How to Explore Kyoto’s Top Attractions: Full Day Sightseeing Tour Including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple
If you are planning a trip to Japan, don’t miss out on Kyoto, the country’s former capital and cultural center. Kyoto has a rich history and a plethora of cultural attractions, from temples and shrines to gardens and palaces. One of the best ways to explore Kyoto is by taking a full-day sightseeing tour that covers the top highlights. In this guide, we will introduce you to the Kyoto full-day sightseeing tour, including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, so you can plan your trip wisely and make the most of your time in Kyoto.Overview of the Tour
The Kyoto full-day sightseeing tour starts at Kyoto Station, where you will meet your guide and board the bus. The tour covers the following attractions:- Nijo Castle
- Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Sanju-Sangendo Hall
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- Kiyomizu Temple
Details of Each Attraction
Here are some brief descriptions of each attraction that you will visit on the tour.Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Kyoto’s power and prestige during the Edo period. The castle was built in 1603 and served as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. The castle has a magnificent palace with a beautiful garden, impressive artwork, and exquisite interior design. You will explore the Ninomaru Palace and its beautiful architecture and artwork, including the famous nightingale floor that chirps like a bird when walked upon.Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple with a golden pavilion that reflects on a pond. The temple was built in the 14th century by a shogun as a retirement villa and later turned into a temple. The pavilion is covered in gold leaf and has three floors of beautiful architecture and art. You will walk around the temple’s gardens and take beautiful pictures.Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of Japan’s Imperial family until 1868 when the capital moved to Tokyo. The palace has beautiful gardens and a complex of buildings with impressive architecture and artwork. The tour provides access to the palace’s interior and its beautiful gardens.Sanju-Sangendo Hall
Sanju-Sangendo is a famous Buddhist temple with a hall that houses 1000 life-size statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The hall has a serene atmosphere and beautiful artwork that reflects the culture and history of Japan.Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a famous Shinto shrine with thousands of torii gates that lead to the top of a mountain. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The tour will offer you plenty of time to walk around the shrine’s paths and enjoy the scenic view.Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple that overlooks the city of Kyoto. The temple has a long history and a stunning architecture that includes a stage that juts out over a cliff. The tour will allow you to explore the temple’s complex and take breathtaking pictures of the city from the stage.What to Expect on the Tour
The Kyoto full-day sightseeing tour is a comprehensive tour of Kyoto’s top attractions, and you should expect to do a lot of walking and standing. The tour requires moderate levels of fitness, as you will walk on uneven surfaces and some stairs. The tour guide will provide informative commentary in English and Japanese and will answer your questions. You will have plenty of time to explore each attraction and take pictures.How to Book the Tour
To book the Kyoto full-day sightseeing tour, including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, visit this link: book here. The tour is operated by an experienced local tour operator, and you will receive a confirmation email with the tour details and meeting point instructions.Book Your Tour Now
The Kyoto full-day sightseeing tour, including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Kyoto. The tour covers the city’s top attractions and offers ample opportunities to learn about Japanese culture and history, take breathtaking pictures, and make unforgettable memories. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip to Kyoto, and we wish you a pleasant journey!
FAQs About Kyoto
Kyoto is a beautiful city in Japan and a popular travel destination. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, temples, shrines, and traditional cuisine. If you are planning to visit Kyoto, you may have many questions in your mind. Let’s answer some of the frequently asked questions about Kyoto.1. What is the best time to visit Kyoto?
Kyoto has four distinct seasons, each with its beauty. The best time to visit Kyoto depends on your preferences. If you want to enjoy cherry blossom season, the best time to visit is late March to early April. The autumn foliage season is also popular, and the best time to visit is November. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy.2. What are the must-visit sights in Kyoto?
Kyoto has many attractions, and it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. Some of the must-visit sights in Kyoto are:a. Fushimi Inari-taisha:
It is a shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and agriculture. It is famous for its thousands of torii gates.b. Kiyomizu-dera:
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers stunning views of the city. The temple is known for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall.c. Kinkaku-ji:
It is a temple covered in gold leaf and is also known as the Golden Pavilion.d. Arashiyama:
It is a district located on the outskirts of Kyoto and is known for its bamboo forest, temples, and gardens.3. What is the best way to get around Kyoto?
Kyoto has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subways. The best way to get around Kyoto depends on the locations you want to visit. If you plan to visit mainly tourist attractions, taking the Kyoto City Bus is convenient as it covers most of the city. You can purchase a day pass for unlimited rides.4. What is the traditional food in Kyoto?
Kyoto has a unique cuisine that focuses on enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. Some of the must-try traditional foods in Kyoto are:a. Kaiseki:
It is a multi-course meal that is an essential part of Japanese cuisine.b. Tofu dishes:
Kyoto is famous for its tofu dishes. Yudofu, which is boiled tofu, is a popular dish in Kyoto.c. Matcha desserts:
Kyoto is known for its matcha desserts like matcha ice cream, matcha cakes, and matcha parfaits.5. What is the etiquette to follow when visiting a temple or shrine in Kyoto?
