All Reviews for Sightseeing Tours

This was the second tour that my husband and I booked using Veltra. The app is so easy to use. I was sitting in the hotel lobby waiting to go to our train. In less than 20 minutes we found a tour for Kyoto, purchased and confirmed tickets. The quality of tour that Veltra books for is consistent. We like that we can search for tours in English or that have English support. The open top bus company went above and beyond. The weather the day of our tour in Kyoto was weird. The day started with a mix of snow/hail which transitioned to full sun only to be followed by torrential downpour. We decided to go ahead a brave the 1.5 hour tour anyway, justifying that rain is only water and we could very easily dry off or change to dry clothes if we really need to. Veltra provided clear directions on our ticket confirmation for where to find the correct bus terminal. The Open Sky Bus tour guides greeted us at the bus terminal and were very friendly. They gave us ear buds for the English audio for the tour. As we entered the bus we were given rain ponchos, hot green tea, and instant hand warmers. This was amazing service and something that really made the tour. Even though it was cold, the sun came out and it ceased raining. The hot drinks and hand warmers really eased the cold of our January tour. Seat numbers were assigned. Knowing this now, I wish I would've asked the ticket counter if could have the seats in the very front of the bus. We had great views of some amazing sites in Kyoto. We felt like we got a great highlights or best-of tour. The audio had great music between talking bits. The information in the audio provided great history and insight into the city of Kyoto. It gave us some great ideas about which places we wanted to go back and visit. As it was our time in town was limited, so after the tour we actually took a local train down to Fushimi Inari shrine, which is not included in the tour, but a quick two-stop local train ride.

We took a tour visiting three main spots, and it was just my husband and I along with another young couple who were also Japanese, while the rest were from various countries. Kyoto was incredibly crowded even on a weekday. Instead of lining up in a single file from where we got off the bus to the site, we went in a scattered manner, making it challenging for the tour guide to ensure everyone was together. Our time at Fushimi Inari was short, so it felt a bit rushed. There were many stalls, and I wanted to try some street food, but since we had chosen a lunch course, I held back. We joked that next time we should go for a course without lunch, but the tofu course we had for lunch was so delicious that I was glad we ordered it... such a tough decision!

On the way back, it was evening, so there was traffic. Since we had a specific time for the Shinkansen and weren’t staying overnight, I was a bit anxious. We were dropped off partway and took the train back, making it with plenty of time to spare. I think it’s better to plan our travel considering such things for peace of mind. Both the tour guide and the driver were very pleasant, which was great. It was a quick bus tour, but it was very enjoyable and delicious. Thank you very much! (*^o^*)

主要3箇所を巡るツアー、私達夫婦ともう一組若いご夫婦だけが日本人(笑)で後は数カ国の人達。やはり京都は平日でも物凄い人だらけ。バスを降りた場所から現地まで一列に並んで行くわけではなくバラバラで添乗員さんは全員揃っているかの確認が大変そう。伏見稲荷の滞在時間は短いのでなんだか慌ただしかった。露店がいっぱいあり食べ歩きもしたかったがお昼を食べるコースにしていたので我慢した。次回は昼なしのコースがいいねと言いながらいざお昼の豆腐のコースはとっても美味しくてやっぱ
り頼んでいて良かったね…なんて難しい判断(笑)
帰りは夕方なのでやはり車の渋滞。その日は泊まりでなく新幹線の時間が決まっていたのでドキドキ。途中で降ろしてもらい電車で帰って余裕で時間に間に合った。そういうことも考慮して自分達の旅行プランをたてた方が安心していられると思った。添乗員さん、運転手さんは二人とも感じがよくて良かった。あっと言う間のバスツアーだったけれどとても楽しく美味しくいいツアーでした。ありがとうございました(*^o^*)

担当の方がガイドというお仕事を本当に楽しまれており、知識も豊富で気も効き素晴らしい方でした。もし次も関西に行くのであれば、彼を指名したいと思います。
主人と息子が京都は初めて日本語で苦手でしたが、本当に楽しめ勉強になりました。
そうそう、写真の撮り方がとても上手で素敵な写真が沢山残りました。
心より感謝しております。ありがとうございました。

It was my first trip to Osaka, and I took a bus journey from Osaka to Kyoto. Most of the passengers were foreigners, and there were only two Japanese people, so I was a bit anxious at first. However, there was a guide speaking in Japanese, which made it feel like I was in a foreign country, and I had a great time. The places the guide recommended for souvenirs and tea were spot on. I would definitely like to use this service again on my next trip.

