Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto Including Nijo Castle: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle. This full-day tour takes you on a journey through Kyoto and the nearby city of Nara, exploring ancient Japanese history and religion. With a professional English guide and comfortable transportation, this tour is the perfect way to experience the best of both cities.

Itinerary

The tour starts with a pick-up from your Kyoto hotel and takes you to Nijo Castle, a historic building with beautiful gardens and interiors that once served as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. After exploring the castle, you’ll head to Kinkaku-ji, a Zen temple with a stunning golden pavilion surrounded by a lush, green garden. Next, you’ll visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, home to the Japanese emperor from the 14th to the 19th century. Here you can see the beautiful gardens and palace buildings that showcase the traditional Japanese architecture and design. After exploring Kyoto, you’ll journey to the nearby city of Nara, a former capital of Japan with a rich cultural heritage. In Nara, you’ll visit the Todai-ji temple complex, which features the Great Buddha Hall, the world’s largest wooden building and home to a massive bronze statue of Buddha. You’ll also visit the Kasuga Shrine, where you can admire the thousands of bronze lanterns and feed the wild deer in Nara Park. At lunchtime, you can choose between a Japanese or Western-style meal, depending on your preference.

What’s Included

This tour includes a professional English guide to provide historical and cultural context to each destination. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the tour. If you choose the “With Lunch” option, you’ll also receive a delicious meal as part of the tour. Entrance fees to all the attractions are included in the ticket price, so you won’t have to worry about additional expenses.

How to Plan Your Tour

Booking the Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto Including Nijo Castle is straightforward. You can visit the tour’s website on Viator, where you can book tickets ahead of time. The tour departs daily at 8:00 am from the Kyoto Tower, and you’ll return to the same location at around 6:30 pm. It’s essential to wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking involved during the tour. Japan can also experience hot and humid weather during the summer months, so it’s advisable to bring a water bottle and sunscreen.

Book Your Tour Now

The Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto Including Nijo Castle is an excellent way to explore Japan’s cultural history and heritage. With an expert English-speaking guide, comfortable transportation, and a well-structured itinerary, this tour provides an unforgettable experience of both cities. Book your tickets today and get ready to embark on a cultural journey through Kyoto and Nara. Book the tour here

FAQ About the Enchanting City of Kyoto

Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is one of the most beautiful and culturally significant cities in the world, with a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. From its enchanting temples to the colorful traditional festivals, Kyoto offers visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some frequently asked questions about the city:

1. What is the best time to visit Kyoto?

Kyoto can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, usually from late March to early April. Another popular time to visit is in the fall, from mid-October to late November when the autumn foliage is at its peak. However, these are also the busiest times, and accommodations can be expensive and difficult to come by. If you prefer fewer crowds, winter is an excellent time to visit, as the city is beautiful decorated for Christmas and New Year.

2. What are the top things to see and do in Kyoto?

Kyoto has a wealth of attractions to see and do. Here are some of the top things to see:

– Visit Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine:

This is one of the most famous and beautiful shrines in Kyoto, featuring thousands of Torii gates leading to the shrine on top of the hill.

– Explore Gion:

This is Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district, offering visitors a chance to see Maiko performance and explore the area’s narrow streets and ancient tea houses.

– Visit Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion):

This iconic temple is covered in gold leaf and features beautiful gardens and a reflecting pond.

– Explore Arashiyama:

This scenic district offers visitors a chance to see the famous bamboo groves, visit the monkey park, and see the beautiful Togetsukyo Bridge.

3. What are the popular festivals in Kyoto?

Kyoto is known for its vibrant festivals, which are celebrated throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include:

– Gion Matsuri:

This festival is held every year in July and is one of the most famous festivals in Japan, featuring traditional floats and ceremonies.

– Jidai Matsuri:

This festival is held every year in October and features a grand parade of people in Heian-era costumes.

– Aoi Matsuri:

This festival is held every year in May and features a grand procession from the Imperial Palace to Kamigamo Shrine.

