6 Bus Tours in Kyoto That Earn the Train Fare

1.PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13,518 reviews · from $129Our pick

Start near Kyoto Station at 7:50 a.m. and spend 8 to 9 hours visiting Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari. An English-speaking guide, multilingual bus audio, coach transport, and temple admissions are included. Add the Japanese buffet lunch if you want a simpler day.

“Ciel and her company were very accommodating especially the first part of the tour. Will recommend this tour to our friends and family.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

2.Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,316 reviews · 510 minutes - 9 hours · from $122

See seven Kyoto highlights in nine hours with an English-speaking guide such as Den, At-Chan, Sakura, or Tommy. Ride between Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, Arashiyama, Tenryuji, Kinkakuji, and Fushimi Inari, with entry tickets, Wi-Fi, audio guidance, and an optional Japanese buffet lunch included.

“Den is an amazing guide, she truly made our day special. We really enjoyed the tour today, learning new historical information on Japanese history in Kyoto. Thank you so much for an amazing day.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

3.Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 2,034 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $27Best value

Use a 1 or 2-day mobile ticket to ride Kyoto’s open-top sightseeing bus between Kyoto Station, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Gion, and Kiyomizu-dera. Hop off to explore, then rejoin the route. Audio commentary is available in seven languages, and staff such as Miyuki, Casey, Lauren, and Frederick have earned praise for their helpful guidance.

“This was a good idea. Took my group to all the hot spots in Kyoto.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

4.Osaka/Kyoto: Katsuoji, Kinkakuji, Arashiyama 1-Day Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 33 reviews · 9 - 10 hours · from $56

Spend 9 to 10 hours visiting Katsuoji Temple, Kinkakuji, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, Nonomiya Shrine, and Kimono Forest. An English or Chinese-speaking guide handles the driving, directions, tolls, and parking, while you explore each stop on foot. Guides such as Willa, Theodore, Amanda, and Steven are known for clear advice and lively commentary.

“Great day with an enthusiastic host Theodore or Chan San was brilliant with us and highly recommend the tour”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

5.Amanohashidate & Miyama 1-Day Bus Tour: From Osaka/Kyoto w/ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · from $97

Spend 9 to 10 hours visiting Amanohashidate and Miyama by air-conditioned bus. Expect Chionji Temple, a 12-minute boat ride, Kasamatsu Park, a seafood-focused lunch, and Kayabuki no Sato’s thatched homes. English and Mandarin guidance is available, with guides such as Harry, Eric, or Liu assigned by departure.

“It was a great experience and I would recommend this tour. The guide was excellent and was very helpful.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

6.Kyoto 1 Day Golden Route Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $71

Start at Kyoto Station at 8:15 am for a full day of Kyoto’s essential sights. An English-speaking guide leads you through Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and a handicraft center, with lunch included. Guides such as Kuri-san, Toshi, Haromi, and Yoko have led departures, and the full route runs about 9 hours 45 minutes.

“Excellent guide very knowledgeable. The tour vehicle was luxury. A great day seeing all the best of Kyoto in a day”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →