Overview
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. Meanwhile, not only nobles, including Emperors and royal families, but also samurais, especially Shoguns, used to have a deep relationship with Kyoto. With this tour, you can visit gorgeous castles and temples founded by powerful Shoguns of different eras and learn about Kyoto and Japan’s history. Kyoto also prospered as a capital, then the traditional and unique culture, including geishas and a row of town houses has very well preserved. By visiting the world-famous Gion, you can experience traditional Japanese heritage. This tour starts a little bit early in the morning, but enables you to enjoy your day comfortably, avoiding crowds.
Meeting and Pickup
JR Kyoto Station
What To Expect
Nijo Castle
In 1603, the shogun relocated his shogunate to Edo, present day Tokyo. Nijo castle was built as the castle where the shogun stayed when visiting Kyoto. Inside the castle, there are more than 1,000 gorgeous and unique pictures painted on sliding doors giving you an understanding of the powerful authority of the shogun. It was in this very castle that the last shogun declared to return the power to the Emperor in 1867, after 260 years of his family’s governance.The garden with bonsai-like figured pine trees and rocks in various shapes is outstanding.
Kinkakuji Temple
This famous Zen temple is an icon of Samurai culture. Although it is a very popular tourist destination, the unique sight of the Golden Pavilion is well worth a visit. You can get wonderful pictures of the gilded building and its beautiful appearance reflected in the pond.
Gion
In Kyoto, there are five Kagai (geisha districts), and Gion is the biggest one among those. Geishas are important part of traditional Japanese culture as they are well trained professional performers and succesors. Let’s stroll around Gion district where a row of beautiful, old-style houses are still preserved. If you are lucky enough, you may encounter Geiko or Maiko(apprentices) dressed in gorgeous kimono.
Kennin-ji Temple
Situated in Gion area, this temple was founded by 3rd Shogun of Kamakura shogunate as the first zen temple in Kyoto. It dates back to 1202. There are two things here not to be missed. One is its dry garden designed by Kumakichi Kato in 1940 which expresses the wabi-sabi aesthetic sense in Japanese art centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The other is a picture of powerful twin dragons painted on the ceiling of the main hall as can be seen in other zen head temples too. They are believed to protect Buddhism. As the painting was so large, it took the painter Junpei Koizumi almost two years to complete it.
Additional Info
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Lance_C, Sep 2024
Walking in the footsteps of the Shogun was the highlight for me. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we moved to the different sites efficiently but we’re in no way rushed. She taught me bits of knowledge you cannot get on a standard tour and we even saw some off the beaten path sights. The tour was great.
