Kyoto Bus Tour: Five World Heritage Sites Full-Day

See Kyoto's five most important temples in one day without planning the route yourself

A full-day coach tour from Kyoto Station visits five UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines—Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Shrine—with all admission fees, an English-speaking guide, and a Japanese buffet lunch included. The itinerary may shift based on traffic and weather, and some sites involve walking stairs and hills. Lunch is a set meal on April 14 and 16; dietary restrictions like halal, vegan, and gluten-free are not available on the standard buffet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kyoto full-day sightseeing tour

• Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Explore Sanjusangen-do Temple
• Lunch break at Arashiyama
• Walk Bamboo Forest trail
• Visit Tenryu-ji Temple
• See Golden Pavilion
• Pass Nijo Castle by bus
• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Experience

You start at Kyoto Station in the morning and board an air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking guide. The first stop is Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a World Heritage site built in 778 on the Higashiyama hill—the elevated location gives you panoramic views across Kyoto. From there you move to Sanjusangen-do Temple, where the main hall holds 1,001 golden Kannon statues lined up in rows, a sight that stays with you. The coach takes you to Arashiyama for a Japanese buffet lunch with views overlooking Togetsukyo Bridge, the symbol of the district.

After lunch, you walk through the Sagano Bamboo Forest on the way to Tenryu-ji Temple, another World Heritage site with a traditional Japanese garden that has remained unchanged for over 700 years. Next is Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), built in the same era as Tenryu-ji and covered entirely in gold leaf—it is the most photographed landmark in Kyoto. On the return to Kyoto Station, the guide points out Nijo Castle from the bus window and explains its role in Japanese history. The final stop is Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that you walk through; the shrine honors guardian gods for business success, family well-being, and traffic safety.

The tour runs 8 to 9 hours total and includes multilingual audio guidance on the bus in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Ukrainian if you prefer not to rely on the live guide alone. Free Wi-Fi is available on board. The itinerary can shift depending on traffic, weather, or if any site closes unexpectedly—the operator will substitute an alternative location or offer compensation. If you book lunch separately on the day of the tour, an extra charge of 3,000 yen applies, so selecting it at checkout is recommended.

What’s included

• Admission to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sanjusangen-do Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple.
• English-speaking professional guide.
• Japanese buffet lunch (if selected at checkout).
• air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi.
• multilingual audio guidance on board.
• departure from and return to Kyoto Station.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Japan Panoramic Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you're arriving in Kyoto for the first time and want to see the five most important World Heritage temples without building an itinerary yourself—the guide handles the route, timing, and all admission fees, so you step off the coach at each site ready to walk through it. If you have dietary restrictions like vegan or gluten-free needs, book without lunch and bring your own food instead.

Traveler reviews

4.92★★★★★★★★★★

17,018 verified traveler reviews

5 ★15,937

4 ★881

3 ★135

2 ★31

1 ★34

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the 1,001 Kannon statues temple in Kyoto?

Sanjusangen-do Temple holds 1,001 golden Kannon statues displayed in the main hall in spectacular rows. The temple is one of Kyoto's most important Buddhist sites and is included on this tour with admission covered.

Can I walk through the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine on this tour?

Yes. Fushimi Inari Shrine is the final stop on the tour, and you walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates. The shrine is one of Kyoto's most visited landmarks and the gate experience is unforgettable.

Is the lunch vegetarian-friendly?

The buffet lunch is the same menu for all guests and does not accommodate halal, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly meals. If you have dietary restrictions, you can book the tour without lunch and bring your own food. On April 14 and 16, lunch is served as a set meal instead of a buffet.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. The tour departs from and returns to Kyoto Station only. No hotel pickup or drop-off service is provided, so you'll need to make your own way to the station.

What if I'm late for the tour start time?

If you arrive late, you will not be able to join the tour mid-way. Arrive at Kyoto Station with time to spare before departure.

How much walking is involved?

The tour includes substantial walking at each site, with stairs and hills at multiple temples and shrines. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, and the operator does not recommend this tour for travelers who cannot walk long distances.