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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
Andrew T.
“Old Kyoto Walking Tour with Jasmine”
We had so much fun with Jasmine! She provided a fabulous tour of the must see parts of old Kyoto. We had expected an overview with a few landmarks but her tour felt very in depth. She shared history, current culture, food information and all sorts of insights to past and present Kyoto lifestyle. We loved it, and highly recommend!
Steven C.
“Jasmine is an amazing friend/guide”
Jasmine is friendly, welcoming and funny. She is a must when visiting Kyoto. Her beautiful personality, knowledge and passion for sharing her amazing culture and city goes deeper than just a tour it was a personal, spiritual experience that showed us a multifaceted city filled with tradition history and culture. She has a very big heart and is very caring person, when my daughter felt a bit ill at the end of our tour she helped us find some medication to help her feel well. We will definitely reach out to her in the future for our next trip to Kyoto. Thank you so so much Jasmine.
Juliette F.
“Fabulous guide on our Temple and Bamboo Forest tour”
We had a wonderful day visiting the Temple at Arashiyama along with the Bamboo forest and boat ride. Jasmine, our guide was really knowledgeable and a lovely friendly person who made all of us feel very comfortable. She went above and beyond to provide cultural insights and practical help. We would highly recommend her tour! Juliette
$161/ per group
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A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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