Kyoto Highlights: With Nijo Castle Ticket & Bamboo Forest

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a city that captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage. The "Kyoto Highlights" tour offers an immersive experience, allowing you to explore iconic landmarks such as Nijo Castle and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. With flexible pricing and cancellation options, this comprehensive journey promises to immerse you in the enchanting essence of Kyoto. But the true allure lies in the secrets waiting to be uncovered within these timeless wonders.

Key Points

• Comprehensive tour of Kyoto’s renowned landmarks, including Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
• Pricing ranges from $129 to $64.50 per person, offering up to 50% savings.
• Tour duration is 9.5 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove provides a serene introduction to Kyoto’s natural beauty, with a one-hour stop for leisurely exploration.
• Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases its ornate interiors and famous nightingale floors that alerted guards of visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Kyoto Highlights tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks, including the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Priced affordably from $129 to $64.50 per person, the tour promises to save guests up to 50%.

Lasting 9.5 hours, it provides the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can also choose the convenient "reserve now, pay later" option.

With a bilingual guide and included admission fees, the tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience of Kyoto’s cultural highlights.

Itinerary Details

Starting at 579 Higashishiokōjichō, the Kyoto Highlights tour embarks on a comprehensive itinerary that showcases the city’s renowned landmarks.

The tour provides:

• 1 hour of free time to immerse in the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
• 1 hour to admire the stunning Golden Pavilion, known for its gold-leaf covered temple.
• 75 minutes to explore Nijo Castle, featuring traditional tatami rooms and the unique "nightingale floors".

The day continues with a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera temple and the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine, where visitors can spend 2 hours exploring the expansive shrine.

Exploring Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Why does the Kyoto Highlights tour begin with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?

It’s the perfect introduction to Kyoto’s serene natural beauty. As visitors stroll along the tranquil pathways, they’re enveloped by towering bamboo stalks swaying gently overhead.

The dappled sunlight filters through the lush greenery, creating a calming, almost otherworldly atmosphere. It’s a restorative experience that sets the tone for the rest of the tour, allowing travelers to unwind and enjoy Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

The tour’s one-hour stop provides ample time to explore the grove at a leisurely pace.

Marveling at the Golden Pavilion

After marveling at the tranquil beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Kyoto Highlights tour takes visitors to the stunning Golden Pavilion.

This iconic temple is covered in gleaming gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the serene pond it sits upon.

Visitors can:

• Admire the pavilion’s exquisite architecture, which blends Japanese and Zen influences.
• Wander the surrounding gardens, filled with lush greenery and meticulously pruned trees.
• Learn about the temple’s history and significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Golden Pavilion’s serene setting and striking appearance make it a highlight of any Kyoto sightseeing experience.

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Discovering Nijo Castle’s Secrets

As visitors continue their Kyoto Highlights tour, they discover the secrets of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

The castle’s ornate interiors feature intricate carvings and golden decor, while its famous "nightingale floors" squeak with each step to alert guards of approaching visitors.

Travelers explore the Ninomaru Palace, marveling at the elegant chambers and traditional architecture.

Guides share the palace’s storied history, from its construction by a powerful shogun to its role in the demise of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Nijo Castle’s rich legacy captivates all who visit.

Experiencing Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Leaving the grandeur of Nijo Castle behind, the Kyoto Highlights tour now turns its attention to the serene splendor of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

This iconic Buddhist temple is renowned for its massive wooden veranda, which offers panoramic views of Kyoto.

Visitors can:

• Admire the temple’s elegant architecture, including its signature 13-meter high stage cantilevered over a hillside.
• Explore the temple’s many shrines and subtemples, each with its own unique history and significance.
• Participate in the ancient tradition of "jumping" from the temple’s veranda, which is said to grant wishes and good luck.

Wandering Through Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Kyoto Highlights tour culminates with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Travelers are awestruck by the thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind up the mountain. As they ascend the peaceful paths, they discover shrines, stone lanterns, and stunning views of Kyoto.

The guide provides insights into the shrine’s history and significance, highlighting its role as the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto deity of rice.

Visitors enjoy the serene atmosphere, pausing to snap photos and soak in the spiritual ambiance before descending and returning to the meeting point.

Guide and Inclusions

Although travelers explore Kyoto’s top attractions independently during the tour, a knowledgeable bilingual guide accompanies them throughout the day.

The guide provides valuable insights into the history, culture, and significance of each site:

• Offering commentary on the golden architecture and tranquil pond of the iconic Golden Pavilion.
• Explaining the clever nightingale floors and traditional tatami rooms of Nijo Castle.
• Sharing the backstory and symbolism of the thousands of vibrant red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Admission fees to these major sights are also included, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Visit Other Sites?

Customers can’t customize the tour itinerary on this specific Kyoto Highlights tour. However, the provider may offer other private or customizable tour options that allow visitors to visit additional sites based on their interests.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 10 to 15 people, providing an intimate experience while allowing the guide to provide personalized attention. The small group size ensures everyone can comfortably explore the highlights of Kyoto together.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

The tour can be customized to extend the duration or add optional activities, though this may incur additional costs. Travelers should contact the tour provider to inquire about personalized options to suit their preferences.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, customers can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours offer more flexibility, personalized attention, and the ability to customize the itinerary to their preferences.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 12 receive a 50% discount, while seniors aged 65 and above get 10% off the regular price. These special offers make the tour more accessible for families and older travelers.

The Sum Up

The "Kyoto Highlights" tour offers a comprehensive and enriching experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s cultural heritage. With a ticket to Nijo Castle, a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and explorations of iconic landmarks, this 9.5-hour journey delivers a well-rounded glimpse into Kyoto’s enchanting beauty. Flexible pricing and cancellation options make this tour an accessible and convenient way to discover the highlights of this captivating destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: