Kyoto, Nara & Uji day trip from Osaka: temples and tea

Three cities, one guide, one day: temples, deer and tea in the Kansai region

A full-day sightseeing tour departing from Osaka or Kyoto that visits Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, the UNESCO sites of Byōdo-in Temple and Uji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha's thousands of vermilion torii gates, with air-conditioned transport and a live guide in English or Chinese. The tour runs nine hours; lunch is on your own at one of the stops, and temple admission fees are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sightseeing in Nara, Uji, and Kyoto

• Visit Nara Park and see deer
• Explore Todai-ji Temple
• Walk in Kyoto Prefectural Uji Park
• Visit Byodo-in Temple and Phoenix Hall
• Stroll Uji tea street and try tea treats
• See Uji River and Uji Bridge
• Walk through Fushimi Inari Taisha torii gates

The Experience

The day starts in Nara Park, a 660-hectare expanse where free-roaming deer have lived alongside humans for over 1,300 years. These tame creatures bow to visitors in hopes of a treat, and they're protected as Natural Monuments and revered as sacred messengers of the Shinto gods. From there you move into Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan's most historically significant temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main hall, the Daibutsuden, holds one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues—a 15-meter-tall seated figure representing Vairocana, flanked by two Bodhisattvas—and the building itself was recognized as the world's largest wooden structure.

The route then takes you to Uji, a city renowned for its green tea production. You'll walk the cobblestone Byōdo-in Omotesando, a street lined with tea shops, eateries and souvenir vendors where the air fills with the aroma of freshly roasted tea leaves. Here you can try matcha-flavored dango dumplings, noodles, ice cream and donuts, or grab a Matcha Frappé at the Starbucks at the street's end. Nearby stands Byōdo-in Temple, one of Japan's best-preserved national treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most iconic structure is the Phoenix Hall, built in 1053 with wing-like corridors that resemble a phoenix spreading its wings—the design appears on the obverse of the 10 yen coin. The Uji River, the only river that originates from Lake Biwa, flows through the city and serves as its central focal point, with Uji Bridge, one of the three oldest bridges in Japan, spanning its width.

The final stop is Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine among roughly 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. The shrine is renowned for Senbon Torii—thousands of vermilion red torii gates that create a tunnel-like pathway up the sacred Mount Inari. Since its establishment in 711 AD, people have gathered here to pray for bountiful harvests, business prosperity, and the safety of their home and family. Air-conditioned transport connects all stops, and your guide speaks English or Chinese throughout the nine-hour tour.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned transport throughout the nine-hour day.
• live guide in English or Chinese.
• access to Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Byōdo-in Temple, Uji's tea district and Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by F Trip

Is this one for you?Pick the Osaka departure if you're staying in Kansai's main city; pick the Kyoto departure if you're based there—the guide coordinates all transport and timing between the five stops across three cities.

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Top questions

What are the free-roaming deer in Nara Park actually like?

The deer in Nara Park are tame and have learned to bow to visitors as a sign they want a treat. They've coexisted peacefully with humans for over 1,300 years and are protected as Natural Monuments, revered as sacred messengers of the Shinto gods.

Can I eat lunch during this tour?

Yes, lunch is included as free time at one of the stops where you can dine independently. Uji's Byōdo-in Omotesando street has many tea shops and eateries, and there are restaurants throughout the route.

What makes Byōdo-in Temple special?

Byōdo-in Temple is one of Japan's best-preserved national treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Phoenix Hall, built in 1053, features wing-like corridors that resemble a phoenix spreading its wings—the design was selected for the obverse of the 10 yen coin.

How many torii gates are at Fushimi Inari Taisha?

Fushimi Inari Taisha is renowned for Senbon Torii, thousands of vermilion red torii gates that create a tunnel-like pathway up Mount Inari. The shrine has been a pilgrimage site since 711 AD.

Do I need to pay for temple entry separately?

Yes, admission fees for Byōdo-in Temple and Todai-ji Temple are not included in the tour price and are paid separately at each site.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks either English or Chinese, depending on which option you select at checkout.