After pick up from your hotel in Kyoto, proceed on a full-day visit to the attractions of this historic city and capital from 794-1868. On this trip, you will explore:
• Nijo Castle: "Nijo Castle" was built in 1603 as a luxurious fortified residence by the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Surrounded by massive walls and a moat, Nijo Castle is famed for its lavish painted screens from the Kano school and the “Nightingale” floor that “chirps” when you walk on it. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site now.
• Golden Pavilion: Golden Pavilion, also known as "Kinkakuji Temple", is perhaps the most well-known temple in Japan. The main pavilion is covered in gold leaf and shimmers in sunlight.
• Kyoto Imperial Palace: Kyoto Imperial Palace, which is also known as "Kyoto Gosho", is surrounded by beautiful entrance gates that are built in the traditional way. Each gate was used for different auspicious occasions and ceremonies. The palace also has perhaps the most beautiful and well-maintained park in the city, which is filled with groves of cherry and plum trees.
Here, you will have lunch at the Handicraft Centre. After having lunch you will continue to:
• Heian Shrine: Heian Shrine, which is dedicated to Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei, the 121st emperor of Japan.
• Sanjusangendo Temple: The temple name literally means “Hall with thirty three spaces between columns”, describing the architecture of the long main hall of the temple.
• Kiyomizu Temple: Its main hall is built out onto pillars. The effect is that of a deck reaching out from the foot of the mountain. The original Kiyomizu Temple dates from the eighth century.
After the memorable trip, you will be transferred back to your hotel in the evening.