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
Lindsay H.
“Go with Jasmine ”
We toured Kyoto for 2 days with Jasmine. I wouldn’t think twice about booking her. She has great English, easy to understand, she’s informative, kind, and patient. She took us to the sites we had planned, and then effortlessly changed up our itinerary based on our preferences. We enjoyed our time with her, and would book with her again in the future.
Jason L.
“An Amazing Day in Kyoto!”
Our group had such an outstanding time with Jasmine. She was extremely kind, knowledgeable and enthusiastic during our time together. We began our tour with a visit to Hanami-koji Geisha Street where we had the good luck of seeing two maiko. Jasmine provided a very informative talk on the geisha and the tea houses in Kyoto. Later in the day we visited Yasaka Pagoda Tower, Kiyomizu Dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine. Jasmine did an wonderful job of pointing out the significance of each location. Along the way we stopped for several snacks, including the refreshing pickle on a stick, and a couple of shopping trips to purchase souvenirs unique to Kyoto. Jasmine's knowledge of and her pride in Kyoto made the tour one that exceeded our expectations. Thank you Jasmine!
Kendall R.
“Wonderful day with Jasmine”
We had a fantastic experience on our tour with Jasmine and highly recommend her. Her communication ahead of time was great, and she was incredibly flexible, allowing us to extend our tour to include the Nishiki Food Market. We put in almost 20,000 steps making it to all the sites (and somehow she did all of this without even breaking a sweat!), which was exactly the great, efficient pace we wanted to see a lot. Jasmine guided us through a large variety of temples and landmarks around the Gion area, always knowing the best routes to maximize our time. At the same time, she was flexible enough to allow for shopping and snack breaks for the kids, who really enjoyed having her as our guide. At our request, Jasmine answered all of our questions about Japanese culture and customs, dispelling some myths and helping us be more culturally aware and sensitive. We also appreciated the history she shared at each stop and the great spots she suggested for family photos. If you want a knowledgeable, accommodating guide for the whole family, definitely book with Jasmine.
$158/ per group
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