Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Bamboo Forest & Golden Pavilion Bus Tour

Summary

Fushimi Inari gates, bamboo trails & golden temples in one Kyoto day

You’ll wander Kyoto’s legendary temples—from Kiyomizu-dera’s hillside views to Sanjusangen-do’s silent guardians—then stroll through bamboo forests and under Fushimi Inari’s endless red gates. Savor a Japanese buffet lunch overlooking Arashiyama before ending at Kinkaku-ji’s golden reflection. This day trip lets you feel Kyoto’s rhythm in real time.

What’s the experience like?

It started with a quick exchange at the bus—our guide, Yuki, asking if we’d slept well (I hadn’t, jet lag is undefeated). She handed out little maps and grinned when I tried to say “ohayou gozaimasu.” First stop was Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The wood under my feet felt cool and worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. There was this faint smell of incense drifting around the veranda, and the view over Kyoto—hazy but somehow sharp at the same time. I leaned on the railing longer than I meant to, just letting it all sink in.

At Sanjusangen-do Temple, Yuki told us about the thousand-and-one Kannon statues inside. It’s hard to describe what it’s like seeing them lined up—quiet but not silent, kind of humbling. Someone behind me whispered “they look alive,” and honestly, they did. Lunch came next in Arashiyama: a buffet spread with dishes I still can’t pronounce right (Li laughed when I tried to say “nasu dengaku”). The view from our table looked out over Togetsukyo Bridge—a few kids were chasing pigeons along the riverbank. I barely tasted my miso soup because I kept watching them.

The Sagano Bamboo Forest was cooler than I expected—literally cooler too, like stepping into shade after a hot walk. The sound there is weirdly gentle; just bamboo knocking softly overhead and people lowering their voices without thinking about it. We wandered through Tenryu-ji’s gardens after that—the mossy stones and old pond made me wish I’d brought a sketchbook instead of my phone.

I thought Kinkaku-ji would feel crowded or flashy but seeing that gold reflected in the pond made everyone go quiet for a second. On the way back, we passed Nijo Castle (just glimpsed it from the bus window) before stopping at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Walking under those red torii gates as late afternoon light slipped through—I don’t know how many photos I took but none really caught it. My legs were tired by then but I didn’t want to rush that part. Still think about that light sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kyoto must-see landmarks tour

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

Top questions

How long does this Kyoto bus tour last?

The tour covers a full day, visiting major sites from morning until evening.

Is lunch included on this Kyoto day trip?

Yes, if you select the lunch option during booking, you get a Japanese-style buffet lunch in Arashiyama.

Which landmarks are visited on this bus tour?

You visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sanjusangen-do Temple, Arashiyama Park and Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle (from outside), and Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Is an English-speaking guide provided?

Yes, a professional English-speaking guide leads the tour; multilingual audio guidance is also available on board.

How much walking is involved?

This tour includes quite a bit of walking with stairs and hills at each site; moderate physical fitness is recommended.

Are entry fees included in the price?

Admission fees for Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sanjusangen-do Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Kinkaku-ji are included.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is provided; guests meet at a designated departure point for the coach.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

The buffet includes vegetarian options; however, all guests have access to the same buffet selection.

What’s included

Your day includes coach transportation between Kyoto highlights with WiFi onboard, entry fees for temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji, guidance from an English-speaking local expert (plus audio guides in several languages), and a Japanese buffet lunch overlooking Arashiyama if selected—all wrapped up before evening returns you to your starting point.