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
Maile B.
“A lovely day filled with history and flexibility!”
Jasmine did a great job of communicating ahead of time all the logistics and answered all my questions. During the tour she was very knowledgeable and super friendly. We have younger children who aren’t from a walking city so Jasmine altered the day to fit the needs of our family. It was a wonderful tour and we highly recommend Jasmine!
Michael C.
“Jasmine is incredible!”
There are so many things to say about our tour, but let's start with what a wonderful person and guide Jasmine is. She is very personable and conscientious of your needs throughout the day, which is a long one and requires a lot of walking/stairs. It's impossible to see Kyoto in full in a single day, but the places you visit with her are perfect. The market is vibrant and full of food/ware vendors, and without her we'd have been lost or sucked into a tourist trap or ten. She cruises through it expertly and gets you to THE spots, some of which are quite unique. The information she provided about Gion and geisha history was just enough without the endless droning of a history professor that some guides pretend to be. The temple visits are great, but there are hidden gems she takes you to that make the tour that much better with fewer crowds. At the end of the day, she even bought us a gift and gave us dining recommendations! It was such a great tour; we highly recommend it, and I'd give Jasmine 10 stars if I could.
Martin D.
“Excellent day with Jasmine”
We had a wonderful time with Jasmine. Despite rain and jet-lagged kids, Jasmine was great in showing the key sites, and finding sugar and coffee breaks. Highly recommended!
$159/ per group
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