Discover the historical sites of Kyoto on this full-day private guided tour. From the imperial and military palaces to the ancient temples of Heian-kyo, your guide will take you around the city, providing expert insights into each of its landmarks. Let us take you back in time as you discover all that this magical city has to offer with its intricate history, from palaces to temples.
Your tour begins at Nijō Castle where you’ll learn about the Shogunate period and scale the interior architecture and palace grounds accompanied by your experienced guide. As you marvel at the beauty of this magnificent landmark, your guide will share entertaining stories about life during the Edo era.
From here, traverse to Kinkakuji Temple (otherwise known as ‘The Golden Pavilion’) where exquisite architecture demonstrates how Kyoto continues to stand out as a cultural center in modern times. Admire picturesque Zen gardens as well while gaining insight into a style of Buddhist teachings adopted during medieval Japan.
Next, make your way towards Ginkakauji Temple (formerly known as ‘The Silver Pavillon’). This complex is regarded for its manicured gardens and silver-leafed walls that light up when exposed to sunlight. Capture unforgettable photographs of this breathtaking place and then proceed to Ryoanji temple for a unique rock garden experience!
Amaze yourself with this tranquil setting boasting an array of 15 stones gently placed among white gravel trenches set against a calming backdrop of Japanese forestry.
Onward we wander to Fushimi Inari Shrine – recognized for its hundreds of bright red gates lined along mountain trails leading up to its peak summit for astounding views over Kyoto City! Here you can even witness deer strolling nearby as part of some areas’ Shinto customs. As you come full circle on our incredible journey, take a moment to soak in everything you have seen; leaving with newfound knowledge and beautiful lasting memories!
Stop At: Kinkakuji Temple
The Golden Pavilion, also known as Rokuon-ji, is a popular tourist destination in Kyoto. Its gold leaf pavilion represents the magnificence of Kyoto, the imperial capital.
Stop At: Nijo Castle
In Kyoto, Nijo Castle symbolizes the ultimate power of the shoguns. Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo in Japanese) was designed with this in mind. Tokugawa Ieyasu designed it in 1603 and finished it in 1626 as a Kyoto residence for Edo era shoguns.
Stop At: Kyoto Imperial Palace
To begin approaching the city, one must first approach the empire, and therefore the imperial palace (Kyoto-Gosho), the emperors' main residence until 1868.
Stop At: Ginkakuji Temple
The Silver Pavilion is more somber than its famed counterpart, yet it is worth a visit for its beautiful structure, Zen garden, and perspective of Kyoto.
Stop At: Philosopher's Walk
This trail is near Ginkaku-ji, and we may follow it on our way out to round off the day in style. The promenade was named after the philosopher Kitarô Nishida (1870-1945), who much loved it, around the beginning of the twentieth century.
1. What is the maximum number of guests allowed for this tour?
The maximum number of guests allowed for this tour is 5.
2. Are admission tickets included in the tour package?
No, admission tickets to Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, and Ginkakuji Temple are not included in the tour package.
3. Is transportation included in the tour package?
No, transportation is not included in the tour package.
4. Is lunch included in the tour package?
No, lunch is not included in the tour package.
5. Can guests customize the itinerary of this tour?
No, guests cannot customize the itinerary of this tour as it follows a fixed route with specific destinations and durations.
The tour covers some of the most iconic landmarks of Kyoto, including Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple, Ryoanji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. The tour provides an in-depth understanding of the history, culture, and architecture of Kyoto, and how it evolved over the centuries. The tour is led by an experienced guide who can provide valuable insights into the landmarks and the city's culture. The tour does not include lunch and transportation, and visitors need to pay for the entrance fees to the landmarks. The tour is ideal for small groups of up to five people who want a personalized and immersive experience of Kyoto's cultural heritage.
Related Read: Kyoto's Best Cultural Experiences: A Traveler's Guide
The booking is non-refundable if you cancel within 1 day of the start time.
The Imperial Palace was the main residence for the emperors until 1868. After relishing in the spiritual atmosphere at the temples, the regal Imperial Palace will take you to a different world.
Nijo Castle represents the absolute power of the shoguns in Kyoto. It is with this in mind that Nijo Castle was built. Designed in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu and completed in 1626, it served as a Kyoto home for shoguns of the Edo period.
The Golden Pavilion, also known as Rokuon-ji, is a popular tourist destination in Kyoto. Its gold leaf pavilion represents the magnificence of Kyoto, the imperial capital.
The Silver Pavilion is more somber than its famed counterpart, yet it is worth a visit for its beautiful structure, Zen garden, and perspective of Kyoto.
Proceed to Ryoanji temple for a unique rock garden experience!
Recognized for its hundreds of bright red gates lined along mountain trails leading up to its peak summit for astounding views over Kyoto City!
The promenade was named after the philosopher Kitarô Nishida (1870-1945), who much loved it, around the beginning of the twentieth century.