Kyoto Highlights: With Nijo Castle Ticket & Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s cultural treasures are waiting to be discovered. The "Kyoto Highlights" tour offers an enriching experience, taking visitors to the stunning Nijo Castle and the serene Bamboo Forest. With included admission tickets, a delightful Japanese lunch, and a bilingual expert guide, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan’s imperial capital. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned Japan enthusiast, this tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about Kyoto’s timeless beauty and uncover its remarkable history.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Kyoto tour highlights, including visits to the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu-dera temple, Nijo Castle, and the enchanting bamboo forest.
• Admission tickets, lunch, and bilingual guide services included in the tour price of $67.37 per person.
• Explore the impressive 17th-century architecture and the unique "nightingale floors" of the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle.
• Experience the serene and captivating landscape of the bamboo forest, offering a peaceful respite from the city.
• Opportunity to savor authentic Japanese cuisine with a delicious multi-course lunch featuring seasonal specialties.

Tour Overview

The Kyoto Highlights tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Kyoto’s renowned landmarks, including the iconic Golden Pavilion, the captivating Kiyomizu-dera temple, and the historic Nijo Castle.

Priced at $67.37 per person, a significant savings of $67.38 from the original price, the tour accommodates up to 30 travelers.

Included in the package are admission tickets, a delicious lunch, and the services of a bilingual guide.

The tour departs at 7:00 am from the Hotel New Hankyū Kyōto, and returns to the same location, making it a convenient and well-organized excursion.

Highlights of the Tour

Highlights of the tour include visits to Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.

Explore the serene Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf.

Marvel at the historic Kiyomizu-dera temple, perched on a hillside and offering sweeping views of the city.

Tour the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring impressive castle architecture and the famous "nightingale floors".

Finally, learn about the tranquility of the bamboo forest, a breathtaking natural wonder.

Throughout the day, a bilingual guide provides insight and commentary, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Exploring Nijo Castle

As visitors enter the grounds of Nijo Castle, they’re immediately struck by the impressive 17th-century castle architecture.

The castle’s famous "nightingale floors" creak with each step, a defensive mechanism designed to alert guards of any intruders.

Wandering through the lavishly decorated chambers, guests admire the ornate carvings and paintings that showcase the shogun’s power.

The castle’s role as the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate makes it a must-see for those interested in Japan’s feudal history.

With the included admission ticket, travelers can explore this iconic landmark at their own pace, seeing Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

The Enchanting Bamboo Forest

Next, travelers venture into the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This serene, otherworldly landscape is a must-see on any Kyoto itinerary.

The towering bamboo stalks sway gently in the breeze, creating a captivating natural symphony. As visitors wander along the winding paths, they’ll be surrounded by the verdant, lush foliage and the dappled sunlight filtering through the bamboo.

It’s a transformative experience, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city. Travelers will leave the forest feeling rejuvenated and awed by the serene beauty of this unique natural wonder.

Lunch and Culinary Experiences

After exploring the enchanting Bamboo Forest, the tour takes guests to a local restaurant for a delicious Japanese lunch.

Diners will savor an authentic, multi-course meal featuring seasonal, regional specialties. The menu may include dishes like miso soup, tempura, and traditional Japanese desserts.

Lunch provides a chance to refuel and experience the flavors that make Kyoto’s cuisine so renowned. Guests can look forward to a satisfying midday meal that fuels them for the rest of the tour’s activities.

The lunch is included in the tour price, ensuring a complete and enjoyable Kyoto experience.

Transportation and Meeting Details

The tour conveniently starts at the Hotel New Hankyū Kyōto, located in the heart of Kyoto. Travelers will meet their bilingual guide here and depart on time at 7:00 am. Detailed directions via Google Maps are provided to ensure an easy arrival, with instructions to arrive at least 10 minutes early for check-in. At the end of the tour, guests will return to the same meeting point.

Meeting Point	Hotel New Hankyū Kyōto
Address	579 Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Arrival Time	At least 10 minutes before 7:00 am departure
Departure Time	7:00 am
End Point	Returns to meeting point

Important Considerations

Two important considerations for this Kyoto Highlights tour are the physical fitness level required and the tour’s accessibility. The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, indicating a moderate level of physical fitness is needed.

Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility challenges may face difficulties. Travelers should carefully assess their physical abilities before booking this tour.

However, the tour does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility for those unsure of their fitness level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Currency Is Accepted for Payment?

The tour’s pricing is listed in US dollars, indicating that it likely accepts payment in USD. However, travelers should confirm the accepted currencies with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure they have the necessary funds.

Is Gratuity Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include gratuity. Travelers are expected to tip the guide and driver at their own discretion based on the quality of service provided during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour price doesn’t include meals, so bringing your own snacks or a packed lunch is allowed and can help save money.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you need to reschedule, you can do so without penalty as long as you cancel within that timeframe.

Will There Be Any Stops for Shopping During the Tour?

The tour does not include any scheduled stops for shopping. It focuses on visiting the key cultural and historical sites in Kyoto, such as the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijo Castle. The tour provides a comprehensive experience of Kyoto’s highlights.

Sum Up

The "Kyoto Highlights" tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to discover the cultural gems of Kyoto. From the magnificent Nijo Castle to the serene Bamboo Forest, the tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the city’s rich heritage. With admission tickets, a Japanese lunch, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour ensures a memorable and enriching journey through Kyoto’s captivating sights.