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Kyoto Imperial Palace
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Joined 2023
Welcome to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage and a site that has played a pivotal role in the country's history. Today, as we walk through these hallowed grounds, we will explore the palace's long and fascinating history, which stretches back over a thousand years. The Kyoto Imperial Palace, or "Kyoto Gosho" as it is known in Japanese, is not just a historic building, but a living testament to the traditions, politics, and culture of Japan's imperial past.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Imadegawa station
- We meet at the South ticket gate of the Imadegawa station on the Karasuma Subway Line.
Kyoto Imperial Palace Park
Walking through the park to the main palace we'll discuss how this palace came to be, why its relevant in Japanese history, as well as a basic outline of the Japanese political system. All while enjoying the natural surroundings of the park.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Visit to the main palace itself.
After the palace we have a break at a Shrine or Wagashi shop
Near the palace there is a cafe built into the grounds of a Shinto Shrine that serves great coffee in amazing surroundings.
There is also a traditional Japanese sweets maker in continual business for over 500 years. You can chose which of these venues you would like to have a break at.
Ending Point
At cafe or wagashi shop.
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
Guiding and interpretation services.
Orders at the cafe or wagashi shop are not included in the tour fee.
Tour Important Information
The palace is extensive in size, and therefore involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
The Palace is closed on Mondays. If Monday is a national holiday the palace is open, and will then close first day following that is a non-holiday.
The tour is still available during these days, as we can explore the palace gardens and surrounding area. Therefore please just be aware that if you wish to enter the palace proper to take into the above into account.
Important message from the supplier
I can guide you in other areas around Kansai as well, such as Kobe or Wakayama, if you pay my transportation fee.
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 2023
About Tour Guide Eco H.
Eco has called Kyoto his home for the last 7 years, and now he hopes to share with you all he has learned of this wonderful city and the surrounding area. Recent graduate with a background in Japanese history and religion, he is now a professor a university in nearby Kobe city. Therefore, if you are particularly interested in learning more about the history and culture of Kyoto he can provide exciting narratives to go along with visiting the delightful sites. Throughout his time in Kyoto he has been working as a guide for numerous organisations, including guiding around Japanese tourists visiting Kyoto, and has provided many with a unique view of the city.
Reviews
Karina V.
“Kyoto with Dutch speaking guide”
We received a Very good explanation from the guide Lr Eco. Group 10 persons Belgium.
Isaac K.
“A Superb Viewd of the Imperial Palace ”
An awesome tour, well explained and with a fair amount of trivia. The cafe at the end was a real treat as well!
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Eco H.
Thank you very much, it was a pleasure to guide someone who already had such a wealth of background knowledge. I hope you had a great time during the rest of your trip.
Susann L.
“4h Tour Highlights of Kyoto”
Eco has a very good understanding and extensive knowledge of Kyoto itself, Japanese culture and the various interesting contexts and backgrounds of the country and its people. It was a very good tour and I would definitely recommend him.
$155/ per group
More tours by Eco H.
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Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour
First and foremost, I do not want to provide a typical tour to the standard fair of tourist attractions. As with the majority of visitors to Kyoto, you do not really need a guide to visit such places. Instead, what makes my tour special is that I can show you the unique places of Kyoto with the addition of a historical and cultural background. Lunch at local restaurants, visit temples of the beaten path, go to local shopping arcades for unique products. Enjoy Kyoto without the crowds.
Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour
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Kyoto Day-trip to Miho Museum
In this tour we would like to take you to the most spectacular museum in the area, the Miho Museum by renown architect I. M. Pei. We will ensure you reach this difficult to visit museum hidden in the depths of the mountains of Shiga Prefecture. As there is little language support available, on this tour we will be joined by an interpreter.
Kyoto Day-trip to Miho Museum
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Osaka City Trip
Welcome to Japan's third largest city Osaka! A vibrant and bustling metropolis, the city is famous as a more rugged city experience compared to Tokyo. Known as the "Nation's Kitchen," Osaka is a city a history of international trade has shaped its version of modernity, offering a unique blend of rich history, cultural landmarks, and foods to try. Join on a journey to explore some of Osaka's most iconic attractions, and learn more about the dynamic energy that defines this incredible city.
Osaka City Trip
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Nara History Tour
You can go in blind and simply learn as much as possible about this phenomenal city, where you will be provided with a good encapsulation of the wonders of Nara.
Nara History Tour
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
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Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
Short on time? Experience the best of Arashiyama in just 4 hours! We follow a smart, one-way route from a peaceful hidden gem through the magical Bamboo Forest down to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. By entering Tenryu-ji Temple from the north gate, we avoid crowds and backtracking Saving your precious time and energy. Enjoy a seamless morning with a local professional guide!
Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
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Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
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Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
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