Best of Kyoto
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Port
Maizuru, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$249
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 9 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Settle in for a scenic two-hour motorcoach ride to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. The route features scenic views of the Maizuru Bay and harbor located on an inlet of the Sea of Japan.
In Kyoto, begin with an exterior visit to the gilded Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji Temple. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pavilion, built in 1397, sits in the center of a garden, with a wooden structure extending over a reflecting pond.
Refresh with a Japanese lunch, then continue to Nijo Castle, completed in 1626, also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the Ninomaru (second inner palace), built almost entirely out of cypress. Its extravagant interiors are lavished with gold leaf and elaborate wood carvings. For the Shogun's protection, the builders constructed "nightingale floors" which would squeak when an intruder entered the corridors.
The final stop of the day is at the Heian Jingu Shrine, known as the Shrine of Peace. It boasts one of the largest torii gates in Japan. The torii gate was built in 1895 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto's founding.
Notes:
Travel time to Maizuru is approximately two hours each way. In spring (mid-March to April), many tourists visit Kyoto, and attractions can be very crowded. Traffic can be unpredictable; your patience is greatly appreciated if a delay extends the tour duration. Tour requires walking approximately 40 minutes at both the Kinkaku-ji Temple and Heian Shrine. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, flagstones, inclines, gravel, grass, and approximately 250 steps. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, etc) cannot be accommodated on the transportation. Tour sequence may vary. Photography and video are not allowed inside Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace) and the Heian Shrine. The Heian Shrine is undergoing restoration; some views of façades and other features may be obscured. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s). Entrance to the Honmaru Palace is not included. Bring local currency or credit cards, as most vendors do not accept US dollars. Unfamiliar accents can be challenging; feel free to ask your guide to repeat or elaborate on information, and to speak more slowly so you can fully comprehend and converse.