Walking Tour of Nijo Castle, Golden and Silver Pavilion, and Gion/Higashiyama in Small Group

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General Description The tour begins at Nijo Castle, one of Kyoto’s most important historical landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former residence and power center of the Tokugawa shogunate stands out for its traditional architecture and the refined interiors of the Ninomaru Palace. Its meticulously designed gardens invite visitors to imagine the passage of feudal lords through its serene pathways.

Next, the tour continues to the iconic Kinkaku-ji, the renowned Golden Pavilion. This Zen Buddhist temple, covered in gold leaf and set beside a reflective pond, showcases the splendor of the Muromachi period. Built as a retirement villa by Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, the pavilion offers a striking contrast between its golden structure and the surrounding natural landscape. A walk through its peaceful gardens highlights the harmony between architecture and nature, a hallmark of Japanese art.

The visit proceeds to Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, deeply connected to Zen aesthetics. Although never actually coated in silver, this temple is admired for its understated elegance. Its dry sand gardens and carefully arranged vegetation create a tranquil atmosphere that invites reflection and spiritual calm.

The day concludes in the traditional district of Gion, the heart of classic Kyoto. With its cobbled streets and preserved teahouses, Gion maintains the ambiance of old Japan. Known as the neighborhood of geishas, visitors may catch a glimpse of one on her way to a cultural engagement. Nearby, the Yasaka Pagoda rises above the rooftops, offering one of Kyoto’s most iconic and photogenic scenes to end the tour.

This itinerary offers a unique combination of history, culture, and spirituality, connecting travelers with the most authentic side of Kyoto. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Zen gardens and traditional neighborhoods, each location visited represents an essential chapter of Japan’s rich cultural legacy. Additional Information Be at the pick-up point 20 minutes before the tour startsRemember to bring cash. Be prepared for any weather conditions—carry an umbrella or raincoat if necessary. Respect local customs and traditions at religious sitesNot allowed: Pets, drones, littering, smoking and/or vaping in non-designated areas, or speaking loudly in inappropriate places (such as public transportation, restaurants, temples, etc.). Motorized wheelchairs, non-foldable wheelchairs, non-foldable strollers, unaccompanied minors, electric wheelchairs, scooters, fireworks, touching exhibits, or lighting firesThe tour will take place regardless of weather conditions, except in the case of an earthquake or extreme weather event. Some tours may be affected by holidays, but we will still offer them with an alternative route on days when monuments, temples, etc., may be closed due to Christmas or New Year's celebrationsIf during the tour any of the listed landmarks or attractions is found to be closed (due to maintenance, unforeseen events, or any other circumstances), an alternative will be sought to ensure the best possible experienceIf an event beyond both parties' control (such as natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, flight cancellations, etc.) prevents the service from being provided, the tour will be rescheduled. If rescheduling is not possible, the customer may request a full or partial refund, depending on the situation and at the sole discretion of the companyIf a guide is unable to conduct the tour due to health issues or any other unforeseen reason, the company commits to providing an alternative guide if possible. If no substitute guide is available, the tour will be rescheduled, or the customer may request a full refundIf, due to force majeure or scheduling changes, a guide is unavailable for the tour, the company will offer an alternative solution, which may include rescheduling the tour or proceeding with a different guide. If satisfactory conditions cannot be guaranteed, the customer will have the right to a full or partial refund at the company's sole discretionIf, during the tour, a customer exhibits inappropriate or disruptive behavior (that may affect the experience of other participants or the safety of the group), the company reserves the right to cancel the tour immediately. In this case, no refund will be offered, and the customer will be responsible for any consequences of their behaviorIf you have any allergies or health issues, please inform us before the visitIMPORTANT: This tour has a minimum of 4 people to be able to operate, otherwise it will be cancelled or an alternative day will be offered. It could be monolingual in Spanish or English, but in case of needing to meet the minimum of 4 people, both languages will be combinedTo get to the different points of visit of this tour, passengers will arrive by public transport, at their own expense Inclusions Walking TourEnglish or Spanish speaking guideSmall Group up to 25 peopleTransportation assistance in Japan Exclusions TransportHotel Pick up and drop offTransportation costs for clients (approx. 3850 yen per person)Entrance fees to temples (approx. 1500 yen per person)Entrance fees, meals and beverages except if expressly specified in the tour inclusionsOther service not specified Cancellation Policy Cancellations free of charge up to 16 days in advance
Cancellations made between 4 and 15 days before departure: 95% reimbursement
Cancellations made between 2 and 3 days before departure: 85% reimbursement
Cancellations made 24 hours in advance or no-show: no refund Meeting Point 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Nijo Castle