From Osaka: Nara Deer & Kyoto Kiyomizudera Sightseeing Tour Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Feed and interact with the famous free-roaming sika deer in Nara Park.

• Marvel at the breathtaking wooden stage and panoramic views of Kyoto from Kiyomizudera Temple.

• Stroll through the historic Higashiyama district leading up to the temple.

• Enjoy some leisure time or shopping at the lively Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street in downtown Osaka.

Hidden Gems

• Seek out the Otowa Waterfall beneath Kiyomizudera, where catching the three streams of water is said to grant longevity, success, or a fortunate love life.

• Look for the rare white deer in Nara Park, which are considered especially auspicious and are less aggressive than the larger herds.

• Explore the quieter backstreets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka early in the day to find traditional craft shops hidden away from the main tourist crowds.

What Makes it Special

• Stress-free roundtrip transportation from Osaka in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a multilingual driver.

• A perfectly curated itinerary combining the natural wildlife of Nara with the profound historical architecture of Kyoto.

• The convenience of having toll and parking fees fully covered, allowing you to maximize your time at each destination.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Spring and autumn offer the most spectacular scenery, with cherry blossoms framing the deer park and vibrant red maples surrounding Kiyomizudera. To avoid the heaviest crowds and secure the best photos, early morning departures are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer and holiday seasons.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the iconic Kiyomizudera wooden stage from the opposite hillside across the ravine for a sweeping, unobstructed view of the temple.

• When photographing Nara deer, get down to their eye level and use the ancient stone lanterns or lush forest backdrop to create a mystical, natural composition.

• Avoid using flash photography around the deer, as it can startle them and cause unpredictable behavior.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When feeding the deer in Nara, it is customary to give a slight bow before offering the cracker, and the deer will often bow back in return. At Kiyomizudera, remember to purify your hands at the temizuya water pavilion before approaching the main hall, and speak in hushed tones to respect those praying.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Hanatoro Light-up Events in Kyoto illuminate the bamboo groves and temple grounds with thousands of lanterns during spring and winter.

• The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival in August transforms the parks and shrines with tens of thousands of flickering candles.

• Autumn foliage light-ups at Kiyomizudera in November offer spectacular night-time views of the vibrant red maple leaves.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Keep a firm grip on your belongings and food in Nara Park, as the deer can become aggressive and nip at clothing or bags if they think you are hiding treats.

• Watch your step on the steep, uneven cobblestone paths of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, especially when wet, as they can be quite slippery.

• Stay hydrated and use sun protection during the summer months, as the walk up to Kiyomizudera involves a significant uphill climb.