Visit the ancient capitals most famous sites! This one-day tour takes you across Kyoto to world-renowned temples, shrines, and palaces like Nijo Castle, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu Temple, and more.
8:45 a.m.
Depart New Miyako Hotel to visit the following by bus. *Report at least 10 minutes prior to departure.
Nijo Castle (50 min)
Tour the historical castle completed in 1626 built to provide lodging for Tokugawa Shogun and as a palladium for Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Kinkakuji Temple(45 min)
Visit the Golden Pavillion, designated as a National Special Historic Site and National Special Landscape, with 2 floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold and detailed architecture incorporating three distinct styles of shinden, samurai, and zen.
Kyoto Imperial Palace (40 min)
Gain exclusive access to the former residence of the Emperor of Japan, which oversaw many important functions until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1869.
Lunch (80 min)
Enjoy a Western-style buffet.
*From 2014 this will be a Japanese-style buffet.
Heian Jingu Shrine
Visit this shrine, built to celebrate the 1100 year anniversary of the founding of the city of Kyoto.
*From 2014 the tour will pass by the shrine without entering it.
Sanjusangendo Temple (30 min)
Browse the world's longest wooden structure, housing 1,001 life size statues of Buddhist deities Kannon dating back to the 13th century.
Kiyomizudera Temple (60 min)
View the city of Kyoto from this hilltop temple and catch the drops of the Otowa waterfall flowing from beneath the main hall, known to grant wishes to those who drink it.
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Arrive back at hotel. *Drop-off service to major hotels in Kyoto provided.

Tour Information

Time
8:35am - 6:30pm.
Departure Dates
Jan 5th - Dec 30th: Daily (except Feb 16th.)
Meals
Lunch included. (Vegetarian option available)
Pick-up service
Available from certain Hotels (Please contact us)
Drop-off service
Available from certain Hotels (Please contact us)
Guide
English-speaking guide service is included.
Required when reserving
Please notify beforehand if participating in a group consisting of 5 or more Japanese citizens as entry to the Kyoto Imperial Palace may be denied.
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Remarks
1. On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed. On these days, the tour will visit an alternative destination (typically Nishi Honganji Temple). The same is true of the period before and after the public viewing of the Kyoto Imperial Palace in April and October, May 14 - 17 due to the Aoi Festival, and whenever there is an Imperial Household event.
2. On Tuesdays (Wednesday if Tuesday is a national holiday) in January, July, August, and December, Nijo Castle is closed. The tour will visit Ryoanji Temple or Daitokuji Daisen-in Temple instead.
3. Please note that you will be asked to complete a form indicating your full name, nationality, gender, and age before entering Kyoto Imperial Palace.
4. Please provide advance notice if your group consists of five or more Japanese citizens. If you do not inform us of this information in advance, your party may be denied entry to Kyoto Imperial Palace.
5. During the Jidai Festival on October 22, Heian Shrine is closed to the public and will be replaced in the itinerary by Chishaku-in Temple.
6. Pick-up service from Kyoto Hotel Okura, Karasuma Kyoto Hotel, Hotel Monterey Kyoto, and Nikko Princess Kyoto is not available during the Gion Festival (July 17) and the Jidai Festival (October 22) due to traffic restrictions.
7. During the Gion Festival (July 14 - 16), drop-off service to Karasuma Kyoto Hotel and Hotel Monterey Kyoto is unavailable due to traffic restrictions.
8. Connection to the Kyoto Maiko Dinner is possible. Please choose to be dropped off at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto to do so.
9. Connection to the Kyoto Night Tour are not possible due to time constraints.
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