Take a morning tour to some of Kyoto's most famous sites and discover why this ancient political capital of Japan is now its history and sightseeing capital! The tour finishes around lunchtime, leaving your afternoon free.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour Information
Time
8:35am - 1:00pm.
Departure Dates
Jan 5th - Dec 30th: Daily (except Feb 16th.)
Meals
No meals included.
Pick-up service
Available at major hotels in Tokyo. Click here to view a list.
Drop-off service
Not available.
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.
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.