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Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace: Our most recommended tours and activities

Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

1. Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

Discover the highlights of Kyoto with a same-day or 2-day ticket on this convenient hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Admire the panoramic views from onboard the open-top double-decker bus, and hop on or off at any of the stops along the route. Enjoy informative audio commentary on board the bus, available in 7 languages. Choose this efficient way of exploring the must-see places and attractions in Kyoto. The bus takes you past many of the city's top attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, and Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. You can enjoy unlimited rides for the duration of your ticket's validity. Bus stops along the route:  • Kyoto Station • Nishihonganji ( Kyoto Tokyu Hotel) • Shijo Karasuma / Nishiki-ichiba Market • Nijo-jo Castle • Kitano-tenmangu Shrine / Kamishichiken • Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) • Daitokuji Temple • Kyoto Imperial Palace (Doshisha University) • Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) • Heian-jingu Shrine / Okazaki Park • Gion (Kotowa-Kyoto Yasaka) • Gojozaka (Kiyomizu-dera Temple / Gion) • Sanjusangendo / Kyoto National Museum (Hyatt Regency Kyoto)

Welcome to Kyoto: Private Walking Tour with a Local

2. Welcome to Kyoto: Private Walking Tour with a Local

Transform the way you travel and make it as much about the people you meet as the places you see. Get a welcome to Kyoto from a local host eager to share all the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your stay. Meet at your hotel or accommodation and get familiar with your local neighborhood. Learn about the best places to eat, buy groceries and the easiest ways to get around. Alternatively, arrange to meet at a central landmark or intersection to start your walking tour. Hear about the top things to do, customized to your interests. By the end of the tour, you will feel more comfortable navigating the city on your own with all the information you need.

From Osako or Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara 1 Day Bus Tour

3. From Osako or Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara 1 Day Bus Tour

Explore the historic landmarks of the cities of Kyoto and Nara on this educational and adventurous full-day experience. Visit popular and famous temples, see historical monuments, discover sacred shrines, and meet the charming deer of Nara park. Choose to depart from either Osako or Kyoto, traveling with ease in a comfortable bus. During the tour you will visit the Todaiji Temple ─ its Great Buddha is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Nara. It is the largest wooden structure in the world and stands at around 15 meters in height. While in this city, you will also enjoy meeting the friendly and charming deer in Nara park and visiting the general worship area of Kasuga Taisha shrine. Be escorted by your driver and guide to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and discover its sprawling beautiful garden which spreads through the historical center of Kyoto. Then experience Kinkakuji Temple ─ one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Kyoto and a must-visit landmark. Then walk through the gorgeous natural scenery and bamboo grove of Kimono Forest of Arashiyama. Don't forget to take a picture for your memories!

Kyoto: 3.5-hours Historical Highlights Cycling Tour

4. Kyoto: 3.5-hours Historical Highlights Cycling Tour

Go on this cycling tour and explore the peaceful side of Kyoto.  Start this activity by learning about Nijo Castle. At Seimei Shrine you can find out how to pray at a Japanese shrine. Check out the Golden Pavilion and get ready to take great photos at Kamishichiken, the oldest geisha district in Japan.  After seeing the magical Golden Pavilion continue to cycle for a nice downhill ride to the Imperial Palace. Your guide will give you some insights into the history of this place.  At a traditional Japanese restaurant, you can discover the local cuisine with a variety of Soba dishes, as well as desserts with matcha and mochi. Feel free to visit a beautiful Japanese garden and a souvenir shop next door.  After this break, the tour will continue cycling back a relaxing ride along a beautiful route through the city. Finish your tour at the Kamogawa river and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere while watching the locals enjoying their time.

Kyoto: Private Walking Tour [Customizable]

5. Kyoto: Private Walking Tour [Customizable]

Explore the historic city of Kyoto and its temples and shrines. This private tour allows you to choose your own itinerary like this sample. Follow your guide to Kinkakuji Temple, Golden Pavilion or Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. After that, head to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a famous spot due to the thousands of Torii gates. Take a photo of the god of agriculture enshrined in Fushimi Inari Shine. Stop for lunch before visiting Kiyomizu temple, and experience the atmosphere of Kyoto's most famous district as you meander through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Afterwards, if you have time, visit the Gion district, the famous geisha area. The tour ends at your hotel, or a location of your choosing.

Other Sightseeing Options in Kyoto Imperial Palace

Want to discover all there is to do in Kyoto Imperial Palace? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Kyoto Imperial Palace

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 309 reviews

Best way to explore sights. I took the sightseeing bus for its entire loop while marking the route map of which points of interest I’d like to go back to and spend more time. The timetable of the route map was very helpful in going to one point to another as the sightseeing bus ran on schedule.

Economical. Such an easy and worry free way to see Kyoto’s attractions. It was done at our own pace. Staff on the bus were very friendly and helpful.

its very helpfull we cant find our meeting place in kawaramachie and the operator called us as soon as we e mail them

Great way to see the city.. The bus was punctual and clean. The commentary informative.

the spots are far and the bus helped a lot. the timetable is excellent!