Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU WILL VISIT:
Kyoto (driving tour)
Kyoto was once the imperial capital of Japan. Though its history is venerable, today it is a bustling metropolis, where ancient temples can be found next to cosmopolitan shopping districts and history and architecture from every era are around each corner.
Many of Japan's National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties can be found in Kyoto, including Nijō Castle, which is more than 400 years old, and the unforgettable Golden Pavilion. The iconic Kamo River, Heian Shrine, Toji Temple and modern Kyoto Tower can be seen from the motorcoach.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE ALONG THE WAY:
Your tour begins with a narrated drive through Osaka. Some of the sights you'll see on your 90-minute drive to Kyoto include such landmarks as the Toji Temple, the largest and the tallest five-storied pagoda (183 feet) in Japan; the Kyoto Tower, Kyoto's tallest structure, with its observation deck at 328 feet and its spire at 429 feet; and Kamo River, one of the icons of Kyoto. Also see the stunning Golden Pavilion and the Heian Shrine.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
Golden Pavilion
The "Temple of the Golden Pavilion," Kinkaku-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Kyoto. The main building, a three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf, was originally the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu but was made a Zen temple after his death in 1408. Surrounded by peaceful grounds, the landscaping is an example of classical Muromachi-period garden design, thoughtfully laid out around a central pond.

LUNCH:
A delicious lunch at a local restaurant refreshes during your full day of sights.
SHOPPING:
After lunch, stop at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, where you're free to shop for kimonos, pottery, swords, calligraphy, lacquerware, jewelry and more.