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
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Alexander N.
“️️️️️ An Exceptional Kyoto Tour with Jasmine — Highly Recommended!”
My family (including our daughters, 10 and 16) spent a full day touring Kyoto with Jasmine on December 1, 2025, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. She asked about our interests—historic shrines, temples, and the Gion area—and created a custom route that covered everything we wanted to see. Before the tour, she even advised us on where to stay, what to wear, and what to bring, which was incredibly helpful. Jasmine met us at an easy-to-find spot and immediately made us feel welcome. Her English was excellent, and she was patient, friendly, and very knowledgeable. She adjusted the walking pace to suit our family and filled the day with interesting stories about each site. She also shared insights into local traditions, daily life, and school customs, answering all our kids’ questions as we saw many local students touring the same areas. Her cultural explanations and tips were things you would never find in a standard guidebook. My wife has a heart condition, and some uphill paths were difficult for her. Jasmine quickly adapted the route on the spot, reducing stairs and steep climbs while still ensuring we visited the key sights. Her flexibility made a big difference. Near the end of the tour, my wife suddenly felt very unwell, and we had to cut the day short to reach the ER (thankfully she later recovered). Jasmine was incredibly supportive—she helped us catch a taxi, directed us to a major hospital with English-speaking staff, and checked in with us afterward for several days to see how my wife was doing. Her kindness and genuine care went far beyond what we expected. Overall, Jasmine greatly enhanced our time in Kyoto. Her planning, knowledge, and warm personality made the experience wonderful from start to finish. We highly recommend booking her as your local guide—you will not be disappointed.
Verona H.
“Great time in Kyoto!”
My family had a great time with Jasmine in Kyoto, she’s knowledgeable and went at a comfortable pace to cover everything we wanted to see. It was also helpful that she’s multilingual and fluent in English and Mandarin which suited us perfectly. I would definitely visit Kyoto with Jasmine again and spend a few days next time.
Bart B.
“Kyoto Family Fun Day”
We really enjoyed hanging out with Jasmine in Kyoto and our 4 and 6 yo did too. Would highly recommend this for anyone looking to hit the ground running in this city or if you just want to do a fun day on autopilot. She’s thoughtful when it comes to kids and both of ours asked if they could hang out with her again.
$161/ per group
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A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
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Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll
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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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