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A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (North-west Kyoto) 4h

Nijyojyo Castle

Ryoanji Temple

A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (North-west Kyoto) 4h

Highlights

Joined 2018

Tomoe S.

4.94 / 5

(160 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

Japanese (Native), English

4 hours

Private tour (only you and Tomoe S.)

Up to 6 people

This tour is recommended for the first timers to Kyoto. Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for 1000 years and has many old temples and shrines to visit. You can visit three famous and popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto. All of these three places are registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:30 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel (lobby)(in Kyoto)

Nijyojo Castle

This castle was built as a residence for shogun where he visited and stayed in Kyoto in the 17th century. You can see the authority of Tokugawa shogunate in this castle. The Ninomaru Palace in this castle has 33 rooms and 800 tatami mats. Mannequins displayed in the largest room (this room was actually used on the last day of Tokugawa shogunate) shows you how they looked like in those days. The corridor of Ninomaru Palace has a special security system called 'Nightingale Corridor' which creaks noises when someone walk on the corridor. You can also see many wonderful wall paintings. Please note that nobody is allowed to take pictures inside of the building.

In spring, you can enjoy walking around in the garden with stunning cherry blossoms.

Kinkakuji Temple(registered as World Heritage site)

You may have seen the picture of this pavilion in the book about Japan or Kyoto before. This temple is well known as 'Golden Pavilion' covered with pure gold leaves. 200,000 pieces, 20 kilo grams of the gold leaves are used for this 3-storied pavilion! It was first used as the villa of retired shogun in the 14th century. Gorgeous golden pavilion stands in the pond gives you such a stunning world! I will take good pictures of you here!

This temple is a 'Must see spot in Kyoto.'

Ryoanji Temple

This temple is very famous for its Zen rock garden. There are 15 rocks in the dry landscape garden, however, the last 15th rock is said to be seen only when you attained spiritual enlightenment. In this temple, you can also enjoy walking in its strolling type garden. In spring, you can enjoy many beautiful cherry blossoms in this garden. This temple became famous after Queen Elizabeth visited. This temple will give you the peaceful Zen time. Please enjoy its ultimate Zen spirit.

Ending Point

This tour ends at Ryoanji Temple, however, I can tell you how to go back to your hotel.

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Guide fee, hotel pick up in Kyoto area

What‘s not included

Transportation fee (you and your guide)

Entrance fee: Nijyojo Castle, 600 Japanese yen

Kinkakuji Temple, 400 Japanese yen

Ryoanji Temple, 500 Japanese yen

Tour Important Information

Please note that you cannot see the inside of Ninomaru Palace every Tuesday in December, January, July and August, and between January 1-3, and December 26-28.

Especailly in spring (end of March to middle of April) and in autumn (middle of November to beginning of December), around Kinkakuji and Ryoanji, we have heavy traffic jam and buses are not serviced as scheduled, so, in such cases, you may need extra hours.

Please note that we use public transportation.

Important message from the supplier

If you book me early, I can exchange mails with you many times to know what you want to do in details, collect information and prepare a lot for your plan. Please don't hesitate to ask me anything in advance.

I can guide you in the morning almost every day.(from 8:30 or 9:00 AM till 13:00 or 13:30PM)

This year, in case of the full day tour, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, are available.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2018

Tomoe S.

4.94 / 5

(160 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Tomoe S.

Hello! My name is Tomoe. I'm a national licensed guide interpreter(English). I made my page here, TripleLights in October 2018. Thank you for finding me.

I was born and grew up in Otsu,Shiga, which is the next city of Kyoto.

I graduated from the university in Kyoto and lived there for four years due to my husband's job.

I like history and like to visit temples in Nara.

My hobby is to plan trips and have visited many cities and towns in Japan and abroad. One of my favorite places is the AIRPORT!!

I have enjoyed meeting and guiding people from abroad, to sightseeing spots in my country.

I really want many people from abroad to enjoy visiting many places and have wonderful experiences in my country. I'll be really happy if I can have such experiences with you!!

Please tell and ask me if there are any places which you want to visit and anything which you want to do in my country. I'll plan the trip only for you.

I am cheerful and always positive. I like to talk with people. I would like to talk with many people from many countries. Please tell me about your country, too!!

I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

* If you want, I will take you back to your hotel (within the time or with the extra hourly rate)

Or, I will show you how to go back to your hotel when we finish the tour.

* If you want, I will give you some advice about what to and where to eat your lunch/dinner.

Reviews

Kelsey S.

5 / 5

Feb 23, 2026

Must see spots in Kyoto and Nara in a day (8 hours)