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Elegant Kyoto: A Journey to Nijo Castle and Kyoto Palace
This tour will take you through classic Kyoto landmarks, including Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The character of these sites is not flashy but rather exudes a serene impression.
This stems from the quintessentially Japanese spirit of finding beauty in simplicity and the solemn atmosphere that arises from their roles as centers for political decision-making and as residences for the Emperor.
Meeting Point
The lobby of your hotel
Meet in the lobby of your hotel
Our guide will come to pick you up at your hotel.
Nijo Castle（二条城）
Nijo Castle is a historic architectural marvel in Japan, renowned for its opulent gates, the central keep (known as the tenshukaku), and its beautiful gardens.
Inside, the building features lavish gold leaf decorations and rooms adorned with traditional Japanese paintings, offering a glimpse into the splendor of Japan's former royal dynasty.
Additionally, this castle holds significant historical importance as the site where power was transferred from the shogunate, a military regime, back to the Emperor.
Kyoto Imperial Palace（京都御所）
The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence of the emperor for about 1,000 years, symbolizing the history of the Japanese imperial family.
The central building, the Shishinden, is where the emperor ascends to the throne.
It is a raised-floor architecture using traditional timber, and the emperor's and empress's thrones are placed inside.
Furthermore, there are scattered gardens, expressing Japanese aesthetics through ponds, trees, garden stones, and lanterns.
Nishijin sei aun（西陣 齊 阿うん）
In an elegant Japanese setting, you can enjoy a relaxing moment.
Their trained chefs offer Kyoto cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
In a sophisticated atmosphere filled with a dignified air, please delight in the seasonal charm of Kyoto dishes.
Cost: 5,000 ~ 6,000 JPY per person.
Seimei-Shrine（清明神社）
Seimei Shrine in Kyoto, a serene haven dedicated to the legendary onmyo-ji Abe no Seimei, offers a glimpse into Japan's mystical past.
Founded in 1007 by Emperor Ichijō, it stands on the site of Seimei's house, symbolizing a deep historical connection.
Seimei, an astrologer and diviner during the Heian Period, was revered for his mastery in astrology, numerology, and controlling demons.
The shrine's key feature, a pentagram symbolizing the balance of nature's five elements, was Seimei's talisman against evil.
Though less crowded than Kyoto's other famous sites, Seimei Shrine's allure lies in its blend of history, mystery, and tranquil ambiance, inviting visitors to explore the intriguing world of a famed onmyo-ji.
Kamigamo-shrine（上賀茂神社）
Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, established in the 7th century, and enshrines Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Kami, known as a god of warding off evil and disaster with strong power. It has a National Treasure "Main Hall", as well as a Heiden and Haiden (buildings for preparing offerings and worshiping to the gods), which were constructed from the 10th to the 12th centuries. Additionally, the garden called Shin-en, with its natural forest and strolling-style garden, forms a beautiful landscape and has attracted the faith of nobles and warriors since ancient times.
Eizan Railway Ichijoji Station
At Kamigamo Shriine, we will arrange transportation to the hotel and then disband.
Ending Point
The Tanukidani Fudo Temple
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, Hotel pick up within Kyoto
Transportation fare,(you and guide), lunch・dinner or dessert (you and guide), entrance fee(you and guide)
Tour Important Information
We will compose a tour for you.
If you have any concerns or particulars about your trip, please contact us!
At least 3days of notice required before a booking.
The hourly guide fee varies depending on the number of guests:
- One guide can handle up to 7 guests. For every additional 7 guests, an extra guide is added.
(E.g., 9 guests require 2 guides, 15 guests require 3 guides)
- The basic hourly rate per guide is ¥7,000/h.
(E.g., 2 guides would cost ¥14,000/h, and 3 guides would cost ¥21,000/h)
- If one guide handles more than 3 guests, an additional fee of ¥1,500/h per guest will be charged.
(E.g., for 4 guests, the rate is ¥8,500/h, for 7 guests it's ¥13,000/h. For 10 guests (i.e., 2 guides), the calculation is ¥7,000/h x 2 + ¥1,500/h x 4 = ¥20,000.)
- The fees indicated on the tour page are based on the basic hourly rate.
Therefore, if the number of guests is more than 3, the price will be adjusted according to the formula mentioned above.
Thank you for your understanding.
Important message from the guide
The hourly rate for the guide fee stands at 7,000JPY for a group of 3people.It’s essential to note that this fee solely covers the guide’s services. All other expenses, including meals, transportation, and entrance fees, are not included and will be billed separately.
For groups exceeding four customers, an additional fee will be incurred as the guide needs to attend to a larger number of people. Please be advised.
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
Kyoto Tour Reviews
“Flexible Service”
I had to arrange a walking tour at the last minute, and I appreciate how promptly and thoughtfully you customized it for us. Thank you for the attentive service!
“Osaka April 14 guide ”
Our guide was a fine young lady but it appears that we were her very first customers. A guide should be knowledgeable and “speak to their clients with stories and history” of each place visited. None of that took place. She was entirely focused on how to get to each place using the GPS. We could have visited the Osaka castle, the Umeda sky building and Dotonbori by ourselves using the same technology. In comparison, we visited Istanbul last year and hired a guide for two days. His stories and discussions about each landmark, mosque, the city, etc was very interesting, educational and worthy. On this Osaka guided tour, we didn’t get any value of having a guide and feel that the $274 was basically wasted and a consideration should be given to us for a rebate. It appears that this guide was released on this FIRST assignment receiving little to no training from your company! We are leaving today for Kyoto using your company for a guide once again and sincerely hope for a better experience! Louis and Mili
“A wonderful day in Kyoto thanks to Koin's great itinerary - and thanks also to lovely Sai who was our guide on the day.”
Koin devised a great itinerary - even taking in a convent that is very rarely open, so it was a real treat. He booked a wonderful traditional Kaiseki restaurant for us, and it was good for us that we had Sai with us to explain all the courses and the etiquette! An amazing day - thank you!
Koin M.
(19 reviews)Dear Juliet, Thank you for your kind review! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the itinerary I planned for you, including the visit to the rarely open convent. It was indeed a special experience, and I'm glad I could arrange it for you. I'm also pleased that you enjoyed the traditional Kaiseki restaurant. Having Sai there to explain the courses and etiquette certainly enhanced the experience, and I'm glad it added to your enjoyment of the day! I hope you'll have the opportunity to visit Japan again in the future, and perhaps you'll consider using our services once more. If any of your friends or family are planning a trip to Japan, we'd be delighted to assist them as well! Warm Regards, Koin
