Kyoto

Half-Day Private Guided Tour of Historical Kyoto

Explore Kyoto’s fascinating history with a private guide. Visit the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle to learn about the lives of emperors and shoguns. Enjoy stunning architecture and hear amazing stories about Japan’s past.

Location

Kyoto

Duration

4hrs

Explore Kyoto’s fascinating history on this half-day private tour. Visit Kyoto Gosho, the Imperial Palace where emperors ruled from 794 to 1868, and hear stories about their influence on Japan’s culture.

Just a short walk away, step into Nijo Castle, where the Tokugawa shoguns lived and governed near the emperors from 1626 to 1868. These two landmarks reveal a unique connection between imperial tradition and military power.

Led by a guide passionate about Japanese history, the tour offers an easy-to-understand look at Kyoto’s political past and stunning architecture. It’s a great way to experience the city’s rich heritage and learn what made Kyoto a key part of Japan’s story.

What’s Covered

Private guide for the full day
Guide’s transport and entrance fees

What’s Extra

Entrance fee for Nijo Castle (1,300 JPY per person)

Good to Know

The tour is stroller and pram accessible for families with young children.
Pets are welcome to join the experience.
Convenient access to public transportation is available nearby.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Infants should have their own seating arrangement; sitting on laps is not permitted.
Infant seats are not provided during the tour.
This is a private day tour, offering a personalized experience.
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.
Live tour guide is available in French, English, and Japanese.

Tour Itinerary

Meeting Point

Duration: 10 minutes

Meet at Ainomachi Entrance, where your guide will welcome you and give a quick overview of the tour.

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho)

Duration: 1 hour

Visit the Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s emperors from 794 to 1868. Walk through the grounds and learn about the palace’s role in history and its unique architecture. Your guide will share stories about the emperors and their influence on Kyoto.

Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo)

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Explore Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto home of the Tokugawa shoguns. Walk through the famous "nightingale floors," designed to make sounds when stepped on, and admire the beautiful Edo-period architecture. Your guide will explain the castle’s history and the shoguns’ role in governing Japan.

From $141

/person

Adults

Ages 13-100

Teenagers

Ages 0-12

The booking is non-refundable if you cancel within 1 day of the start time.

Itinerary

Ainomachi Entrance

Kyōtogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto

Meet up

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Duration: 1 hour

Visit the Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s emperors from 794 to 1868. Walk through the grounds and learn about the palace’s role in history and its unique architecture.

Nijo Castle

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Explore Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto home of the Tokugawa shoguns. Your guide will explain the castle’s history and the shoguns’ role in governing Japan.