1 day

Populärt

Heldag

Om den här aktiviteten

Your day trip starts with morning pickup for the Kyoto sightseeing portion of your tour. Known as the cradle of Japan's cultural heritage, Kyoto was the country’s capital and home of the Japanese emperor from 794 until 1868. Thus, it boasts many important temples and other sites, several of which make up the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site.

With your guide, visit some of the highlights of this ancient city, starting with Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogun until the mid-1800s. This World Heritage–listed castle was built in 1603 and is noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance with its gorgeous interiors. You have about 50 minutes here to explore.

Next, visit Kyoto's most popular temple, Kinkaku-ji, another World Heritage site and the home to what is perhaps the world's most exquisite Japanese garden. It’s also home to the celebrated Golden Pavilion, a 3-story structure covered in gold leaf and extended out over a pond. Make sure your camera is ready because it makes a great photo op. Spend about 45 minutes here.

Continue your tour to Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the emperors of Japan. During your 40 minutes here, visit the Shishin-den, where important state ceremonies took place, and get a feel for the Japanese aesthetic of purity, simplicity and calmness as you explore the palace grounds.

Take a break from sightseeing for lunch, and then re-board your coach for the 1-hour drive south of Kyoto to Nara, where you’ll visit two of the temples and shrines that make up the UNESCO World Heritage site the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

Start at Todai-ji, a temple complex famous for being home to one of the world’s largest bronze statues of the Buddha, housed in the Great Buddha Hall. You have about one hour here to explore the temple grounds and surrounding Nara Park.

Then head to colorful Kasuga Shrine, famous for the 3,000 bronze lanterns that line its interior. You have 40 minutes here before continuing to a section of Nara Park, aka Deer Park, where tame sika deer roam freely and can be hand-fed (special food can be purchased from vendors, if you wish). If time and/or traffic conditions permit, you will also stop at a souvenir shop before heading back to Kyoto, where your day trip ends.

Ingår

Professional guide
Transport by air-conditioned coach
Entrance fees, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only)
Japanese and Western-style buffet lunch

Ingår ej

Gratuities (optional)
Entrance to Treasures Hall and Manyo Botanical Gardens at Kasuga Shrine

Extra

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat. Not meal included for infants
Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must have his or her own caregiver
Pickup is only available from select locations in Kyoto. Please refer to “Departure Point” for listed locations. Please specify your preferable pickup location at checkout. No customized pickup location is available
Some parts of roads on this tour are gravel and include steep inclines
Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed on Monday and, if Monday is a national holiday, Monday will be open and the following day will be closed. When Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed, you will visit Kitano-tenmangu Shrine instead. The schedule applies to the period before and after the public viewing of Kyoto Imperial Palace in April and Oct, and the Aoi Festival from May 14-17, as well as other Imperial Household events
On Jan 25, Apr 25, Jul 25 and Oct 25, Nishi Hongan-ji Temple will serve as the alternative for Kitano-tenmangu Shrine, when applicable
Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays (or Wednesdays if Tuesday is a national holiday) in January, July, August and December, as well as over the New Year's holidays; you will visit Ryoan-ji Temple on these days
During the Gion Festival (July 14-16), drop-off service at Karasuma Kyoto Hotel, Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto and Hotel Monterey Kyoto will be unavailable due to traffic restrictions
The tour may not visit Nara Nagomikan if it is closed or due to traffic conditions