Kyoto: Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market (English)
Explore Kyoto's rich history with an experienced, licensed Kyoto City guide, giving you a unique insight into the intrigues of the samurai, feudal lords, and the power of the Shogun.
Experience an authentic journey back in time, delving into the reality of Japanese history, free of Hollywood trappings.
Using an iPad as a visual aid, you'll better appreciate the historical context as we uncover the events that shaped Kyoto.
By the end of the tour, you'll not only have an in-depth understanding of Kyoto and Japanese history, but you'll also have an itinerary of nearby places to further enrich your travel experience.
Options
Tour in Spanish
What's included in Kyoto: Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market (English)
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Northwest of Kyoto is the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji, declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and one of the main tourist destinations in the area. This notable temple was originally built as a villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the 14th century, but was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple after his death. The temple is adorned with authentic gold leaf, which contributes to its stunning beauty and historical importance.
Nijo Castle
Discover the profound historical importance of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, which vividly depicts the epic fights between samurai warriors, feudal lords and powerful military dictators, known as Shogun. You will immerse yourself in the captivating story of the end of the samurai era and the modernization of Japan in this iconic location.
Nishiki Market Shopping District
Nishiki Market, also known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” is a lively retail market located on a narrow, five-block-long shopping street. With over a hundred shops and restaurants, this bustling market offers a wide selection of food-related items, including fresh seafood, produce, knives, and kitchenware.
Inclusions
- The guide will make a short video of about 90 seconds, as a souvenir, and will hand it out at the end.
- The guide will take photos and deliver them via Airdrop
- The guide will explain the facts with graphics and notes using an iPad.
- Does not include entrance tickets. Golden Pavilion ¥500 (US$3.30)
- Does not include public transportation bus / subway ¥690 approx (US$ 4.50)
- Nijo Castle Ticket Cost ¥1,300 (approx. US$8.50) paid by the customer
- Ticket cost to the Golden Temple ¥500 (US$ 3.50 approx) paid by the customer
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- In front of the 7 Eleven at Kyoto Station Building. Use the exit on the Kyoto Tower side.