Guided Tour of Nijo Castle And Kinkaku-Ji Temple

Experience the charming temple architecture and the magnificence of Japan's palaces on a 4-hour morning guided group tour.

Witness the Nijo Castle and the Kinkaku-Ji Temple

Visit the impressive Nijo Castle, one of Kyoto's popular landmarks. Next, visit the structures and gardens of the Kinkaku-Ji Temple, also called the Golden Pavilion. Both of these landmarks are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visit The Imperial Palace

Take in the serene atmosphere and unique interior design of the former residence of the Japanese Imperial family. Also known as Gosho, it is a majestic landmark in the center of Kyoto. It served as the home for Japan's Imperial family for ten centuries until the family left Kyoto in 1868 when the Japanese capital shifted to Tokyo.

Guided Tour of Nijo Castle And Kinkaku-Ji Temple

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Kyoto on this half-day guided tour that includes a visit to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji Temple. This tour also covers the Kyoto Imperial Palace or Kitano Tenmangu Shrine if the palace is not accessible. The experience lasts approximately 4 hours with English-speaking guides providing insights into each site's history and significance. Tourists will explore a total of 3 major landmarks, including Nijo Castle built in 1603, Kinkaku-ji Temple established in 1397, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace constructed in 1855. The tour includes access to audio guides available in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, and German. With a total distance of about 2 kilometers covered on foot or by bus, this sightseeing experience is ideal for those interested in learning about Kyoto's cultural heritage through its most iconic landmarks.

Explore Nijo Castle

Your tour stops at Nijo Castle where you will see one of Japan’s finest examples of feudal castle architecture. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the castle covers an area of approximately 275,000 square meters and includes over 3,000 tatami mats within its main keep. Notable features include the Ninomaru Palace with its intricate wood carvings and painted sliding doors depicting Chinese-style landscapes and mythical creatures. The castle served as a residence for shoguns during their visits to Kyoto until 1867 when it was transferred to imperial control. Visitors spend about an hour exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the castle's extensive grounds and structures that showcase the power and wealth of the Tokugawa shogunate. Unlike other castles in Japan, Nijo Castle is unique due to its elaborate interior decorations and historical significance as a symbol of political authority.

Marvel at Kinkaku-ji Temple

At Kinkaku-ji Temple, guests can marvel at the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple established in 1397 that stands out for its top two stories covered entirely in gold leaf. The pavilion sits on a pond and is surrounded by lush gardens covering approximately 13,000 square meters. Inside, visitors will see the Kannon Hall with its impressive Buddha statue and the Hozenjo, the temple's main hall featuring intricate wooden carvings and paintings. The temple underwent significant renovations in 1987 following a fire that destroyed much of the pavilion’s gold leaf coating. Tourists spend around 45 minutes here learning about the religious significance and architectural beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple, which is unique among temples due to its striking golden exterior and serene setting.

Discover Kyoto Imperial Palace

Your tour takes you to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a former residence of the Japanese imperial family that spans over 106 acres. Built in 1855, this palace complex includes numerous buildings such as the Seiryoden Hall and the Shishinden Hall used for official ceremonies. Visitors spend about an hour exploring these historic structures and learning about the royal families who lived here until the late 19th century when the capital moved to Tokyo. The palace is unique in its grandeur and historical importance, serving as a symbol of imperial power during Japan's feudal era.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Nijo Castle built in 1603
• Enjoy Kinkaku-ji Temple established in 1397
• Audio guides available in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, and German
• Discover Kyoto Imperial Palace or Kitano Tenmangu Shrine if closed
• Walk through the historic district of Nijo Castle covering 275,000 square meters
• Marvel at Kinkaku-ji Temple's Golden Pavilion with its top two stories covered in gold leaf
• Spend an hour exploring the Kyoto Imperial Palace and its extensive grounds
• Learn about Kitano Tenmangu Shrine’s historical significance to Japanese culture

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and cultural explorers, this guided tour provides a comprehensive overview of Kyoto's most important landmarks through visits to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The 4-hour format allows you to walk through the historic district of Nijo Castle, marvel at Kinkaku-ji Temple’s golden pavilion, and explore the imperial palace grounds, giving you a deep understanding of Japan's rich cultural heritage while enjoying its iconic sites.