Discover the best of Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour that will take you to the city’s most famous attractions. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll get to visit iconic landmarks like the Kinkaku-ji Temple and the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Take in the stunning beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and delve into the fascinating history of the Nijo Castle.
This tour is designed to make the most of your time with convenient transportation and an itinerary that ensures you see all the highlights.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Kyoto’s unique charm and cultural heritage.
Just The Basics
- The activity starts at 09:00 AM and ends back at the meeting point.
- Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but no refund will be given if cancellation is made less than 24 hours before the start time.
- Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time will not be accepted.
- Good weather is required for this experience, and if the weather is poor, a different date or a full refund will be offered.
Here's some other great tours and experiences nearby we think you'll like.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a place in Kyoto that used to be the home of the Imperial family. It was the capital of Japan for a really long time and has a lot of history.
The building has different styles of architecture that show how people’s tastes changed over time. One style has big rooms and is made of wood, while another style is really detailed and has beautiful gardens.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is a great place to learn about Japan‘s culture and history, especially if you’re into buildings and design.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji Temple is a famous landmark in Kyoto, Japan. It’s known as the Golden Pavilion because the top two floors are covered in gold leaf.
The temple was built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun, but it was later turned into a Zen Buddhist temple.
The design of the temple combines different styles, making it unique and beautiful. When you visit, you can explore the temple’s gardens, walk along the pathways, and see the reflection of the golden pavilion in the pond.
It’s a great place to learn about Japan’s culture and architecture.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a famous shrine in Kyoto that you should definitely visit. Here are five reasons why it’s worth going:
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Torii Gates: Fushimi Inari Taisha is known for its thousands of red torii gates that create a beautiful pathway. Walking through them isn’t only visually stunning, but also a spiritual experience.
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Cultural Significance: This shrine is one of the most important in Japan. It’s dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity, so many people come here to worship and pray.
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Serene Setting: The shrine is located at the base of Mount Inari, which offers a peaceful escape from the city. You can enjoy a leisurely hike through the forested trails surrounding the shrine.
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Fox Statues: You’ll see many fox statues throughout the shrine. In Japanese folklore, foxes are believed to be messengers of Inari, and these statues symbolize their presence.
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Stunning Views: As you climb the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kyoto city. It’s a great opportunity to take amazing photos and appreciate the beauty of the cityscape.
Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha isn’t just about admiring its architecture, but also about enjoying Japanese culture and spirituality.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto is a must-visit attraction for anyone in the area. It’s a beautiful place with tall bamboo trees that sway in the wind.
The grove is surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens, which have pretty landscaping, calm ponds, and colorful flowers. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and take a break from the city.
You can also find bamboo crafts in local shops and markets nearby. Exploring the bamboo grove is a great way to connect with nature and learn about Japanese culture.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is a must-visit spot in Kyoto if you want to learn about the city’s history. It was built a long time ago, in the 17th century, and used to be the home of the Tokugawa shoguns, who were important rulers in Japan. Here are five reasons why you should check out Nijo Castle:
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Historical Significance: Nijo Castle has seen a lot of important events in Japanese history. It’s like a time capsule that can teach you about the past.
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Ninomaru Palace: The palace inside the castle, called Ninomaru Palace, is really cool. It has fancy architecture with detailed woodwork and beautiful paintings. It shows how rich and important people lived during the Edo period.
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Nightingale Floors: When you walk on the floors of Nijo Castle, they make a chirping sound like birds. This was done on purpose to warn the people inside if someone was trying to sneak in. It’s a clever way to stay safe!
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Gardens: The gardens around Nijo Castle are stunning. They’re carefully designed with pretty ponds, colorful flowers, and perfectly trimmed trees. It’s a peaceful place to take a walk and enjoy nature.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site: Nijo Castle is so special that it has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This means it’s considered really important and worth protecting.
Visiting Nijo Castle is like going on a time-travel adventure. You’ll get to see and learn things that will give you a better understanding of Kyoto’s culture and amazing architecture.
Gion District
The Gion District in Kyoto, Japan, is a place where you can experience the traditional Japanese culture. It has old streets and is famous for geishas, who are skilled entertainers.
When you visit Gion, you might see geishas walking around in beautiful kimonos. You can also go to tea houses to see a tea ceremony and have a cup of matcha tea.
Exploring Gion is like going back in time and learning about Japan’s rich heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Full-Day Sightseeing to Kyoto Highlights Tour Last?
The full-day sightseeing tour to Kyoto highlights lasts for about 8 hours. During this time, you will visit all the must-see places in Kyoto, giving you a complete experience of the city. It’s a great way to explore Kyoto and see its famous sites in one day.
Is Transportation Provided During the Tour?
During the tour, transportation is provided for everyone. This means that you don’t have to worry about how to get to the different places in Kyoto that we will visit. The tour schedule is carefully planned to include all the important sights in Kyoto, so you can have a complete sightseeing experience. You can just sit back and relax while we take you to each destination.
Are Entrance Fees to the Attractions Included in the Tour Price?
Yes, when you go on the full-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto’s main attractions, you can join a guided tour. You won’t be able to change the places you visit on the tour, but the good news is that the entrance fees to the attractions are already included in the price of the tour. So you don’t have to worry about paying extra when you get there.
Are Meals or Snacks Included in the Tour?
No meals or snacks are provided during the tour. You’ll need to plan ahead and bring your own food or buy it when you have free time. If you have any specific dietary needs, let the tour organizers know in advance and they will try to accommodate them.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The maximum number of people allowed on the tour is not mentioned. The tour lasts for a whole day, starting at 09:00 AM and ending back at the meeting point.
Last Words
So basically, the Full-Day Sightseeing to Kyoto Highlights tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s most renowned landmarks and cultural treasures.
With knowledgeable guides, convenient transportation, and a well-designed itinerary, this tour ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or Japanese culture, this immersive tour promises to enrich and inspire, leaving you with lasting memories of Kyoto’s beauty and charm.