Excursion Kyoto by private van with guide - full day tour at Osaka

Explore the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites and important cultural properties of Kyoto during this panoramic, full-day, sightseeing tour via private van.

Osaka, Kyoto

Depart the pier with your driver and guide in a private, air-conditioned van and begin your tour with a scenic, approximately two-hour drive to historic Kyoto. Once the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto is a sophisticated city on the island of Honshu with thousands of classical Buddhist temples. It is also home to many gardens, Shinto shrines, palaces, and traditional wooden houses, a number of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Heian Jingu Shrine

Upon arrival in Kyoto, explore the city and its surrounds at your own pace. Your first stop is at the Heian Jingu Shrine (Shrine of Peace). Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto (Heian-Kyo capital). The Heian Shrine is dedicated to two emperors: Emperor Kammu, the first emperor to rule Kyoto, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to live out his reign in the city. Following your visit, re-board your van and head to the Nijo Castle.  

Nijo Castle, Chinese Gate, Ninomaru Palace & Garden

The Nijo Castle is a fortification of cypress wood built in 1603 as the residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Hon-maru (Main Court) burned down in 1788. The only original part remaining is the Ninomaru (Second Court). The present 'Hon-maru', built in 1827, is a replica of the one that originally stood on the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The castle, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is protected by a moat, stone walls, and ingenious nightingale floors, which chirp like a bird when walked upon to alert the guards of potential intruders. It is also renowned for its many cultural treasures dating from the 16th-century Momoyama Era, including the Karamon (Chinese Gate) and Ninomaru Palace & Garden.  

Local Restaurant, Japanese Lunch, Golden Pavilion

After a stop for a Japanese, set-menu lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) for an exterior visit. Built as a villa during the Muromachi Period in 1397, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was later converted into a temple. The temple burned down in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955. It is approximately 41 feet (about 12.5 metres) in height, and the second-and-third storeys are covered with approximately two tons (about 1.8 metric tons) of pure gold foil. The mirror reflection on the still pond in the garden is a marvellous site to behold. At the conclusion of your excursion, re-board your private van and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Osaka, Kyoto, Heian Jingu Shrine, Nijo Castle, Chinese Gate, Ninomaru Palace & Garden, Local Restaurant, Japanese Lunch, Golden Pavilion

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the van, 10 steps at the Heian Jingu Shrine, 20 steps at the Nijo Castle, and 50 steps at the Golden Pavilion. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Although credit cards are mostly accepted, Japanese Yen is required for any purchases; guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. Proper attire is required to enter temples and shrines; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must remove their shoes before entering the Ninomaru Palace at the Nijo Castle. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 20 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in Osaka may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Photography/videography is not permitted inside the Ninomaru Palace at the Nijo Castle. Due to ongoing repair-and-restoration projects on the Nijo Castle grounds, some of the buildings may be covered. This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to the cruise start date. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability.  Participation is limited to four-six guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program.  Purchases of food, drinks, and souvenirs are at the expense of each guest. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately two hours in each direction. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.