Experience the essence of Japan's rich history with a day-long guided tour from Kyoto, visiting iconic landmarks in both Kyoto and Nara. Marvel at the architectural splendor of ancient sites like Kinkaku-ji and the grand Todai-ji Temple, and enjoy a seamless journey with all-inclusive transportation and a traditional Japanese lunch.
Begin your cultural expedition at the designated meeting point in Kyoto, where you'll board a comfortable bus that will serve as your gateway to the historical wonders of Kyoto and Nara.
Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an architectural marvel that served as the residence of the Tokugawa Shogun. Its intricate carvings and elaborate decorations reflect the power and aesthetics of the Edo period. The castle's Ninomaru Palace is renowned for its "nightingale floors," designed to chirp when walked upon, serving as a security measure against intruders.
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Originally the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was converted into a temple by his son. The temple's reflection on the adjacent pond, along with the surrounding strolling garden, offers a picturesque scene that embodies the harmony of nature and architecture.
Depending on the schedule, you'll either visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where emperors resided until the capital moved to Tokyo.
Savor a traditional Japanese set menu lunch, providing a culinary break and a taste of local flavors amidst the day's explorations.
This Shinto shrine, established in the 8th century, is renowned for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns, which have been donated by worshippers. The shrine is set in a primeval forest and offers a tranquil escape, with pathways lined by lanterns leading to the main building.
Todai-ji Temple, a landmark of Nara and a UNESCO World Heritage site, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. The temple's Great Buddha Hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Nearby, Nara Park is famous for its free-roaming deer, considered messengers of the gods in Shinto religion.
After a day filled with historical insights and cultural immersion, the bus will take you back to the starting point in Kyoto, concluding your enriching journey through Kyoto and Nara.
