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Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle
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Joined 2025
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?
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
Joined 2025
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
Jared E.
“10/10 stars!”
Jasmine was an AMAZING TOUR GUIDE! We spent two weeks in Japan and she was one of the highlights of our trip. She was fun, knowledgeable, and comfortable in leading us through a really comprehensive and thoughtful tour of Kyoto. I would recommend Jasmine as a tour guide to anybody—she was so personable and it made our whole day so much fun. 10/10 stars for Jasmine!!! We miss you and hope you come to visit California soon!!!
Gloria C.
“Day in Kyoto”
We had so much fun on this tour! Jasmine was a great guide. She customizes the experience based on your preferences and accommodated our diet restrictions. She’s very knowledgeable on the locations we went to and she also brought us to some hidden gems less known to tourists. I will book her again next time I’m in the area!
Tracy R.
“Old Kyoto/ Gion stroll”
Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Jasmine was a wonderful guide, her knowledge of Old Kyoto and all things geisha was incredible - we came away learning so much. Jasmine was very patient and happily took lots of photos for us. We even got to see a Maiko! Would definitely recommend Jasmine as your guide. Our kids really took to Jasmine - very warm and kind. She also recommended an awesome restaurant in Pontocho Alley after our tour ended.
$162/ per group
More tours by Jasmine L.
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A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
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A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
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A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
A perfect blend of taste and tradition—start with a delicious food tour at Nishiki Market, featuring 7 types of Japanese food (included in the price). Then stroll through the historic Gion district and visit iconic landmarks like the Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Kodaiji Temple. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience Kyoto’s culture, scenery, and flavors in one memorable day!
A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
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Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll
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Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll
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Short Relaxing Tour: Explore Geisha Streets and Temples
Step into the magic world of old Kyoto! This 4-hour tour takes you through the heart of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods—perfect for first-time visitors. Stroll the charming streets of Gion, lined with beautiful wooden teahouses and learn about the geisha culture. We’ll visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Zen Kodaiji Temple, and the 1000 year old Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, enjoy scenic views, traditional architecture, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Short Relaxing Tour: Explore Geisha Streets and Temples
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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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
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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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Thousand Torii Gates & Sake: Fushimi Half-Day Tour
This half-day tour begins at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a sacred site with more than 1,300 years of history, famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates. Next, we will take a train to another district and visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Here you will learn how Japan’s iconic drink has been crafted for centuries and enjoy a tasting of several sake varieties. We will wrap up the tour with a leisurely stroll through the lively Otesuji Shopping Arcade.
Thousand Torii Gates & Sake: Fushimi Half-Day Tour
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