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Exploring Kyoto in Rakusai (West) and Rakuchu (Central)
Kyoto is known as exotic sightseeing places and numerous historic, quaint old monuments are seen all over the town. This tour covers part of Rakusai (West district) and Central district. Visiting Rakusai , Tenryu-ji temple represents the Kitayama culture. Nijyo-jo castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace in Rakuchu (Central district) are the cultural center during Heian, Momoyama and Edo periods.
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto or Nara)
To meet you at your hotel lobby, with Gowithguide welcome sign board your name on. Followed after brief tour orientation, we start the tour of the day
We take you to Osaka METRO station or JR, private railway station to lead JR Osaka station whichever closer to your hotel. If you stay in Kyoto or Nara, we can save 30 ~ 45 min travel by train to JR Saga Arashiyama Station. 20 min walk from JR Saga Arashiyama Station to Bamboo Grove. Tenryu-ji Temple is located annexed in halfway walking through Bamboo Grove.
Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama and Tenryu-ji Temple
Nijo-jo castle
30 min ride from Arashiyama station, Keifuku line to Nijo-jo-Mae, Kyoto METRO station.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
10 min ride from Nijo-jo-Mae Kyoto METRO station to Maruta-machi Kyoto METRO station.
End of this day tour at your hotel in Osaka. Will arrive at your hotel earlier if you stay in Kyoto or Nara.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto or Nara)
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
*Guide fee, hotel pick-up fee in Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara and Kyoto)
*Travel expense for the guide as required to travel with customers by means of public transportation such as train, subway, bus.
Travel expenses included herein are limited within Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto)
*Admission fees, tickets for the guide as might be incurred at temples, shrines or the like.
*Meals , drinks or the like for the guide during the tour
*Any tax or the like as might be incurred by the guide in Japan
*Gratuity
Not included:
*Fees to cruise river or sea or the like for the guide
*Tickets for Universal Studio Japan, museum or the like as might be required for the guide at private or public entertainment facilities.
Tour Important Information
Arashiyama changes its color from season to season and Sagano is a tranquil spot, beloved by emperors and nobles. Bamboo grove make you feel romantic and become a movie star. A shrine called Nonomiya-shrine built in the midst of grove, may help you find a partner for life soon. Fantastic to walk a beautiful bridge, Togetsu Bridge and listen to the murmuring of the Katsura river. Carefully maintained and preserved Bamboo grove is also a must-see spot. The head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of the Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism has both a botanic garden and a gorge-water garden, borrowed landscape from Mt Arashiyama to part of the garden. Tokugawa shogunate came to an end in this castle, Nijo-jo castle in 1867 with the announcement of hand over the authority back to the Emperor by last Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu. Kyoto Imperial Palace was partly open to public from July 26, 2016 and is held in high regard as a piece of Japan’s cultural heritage. Nijo-jo castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace will tell you long historical tale in Kyoto from 794 to 1867.
- IMPORTANT -
Not suitable for tours with infants, children, wheelchairs and strollers.
Take your shoes off before stepping on designated area (Nijo-jo Castle) and tatami mat.
Be quiet and respectful in Shrines and Temples
Remove hats and sunglasses in front of main sanctuary in Shrines and Temples
Not to touch old buildings, old remains and objects
Not to take pictures where prohibited in Shrines, Temples, Castles and Imperial Palace.
Important message from the guide
Any day or time is available, inclusively long tours extended to more than 10 days across Japan, but please reconfirm guide's availability at time of booking
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
“Great guide in Kyoto”
Mike was our guide for 2 days in Kyoto. He met our cruise ship in Kobe on the morning of the first day and dropped us back off at the end of the 2nd day so we never felt like we wouldn’t be able to find our way. He worked with us to design the 2 days. We initially thought we’d spend the 2nd day in Nara but decided to stay in Kyoto. He was very knowledgeable and worked very hard to ensure we saw everything we wanted to. In addition to seeing many sights he explained a lot of Japanese culture and religion to us in a way that made the experience very enjoyable. We highly recommend him.
Masahisa M.
(37 reviews)Marybeth Tight schedule as you had limited time in Kyoto. I'm sure Mark must be so tired from walking a long distance. Although Kyoto City is currently in a state of chaos by overtourism, I am glad that I was able to show you at least one that you could feel good old days of Kyoto. Thank again for visiting us from afar beautiful city and quick-stopover here. Thanks Masahisa
Chan-seng L.
Exploring Kyoto in Rakusai (West) and Rakuchu (Central)
“Tour of Kyoto West”
Thank you again for your gracious hospitality in Kyoto. We really enjoyed the tour of Nijo-jo Castle and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Wished we had the energy to walk up the hill and enjoy the monkey park - there's always a next time. You have done a great job promoting tourism in your country and welcoming people from all over the world - please continue doing what has been successful for you. The world needs more people like you! We will always recommend you to our family and friends visiting Japan. All the very best!
Masahisa M.
(37 reviews)Chan-seng L Glad to meet all of your happy families again here and could show you around the Kansai region I was not able to do on your last visit. Look forward to seeing you again. Thanks Masahisa
Yostina T.
Exploring Kyoto in Rakutou (East) and Rakuchu (Central)
“East Kyoto ”
We had the most wonderful experience with Mike! He was so informative and gave us lots of knowledge on each location visited. He was patient with us as we made many stops for food and pictures. He made our tour very personal and gave us a very local feel of Kyoto. We enjoyed spending the day with Mike and recommend him to everyone! Trust me if you’re in Kyoto, you must take a tour with him. He will really make your experience much better.
Masahisa M.
(37 reviews)Yostina Thanks reminding me of my days, lived in your beautiful city, Casa Roma, CN Tower, Toronto Island etc etc. Thanks again visiting us from afar and wish you all safe return home with happy memory. Thanks Masahisa
