Guided in Chinese: Highlights of Kyoto

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU VISIT
Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Special Historic Site and symbol of Kyoto. The main building, a three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf, was originally the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu but was made a Zen temple after his death in 1408.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Nonomiya Shrine
For seven centuries, maiden Imperial princesses visited the shrine to purify themselves before serving at the Great Shrine of Ise. According to tradition, a visit to the temple can help single women find a husband, and for mothers-to-be, it can ease the pain of childbirth.

Gion
Kyoto's most famous geisha district is filled with shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses). Enjoy free time to stroll the picturesque streets lined with traditional wooden machiya (merchant) houses.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Surrounded by peaceful grounds, the landscaping of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion
is an example of classical Muromachi-period garden design, thoughtfully laid out around a central pond.

LUNCH
Lunch is on your own as you discover the wonders at Gion district.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Kyoto was once the Imperial capital of Japan. Though its history is venerable, today it is a bustling metropolis, where ancient temples can be found next to cosmopolitan shopping districts and history and architecture from every era are around each corner.

Special Notes:

This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility. Wear comfortable working shoes. Bring local currency for purchases. Drive to/from Kyoto is approx. 2 hours each way.