Osaka day trip: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Nara Park & temples

Four stops across Osaka and Kyoto without arranging the route yourself

This 11-hour guided tour from Osaka visits Katsuo-ji Temple, Minoh Waterfall (June to October), the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Nara Park in a single day, with round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide. Pickup is at Hilton Plaza West Shopping Mall (Exit 4B) at 8am. Drop-off back in Osaka at 6:30pm. A minimum of 8 people is required. If the group doesn't meet that threshold, you'll be notified by email three days before with a full refund.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Arashiyama Park1h 30m
2. Nara Park2h

Visit temples, forest, and park

• Meet at Hilton Plaza West
• Depart from Osaka
• Visit Katsuo-ji Temple
• See Minoh Waterfall
• Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Explore Nara Todaiji Temple
• Visit Nara Park and feed deer
• Return and drop off in Osaka

The experience

The day starts at Hilton Plaza West at 8am and heads first to Katsuo-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple in the Osaka area known for thousands of Daruma dolls and fortune-telling experiences. From June through October, the route includes a stop at Minoh Waterfall, a 33-meter cascade surrounded by greenery, though the operator may cancel this stop if heavy rain makes the mountain trails unsafe. The itinerary then moves to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, where you walk through towering bamboo stalks on a peaceful path near Tenryuji Temple. The final major stop is Nara Park, where hundreds of tame, sacred deer roam freely and often approach visitors. The tour also includes entry to Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most historic sites.

Transport between all four stops happens in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide included. The group size stays small. A minimum of 8 people is required to run the tour, and if that threshold isn't met, you'll receive an email notification three days before departure with a full refund. Children from age 3 are welcome, and infants can sit on an adult's lap. The day ends with drop-off back in Osaka by 6:30pm, so you return to your hotel or the city center in time for dinner.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• English-speaking guide.
• entry to Katsuo-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nara Park, and Todaiji Temple.
• Minoh Waterfall (seasonal, June to October).

Options for this experience

2 options

Departure from Hilton Plaza at 8:00 AMGuide in English · 07:50Departure from Hilton Plaza: please arrive at Hilton Plaza West Shopping Mall - Exit 4B before 8:00 AM 〒530-0001 大阪府大阪市北区梅田２丁目２ ウエスト

Departure from Hilton Plaza at 8:00 AMGuide in English · Available from 8 Mar 2027

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you check availability.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:50Last departure this season: 24 Dec

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by S.A. Tour

Is this one for you?Choose this if you're staying in Osaka and want a guided itinerary that moves between three sites across Kyoto and Nara with all transport included. You follow the schedule rather than build your own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Katsuo-ji Temple known for?

Katsuo-ji Temple is famous for its thousands of Daruma dolls (wooden wish dolls that visitors can purchase and leave as offerings), and for fortune-telling experiences that let you learn about your future. The temple sits in a peaceful mountain setting and is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in the Osaka area.

Can I see Minoh Waterfall on this tour?

Minoh Waterfall is included on the itinerary from June through October as a seasonal attraction. The 33-meter waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, but the operator may cancel this stop if heavy rain or extreme weather makes the mountain trails unsafe for visitors.

What happens at Nara Park?

Nara Park is home to hundreds of tame, sacred deer that roam freely and often approach visitors looking for food. The tour includes entry to the park and also covers Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most historic cultural landmarks located within the park grounds.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour departs from Hilton Plaza West Shopping Mall (Exit 4B) at 8am and returns to Osaka by 6:30pm, making it an 11-hour day that covers four major stops without gaps for arranging your own transport between them.

Is there a minimum group size for this tour?

Yes, a minimum of 8 people is required for the tour to run. If the group doesn't reach that size, you'll be notified by email three days before the departure date and receive a full refund.