初めての大阪の旅行で大阪から京都のバスの旅でした。海外の方がほとんどで日本人は2人だけで最初は不安でしたが、日本語でのガイドもあり異国にいるような感覚でとても楽しかったです。ガイドの方の言われたたとおりにお土産の場所やお茶の場所とか教えていただいた所がバッチリでした。
また旅行の際は使いたいと思いました。

We don’t even have where to started, we arrive at the meeting point and was a lady waiting for us to take another taxi for pick up another costumer in another hotel, after that we took another taxi to the station and they drop us on the JR line to take a train to Hiroshima, no other guide with us, after we arrive to the station they make us wait in another hotel for the bus and we almost get behind... the guide lady was under the average, we feel really disappointed

Departing in a somewhat mysterious space among foreigners! Everyone was friendly, and it felt fresh, as if I were in another country. The driver and the guide were also very refreshing. The step platform for getting in and out of the car was appreciated. The explanations from Japanese to English made me feel like I understood a bit of English, which was quite an enjoyable experience.

外国人の方に混じって、ちょっと不思議な空間で出発！
皆さんフレンドリーで何処の国にいるのやら……新鮮でした。
運転手さんも、ガイドさんもとても新鮮でした。車の昇降にステップ台は有り難かったです。
日本語から英語での説明は英語がちょっと理解できた気がしてなかなか楽しい経験でした。

They provided a detailed guide in fluent English. I was able to go to the desired locations as planned, and I had a very enjoyable time. Thank you very much.

流暢な英語で詳しくガイドしてくれました。予定場所にも希望通り行くことができてとても楽しい時間でした。ありがとうございました。

The guidance from our tour guide, Jewel, was precise and her storytelling was wonderful. Aside from us, the rest of the group was made up of foreigners, but I believe it was largely thanks to her that everyone adhered to the meeting times at each location. I also forgot the driver's name, but his safe driving and humility left a good impression. I would like to use this service again if the opportunity arises.

添乗のジュエル？さんの案内が的確で語りも素晴らしかった。私達夫婦以外は全員外国の方でしたがどの場所の集合時間がきちんと守られたのは彼女の功績大だと思います。また名前は失念しましたが運転手さんも安全運転と謙虚さが好印象でした。また機会があれば利用したいと思っています。

Obviously you're packing a lot into one day so you don't spend ages at each place, but this is a great way to see the main highlights and get a feel of the places. Tour guides were great and knowledgable, coach was new and comfy and cool!

We had the pleasure of doing an 8 Hr tour with the driver Hiroshi Yano. He was extremely knowledgeable of details and history, which kept it very interesting. His car was very clean and comfortable and he also had a great sense of humor. He spoke English very well. He was also accommodating to change the original itinerary based on our needs since we had since some of the sites the day before. I for sure would highly recommend him and this tour agency which was also very accommodating in returning several email questions prior to our booking.

It was really outstanding to go and see the temple with the giant Buddha. It is really impressive and the explanation the guide made of the casting processs and to see the deers it was really fun!

I was able to enjoy the tour in fluent English. My friend from Europe, who was accompanying me, was impressed that it wasn't "Japanese English"! The service was kind and attentive, which was great!

流暢な英語で観光して頂きました。
同行していた友人（ヨーロッパ）が、ジャパニーズ英語ではない！と感動していました。
親切丁寧で良かったです！

Not enough English information. Japanese participants learned much more than did those listening to the translation audio

It was great that I could efficiently visit multiple places. However, the locations I visited this time all required a good amount of stamina to walk around, and it felt a bit tough, especially on hot summer days.

