If you would like to feel an atmosphere of a traditional city, you must visit the eastern part of Kyoto called Higashiyama district. This highlight tour provides those who are visiting Higashiyama district including Kiyomizudera temple with a stunning view of Kyoto's cityscape. The tour starts with Kinkakuji temple. Both its golden pavilion and Japanese garden are breathtaking. Nijo Castle used to be a residence of Tokugawa Shogun. At the Ninomaru Palace, beautiful stone walls and elaborate gates are quite impressive. You will also enjoy a local market called Nishiki Market or "Kyoto's kitchen" with a history of over 400 years.
Duration: 8 hours approx. 9:00-17:00
Meeting Point: Kyoto Station Central Gate
Transportation: City Bus, Subway
Itinerary: Meet at Kyoto Station - (City Bus) -Kinkakuji temple -(City Bus) - Nijo Castle - (Subway) - Lunch at Nishiki Market - (City Bus) - Higashiyama District including Kiyomizudera temple - (City Bus) - Kyoto Station
What's included: Guide fee
What's not included: Entrance fee, Transportation fee, Meal
The tour starts at Kyoto Station and visit Kinkakuji temple which is famous for its bright golden pavilion. This pavilion was originally built as a private villa for the Shogun and later was converted to a part of a zen temple. Definitely one of the most popular historical buildings in Japan. The beauty of reflection of the pavilion in the pond is breathtaking!
Next visit is Nijo Castle which was built in 1603 by the Tokugawa Shogun for the administrative purpose. The finest architecture and artworks of Edo Period are fantastic. Not only the interior of the castle building, the outside garden is also the masterpiece. Enjoy the traditional Japanese landscape garden with a large pond, ornamental stone and neatly manicured pin trees.
Travel by city bus to Nishiki Market located in downtown Kyoto. It is home to more than 100 shops that sell Kyoto's local specialties. You can walk and eat or sit and eat at a restaurant.
After lunch, take a bus to Kiyomizudera temple which stands in the wooded hills of Higashiyama district. The temple is best know for its wooden stage that juts out from its main building offering a nice view of the city in distance.
In the end of the tour, have a nice walk from the temple to Yasaka Shrine where wooden buildings and narrow streets provoke a feeling of the old capital city.
The tour ends at Kyoto Station.