Itinerary 

The following itinerary is for reference only. The specific attractions, visiting order, and duration may be adjusted according to actual conditions on the day of travel.

08:00 – Osaka |  Begin Your Wonderful Journey

Meeting Point (Fixed Pick-up & Drop-off Plan):
08:00 at Nipponbashi Exit 2 (Namba–Shinsaibashi area)

Our staff will be there to welcome you.
Please note that the tour will depart on time and late arrivals will not be accommodated. We kindly recommend arriving at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.

🏯 09:00 Kyoto – Katsuo-ji Temple (Approx. 1 hr 20 mins, admission at your own expense)

Temple Gate & Purification Bridge

The majestic vermilion Sanmon Gate marks the sacred entrance to the temple grounds, with its historic plaque bearing the former name “Shōō-ji.” Passing through the solemn gate, you will cross the Purification Bridge, where gentle mist rising from the pond symbolizes cleansing of misfortune and spiritual renewal.

Victory Daruma Offering Shelves

One of Katsuo-ji’s most iconic sights is the countless bright red Victory Daruma dolls covering the mountainside. Their determined expressions symbolize perseverance and success. Each Daruma represents a heartfelt wish for victory.

A famous Japanese saying goes: “Nanakorobi yaoki” (Fall seven times, stand up eight) — symbolizing resilience and triumph.

Main Hall (Hondō)

Dedicated to the Eleven-Headed Thousand-Armed Kannon, the Main Hall was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori and his mother Yodo-dono. Sutra chanting continues here 365 days a year, creating a peaceful and sacred atmosphere. Opposite the hall stands a large bell for warding off misfortune, surrounded by adorable Daruma dolls.

Benzaiten & Tahōtō Pagoda

• Benzaiten (Muzaiten) – A goddess of fortune, arts, knowledge, and prosperity, originally derived from the Hindu goddess Sarasvati.

• Tahōtō Pagoda – A uniquely Japanese two-storied pagoda with a square base and rounded upper roof, symbolizing the eternal truth of Buddhist teachings.

✨ How to Make a Wish with a Victory Daruma

1. Choose a Daruma at the temple shop.

2. Write your goal on its back and the purpose underneath.

3. Offer incense and pray sincerely.

4. Paint in the right eye while making your wish.

5. Once your goal is achieved, return to the temple to paint the left eye and give thanks.

📮 Katsuo-ji Stamp Postcard

Pick up a blank postcard at the entrance and collect 6 different stamps throughout the temple grounds to complete a beautiful layered illustration. Designs change seasonally, making each visit unique.

12:00 Kyoto – Miyama Kayabuki no Sato (Approx. 45 mins, free time)

One of Japan’s three major thatched-roof villages, alongside Shirakawa-go and Ouchi-juku. Around 40 traditional thatched houses remain and the area was designated a National Important Preservation District in 1993.

Enjoy the tranquil countryside atmosphere reminiscent of the Edo period.

📸 Best Photo Spots

• The iconic red post box at the village entrance

• Thatched rooftops reinforced with cross beams (Chigi)

• Snow-supporting wooden beams (Yukiwari)

🥛 Must-Try Local Treats

• Miyama Milk & Miyama Milk Ice Cream

• Café Gallery Saika

• Miyama Folk Museum (learn about traditional thatched-house architecture)

14:20 Kyoto – Arashiyama (Approx. 2 hrs, free time)

🌉 Togetsukyo Bridge

The symbolic landmark of Arashiyama spanning the Katsura River. Beautiful year-round: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.

🎋 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A 500-meter bamboo path offering a serene and immersive natural experience. The sound of wind rustling through bamboo is recognized as one of Japan’s “100 Soundscapes to Preserve.”

🌟 Kimono Forest

Located at Randen Arashiyama Station, this art installation features 600 illuminated pillars decorated with Kyoto Yuzen textile patterns. Visit the “Dragon’s Love Pond” and make a wish for happiness.

⛩ Nonomiya Shrine

A peaceful shrine hidden within the bamboo forest, famous for blessings related to love, academic success, and safe childbirth.

🏯 Tenryu-ji Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. Its Sogenchi Garden is considered a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design.

16:30 Return Journey

17:00 Kyoto Drop-off (Optional)

18:00 Osaka Arrival

Tour ends near Nipponbashi Exit 2.

Travel Information

【This tour allows free luggage. Please inform us of the number of luggage items in advance when booking.】

1. Once the booking is confirmed, the travel date cannot be changed. Any losses incurred due to changes must be borne by the guest.

2. Please provide complete and accurate information at the time of booking (full name, number of participants, phone number, email address, and pick-up location) to avoid errors that may affect the itinerary.

3. Please carry your passport and valuables with you at all times. Any loss, theft, or damage shall be borne by the guest.

4. Elderly guests, guests with cardiovascular conditions (such as high blood pressure or heart disease), and pregnant women are advised to travel with a companion.

5. Guests under 18 years old are not permitted to book this tour alone. A legal guardian must book and participate together.

6. This is a shared fixed-route tour. Guests are required to follow the scheduled stop times at each attraction and comply with the driver-guide’s arrangements.

   • If you prefer a more flexible itinerary, please refer to our private charter services.

   • Please arrive at the designated pick-up point on time. Late arrivals will not be waited for.

   • This product cannot be refunded, rescheduled, transferred to another departure, or joined midway. If you fail to participate due to personal reasons, the loss shall be borne by yourself.

7. If a guest fails to participate or leaves the tour early due to personal reasons or lateness, no refund will be provided.

8. Guests who leave the group during the tour will be deemed to have voluntarily terminated the service, and no refund will be issued. Any resulting personal injury or property loss shall be the guest’s own responsibility.

9. Arrival times may vary due to traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowd levels. Delays or cancellations caused by these or other force majeure factors are non-refundable.

10. Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes.

11. Please comply with Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry prohibited items to avoid legal issues.

12. During free time, guests are responsible for their personal safety and belongings. Any accidents or losses caused by failure to follow advice shall be borne by the guest.

Important Tour Notes

Due to the unpredictability of traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowd levels, arrival times at attractions may change.
According to Japanese law, a driver’s maximum working time is 10 hours per day. To ensure safety and stable operations, the itinerary may be adjusted as necessary, including shortening visit times or canceling certain attractions.

We sincerely ask for your understanding and support regarding any such adjustments made in the interest of safety. In cases involving the above or other force majeure factors, we regret any inconvenience caused. Refunds will not be provided under these circumstances, as this policy is implemented to protect both drivers and passengers and ensure smooth tour operations.

Force Majeure Includes but Is Not Limited To

• Natural disasters: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons, etc.

• Traffic incidents: road accidents, severe congestion, etc.

• Weather conditions: heavy snow, rainstorms, dense fog, etc.

• Government regulations: emergency orders, traffic controls, etc.

• Medical emergencies: sudden illness or injury of a guest or group member

• Social events: strikes, protests, social unrest

• Mechanical failures: vehicle breakdowns or malfunctions

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• More than 3 days before departure (excluding the departure date): 100% refund

• 2–3 days before departure (including those days): 50% refund

• 1 day before departure or on the departure date: No refund