake your own way to the meeting point on the 1F of Hotel Granvia Osaka, in front of the elevator, ready for a 7:15 AM departure.
Travel to Kyoto by JR Train
Board the JR train to Kyoto Station, then meet your guide at the JTB Sunrise Tours desk inside Avanti, across from the Hachijo exit.
Nijo Castle
Explore this 17th-century shogun's castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its 'nightingale floors' and ornate painted interiors.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Visit the iconic Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose upper floors are covered in gold leaf and perfectly mirrored in the garden pond below.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Walk the grounds of the former imperial residence, set within a spacious park at the heart of Kyoto.
Travel to Nara
Head south to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital and home to some of the country's oldest Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Wander the lantern-lined pathways of this ancient Shinto shrine, set deep within a primeval forest in Nara Park.
Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha
Step inside the vast wooden hall of Todai-ji to stand before one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues, cast in the 8th century.
Depart Nara for Osaka
From 5:30 PMTravel from Nara Nagomikan to Kintetsu Nara Station, then on to Osaka Namba Station, arriving at approximately 6:10 PM.
Meeting point
Hotel Granvia Osaka, 1F, in front of the elevator, Osaka, Japan
- 1Arrive independently at Hotel Granvia Osaka by 7:15 AM. After travelling to Kyoto by JR train, proceed to the JTB Sunrise Tours desk inside Avanti shopping centre, located across from Kyoto Station's Hachijo exit, where the guided tour formally begins.
Know before you go
Good to know
JTB Sunrise Tours
JTB Sunrise Tours is one of Japan's most established guided tour operators, known for well-structured itineraries and English-language services across the country's major cultural destinations.
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Frequently asked questions
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts at Hotel Granvia Osaka (1F, in front of the elevator) at 7:15 AM. It ends at Osaka Namba Station at approximately 6:10 PM.
What happens if Nijo Castle is closed?
Nijo Castle closes every Tuesday in January, July, August and December. On those days, Ryoan-ji Temple is visited instead — so the itinerary remains full.
What if the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed?
On public holidays, the Palace is closed and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is visited in its place — particularly rewarding during plum blossom season or autumn.
Can I bring my young child?
Children under 6 travel free of charge, though no seat will be reserved for them. Each paying adult may bring one free-admission child under this policy.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Women should cover their shoulders, knees and ankles. Men should not wear shorts. This applies across multiple sites on the itinerary, so please dress accordingly.
How long is the full day?
The day runs from the 7:15 AM meeting time to approximately 6:10 PM at Osaka Namba Station — roughly 11 hours in total including travel time.