(Highlights)
This castle was originally built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate Government. It was subsequently enlarged by adding some structures transferred from Fushimi Castle built in the 1573-1614 Momoyama period and is one of the finest examples of early Edo period and Momoyama culture in Japan, making splendid use of early Edo period building designs, lavish paintings and carvings. In 1867, Tokugawa Yoshinobu,the 15th Shogun, returned sovereignty to the Emperor and the castle became the property of the Imperial family. It has been owned by Kyoto city since 1939. The castle was designated as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994.
(How to enjoy)
Just go through the gorgeous gate, "Nino-maru-kara-mon" gate, and you will be met by the main building, "Nino-maru-goten" hall, the main structure, being amazed at its magnificence. In other words, you will never end up admiring the power of Tokugawa era Shogun. The tour inside the main building will take you some 30 minutes. You can enjoy seeing the vast interior, splendid wall paintings, mock-up figures of Shogun and feudal lords meeting in the grand hall, and so on. As you walk on the path outside the main building, you can see the gardens with a pond and trees in perfect harmony. Other buildings will also be a pleasure to your eyes.
(Others)
The bus fare is 230 yen and the admission fee is 600 yen.
At your hotel
At your hotel
guide fee, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick-up in areas beyond Kyoto
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
“Excellent and Energetic”
We went on a 3 day tour of Kyoto and Osaka with Hiro San. From the beginning he was very responsive, and during the tour extremely energetic, very knowledgeable and never ever looked at the time. We covered a lot with his guidance, and he ensured that we get vegetarian choices on each of the days. Samurai costumes and sword props, was real fun. Thank you Hiro San.
Tatsuhiro N.
(47 reviews)Hi Ravi-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am much encouraged with it. Above all, I am happy you spent a meaningful time here in the "Kansai" area. And many thanks for treating me to the delicious Indian dishes each day. Wish you all a good health and a good luck. Regards, Hiro
“Two cities in one day ”
Huri-sun was nice and friendly.We covered Nara and Arashimaya in one day.
Tatsuhiro N.
(47 reviews)Hi Alev-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am glad you people enjoyed the tour today under the fine spring weather. Your story as the World Bank official was interesting. I hope you will enjoy your life to the maximum extent after you reach the retirement age. And thank you very much for treating me to the coffee and lunch. Regards, Hiro
“Sakura Sakura sakura”
Tatsuhiro was a lovely senior guide trotting along tog with us showing us the beauty of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera temple - where he prepared a highlight for my grandson, Inari, and Arashiyama bamboo forest in the evening - where there was hardly anyone at the peak of Sakura. Thank you for extending our tour till 7 pm. We had a great time.
Tatsuhiro N.
(47 reviews)Hi Shereen-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I really enjoyed walking with you around some of the popular sights of Kyoto and your smiling faces were my greatest reward. And how cute your grandson was! He definitely is the star in the future. Your daughter`s talk about studying in Australia and in the UK was interesting. I wish you all a good health and a good luck. Regards, Hiro