Kyoto Morning Tour: Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji & Imperial Palace
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Available from both Kyoto and Osaka, this morning tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to explore Kyoto efficiently. Accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter, visit top landmarks including UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, once the Emperor’s residence.
For guests departing from Osaka, an English-speaking assistant will accompany the transfer to Kyoto, including travel by shinkansen (non-reserved seating).
The tour ends in the Kyoto Station area, allowing you to spend the afternoon exploring Kyoto at your own pace.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations
As the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed to visitors on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday) and on days when there is an Imperial Household Agency event, the tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead. If the closed day falls on the 25th, the tour will visit Nishi Hongan-ji Temple.
Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December, and from Dec. 26 to Jan. 3. (Closed on the following day if Tuesday is a holiday.) If closed, Ryoan-ji Temple will be visited instead.
Refunds will not be issued in case the tour visits aforementioned alternative destinations.
Seats may not be designated.
Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with bus seats or lunch. If bus seats or lunch is required, please make a booking under the child rate.
[From Osaka Only]The tour will be accompanied by an English-speaking assistant (not a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter) from Hotel Granvia Osaka to the Sunrise Tours Desk in Kyoto Avanti B1F, and from Kintetsu Nara Station to Osaka Namba Station.
[From Osaka Only] This tour ends in front of Kyoto Avanti (across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit), and does not include return trip transportation expenses from Kyoto to Osaka and assistant service.
What To Expect
[From Osaka Only] From Hotel Granvia Osaka to the bus boarding location at the Sunrise Tours Desk on B1F of Kyoto Avanti, you will be accompanied by our English-speaking staff (not a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter). First, you will travel from Osaka Station to Shin-Osaka Station using public transportation. From Shin-Osaka to Kyoto, you will take the shinkansen (bullet train) in non-reserved seating for a comfortable journey. Please note that as all train rides use non-reserved seats, seating is not guaranteed.
[From Osaka Only] After arriving at Kyoto Station, you will walk to the Sunrise Tours Desk on B1F of Kyoto Avanti, where the tour bus departs. From there, you will board the bus and begin your sightseeing tour.
Options
From Kyoto (Round Trip)
Starting point: JTB SUNRISE TOURS DESK KYOTO, Japan, 601-8003 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Higashikujō Nishisannōchō, ３１ B1F AVANTI
From Osaka (Ends in Kyoto)
Starting point: Hotel Granvia Osaka, 3-chōme-1-1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan
What‘s Included
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
Admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
Food and drinks
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
369 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Super good experience
Q558XEbenedettab,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00All Amazing and guide really interesting!
KEICY THE 10/10💪🫰
NorthStar37049433313,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Keicy was an amazing tour guide in Nara! His friendly personality, enthusiasm, and in-depth knowledge made the tour both fun and informative. He shared fascinating insights about Nara's history and culture, answered all our questions, and made everyone feel welcome. Thank you, Keicy, for making our experience so memorable. Highly recommended!
Great History
madelinesU2931XS,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Keicy was such a great guide. He shared so much history and information about each sight. We had the best time with him seeing the beautiful sights.
Plenty of Temples, feeding deer, and one impressive Buddha statue
E1784QHjoshuaj,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00KC was an excellent host. His concern for everyone goes far beyond normal generosity.
Awesome time on the tours!!
831gabss,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Yuki-san, was amazing. She is extremely knowledgeable, and very personable and kind. We had a lot of fun listening to, and learning from her about all these temples.
Beautiful locations
Compass07946883607,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice locations, with a very informative and omoshiroi tour guide. Well organized. Also appreciate that someone escorted us through the transit system
Kyoto half day tour
Franz V,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Learned so much about Japanese history and traditions from our very energetic and knowledgeable guide KC.
KC gave great tour!
RockPasta,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00KC provided a thoughtful, educational, and often humorous tour through the KYOTO sites this morning. Had we done any of these locations ourselves, we likely would have agonized over smaller details - but KC gave great highlights, the overall story, and we were able to see much more in the same unit time! the weather turned sour for us, but The tour works fine from under an umbrella! If rain is forecasted bring some really good shoes with that umbrella unless you want wet socks!
Informative and historically interesting tour of Kyoto.
jenslT5394VF,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very friendly and helpful guide, good at explaining the history of the tours and the attractions. Very professional, and showed a different perspective of Kyoto.
Refreshingly humorous.
AndreasyChristiane,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very funny tour guide with good explanations of the sights.
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