John was absolutely amazing!!! We’ve taken several tours on this trip and he was by far the best
Sites & Insights: Kyoto City Tour
Trace Kyoto’s history from Emperor to Shogun and Tea
The Finer Details
Once the Imperial capital of Japan, the city of Kyoto still stands as the heart of Japan. On this 3-hour Introduction to Kyoto tour, we will discover the story of the emperors and the shoguns as we visit important sites such as the Imperial Palace (known as ‘Gosho’) and Nijo Castle. We will get an understanding of Kyoto’s biography and dig through the deep layers of history and traditional culture that overlap in this fascinating city.
Our Introduction to Kyoto tour begins at the Imperial Palace, the former residence and ruling Palace of the Japanese Emperor. Known as ‘Kyoto’s Central Park’, we will start by exploring Kyoto Gyoen National Garden surrounding the imperial properties. At this green sanctuary, we will soak up the abundance of natural beauty and discuss the aesthetics of the Japanese landscape. Moving onto the inner Palace, we will visit a few buildings within the complex and gain insight into the city’s development, and the Palace’s role as the former political and cultural center of Japan, as well as its relation to the Imperial family.
After leaving the Palace, we will pay a visit to a local confectionery shop that served the Imperial court in the time of Emperor Goyozei between 1568 and 1611. With more than 400 years of history, this shop served the emperor until the 19th century, when the Imperial court was relocated to Tokyo. During our time here, we will taste some wagashi (traditional Japanese confections) and learn about the secrets behind the beautiful and intricate design of wagashi and the tea ceremony. In addition, we may engage in miso tasting at a local miso shop that also served the emperor until the start of the Meiji Restoration.
We will then hop in a taxi and continue our tour to Nijo Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site was the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first in a line of powerful Tokugawa shoguns that ruled the country for over 200 years. We will take a look into the daily life of a shogun and discuss the rise of the power the shoguns held over the emperor during the Edo period and its influence on the representation of the emperor.
At the end of our Introduction to Kyoto tour, we will emerge knowing more about Kyoto’s role in developing core cultural and political history in Japan.
Sites Visited
- Nijo Castle - Former Imperial Villa Nijo-jo Castle has witnessed the changes of Japan, including the prosperity and decline of the Tokugawa Family
- Kyoto Imperial Palace - The former palace of the Emperor of Japan, located in Kamigyō-ku.
- Kyoto Gyoen National Garden - This area was the Court Nobles' Residential Area in the Edo period. After World War Ⅱ, Kyoto Gyoen was changed to be a national garden
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Nijo Castle
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Kyoto Imperial Palace
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Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesWe encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkRefreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Context clients generally tip anywhere from 10-25% of the purchase price of a personal service such as this, depending on the quality of the experience and their tipping habits.
This tour has an optional meeting point transfer if you'd like a private car to pick you up from your accommodation. If you choose to add this service, please add the address to your accommodation in the Additional Details section.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Don’t just take our word for it
Nick was fantastic, great stories. Highly recommend
Alex was very knowledgeable and patient With my slow walking speed. Highly recommend
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