After you’re picked up from your Osaka hotel, walk with your guide to Osaka Station for your journey to Kyoto. Board the JR rapid service train (non-reserved seating) and disembark at Kyoto Station for a short walk to the New Miyako Hotel, where you’ll hop aboard your comfortable coach.
Your afternoon tour of Kyoto highlights begins at Heian Shrine, which reflects the graceful elegance of life in the ancient Japanese court. Admire the brightly colored shrine with its vermilion pillars and green roof, along with enchanting inner gardens and ponds.
Next, travel by coach to the renowned Sanjusangendo Hall, Japan's longest wooden structure, which features 1,001 Bodhisattva statues that date back to the 13th century. Marvel at the 1,000-armed wooden statue of Kannon — the goddess of mercy — flanked on each side by 500 human-sized statues standing in rows. After approximately 30 minutes exploring this awe-inspiring sight with your guide, re-board the coach for Kiyomizu Temple.
A quaint old lane lined with pottery shops leads up to this famous temple, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Translated as Pure Water Temple, Kiyomizu was established amid wooded hills near the Otowa Waterfall in the 8th century. Enjoy sweeping views of the entire city of Kyoto, as well as surrounding cherry and maple trees, from its lofty terrace!
Your tour concludes with a guided journey on the JR rail back to Osaka Station, where you’ll make your own way back to your hotel.