Full Day Guided Sightseeing tour
Highlights of Kyoto
During this eight-hour tour, we will visit some olden Buddhist temples that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage, we will wade through the city observing everyday life of the locals from the buses and on foot, then will end up on of the best views of the city.
You will meet your group leader at the hotel lobby at 8:30 AM and after a short explanation of the day, we will start with the hotel`s neighbouring sightseeing spot, the Nijo Palace. This palace was the shogun`s residence in Kyoto for more than 200 years. The founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate started building it in 1603, and it was finished 20 years later by his grandson. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the best examples of castle architecture.
From the palace we will hop on a bus to visit Kyoto’s most famous sight: Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. The group of buildings are also known as Rokuon-ji, and they were part of a retirement villa of a shogun before being converted to a Zen temple in the 14th century. We can view the Pavilion covered with gold ‘leaves’ from the outside, the garden and some interesting temple buildings.
We`ll take a bus again back to Gion, the geisha district. If we are lucky we might get a glimpse of a maiko (Geisha apprentice) walking to her music or dance lesson. After lunch in Gion, we will have a look around the grounds of Yasaka jinja, a Shinto shrine and then will be heading towards the 2nd most famous place in Kyoto, Kiyomizudera. Along the way, we`ll have plenty to see, taste or shop on Sannenzaka, the steep shopping street to Kiyomizudera. The UNESCO World Heritage temple, Kiyomizudera is famous (among other things) for its huge wooden stage just outside the main hall which is said to be buit without the use of a single nail. From here, you can enjoy a great view to the city.
From Kiyomizudera, we will head back to the hotel. If you wish to spend more time in the surroundings, the guide will provide you information how to get back to the hotel.
The expected arrival to the hotel will be around 5pm. (Depending on traffic and how crowded the sightseeing spots are.)
Things to note:
This tour will use public transportation a few times (bus pass included) and we will be walking a lot. The schedule might be changed due to weather or traffic.
Cost of the tour:
140 EUR per person (5-8 person)
120 EUR per person (9-15 person)
What is included?
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees to sites mentioned in the tour description
- Public transportation during the tour
What is not included?
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Snacks
- Gratuity
- Taxi, if you wish to use to return to your hotel after the tour, or during the tour if you are tired.
Public transportation can be crowded.
Please bring your water – the tap water is drinkable in Japan.
You’ll need to bring your camera, your ID (or a copy of it) and some cash for lunch/snacks/drinks that are not included.
We will visit places where we have to take off our shoes, so make sure you have socks on (or with) you. (i.e. not to enter barefoot as that is a faux-pas in Japan.)
We will have a lunch break when you will be able to purchase lunch and drinks.
Although your guide will assist, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to find vegan or vegetarian food. If you have any allergies, bring some food with you and let us know in advance about this.
Payment options:
- WISE (formerly Transferwise) transfer to our WISE account
- WIRE transfer to our bank account
- Stripe payment with your credit card – add 4% extra fee – your card will be charged in EUR.
CANCELLATION POLICY
The participation fee is 100 % non-refundable within 1 month of the tour date.
Until this date we accept cancellations and refund the participation fee after deducting 20USD cancellation fee and any bank fees that occur. All cancellations must be in writing to: eszter.horvath@serpentintours.com.
For reservation, further information: eszter.horvath@serpentintours.com