4. What is the best way to get around Kyoto?

The best way to get around Kyoto is by using the city’s extensive bus and subway system. There are also plenty of taxis available, although they can be expensive. Kyoto is also a great city to explore by bicycle, with many rental shops located near popular tourist areas.

5. What are the traditional Japanese dishes to try in Kyoto?

Kyoto is famous for its traditional Japanese cuisine, which is influenced by centuries-old traditions of Buddhism and tea ceremony. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

– Kaiseki Ryori:

This is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that features the best seasonal ingredients and is served in a beautifully presented manner.

– Yudofu:

This is a simple dish made from soft tofu boiled in a light broth and served with a variety of condiments.

– Matcha Green Tea:

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality green tea, and it is a must-try for tea lovers.

6. What are the popular shopping areas in Kyoto?

Kyoto has plenty of shopping areas and markets where you can find traditional Japanese souvenirs, crafts, and foods. Some of the most popular shopping areas include:

– Nishiki Market:

This is a traditional shopping street that features a variety of food shops and stalls selling local delicacies and souvenirs.

– Shijo Street:

This is a central shopping street that features a wide variety of stores selling everything from fashion to electronics.

– Teramachi and ShinKyogoku Shopping Arcades:

These covered arcades offer a mix of traditional and modern shopping, with shops selling everything from handmade crafts to street fashion.

Book Your Tour Now

Kyoto is a beautiful city that is filled with cultural and historical significance. From its stunning temples and shrines to its vibrant festivals and traditional foods, there is something for everyone in Kyoto. Make sure to plan your trip ahead, as Kyoto can get very busy during peak travel season.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Kyoto

Kyoto is a beautiful city located in the central part of Japan. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and colorful festivals, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. If you are visiting Kyoto for the first time, it can be overwhelming to decide what to see and do. In this guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step plan on how to spend your time as a tourist in Kyoto.

Day 1: Visit the Historic Temples and Shrines

One of the best things to do in Kyoto is to visit its many historic temples and shrines. These are not only beautiful buildings, but they also have great cultural significance. Here are some of the best temples and shrines to visit:

Kiyomizudera Temple (Pure Water Temple)

Kiyomizudera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto. It was founded in 780 and is known for its impressive wooden stage that offers a panoramic view of the city.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of Torii gates. These gates form a path that leads up to the mountain of Inari, which is believed to be the god of fertility, foxes, and agriculture.

Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple famous for its stunning golden pavilion that reflects on a tranquil pond. This site is a must-see for its immaculately kept gardens and serene atmosphere.

Day 2: Walk Through the Bamboo Grove and Enjoy Traditional Culture

Kyoto is also known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional culture. Here are some of the things you can do on your second day in Kyoto:

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

One of the most popular sights in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The bamboo pathway is a serene and peaceful walk that will transport you to another world.

Kimono Rental and Tea Ceremony

For the full traditional Japanese experience, consider renting a Kimono and attending a tea ceremony. Dress in traditional attire and learn about the traditional Japanese tea culture.

Gion District

Gion is the center of traditional Kyoto culture, where geishas are often seen walking through the streets. Take a stroll through the district, visit traditional teahouses and see the old buildings that have been preserved for many years.

Day 3: Explore Kyoto’s Nature and Landscapes

Kyoto is surrounded by beautiful mountains and nature. Here are some of the best places to explore during the third day:

Philosopher’s Path

The Philosopher’s Path is a peaceful walkway that follows a canal lined with cherry trees. It is named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk here daily.

Kurama-Kibune

For a scenic view and fresh air, visit the Kurama-Kibune area located in the north of Kyoto. You can do a forest hike, visit a famous temple or enjoy a soothing Onsen hot spring.

Arashiyama Monkey Park

At the Arashiyama Monkey Park, you can visit Japanese macaques and feed them. You will climb up to the top of a mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto.

Book Your Tour Now

Kyoto is a magical place that blends peaceful nature, ancient ruins, and modern Japan. It is a city that deserves to be explored with patience and attention to detail. From the historical sites, traditional cultural experiences to the scenic landscapes, and nature. You don’t have to rush through it all, just take your time and enjoy what Kyoto has to offer.