Kyoto Cultural Tour with Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle & Nishiki Market

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Emperor and Shogun Tour

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Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Imperial Palace & Nishiki Market

09:00 ~ 15:00 (6 hours)

Private Tour | Minimun 2 people

¥18,000

(Price per person)

The Golden Pavilion, known as Kinkaku-ji, is a stunning Zen Buddhist temple. Its top two floors are covered in gold leaf, giving the structure a radiant appearance. Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later converted into a temple. The pavilion sits beside a reflective pond, surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens, creating a serene and picturesque setting. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular symbol of Kyoto's cultural and architectural beauty.

Nijo Castle, is a historic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1603 by the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle complex features impressive wooden palaces, beautifully decorated interiors with intricate paintings, and the famous "nightingale floors," designed to chirp when walked on to prevent stealthy intruders. Surrounded by moats and landscaped gardens, Nijo Castle offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past and is a significant symbol of Edo-period architecture and power.

Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto's Kitchen," is a bustling traditional marketplace located in downtown. Stretching over five blocks, the market is filled with stalls offering a wide variety of fresh seafood, local produce, traditional Japanese sweets, pickles, and specialty Kyoto delicacies. It's a vibrant destination for food lovers looking to explore local flavors, sample street food, and buy unique ingredients. With its mix of historical charm and lively atmosphere, Nishiki Market is a must-visit for experiencing Kyoto’s culinary culture.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is the former residence of Japan’s emperors, where they lived and ruled for more than 1,000 years (794–1869) before the capital moved to Tokyo. The palace complex reflects refined Heian-period court architecture, with elegant wooden halls, cypress bark roofs, and spacious ceremonial courtyards. The Palace is closed for approximately 8 days per month. In case of closure, we will visit the Rokkakudo Temple instead. It is an ancient Kyoto temple blending deep history, Buddhist devotion, and the origins of Japanese floral art.

FAQ

• 09:00 am in the lobby of your Hotel (within Kyoto City)

• Golden Pavilion by bus and/or train (depending the location of your hotel)

• Nijo Castle by bus

• Imperial Palace by bus+train

• Nishiki Market by train

• Tour finish 15:00

✓ Guided tour to 4 places, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Imperial Palace (or Rokkakudo Temple) and Nishiki Market

✓ ¥36,000 Price for 2 people. +3,000 yen for aditional person.

✓ Tour last 6 hours.

✕ No included transportation, no entrance fees, no meals.

✓ Orientation, advices, to places you may visit the rest of the day