Best of Kyoto: Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle & Heian Shrine
Best of Kyoto: Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle & Heian Shrine
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Description
Points of Interest
- Kinkakuji: Golden Pavilion
- Nijo Castle
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Spend the day time-traveling with a tour of Kyoto's ancient and sacred sites. From Osaka, your narrated drive will journey through the countryside past such notable landmarks as Toji Temple, which at 180 feet, is the tallest pagoda in Japan; and the 429 foot-tall Kyoto Tower, Kyoto's tallest modern structure. Once in Kyoto, you'll disembark at Nijo Castle. Completed in 1626, the castle encompasses the Ninomaru Palace (famous for its "nightingale" floors, which would squeak alerting the bodyguards of an intruder). Step back further in time to the 14th century Golden Pavilion. Its most notable feature is the glimmering gold leaf that gilds the upper two stories. After a Western lunch at a local hotel, you'll visit the Heian Shrine, built in 1895 to commemorate Kyoto's founding in 795. Then, you're off to the Kyoto Handicraft Center where you're free to shop before returning to your ship.
Special Notes:
The drive between Osaka and Kyoto is approximately 90 minutes each way. Passengers should expect traffic and delays.Photography and video are not permitted inside Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace) and the Heian Shrine (Shinto Altar).
Shoes must be removed to enter Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace).
Long term restoration work is carried out at Nijo Castle. Some parts will have been covered due to the restoration work and it might spoil the scenery.
There are around 40 minutes walking at Kinkaku-ji Temple and Heian-jingu Shrine.
30 steps are required to negotiate to get through the path in the Kinkakuji Temple. At Kyoto Handycraft Center, passport needs to be presented for duty free shopping. This tour is not recommended for passengers with walking difficulties. Japanese Yen is required for additional purchases
The order of touring is subject to change due to traffic cinditions.
Details
Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.