Excursion Highlights of kyoto tour at Osaka

Experience Kyoto’s timeless splendor in this enchanting full-day tour.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Local Lunch

Your journey begins at the pier, where you board a comfortable motorcoach for a scenic 1 hour and 30 minutes drive to northern Kyoto. Your first destination is the world-famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a glittering three-storied temple set beside a reflective pond built as a villa during the Muromachi Period in 1397, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was later converted into a temple. The temple burned down in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955. It is approximately 41 feet (about 12.5 metres) in height, and the second-and-third storeys are covered with approximately two tons (about 1.8 metric tons) of pure gold foil. The mirror reflection on the still pond in the garden is a marvellous site to behold.

Over the course of the visit, follow pathways through the landscaped grounds, taking in the golden structure and its surrounding gardens.  Next, continue with a short transfer to a local restaurant for a Japanese local lunch.

Heian Jingu Shrine, Vermilion Gates

After lunch, a short drive brings you to Heian Jingu Shrine, known for its towering vermilion gates, broad courtyards, and elegant reconstruction of Kyoto’s ancient imperial palace.

Nijo Castle, Ninomaru Palace

Your final major stop is Nijo Castle, reached by a short drive. During your visit, discover the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, famed for its intricate interiors, grand gates, and the celebrated Ninomaru Palace. The castle was built in 1626 as the residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Hon-maru (Main Court) burned down in 1788. The only original part remaining is the Ni-no-maru (Second Court). The present 'Hon-maru', built in 1827, is a replica of the one that originally stood on the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The castle, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also renowned for its many cultural treasures dating from the 16th-century Momoyama Era, including the Karamon (Chinese Gate), Ni-no-maru Garden, and pictures on the doors of the building. At the end of the day, enjoy a comfortable 1 hour and 30 minutes drive back to the pier, reflecting on Kyoto’s unique balance of sacred beauty, artistic heritage, and historic architecture.

Note

Please Note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking of approximately 1.3 miles (2 km) with around 40 steps in total, including uneven pathways at Kinkaku-ji and transitions within historic sites. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes and casual clothing are recommended. Guests are required to remove their shoes to enter Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle. Credit cards are widely accepted, but some smaller shops may prefer Japanese yen, so guests wishing to shop should carry cash. The lunch location may vary on certain days due to venue closures. Local guides may speak with a strong accent, and timing or order of visits may adjust due to traffic or operational needs while maintaining the same overall experience. Guests must be at least 20 years old to be served alcoholic beverages.