Kyoto Full-Day Sightseeing Tour including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple

Experience the magic of Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour of Japan's cultural jewel. You'll visit Kyoto's most popular attractions by coach and enjoy a buffet lunch at the Kyoto Handicraft Center.

Known as the cradle of Japan's cultural heritage, Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city, with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face, though it remains Japan's most traditional city.

Highlights on your comprehensive full-day tour of Kyoto include:

• Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogun
• Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), home to perhaps the world's most authentic and exquisite Japanese garden
• Kyoto Imperial Palace, the residence of the Imperial family until the capital was relocated to Tokyo in 1868
• Buffet lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center
• Heian Shrine, reflecting the elegance of daily life in the ancient Japanese court
• Sanjusangendo Hall, a long wooden hall housing 1,001 statues dating back to the 13th century
• Kiyomizu Temple, with sweeping views of Kyoto from its lofty terrace

Schedule details

Heian Jingu Shrine, Kyoto

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Tour departs from Kyoto New Miyako Hotel or selected hotels in Kyoto

Departure Time:

8:35am from Kyoto New Miyako Hotel 

OR

• ANA Hotel Kyoto: 8.50am
• Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto: 8:10am
• Hotel Monterey Kyoto: 8:05am
• Hyatt Regency Kyoto: 8:25am
• Karasuma Kyoto Hotel: 8:15am
• Kyoto Hotel Okura: 8:05am
• Kyoto Tokyu: 8.50am
• New Hankyu Kyoto: 8.25am
• New Miyako: 8.35am
• The Westin Miyako Kyoto: 7.50am
• Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto: 8.45am

Return Details:

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Additional information

Kinkakuji Temple - Golden Pavilion

Inclusions:

• Professional guide
• Transport by air-conditioned coach
• Entrance fees
• Buffet lunch
• Soda drink
• Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)
• Local tax

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless you are booking within 7 days of travel. In this case, confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
• Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own carer
• Some parts of road on this tour are gravel and steep inclines
• Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat
• Infant meals not included

Itinerary:

Nijo Castle
The Kyoto Residence of the Tokugawa Shogun built in 1603, Nijo Castle is noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors.

Note: On Tuesday's in January, July, August and December when Nijo Castle is closed, the tour will visit Ryoanji Temple instead. Ryoanji Temple is a temple of Zen Buddhism. Well known for its karesansui garden - a type of dry garden composed of 15 rocks over white sand. This garden is believed to represent the philosophy of Zen.

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto's most popular temple is the home of perhaps the world's most authentic and exquisite Japanese Garden, as well as the celebrated Golden Pavilion.

Kyoto Imperial Palace
The ancient Imperial Palace clearly shows the Japanese taste for purity, simplicity and calmness. The residence of the Imperial family until the capital was relocated to Tokyo in 1868. View the Shishinden Imperial state chamber where enthronement ceremonies took place.
Note: On Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and some other days when Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed, the tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu instead. The palace will also be closed on Oct. 10-31, Nov. 11, Nov. 17-20 in 2010.

This shrine is known as the god of study. Many people go here to pray for success in passing school entrance examinations. "Ushi-san" (Mr. Cow), the familiar of the god of Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine, is always lying stretched out, and he seems quite content to be caressed by visitors. When supplications for improved academic performance and examination success are made, he is said to pass these on to the god of the shrine. That explains the presence of so many cows within the grounds of Kitano-Tenmangu. White cows, black cows, brindle cows, calves - all stand in readiness for the visitor. While originally the cow was the symbol of a good harvest, at some point it came to represent scholarship after being associated with Sugawara Michizane for so long. Not only that, but in the process of being rubbed by countless visitors praying for good health, this cow's body has been polished to a high gleam.

Note: On June 25, September 25&December 25, the tour visit Higashi Honganji Temple. Higashi Honganji (East Honganji) was built in 1602 as the head temple of the Otani faction. Its main hall is Kyoto's largest wooden structure. As one part of the headquarters of the two factions of Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land Sect), one of Japan's largest Buddhist sects, it is a place to experience a certain atmosphere of contemporary Japanese Buddhism.

Heian Shrine
The brightly colored shrine with its vermilion pillars and green roof, and its enchanting inner gardens and ponds, reflects the elegance of life in the ancient Japanese court.

Sanju-Sangendo Hall
A renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues of Kannon, Bodhisattva, that date back to the 13th century.

Kiyomizu Temple
A quaint old lane lined with pottery shops lead up to this famous temple. Enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city of Kyoto from its lofty terrace.

Terms and Conditions:

If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 per cent cancellation fee.

Voucher Info:

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity. What's this?

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.