Temples and shrines are religious places in Japan, and visitors are expected to follow certain etiquette when visiting them. Some of the things to keep in mind when visiting a temple or shrine are:a. Dress appropriately:
Visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering temple buildings.b. Respect the environment:
Visitors are expected to keep the surroundings clean and avoid littering.c. Bow and clap:
Visitors are expected to bow when entering and leaving the temple and clap their hands twice to show respect to the deity.6. What is the currency used in Kyoto?
The currency used in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Most shops and restaurants in Kyoto accept credit cards, but it is always advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting temples and shrines.7. What is the weather like in Kyoto?
Kyoto experiences four seasons, with temperatures ranging from hot and humid in summers to cold and snowy in winters. The best time to visit Kyoto is during spring or autumn, as the weather is comfortable, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.8. What are some souvenirs to buy in Kyoto?
Kyoto is famous for its traditional crafts, and there are many souvenirs you can buy to take back home. Some popular souvenirs are:a. Kyoto ceramics:
Kyoto has a long history of ceramic-making, and you can find beautiful ceramic dishes, bowls, and cups.b. Kyo-yuzen fabrics:
These are handmade fabrics dyed with intricate designs and patterns.c. Traditional sweets:
Kyoto is famous for its traditional sweets like wagashi, which are Japanese-style sweets made with mochi and sweet beans.Book Your Tour Now
Kyoto is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage, and there is something for everyone. Whether you want to explore temples and shrines, try traditional cuisine or shop for souvenirs, Kyoto has it all. By following the etiquette and respecting the local culture, you can have an unforgettable experience in Kyoto.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Kyoto
Kyoto, famously known as the cultural capital of Japan, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture, history, and traditions. This beautiful city boasts of exquisite shrines, temples, bamboo forests, zen gardens, imperial palaces, traditional wooden houses, and beautiful landscapes. If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto and wondering how to spend your time as a tourist, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.1. Visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Built in the 8th century, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in Kyoto. The temple offers breathtaking views of the city, including a stunning view of the Otowa Waterfall. Visitors can also see the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and enjoy the autumn foliage in fall.2. Take a Stroll in Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a beautiful district in western Kyoto filled with lush bamboo groves, scenic bridges, and shrines. The Togetsukyo Bridge is a popular landmark in the area and offers a spectacular view of the Hozu River. Other attractions include the Tenryu-ji Temple and the Iwatayama Monkey Park.3. Explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines, famous for the thousands of torii gates that cover the mountain trails leading to the shrine. Visitors can take a hike up the mountain to take in the stunning views or explore the grounds of the shrine itself.4. Experience Japanese Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony (also known as chanoyu) is a cultural activity that is unique to Japan. It is an art of preparing and serving tea, and it is often held in a traditional Japanese tea house. Visitors can experience the ceremony in Kyoto in many tea houses such as the Camellia Tea Ceremony and the En Tea Ceremony.5. Visit the Ginkaku-ji Temple
The Ginkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple located in the eastern part of Kyoto. The temple has beautiful gardens, including the famous moss garden and the sand garden. The temple is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.6. Walk Along the Philosopher’s Path
The Philosopher’s Path is a picturesque 2 km path that connects the Ginkaku-ji Temple with the Nanzen-ji Temple. The path is lined with cherry trees, making it popular with visitors during the blossom season in spring. Along the way, visitors can stop at many shops and cafes to experience Japanese culture and cuisine.7. Enjoy Kyoto’s Nightlife
Kyoto’s nightlife offers a unique experience that blends traditional Japanese culture with contemporary entertainment. Visitors can choose from a variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs across the city. Pontocho is one of the most popular areas, offering a wide range of dining and entertainment options.8. Learn About Kyoto’s History at the Nijo Castle
The Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built in 1603 as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle has beautifully decorated rooms, gardens, and a moat. Visitors can take a tour of the castle and learn about its fascinating history.9. Try Traditional Japanese Food
Kyoto offers a range of traditional Japanese cuisine that is famous across Japan. Some of the most popular dishes include kaiseki ryori (a multi-course meal), sushi, tempura, and ramen. Visitors can try these dishes in many restaurants across the city, including Michelin-starred establishments and traditional izakayas.10. Discover Kyoto’s Traditional Crafts
Kyoto is known for its rich culture of traditional crafts, including pottery, textiles, and lacquerware. Visitors can learn about these crafts and purchase items made by local craftsmen in many shops across the city. The Kyoto Handicraft Center is also an excellent place to explore traditional crafts. In conclusion, Kyoto offers an unforgettable experience for tourists who want to experience Japanese culture, history, and traditions. From stunning temples, beautiful gardens, traditional crafts, to delicious food, Kyoto has something for every visitor. With this guide, you can make the most of your time in Kyoto and have a memorable trip.Table of Contents
