Kyoto Essentials Tour

You'll meet your guide at Avanti's Sunrise Tours Desk (across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit). Transportation on this tour is generally by bus, but depending on the number of participants, a sedan or taxi van may be used instead.

You'll start by visiting the Nijo Castle built at the beginning of the 17th century as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shogun, which later became a palladium of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Now it's a World Heritage-recognized location with great examples of feudal castle palace architecture.

Don’t leave Kyoto without a photo of you with the Golden Pavilion in the background. This gold-leaf covered architectural masterpiece is a World Heritage site and icon of Kyoto.

Here you will learn a lot about the history of Japan, and Kyoto's history as the capital of Japan. The Kyoto Imperial palace was the former ruling palace of the Emperor until about 150 years ago.

When the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed, the tour heads to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead. This Shinto shrine is famous for housing the god of scholarship, and is popular among students who come to pray for success in their studies. 

The shrine is especially worth a visit during the plum blossom in the spring and autumn season to enjoy the beauty of hundreds of maple trees in their red and orange glory.

Guests can continue on from here independently.