Kyoto and Nara Day Tour including Golden Pavilion and Todaiji Temple from Osaka

Duration: 10 hours
Location: Osaka, Japan

Enjoy seeing the main sights of both Kyoto and Nara in one day. This day tour takes you to Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kyoto Handicraft Center in Kyoto, then the Todaiji Temple, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine in Nara.

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face. Enjoy this morning tour to see some of the main highlights of this wonderful city, steeped in culture.

Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. Nara is located in the Kinai plain, less than one hour from Kyoto. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples.

Note important itinerary changes for departures on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays - Instead of Nijo Castle, the tour will visit Ryoanji Temple. Instead of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the tour will visit Nishi Honganji.

Nijo Castle The Kyoto Residence of the Tokugawa Shogun built in 1603, Nijo Castle is noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors. On Tuesday's in January, July, August and December when Nijo Castle is closed, the tour will visit Ryoanji Temple instead.

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) Kyoto's most popular temple is the home of perhaps the world's most authentic and exquisite Japanese Garden, as well as the celebrated Golden Pavilion.

Kyoto Imperial Palace  The ancient Imperial Palace clearly shows the Japanese taste for purity, simplicity and calmness. On Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed, tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu instead. This shrine is known as the god of study.

Todaiji Temple Todaiji Temple, constructed in the 8th century, is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. In it's huge precincts are various national treasures of Japan. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is one of the world's largest wooden buildings.

Deer Park Over 1,000 tame deer roam freely in the verdant 1,250 acres peaceful park. If you wish to feed the deer, they will gladly eat from your hand.

Kasuga Shrine The most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara, it features some 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns.