City break - Kyoto tour

Kyoto, the former imperial capital, is Japan's must-see city.

With 17 UNESCO heritage sites, 2,000 temples and shrines, and plenty of gardens, this city never ceases to fascinate those who explore it. Visiting Kyoto is an opportunity to discover the soul of Japan in every way!

This one-week city break tour includes a transport pass and a guided tour.


1 week itinerary in Kyoto and its surroundings (8 days)

  • Departure city/Airport: Osaka (Kansai International Airport: KIX)
  • Kyoto (7 nights, including 1 day trip to Nara)
  • Return city/Airport: Osaka (Kansai International Airport: KIX)

Please find the itinerary details below.

Tour length : 7 nights / 8 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)

PLEASE NOTE: The departure and end dates shown on this page only apply to your stay in Japan. You must therefore leave Europe the day before the first day of your tour. The date of your return flight and that of your return to Europe would be identical due to the time difference.

Example : 

  • Departure from Europe: January 1st
  • Arrival in Tokyo (= the date to be selected in the calendar when booking): January 2nd
  • Return flight from KIX airport / Return to Europe: January 9th

Please note that flights are not included in the price of your tour.

This tour information was last updated on May 14, 2024.


Why choose this trip to Japan?

  1. Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Kyoto by shuttle bus
  2. Settle in the heart of Kyoto in your 3* hotel, chosen for its comfort and location
  3. Take advantage of 5 days of transport to visit Kyoto and surrounding region
  4. At nightfall, a guided tour of the traditional geisha quarter awaits
  5. Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
  6. If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team, available daily
  7. A number of guided days or other optional activities are available (tea ceremony, etc.)
  8. Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, Europe's leading travel agency in Japan.

Your trip to Kyoto and Kansai in detail

  • Day 1 : Wake up in Kyoto 京都

    Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX).
    Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!

    Welcome after exiting customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
    Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Kyoto:

    The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

    If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the arrival of your flight, feel free to select the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option when booking.

    Check into the RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS or equivalent (rooms available from 3pm).

  • Day 2 : First steps in the old capital

    You have 4 days to visit Kyoto.
    Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation:
    - Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple 
    - The historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka 
    - Kodai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo

    Finish your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset.
    Meet your guide at 7pm to start your evening walk around Gion, Kyoto's historic district.
    More details on the exact day and meeting point will be found in your travel guide.

    At the end of this 1.5 hr walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat dinner!
    Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion.

  • Day 3 : Gold and Silver Treasures

    For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:
    - The Zen garden of Ryoan-ji 
    - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion
    - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
    - The enchanting Philosopher's Path 
    - Nanzen-ji temple

    Then, step into a serene tea room and be graciously welcomed by a tea master for a traditional tea ceremony. Witness the meticulous preparation and presentation of matcha, a vibrant green tea, served in exquisite handcrafted pottery. Savor the delicate flavors of wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, alongside the frothy tea. This enchanting experience promises a glimpse into the heart of Japanese culture.

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).

  • Day 4 : Between tradition and modernity...

    Continue your visit to Kyoto by heading west:
    - Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market 
    - Nijo Castle, former residence of the shogun 
    - Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and monkey mountain

    Don't hesitate to book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to experience a Kyoto more off the beaten path!

  • Day 5 : Now for some activity...

    This is your last full day to visit Kyoto, so why not make the most of our many optional activities :
    - Want to enjoy nature? Discover our cycling activities along the Kamo-gawa river or hiking in the Takao gorges
    - If you're more into the Japanese arts, you'll love our tea ceremony, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens
    - If you're in the mood for the Japanese countryside, let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara or try our popular activity: On the Tea Road

    If you prefer to go at your own pace, continue exploring Kyoto's 2000 unique temples, shrines and gardens!

  • Day 6 : Between temples and deer

    For your first day out of Kyoto, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, which is included in your package.

    Visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century.
    Discover:
    - Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine, and its thousands of lanterns 
    - Todai-ji, with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate 
    - Kofuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda

    Return to Kyoto and stop to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii.