複数個所を効率よく回れたので良かった。
しかし、今回回った場所はどこも歩くのに体力が必要で、特に夏場の暑い日は少しきつい感じ。

I decided to participate after reading the reviews.
It was my first bus tour. The bus was very clean, and each seat had a USB port, making it convenient and comfortable. The kind tour guide and driver made for a fun trip. I heard there were many Japanese participants this time, but the explanations in English were enjoyable, and I was able to use the empty seats. It was very hot in Kyoto, but I was comfortable. I thought the sightseeing time before departure might be short, but the time allocation was perfect! Along the way, the driver handed out chilled towels, which felt great. The bus, flags, and tour guide were all lemon-colored, making it easy to identify, so I didn't get lost at all! I would definitely like to use this bus tour again if I have the chance. I highly recommend it!

レビューを見て 参加を決めました。
初めてのバスツアーでした。とてもキレイなバスで それぞれの座席にUSBがついていて便利で快適、そして優しい添乗員さんと運転士の方と楽しい旅となりました。今回は日本人の参加者が多いとのことでしたが英語での説明も楽しく、空いている座席も使わせて頂き とても暑い京都でしたが 快適でした。出発までは観光の時間が短いかな？と思っていたのですが、これまたベストな時間配分！途中、運転手さんがキンキンに冷えたおしぼりを配ってくださり とても気持ち良かったです。バスも旗も添乗員さんもレモン色でわかりやすく、迷うこともありませんでした！また機会があれば 利用したいと思えたバスツアーでした。おすすめですよ！

Very interesting day and really worth visiting both places - tour organisation is very slick too

I was well taken care of by our tour guide, Mr. Tamiya, and I had a wonderfully enjoyable day without feeling lonely at all. The driver, Mr. Yamashita, kept the car comfortable by closing the curtains while we were away and added to the travel atmosphere with his thick Kansai dialect, which was a nice touch. However, the actual meeting time at Hearton Hotel is 8:20. I regret that this information was not available, which caused some inconvenience for the tour. Additionally, the time spent at Fushimi Inari Shrine is actually from 10:00 to 10:45, which is quite busy. I think it would be better to correct the online information to reflect the actual details. Summer in Kyoto can be unbearably hot. Water, a hat (or parasol), and sunglasses are essential.

添乗員の田宮さんに良くして頂いて、まったく寂しい思いをすることなく、あっという間の楽しい一日でした。運転手の山下さんは、いない間にカーテンを閉めておいて下さって車内を快適に保ってくださったり、ベタベタの関西弁で旅気分を盛り上げてくださったりさり気ない気遣いが嬉しかったです。ただハートンホテルの実際の集合時間は８：２０です。その情報がなくてツアーにご迷惑をおかけしてしまいました。また伏見稲荷神社で過ごす時間も実際は10時～10時45分の45分間で結構忙しいです。ネットの情報を実際の情報に修正しておいてもらった方が良いかと思います。夏の京都は苦しいくらい暑いです。水、帽子（または日傘）、サングラスは必携です。

I think this is a convenient and good tour that allows you to easily visit the famous sites in Kyoto. The bus was entirely yellow, making it easy to spot. However, I expected more detailed explanations in English about Kyoto's history and places like Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Unfortunately, the information was quite limited, which was disappointing since I was looking forward to practicing my English listening skills. I chose a plan without lunch, but I would prefer the lunch venue to be a restaurant that offers a "obanzai buffet."

コースとしては、京都の名所を楽に回れて、便利な良いツアーだと思います。
バスのお色も全体が黄色でわかり易く探しやすかったです。
ただ、もっと京都の歴史や、清水寺・金閣寺・伏見稲荷大社の詳しい説明が英語であるとばかり思っていたのですが、あまりにも少なく、英会話の聞き取りの勉強になると楽しみにしていただけにその点に関してはイマイチでした。
私は、昼食無しのプランでしたが、昼食会場は、出来ましたら「おばんざいのバイキング」のお店にして欲しいです。

It's worth to spend the money because you get to visit more places and be able to stay longer an the area that you like.

Hiro was a wonderful guide so helpful and informative. She was so caring and I would highly recommend this tour. The tour was so fun. Every thing was so well planned. There was enough time to do everything. It was a great day. Even the children in the tour enjoyed it.

The time for sightseeing is too short. If possible, instead of one hour at Kiyomizu-dera, having one and a half hours might be more enjoyable. I hope improvements can be made.

