Kyoto Splendid Nature, Castle & Garden Exploring Tour

Kyoto Trip Overview

Besides venerated temples and shrines, Kyoto is also a city rich in nature. In this tour, we will enjoy strolling around a picturesque landscape once loved by the nobles at the western end of the city.
Afterwards we will visit the gorgeous Nijo castle built by the shogun. It shows off his power and authority, exceeding even that of the emperor. This castle witnessed the shogun and his family’s dominance of the nation from their rise to their fall. The castle is located at the center of Kyoto.
Our last stop is one of the most famous zen temples in Japan situated at the bottom of Kyoto’s eastern mountains. Nanzenji Temple calms us down and invites us to the world of meditation.

Additional Info

Duration: 7 hours
Starts: Kyoto, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours



Explore Kyoto Promoted Experiences

What to Expect When Visiting Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Besides venerated temples and shrines, Kyoto is also a city rich in nature. In this tour, we will enjoy strolling around a picturesque landscape once loved by the nobles at the western end of the city.
Afterwards we will visit the gorgeous Nijo castle built by the shogun. It shows off his power and authority, exceeding even that of the emperor. This castle witnessed the shogun and his family’s dominance of the nation from their rise to their fall. The castle is located at the center of Kyoto.
Our last stop is one of the most famous zen temples in Japan situated at the bottom of Kyoto’s eastern mountains. Nanzenji Temple calms us down and invites us to the world of meditation.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Arashiyama, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0007 Kyoto Prefecture

Once this district was open only to the nobles. Located not so far from the central part of Kyoto, the natural environment is very well maintained up to this day.
The landscape combining lush mountains, a clear river and an elegantly curved bridge is just like a heavenly picture.
Here we will visit a masterpiece of a Japanese garden completely harmonizing with the nature in its background, stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, and enjoy a superb view of a steeply walled-in valley.
Admission; 500 yen for Japanese garden

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Nijo Castle, 541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-jo-dori, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-8301 Kyoto Prefecture

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the residence of the shogun where he would stay when visiting Kyoto. Its beautifully and powerfully decorated main gate and the over 1,000 gorgeous pictures painted on sliding doors give you an understanding of the powerful authority of the shogun. It was in this very castle that the last
shogun declared to return the power to the Emperor in 1867, after 260 years of his family’s governance.
You can also enjoy the stunning garden decorated with rocks collected from all over Japan.
Admission; 1,000 yen

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Teramachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture

We will stop in this area to take a break and have lunch. Fully
covered by arcades, there are a variety of shops and restaurants.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Nanzen-ji Temple, 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8435 Kyoto Prefecture

This is a prestigious Zen temple built by the retired emperor in the late 13th century. When approaching, we will first see the overwhelmingly huge main entrance gate.
After walking through the vast temple grounds we will enter the Hojo, the former residence of the head priest. Here we can enjoy different types of gardens.
Sitting on the veranda and meditating for a while we will feel released and refreshed. We can also enjoy a cup of Matcha with a sweet while looking at a
garden with a tiny waterfall.
Admission; 500 yen. Matcha: 500 yen.

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes



Compare Kyoto Similar Experiences