Kyoto & Nara Day Trip: Bamboo Forest, Golden Pavilion & Deer Park

Summary

Walk Kyoto’s bamboo forest, see Kinkaku-ji shine and feed deer in Nara

You’ll wander Kyoto’s bamboo forest listening to leaves overhead, taste seasonal dishes for lunch if you choose that option, watch gold shimmer on Kinkaku-ji’s pond, and laugh feeding bowing deer in Nara Park before standing beneath Todai-ji’s giant Buddha. It’s a day that lingers quietly after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we almost missed the bus at Kyoto Station because I got distracted by a vending machine (melon soda, worth it). Our guide, Emi, just grinned and waved us over. She had this gentle way of making everyone feel like we were already friends, even before we’d left the parking lot. The drive out to Arashiyama was quiet — mist hanging low over the rooftops — but the minute we stepped into the bamboo grove, everything changed. It’s not silent there; you hear the leaves clacking above your head, and if you stop walking for a second, you catch this cool, green scent that I still can’t quite describe. Emi told us locals come here early to avoid crowds. We just shuffled along behind a group of school kids who kept trying to touch the tallest stalks.

Lunch was a surprise — I picked the option with food and ended up with little bowls of things I couldn’t name but tasted clean and earthy (I think one was yuba?). Someone at our table tried to eat with chopsticks left-handed and gave up halfway through; nobody judged. Then we headed to Kinkaku-ji, which honestly looks unreal in person. The gold leaf actually glints so much it hurts your eyes if you stare too long, especially with all that water reflecting it back at you. Emi pointed out how even the garden stones are placed according to some old design rules — she said “wabi-sabi” but I probably misunderstood.

The bus ride to Nara felt longer than expected (maybe an hour?), but when we finally got there, the air smelled different — kind of grassy, with a hint of something sweet from all those deer snacks people were waving around. Feeding the deer in Nara Park is hilarious; they really do bow if you hold out those crackers (“shika-senbei”). One nibbled my sleeve instead and Emi laughed so hard she nearly dropped her map. There’s this strange calmness walking under those old trees with animals everywhere — not what I pictured for a world heritage spot.

Todai-ji temple is massive — like stepping into another century. The Great Buddha inside is so big it almost feels fake until you’re close enough to see the folds in his robe. A monk passed by while we were gawking and just nodded at us like it was no big deal. On the way back to Osaka, everyone fell asleep except me; I kept replaying that moment in Arashiyama when everything went quiet except for wind in the bamboo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Nara

• Travel to Arashiyama
• Enjoy traditional Kyoto lunch
• Walk through Sagano Bamboo Forest
• See Togetsukyo Bridge and Katsura River
• Drive to Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
• Admire Golden Pavilion and gardens
• Walk through Nara Park
• Feed wild deer with shika-senbei
• Visit Todai-ji Temple and Great Buddha

Top questions

How long does this Kyoto & Nara day trip take?

The tour lasts about 9 hours including travel time between Kyoto/Osaka and all stops.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Lunch is included if you select that option when booking; vegetarian requests must be made 3 days ahead.

Are entry tickets included for all attractions?

Entry tickets for Kinkaku-ji and Todai-ji are included unless booking last-minute options.

Where does the tour depart from?

You can depart from either Kyoto Station or Osaka Namba OCAT; check your booking confirmation for details.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants (0–2 years) can join free but must sit on an adult's lap as seats and meals aren’t provided for them.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there is quite a bit of walking on uneven paths.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels though some walking is required.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking guide accompanies your group throughout the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport with Wi-Fi from either Kyoto or Osaka (choose your departure), entry tickets to both Kinkaku-ji and Todai-ji temples (unless booked last minute), plus a traditional Japanese lunch if selected—guided throughout by someone who knows their way around every garden path and deer snack stand.