観光する時間が短い過ぎるなどです。
出来れば、例、清水寺で1時間ではなく、出来れば、1時間30分があれば、楽しいかも知れません。
出来れば改善するようお願いします。

Shoji was a super host and guide. Made our day trip through Kyoto most enjoyable. His time management was effective and led us through with enough time to make trip back to Tokyo. Lexus car was very clean and comfortable for 3 people

great tour

I was guided by Natsuko, who can provide tours in English, along with my German friend to places like Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama. Her thoughtfulness, language skills, and knowledge of history were all wonderful, and my friend from overseas was very pleased. Her explanations at each temple and shrine were profound, and I believe she has studied very well. I would definitely like to explore Kyoto again with Natsuko as my guide. Thank you very much!

ドイツ人の友人と共に二条城、金閣寺、嵐山などを英語ガイドが出来る夏子さんに案内して頂きました。彼女の細やかな思いやりも語学力も歴史の知識も全てが素晴らしく、海外からの友人もとても喜んでおられました。それぞれの寺社での彼女の説明は奥深く、とてもよく勉強されていると思います。また京都観光をするときにはまた夏子さんのガイド付きで是非回ってみたいです。本当にありがとうございした。

Our favourite city in Japan! Definitely worth the trip, we will be returning someday to Japan just to spend more time in Nara! I love the deer and the temples were massive! loved every second1

Prior to trip very impressed with quick response to my email request to change hotel collection point. Tour itself ran like a Swiss watch, Japanese guide met us as we stepped off the train. Retired school teacher (Amy) spoke perfect English and had a good system to prevent losing people. All excursions should be as thorough. Only improvement would be radio headsets like some of the major companies use. Would have no hesitation in booking through City Discovery again if product was on our list of things to do.

This tour was excellent, the tour guide was very nice, funny and most of all was very very knowledgeable about the tour!...if ur in Kyoto this is a tour must see it!..
The only thing I didn't like it!.. in our tour was a few seniors which they should have been in a different tour!..this wasn't fair for these pp or for the group that were able to walk fast!.. due to this we were 1hour and 30 minutes behind!

Really enjoyed the trip.

I spent a day at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) on a bus tour from Tochigi Prefecture, and on the next free day, I participated in a sightseeing tour of Kyoto with Shinki Bus.

I arrived at the meeting place an hour early in the morning. The guide was already waiting and kindly asked if I was there for the tour, which put me at ease. The bus was very noticeable with large letters spelling "LIMON" on a yellow background.

The first sightseeing spot, Fushimi Inari, was very crowded from the morning, but the guides, wearing yellow happi coats and holding flags, stood out well. The bus was equipped with USB jacks and Wi-Fi, which was helpful.

I thought it was nice to have many foreign participants this time.

栃木県から別のバスツアーで、USJで1日過ごし、次のフリー日に、神姫バスツアーで京都観光に参加。
　朝、1時間前に集合場所に到着した。すでにガイドさんも待機され、気さくに観光参加ですか？と声をかけられ、こちらも安心。
バスは、黄色の地に大きな文字でLIMONと書いてあり目立ちました。
　観光1箇所目の、伏見稲荷は、朝から大変混雑、しかし誘導は、黄色のはっぴに旗でやはり大変目立った。
バス車内は、USBジャックとWi-Fi装備で助かりました。
　外人さんの参加が、多くたまにはいいかなって、思いました。

Our customized tour with Fuji-san was amazing, as we had only one full day in Kyoto I was worried we wouldn't get to see everything. Not only did we do everything we had on our list, but he took special interest in showing us things for our young children (ages 3 and almost 6) that we hadn't considered doing, such as the Toei Movie studios lot. My son LOVES Power Rangers, it was the highlight of his trip, and my daughter thoroughly enjoyed the female heroine of the samurai show. He suggested a better order of doing things, so that we could see certain sights before they became too crowded. When we admired the view of Kyoto from the mountainside, he took us to a nearby temple with panoramic views of the city. He knew great spots for taking the best photos, and where to eat. He was kind and patient with our rambunctious children, and explained the history and meaning behind EVERYTHING, from the statues to the temple bells. In addition, the van we rented was spacious, comfortable, and impeccably clean. I would definitely book with VELTRA again, and would give Fuji-san the highest rating possible for his knowledge, patience, sweet demeanor and excellent English. Thank you Fuji-san for an unforgettable day!