Osaka/Kyoto Day Tour: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera & Byodo-in, Plus a Matcha Stroll in Uji

A day of World Heritage sites from Osaka or Kyoto

This bus day tour departs from Osaka or Kyoto and takes 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 10 minutes. In a single day, you'll visit three World Heritage sites: Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera and Byodo-in in Uji.

Kyoto city and Uji are some distance apart, so getting between them by public transport on your own can eat up a lot of time. On a tour, your guide takes care of the transport and the route, leaving you more time for sightseeing and street food.

When you book, you can choose a plan with an English- or Chinese-speaking guide. At each stop, you'll hear the guide's introduction and then have free time to explore.

First stop: Kinkaku-ji, where the golden pavilion shimmers over Kyoko-chi Pond

The first highlight is Kinkaku-ji. The golden Shariden (relic hall) appears across Kyoko-chi Pond, its reflection shimmering on the water. The scenery changes with the season and the weather, so you may catch moments you can only see on that particular day, such as autumn leaves or a blanket of snow.

On to Kiyomizu-dera: the view from the stage and a stroll along Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka

Next is Kiyomizu-dera in Higashiyama. The "Kiyomizu Stage" juts out from the main hall at a height of about 13 m and is one of the best places to look out over Kyoto. The current stage was rebuilt in 1633 and is supported by a traditional construction method that joins wooden beams without using any nails.

After exploring the temple grounds, you'll walk through the surrounding streets, including Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka. Along the way you can see the colourful kukuri-zaru ("bound monkey") charms at Yasaka Koshin-do and the stone-paved lanes lined with traditional machiya townhouses that make Higashiyama so atmospheric. There's also plenty of street food and shopping. The booking site also lists this area as a recommended place to stroll near Kiyomizu-dera.

Leaving Kyoto for Uji: Byodo-in, the Uji River and the town of matcha

The second half of the day takes you from Kyoto city out to Uji. You'll first head to the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in, which is featured on the 10-yen coin, and then stroll along the Uji River. Byodo-in and the Uji River are listed as key highlights of the current tour.

In Uji you'll also have time to look for matcha sweets, dango and other treats. The mood is different from the temple-focused first half, and you'll finish the day with food and shopping in a town famous for its matcha.

Choose your departure from Osaka or Kyoto, with hotel pickup available

You can choose to depart from either Osaka or Kyoto. In Osaka, a plan with hotel pickup is also available. Meeting points, departure times and pickup areas vary by plan, so please check them when you book.

For detailed departure times and meeting points, see the booking page.

Things to check before you book

• The total duration is about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 10 minutes, depending on the departure point
• Choose between plans departing from Osaka or Kyoto
• Check the English- or Chinese-guide plan when booking
• There is walking around Kiyomizu-dera and in Uji, so comfortable shoes are recommended
• Check what is included in the price, such as temple admission fees and meals, before booking
• Traffic conditions on the day may affect your return time, so leave some flexibility in your evening plans

The itinerary and time at each stop may vary depending on traffic and other conditions. Please check the latest details before you book.

Summary

This day tour departs from Osaka or Kyoto and takes you to Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera and Uji in one day.

The first half begins with Kinkaku-ji reflected in its pond, followed by Kiyomizu-dera. After visiting the Kiyomizu Stage, you'll walk through classic Kyoto streets such as Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, with time for street food and shopping.

In the second half, you'll leave Kyoto city for Uji. You'll see Byodo-in, which appears on the 10-yen coin, and the Uji River, then wander the town looking for matcha sweets and souvenirs. After the temples, a walk along the Uji River and through town lets you enjoy matcha treats and gifts.

It's a great choice if you want to experience not only Kyoto's famous temples but also Uji's history and matcha culture in a single day. With the tour handling the transport, you can compare the distinct atmospheres of Kyoto and Uji.