Guided Tours

Full-Day Guided Day Tour of Kyoto Heritage Sites with Optional Lunch

With a guide, discover the grand Nijo Castle and marvel at Japan's stunning pagodas such as Kiyomizu-Dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Sanjusangen-do Hall.

Highlights

Dive into Japan's ancient history on a small-group tour to the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and more in Kyoto.
Admire the opulent architecture of Nijo Castle, once the office of the Shogun during the Edo period, with its ornate ceilings and painted doors.
From the gold-leaf encased Kinkaku-ji temple to the elegant architecture at Imperial Palace, you'll have plenty of photo ops!
View the 1001 golden statues of Kannon at the Sanjusangen-do Hall. Avail the option to relish the flavors of a tasty lunch on your way back.
Fun Fact: Kyoto is known as the 'City of Ten Thousand Shrines' because it has more than 3,000 temples and shrines dotted around the city.

Inclusions

Day tour of Nijo Castle and Kyoto heritage sites
Expert English-speaking guide
Small group under 10
Entry to all attractions
Lunch (optional)

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Your Experience

Experience a personalized tour of the cultural city of Kyoto with an English-speaking guide in a small group of 10 guests.

Garden Hop at Nijo Castle

Admire the intricate architecture and decorated ceilings as you wander through the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1603, they served as the home and office of the Shogun during the Edo era.

Discover Zen at Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion', is one of Japan's best-known sights. The top two floors are adorned in gold leaf, a testament to the lavish preferences of the 14th century. The temple emanates beauty as it reflects in the clear waters, leaving visitors stunned. Your next stop is the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Japanese emperor. Spot the wooded forests of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and explore the intricate maze of orange torii gates on your way to Sanjusangen-do.

Visit Sanjusangen-do and Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Opt for a Japanese lunch before heading to Sanjusangen-do Temple. With its 1,001 golden Kannon statues and 28 Buddhist sculptures, this temple built in 1164, possesses an extraordinary collection of wooden statuary in the world. Your last stop is the Kiyomizu-dera Temple which is best known for its wooden stage that extends from the main hall, offering panoramic views over Kyoto and the widely-known cherry blossoms and maple trees.

Itinerary

Nijo Castle (50 min)
Kinkaku-ji (45 min)
Kyoto Imperial Palace (40 min)
Lunch at Kyoto Station area – optional (60 min)
Sanjusangen-do (30 min)
Kiyomizu-dera (70 min)

Know Before You Go

Important Information

Children below 5, not occupying a seat, can join the tour free of charge. This excludes other services such as meals or entry to attractions.
If the Nijo Castle is closed, you'll be taken to the Ryoan-ji Temple.
If the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed, you'll be taken to the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

Restrictions

Nijo Castle remains closed on all Tuesdays of Jan, Jul, Aug, Dec, and New Year's holidays.
There is no entry to Kyoto Imperial Palace on Tuesdays or if there is a national holiday or an Imperial house event taking place.

Timings

Daily: 8.30am onwards

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at Sunrise Tours Desk inside Kyoto Avanti.
Address: Japan, 〒601-8003 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, 31 B1F AVANTI.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

By Bus

The closest bus stop is Kyoto Eki Hachijo Guchi. It is a quick 1-minute walk to the meeting point.
Board buses Direct Q:Kyoto~Matsu Osaka Kokusai Daigaku, Direct Q:Kyoto~Katano/Iwafune~Hoshida Station, Hoshida Eki, and Direct Q:Kyoto~Matsui Yamate Eki, to get you there.

By Metro

The closest metro station is Kyoto Station. It is a quick 2-minute walk to the meeting point.
Board metros HARUKA, Hashidate, Hida, Karasuma Line, Kintetsu Limited Express, Kintetsu-Kyoto Line, Kuroshio, Nara Line, San-In Line, Super Hakuto, Thunderbird, Tokaido-Sanyo Line to get you there.