Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Kyoto City

Your tour begins at Kyoto Imperial Palace where you’ll learn about the Shogunate period and scale the interior architecture and palace grounds accompanied by your experienced guide. To start approaching the city, it is necessary to approach the empire, therefore the imperial palace (Kyoto-Gosho), main residence of the emperors until 1868. As you marvel at the beauty of this magnificent landmark, your guide will share entertaining stories about life during the Edo era.

From here, traverse to Nijo Castle where absolute power of the shoguns in Kyoto is represented. Designed in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu and completed in 1626, it served as a Kyoto home for shoguns of the Edo period. Admire the intricate architecture as your guide provides historical insights.

Next, explore Nishiki Market, a bustling food market where Kyoto citizens do their food shopping or eat at restaurants. Immerse yourself in Japanese culinary culture as you explore the market’s diverse offerings.

Proceed to the Gion District, the traditional district of Kyoto. Stroll through its historic streets and, if you are lucky, encounter geisha on their walk. Learn about the rich cultural heritage of this iconic area.

Onward to Kiyomizu-dera, a temple famous for its terrace offering panoramic views of Kyoto. We will visit all its temples and surrounding buildings, then go to admire the breathtaking view from the terrace.

Finally, we head to Fushimi Inari-taisha, renowned for its thousands of bright red torii gates that lead up to sacred Mount Inari. Traverse the mountain trails for astounding views over Kyoto City and perhaps even witness deer strolling nearby as part of some areas’ Shinto customs. As you come full circle on our incredible journey, take a moment to soak in everything you have seen; leaving with newfound knowledge and beautiful lasting memories!

Itinerary

Stop At: Kyoto Imperial Palace
To start approaching the city, it is necessary to approach the empire, therefore the imperial palace (Kyoto-Gosho), main residence of the emperors until 1868.

Stop At: Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle represents the absolute power of the shoguns in Kyoto. It is with this in mind that Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo in Japanese) was built. Designed in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu and completed in 1626, it served as a Kyoto home for shoguns of the Edo period.

Stop At: Nishiki Market
A bustling food market where Kyoto citizens go to do their food shopping or eat at restaurants. Let's explore Japanese food!

Stop At: Gion District
The traditional district of Kyoto. If you are lucky, you can even meet geisha on their walk!

Stop At: Kiyomizu-dera
This temple is famous for its terrace from where you can see all Kyoto. We will visit all its temples and surrounding buildings then go to admire the view.

Stop At: Fushimi Inari-taisha
Famous for its thousands of bright red torii gates that lead up to sacred Mount Inari. Traverse the mountain trails for astounding views over Kyoto City and perhaps witness deer strolling nearby as part of some areas’ Shinto customs.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum number of guests allowed for this tour?
The maximum number of guests allowed for this tour is 5.

2. Are admission tickets included in the tour package?
No, admission tickets are not included in the tour package.

3. Is transportation included in the tour package?
No, transportation is not included in the tour package.

4. Is lunch included in the tour package?
No, lunch is not included in the tour package.

5. Can guests customize the itinerary of this tour?
No, guests cannot customize the itinerary of this tour as it follows a fixed route with specific destinations and durations.

Key Takeaways

The tour covers some of the most iconic landmarks of Kyoto, including Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market, Gion District, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. The tour provides an in-depth understanding of the history, culture, and architecture of Kyoto, and how it evolved over the centuries. The tour is led by an experienced guide who can provide valuable insights into the landmarks and the city's culture. The tour does not include lunch and transportation, and visitors need to pay for the entrance fees to the landmarks. The tour is ideal for small groups of up to five people who want a personalized and immersive experience of Kyoto's cultural heritage.

Related Read: Kyoto's Best Cultural Experiences: A Traveler's Guide