    If you'd like to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides can reveal the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).

  • Day 7 : On the trail of the Samurai

    For your final day before departure, we recommend a captivating journey that combines historical wonder and vibrant nightlife.

    Immerse yourself in history with a visit to Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revered as Japan's most perfectly preserved castle, its elegant white facade earns it the nickname "White Heron Castle". This journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes by train from Kyoto (including two transfers, all covered in your package).

    After your historical exploration, take a train and metro ride (included) to Osaka's energetic Dotonbori district. Indulge in a delicious dinner and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant nightlife before returning to Kyoto. Trains depart frequently (every 10 minutes) until 11:30 pm, ensuring a comfortable return journey (approximately 50 minutes).

    Let our English-speaking guides craft the perfect itinerary, whether it's a full-day adventure, a half-day exploration, or a delectable evening focused on Osaka's culinary delights.

    If you have more time and are interested in exploring further, consider these additional destinations:

    - Embrace tranquility in Uji, the city of tea, and visit the stunning Byodo-in Temple, also known as the "Phoenix Hall" (approximately 30 minutes by train) 
    - Explore Hikone Castle, a magnificent example of Japanese castle architecture. Don't miss the captivating beauty of the surrounding gardens (approximately 30 minutes by train) 
    - Step into a picture-perfect scene in Miyama, a village renowned for its traditional thatched-roof houses (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus) 
    - For a refreshing break, head to Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. Enjoy the scenic beaches during the summer months (approximately 20 minutes by train).

  • Day 8 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

    Take a direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).

    Return flight to your home country.

    Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... Please get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!

     

     

    Included in your self-guided tour

  • Accommodation

    - 7 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of the city, close to public transport

    The basic rate is based on a twin room for two people.

  • Transport

    - Return airport transfers <> Osaka (KIX)

    - Prepaid public transport card

    - Kansai Area Pass 3 days 

  • Experiences

    - Airport welcome

    - Night guided tour of Gion, Kyoto

    - Tea ceremony in Kyoto

  • Additional services

    - Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi

    - Complete digital travel guide sent before your departure

    - Telephone assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese bilingual. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. This phone number is valid for telephone calls and also for WhatsApp.

  • Not included in the price of your trip

    - Flights between your country and Japan

    - Optional insurance

    - Personal expenses, including meals (breakfasts can sometimes be added as an option at your hotel reception, see details). For other meals, you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack.

    - Public transport once your transport cards have run out (see details below)

    - Anything not mentioned in the section "Included in your tour".

More about your trip

Your tour :

  • The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese yen.
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
  • Children and babies accepted. From 3 to 11 years old a child rate is offered. In each accommodation, a standard adult bed will be offered to them, and a standard seat will be allocated to them in transport. From 0 to 2 years old inclusive, a "baby" rate is offered. This price corresponds to the allocation of a cot in the majority of the accommodation of the chosen tour. However, we cannot guarantee a baby cot in every accommodation.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • This itinereay is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions, or other cases of force majeure. Please note that any information mentioned may be subject to change or modification.
  • Your travel documents will be given to you as follows:
    • Travel diary by email 3 weeks before departure
    • Paper documents (airport transfer ticket, transportation card, Kansai Area Pass voucher) and Pocket WiFi upon arrival at the airport by our airport assistant.
  • There are no ticket for the airport transfers to and from the airport. The reservation will be in the name you provided when booking the tour with us.

