Kyoto Essentials Tour

EUR 85,-

per person

Available all year 4.5 hours Starting point Kyoto

Excursion

Authentic experiences Expert guides Flexible schedules Excellent value

Incorporate this excursion into a tailor-made itinerary Plan your trip now

Overview

Learn all about Kyoto’s most important sights in one morning.

This sightseeing tour is ideal for first-time visitors in Kyoto. You'll visit the World Heritage Sites of Nijo castle, followed by a visit to the pure gold leaf covered Kinkaku-ji temple. The tour finishes with a visit to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Emperor's residence until about 150 years ago.

Suggested itinerary

08:30

Pick up

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.

Nijo Castle (50 minutes)

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.

Kinkaku-ji Temple (45 minutes)

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.

Kyoto Imperial Palace/Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (40 minutes)

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.

13:00

Tour ends at Kyoto Station

Guests can continue on from here independently.

Important information

What is included

Government-licensed English speaking guide and interpreter
Admission fees
Transportation costs

What is not included

Pick-up service
Lunch
Drop-off service

Incorporate this excursion into a tailor-made itinerary

We believe that every trip to Japan should be unique and full of memories that last a lifetime. With our Online Consultancy Service, our experts are will create a custom itinerary incorporating not only this excursion, but all the others you wish to experience during your time in Japan.

Create your tailor-made itinerary

Your tailor-made holiday in four simple steps

Schedule an online call or fill out an enquiry form

Finalise your requirements and preferences

Receive your custom itinerary and quote

Complete your booking and enjoy your trip

Experience Japan your way with our experts

The Japanspecialist travel consulting team

We are part of JTB, the largest travel company in Japan and one of the biggest in the world, with over 100 years of experience. We are passionate about this wonderful country, having spent decades designing adventurous itineraries for our clients.

Meet our team