Kyoto Day Tour Nijo Castle and along the Philosopher’s Path

There are so many beautiful sights in Kyoto that it is really hard to choose but, if you only have one day, my suggestion is to visit the places that will give you at least a glimpse of Kyoto atmosphere.

During this tour I will take you to the famous sightseen sites of Nijo Castle, Nanzenji Zen Temple and Ginkakuji , along the way you will have a chance to see a golden torii gate, small hidden shrines and even walk on a singing floor.

Depending on the position of your hotel I can pick you up from your hotel at 9.00 or we can meet at Kyoto station. From Kyoto station a 20 minutes ride will take us to Nijo Castle. The gardens surrounding the castle don’t get second place even if compared to the magnificent chambers inside the buildings. The Castle has been the residence of the Shogun, the war Lords who ruled Japan until the Meiji Restoration, for more than two centuries. Nijo Castle is also one of the few places where you can experience walking on a nightingale floor, an especially designed floor that produces a squeaking sound at every step. It is believed that this particular design was a protection against burglars and ninja attempting to the life of the Shogun.

After the visit we will take the underground to Keage incline and walk to Nanzenji Zen Temple to discover its fine gardens and scenic locations.

We will have lunch nearby and then take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi) discovering hidden shrines and finally arriving at the Ginkakuji, The Silver Pavillion and its fine classic Japanese architectures, bamboo groves and ponds.

Our tour will finish around 5.00 pm.

Other suggested Day Tours in Kyoto are

Kyoto Day Tour Fushimi Inari and Higashiyama 

Kyoto Day Tour Kinkakuji and Arashiyama 

More details about the Tour

Tour starts at 9.00 am from Kyoto JR Station or from your hotel (depends on hotel location) and lasts 8 hours ending at 5.00 pm at the Ginkakuji. I will explain you how to go back to your hotel or Kyoto JR before leaving you.

Price is 35000 yen to be paid cash when we meet in the morning or in advance using PayPal.

The tour is for max 6 people, the price is per tour not per person so if you are 2 or 6 the price does not change.

The price does not include entrance fees for shrines, temples and gardens for yourself and the guide, transportation costs for yourself and lunch for yourself and the guide.

Transportation expenses for the guide are included in the price.

The tour is private, it will be only you and your group.

If you book more than one day a discounted price will be offered for the second and third day.

Please let me know in advance if you have any special circumstance, for example if you are travelling with children, if you plan to use a stroller, if you prefer to limit the walking part or if you have food allergies. I can create a more personalized tour for you and make it an unforgettable day in Kyoto.

Contact me here to book your tour!