Your accommodation :

  • Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is 200¥/night/person (about £1.40/$1.90) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodations, it is included in the initial tour price.
  • Room size: in Japan, a densely populated country where everything is compact, 3-star hotels are of very good quality but the rooms are often quite small (12 to 20m2/129 sq ft to 215 sq ft) depending on the hotel. Please note the size of a single room, between 10 and 16m2 (107sq ft and 172 fq ft). For more comfort, you can select our luxury 4* accommodation upgrade option. 
  • Double room: Rooms for two people in western hotels have 2 single beds (twin rooms) by default, which can usually be joined together. As an option, you can select a double room instead of a twin if you prefer a double bed.
  • Single room: People travelling alone and wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants.
  • 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, a triple room will be allocated to you.
  • In the case of a group order (> 5 people), it is possible, depending on hotel availability, that not all members of the group will be accommodated in the same hotel. However we will aim to keep you as close as possible
  • Names of the hotels: The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, ahotel of equivalent standard will be provided. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be substituted for hotels of a similar category.

Your transport :

  • Flights are not included in this tour. Please contact us if you would like to include flights in your booking: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
  • The departure and end dates shown on this page are for your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Kansai International Airport KIX (not Itami ITM) and will also depart from KIX. You will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 6:00pm at the latest to make the most of the airport services of your tour (welcome and transfer to Kyoto). The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference, with a departure time of 9am at the earliest. Please consult us if you have any uncertainty or need for advice in your choice of international flights.
  • If the flights have been purchased by you, independent of Japan Experience, you must provide us your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) at least one month before the tour to allow us to organize your welcome and airport transfer.
  • Airport transfers: The shared shuttle bus leaves from the airport and stops in front of your hotel, and vice versa on the return journey. Our airport assistant in Kansai Airport will show you to the platform to take the airport transfer. After this point the hotel transfer is unassisted. If you would like to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer" when booking.
  • Included in your tour is a pre-paid transport card with 1500¥ loaded in advance (about £7.50 / $10) (Suica or Pasmo card) and a 3-day Kansai Area Pass. These two cards should cover the vast majority of your journeys in this tour of Kyoto and its region, Kansai. Please note that apart from the prepaid transport card, where the journey is charged to you, the other 2 cards are not usable on the JR network but rather on the private network (about 2/3 of the total network in Kansai). The 3-day Kansai Area Pass is valid for 3 consecutive or non-consecutive days. When the pass expires and the ¥1,500 prepaid transport card runs out, you will have to pay for all your journeys by reloading the prepaid transport card (at ticket machines at all stations and metro stations; cash only). A metro ticket in Kyoto costs around  £1.70 / $2.40, depending on the length of the journey).

Your trips :

  • The airport reception is in English. Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit holding a sign with the name you provided when booking. They will give you your travel documents, and take you to your airport transfer point. They will not accompany you to Kyoto (this is possible, but an optional extra).
  • The guided tour of Gion lasts around 2 hours and starts at 7pm. Please note that the tour will be conducted in English if your group is made up of travellers of different nationalities. More details on the meeting point will be in your travel pack. Dinner is not included, but your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat.
  • For the tea ceremony, you will be welcomed into a Japanese tea room, and served by elegant Japanese ladies who have made the tea ceremony their way of life. You will taste traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) and tea will be served in specially made pots. The exact location and time of your tea ceremony will be communicated to you at a later time. Please make sure to check your emails.

Your meals :

  • No meals are included in the package. Breakfasts can be added at the hotel reception when you check-in (to be paid on the spot). However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving good breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are predominantly savoury. If you would like to add breakfasts to your tour when making your booking, you can select it as an optional extra.

Your additional services:

  • A pocket wifi is included in your tour. It provides unlimited high-speed internet access. Your Pocket WiFi will be given to you at the airport of arrival.
  • It comes with a small booklet to operate your device (don't panic, it's simple!) and a prepaid envelope to return your device at the end of your stay. Your pocket wifi will work until the last day of your tour.
  • A maximum of 5 devices can be connected to one pocket wifi (phone, tablet, computer, etc).
  • A single pocket wifi is provided for a tour booking of 1 to 5 people. For a booking of 6 people or more, a second pocket wifi is added automatically and at no extra cost to your reservation.

When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex : 
Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.

Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions, and on-site assistance under conditions. COVID protection included.

 

Frequently asked questions

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City break - Kyoto tour

From
$782 per person - 8 days

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