• Nijo Castle - Constructed in 1603 as the Kyoto residence for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868), Nijo-jo Castle is among Japan’s most famous castles. Its palace buildings are considered some of the finest surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era. In 1994, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nijo-jo Castle is divided into three sections: the Honmaru (main defense circle), the Ninomaru (secondary defense circle), and surrounding gardens. The entire castle grounds, including the Honmaru, are encircled by stone walls and moats. Admission to Nijo Castle, which includes entry to the Ninomaru-goten Palace, is priced at 1,300 yen. Please ensure you have the correct amount in cash for entry. Thank you.

(If Nijo Castle is closed, consider visiting Heian Jingu Shrine instead. This Shinto shrine, located in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, is recognized as an important cultural property of Japan.)

• Arashiyama - Situated in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a renowned tourist spot celebrated for its natural beauty, historical sites, and scenic attractions. This area has been a favored destination since the Heian Period (794-1185) when nobles would visit to enjoy its picturesque landscapes.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - The bamboo forests of Arashiyama are a must-visit when in Kyoto, serving as a symbol of the city. This stunning and serene natural attraction is known for its towering bamboo stalks and tranquil ambiance.

Strolling along the peaceful paths surrounded by lush greenery will help ease your mind. You can truly feel time slow down as you take in the beauty of nature. The groves are especially captivating when a gentle breeze causes the tall bamboo stalks to sway gracefully.

• Nonomiya Shrine - Nonomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Arashiyama district on the west side of Kyoto. Unlike most shrines with iconic vermilion torii gates, Nonomiya Shrine features a distinctive black torii gate known as a kuroki torii. Despite its small size, the shrine has a long history, originally founded as a purification shrine for imperial princesses appointed as priestesses for Ise Shrine.

Nonomiya Shrine is known for assisting and interceding on behalf of women, with many visitors being women seeking love or wishing for children and a safe childbirth. Many of the omamori available at the shrine reflect the theme of women’s happiness, and a variety of amulets can be found at the shrine office.

• Arashiyama Kimono Forest - The Kimono Forest is a unique textile art installation consisting of 600 clear acrylic cylinders, each standing 2 meters tall. These pillars are adorned with vibrant kimono fabrics featuring a range of designs, from elegant floral patterns to geometric shapes and traditional Japanese symbols. The installation showcases 32 traditional Kyo-yuzen designs.

The Kimono Forest is a must-see attraction that offers a unique and enchanting perspective on traditional Japanese textiles and craftsmanship.

• Togetsukyo Bridge - The Togetsukyo Bridge is the most iconic landmark in Arashiyama. Originally constructed during the Heian Period (794-1185), it was last rebuilt in the 1930s. This famous bridge spans the Katsura River and offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and riverscape.
• Kinkaku-ji - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site, it is renowned for its dazzling golden exterior and serene gardens. The name Golden Pavilion is derived from the gold leaf that covers the pavilion. The gold was intended to mitigate and purify any pollution or negative thoughts and feelings toward death.

The Golden Pavilion is a three-story building within the Rokuon-ji temple complex. Each floor features a different architectural style. The pavilion successfully incorporates three distinct styles of architecture: shinden, samurai, and zen.

• Fushimi Inari Taisha - Among the approximately 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine dedicated to worshiping the Shinto god of rice, Inari. The shrine is famous for Senbon Torii, thousands of vermilion red torii gates that create a stunning and immersive tunnel-like pathway up the sacred Mount Inari.

For 1,300 years since its establishment in 711 AD, people have gathered here to pray for bountiful harvests, business prosperity, the safety of their home and family, and the fulfillment of all other wishes.

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All fees and/or taxes

• Lunch
• Nijo Castle & Ninomaru Goten Palace Ticket: 1,300 yen
• Kinkaku-ji Temple Ticket: 500 yen

Kyoto, formerly the capital of Japan, is located on the island of Honshu. Embark on a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition seamlessly merges with modernity.

Explore Nijo Castle, renowned for its palace buildings that are considered the finest surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era. This castle was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and has been a witness to significant events in Japanese history over the past 400 years.

Be captivated by the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, which epitomizes the timeless beauty of this Japanese city.

Discover the stunning torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha and wander through the Arashiyama area, featuring the tranquil Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and the enchanting Kimono Forest.

Depart from Osaka or Kyoto and enjoy a magical blend of nature and history with the assistance of our friendly and professional guide.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.