As the former imperial capital for over 1000 years, Kyoto is a city of fine arts, crafts, and numerous religious institutions. On this classic tour of some of the city’s most iconic sites, guests will explore the traditions and elegance that make Kyoto a timeless destination.
Meet the guide and board a train to Sanjusangendo, a stunning Buddhist site often overlooked by tourists. A mesmerizing display of 1001 life-sized golden Buddhist statues awaits inside the world’s longest wooden building, sure to be one of the most memorable sights of the entire trip.
Hop in a taxi for a short ride to the slope leading to Kiyomizudera Temple. Lined with traditional shops, the walk to the temple is a classic Kyoto street that leads to the most iconic site in eastern Kyoto. See the finely painted pagoda and wooden stage of Kiyomizudera, constructed only with wooden joinery and offering sweeping views of the city below.
Walk through more traditional streets to arrive at the quiet Kenninji Zen Temple. Renowned for its artwork, this temple displays ink paintings of serene landscapes and a massive dragon mural on the ceiling of the main hall. A classic Zen rock garden completes the experience, offering a chance to pause and reflect on the meaning of the minimalist dry landscape.
Time permitting, finish with a short walk through Gion, the historic geisha district.
Part ways with the guide and continue exploring the city independently.
Notes:
- The tour may be cancelled in case of heavy rain.
- Please contact your Travel Consultant for availability. Please note that all of the services and tours have yet to be booked and that they are proposed for your reference only. We will start making reservations after we receive your confirmation.
- Please inform your Travel Consultant of any special dietary requirements and physical conditions that you may have. We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance that also covers emergency medical evacuation.
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partnerHere is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partnerOur sales team is on hand to ensure that the process of working with us is as smooth as possible. If you should have any questions, feel free to reach out to them.
As the former imperial capital for over 1000 years, Kyoto is a city of fine arts, crafts, and numerous religious institutions. On this classic tour of some of the city’s most iconic sites, guests will explore the traditions and elegance that make Kyoto a timeless destination.
Today’s tour starts with a visit to one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites: the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine. A lavishly decorated building houses the goddess of rice, and thousands of orange torii gates stretch up the mountainside in long tunnels. Unlike any other shrine in Japan, this is an ideal spot to understand how Shintoism is tied to respect for nature.
Board a train to Sanjusangendo, a stunning Buddhist temple often overlooked by tourists. A mesmerizing display of 1001 life-sized golden Buddhist statues awaits inside the world’s longest wooden building, sure to be one of the most memorable sights of the entire trip.
Take a taxi to the entrance of Nishiki Market, a long covered street of shops and stalls often called “Kyoto’s kitchen.” From traditional to sellers of tofu, fish, and pickles to shops showcasing knives and handicrafts, there is a tantalizing amount of things to see and taste here.
Don’t get too full snacking in the market, as lunch is next at a nearby restaurant.
After lunch, travel to Nijo Castle, an ornamental palace built for the shogun in the early 1600s. The beautiful building is known for its finely painted walls and “chirping nightingale” floors that squeak under the feet of intruders. Walk the halls, see the audience chambers, and experience what it was like to visit the military ruler of Japan in the classic era of samurai.
Hop aboard the subway for a short ride to the eastern foothills of Kyoto. The final location of today is Nanzenji Zen Temple, a quiet retreat where monks have lived in peaceful repose since 1291. See the famous Zen rock garden whose meaning is left up to the viewer. Is it meant to be islands in a calm ocean, or a depiction of wild animals crossing a raging river?
After a full day of sightseeing, part ways with the guide and return to the hotel or continue to explore independently.
Notes:
- The tour may be cancelled in case of heavy rain.
- On days Nijo Castle is closed, visit Eikando.
- Please contact your Travel Consultant for availability. Please note that all of the services and tours have yet to be booked and that they are proposed for your reference only. We will start making reservations after we receive your confirmation.
- Please inform your Travel Consultant of any special dietary requirements and physical conditions that you may have. We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance that also covers emergency medical evacuation.
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partnerHere is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partnerOur sales team is on hand to ensure that the process of working with us is as smooth as possible. If you should have any questions, feel free to reach out to them.