Best of Kyoto
Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU WILL VISIT:
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion Temple)
The magnificent Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion Temple) is considered the premier example of Muromachi Era (1337-1573) design. This independent Zen Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site offers beautiful views over its surrounding garden and reflecting pond. The upper stories of this serene lakeside pavilion are covered with gold leaf, inspiring its name. The temple boasts one of the finest examples of a traditional Japanese garden.
Nijojo Castle
Completed in 1626 as the Kyoto residence for Tokugawa Ieyasu, this opulent castle is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The donjon of the castle was destroyed by fire. But the Ninomaru (second inner palace) remains. Built almost entirely out of cypress, the extravagant interiors are lavished with gold leaf and elaborate wood carvings. For the shogun's protection, the builders constructed what's known as "nightingale" floors; if an intruder entered the corridors, the floors would squeak like birds.
Heian Jingu Shrine
It boasts one of the largest torii gates in Japan. Known as the Shrine of Peace, the torii gate was built in 1895 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto.
WHAT YOU WILL SEE ALONG THE WAY:
Offering spectacular scenic views of the Maizuru Bay and harbor, the pretty seaside town of Maizuru, located on an inlet of the Sea of Japan, is filled with fascinating history and local sights. Officially founded in 1943, its modern development really began in 1904-05 during the Russo-Japanese War. Your 120-minute drive takes you through the countryside to Kyoto.
LUNCH:
Relax in a local restaurant where a Japanese set menu is served.
Points of interest
Golden Pavilion
Kyoto
Nijojo Castle
Schedule
Special Notes
The drive between Maizuru and central Kyoto is approximately 2 hours each way. In spring (mid-March to April), many tourists visit Kyoto and tourist attractions and roads are extremely crowded. Therefore, the duration of this tour is subject to change.
No one is allowed inside the main building of Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavilion Temple). See the exterior.
There are approximately 250 steps to negotiate in total during the tour. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair.
The tour sequence may vary.
Photography and video are not permitted inside Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace) and the Heian Shrine (Shinto Altar).
Long term restoration work is carried out at Haian Shrine until 2030.
Shoes must be removed to enter Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace).
We will enter the Ninomaru Palace, but not the Honmaru Palace.
There are around 40 minutes walking at Kinkaku-ji Temple and Heian-jingu Shrine.
30 steps are required to negotiate to get through the path in the Kinkakuji Temple. We will have more than 2.5hours walking in total with some steps or taking off shoes. Japanese Yen is required for additional purchases.
Exceptional Value
Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.
Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU WILL VISIT:
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion Temple)
The magnificent Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion Temple) is considered the premier example of Muromachi Era (1337-1573) design. This independent Zen Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site offers beautiful views over its surrounding garden and reflecting pond. The upper stories of this serene lakeside pavilion are covered with gold leaf, inspiring its name. The temple boasts one of the finest examples of a traditional Japanese garden.
Nijojo Castle
Completed in 1626 as the Kyoto residence for Tokugawa Ieyasu, this opulent castle is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The donjon of the castle was destroyed by fire. But the Ninomaru (second inner palace) remains. Built almost entirely out of cypress, the extravagant interiors are lavished with gold leaf and elaborate wood carvings. For the shogun's protection, the builders constructed what's known as "nightingale" floors; if an intruder entered the corridors, the floors would squeak like birds.
Heian Jingu Shrine
It boasts one of the largest torii gates in Japan. Known as the Shrine of Peace, the torii gate was built in 1895 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto.
WHAT YOU WILL SEE ALONG THE WAY:
Offering spectacular scenic views of the Maizuru Bay and harbor, the pretty seaside town of Maizuru, located on an inlet of the Sea of Japan, is filled with fascinating history and local sights. Officially founded in 1943, its modern development really began in 1904-05 during the Russo-Japanese War. Your 120-minute drive takes you through the countryside to Kyoto.
LUNCH:
Relax in a local restaurant where a Japanese set menu is served.
Points of interest
Golden Pavilion
Kyoto
Nijojo Castle
Schedule
Special Notes
The drive between Maizuru and central Kyoto is approximately 2 hours each way. In spring (mid-March to April), many tourists visit Kyoto and tourist attractions and roads are extremely crowded. Therefore, the duration of this tour is subject to change.
No one is allowed inside the main building of Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavilion Temple). See the exterior.
There are approximately 250 steps to negotiate in total during the tour. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair.
The tour sequence may vary.
Photography and video are not permitted inside Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace) and the Heian Shrine (Shinto Altar).
Long term restoration work is carried out at Haian Shrine until 2030.
Shoes must be removed to enter Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace).
We will enter the Ninomaru Palace, but not the Honmaru Palace.
There are around 40 minutes walking at Kinkaku-ji Temple and Heian-jingu Shrine.
30 steps are required to negotiate to get through the path in the Kinkakuji Temple. We will have more than 2.5hours walking in total with some steps or taking off shoes. Japanese Yen is required for additional purchases.