Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle
Step into the world of emperors and samurai on this historical journey through Kyoto.
Explore the elegant gardens and grand halls of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, then uncover the secrets of Nijo Castle—home to shoguns, hidden chambers, and the famous “nightingale floors” that sing with every step.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Nijo Castle
- Nijo Castle (Main Entrance/Ticketing Gate) 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301
Nijo Castle Main Building
Step inside a real shogun residence filled with history, hidden chambers, and famous paintings. Experience the famous nightingale corridors.
Ninomaru Garden
A classic Japanese landscape garden with ponds, islands, and manicured pines—designed to reflect the refined beauty of the Edo period.
Honmaru Garden and Watchtower
A quiet, lesser-known garden tucked within Nijo Castle’s inner circle—climb the watchtower for scenic views of the castle from above.
Seiryu-en Garden
A modern-style Japanese garden used for tea ceremonies and official receptions, combining tradition with elegance.
Kyoto Imperial Palace and National Garden
Once the home of Japan’s emperors, this grand estate features wide courtyards, graceful gates, and beautifully preserved Heian-style architecture.
Ending Point
Kyoto National Garden
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
• Guide Fee
• Entrance Ticket to Nijo Castle
• Transportation cost from Nijo Castle to Imperial Palace
• Hotel Pick Up
Tour Important Information
Tour Duration: 3 hours
Walking Level: Moderate – please wear comfortable shoes
What to Bring: Water, sun protection, and seasonal clothing
Photography:
• No photos allowed inside Nijo Castle’s main building (Ninomaru Palace)
• Photography is allowed in the gardens and exterior areas
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
About Tour Guide Jasmine L.
Hi, I’m Jasmine! I am a friendly, multilingual guide based in Kyoto.
My tours are perfect for families with children and easy-paced for elderly guests. I offer warm, personal experiences filled with fun stories, local delights, and hidden gems you won’t find in guidebooks. Let’s explore Kyoto together!
Reviews
Sarah R.
“Awesome tour ”
We had an awesome tour/day with Jasmine. We were traveling with 3 kids, 9, and 6 year old twins. Jasmine was so understanding and flexible with the plans and made it workable for our family. She is so knowledgable on all of the history of the area and sightings, and also makes great recommendations in other areas such as food, shopping etc. Not to mention, she will take awesome family pictures for you throughout the experinece. 10/10 experience and would highly recommend.
Rhett B.
“Wonderful choice”
Jasmine is extremely knowledgeable and very thoughtful. We had a wonderful day with her & would highly recommend. Thank you Jasmine.
Kanokwan M.
“We love Jasmine!”
Jasmine was honestly one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had. My mother and I spent five hours with her in Kyoto, and I can genuinely say it was one of the highlights of our trip. She has this amazing ability to make history and culture feel interesting without it ever feeling like a lecture. Every question we asked was answered with so much knowledge, and you could tell how passionate she is about Kyoto. What really stood out to me though was how thoughtful she is. She picked up on what we enjoyed, adjusted the day naturally, and made everything feel relaxed and personal. She’s incredibly kind, easy to talk to, and just has a way of making you feel comfortable from the moment you meet her. She also has a fantastic eye for photography. Without us even having to ask, she knew all the best spots and took some of our favourite photos from the trip. It was such a thoughtful touch and made the whole experience even more special. Nothing felt rushed or forced. It honestly felt like we were spending the day with someone who genuinely wanted us to have the best experience possible. Her communication before and after the tour was also excellent, which made everything so easy. I’ve travelled quite a bit and done a lot of private tours, and Jasmine is right at the top. If you’re visiting Kyoto, I can’t recommend her highly enough. She made our day unforgettable, and it’s a memory my mother and I will always treasure. Thank you, Jasmine. You made our time in Kyoto so special.
$161/ per group
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