Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hours
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover two of Kyoto's amazing attractions with a warm and knowledgeable local guide by your side.
Step into the Kyoto Imperial Palace, once home to Japan's imperial family, and learn about its history.
Explore Nijo Castle on a guided tour to admire its exquisite feudal-era architecture. (Note: For the Nijo Castle visit, tour guides will only bring you to the Ninomaru-goten Palace and Garden.)
Book at your convenience – we even welcome last-minute reservations!
Select from various start times that suit your schedule.
Relish the personal touch of a small group tour, limited to just 9 participants.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Nijo Castle
The historical city of Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous cities. It was once the capital of Japan and the place of the emperor’s residence for more than a thousand years. In this guided walking tour, we’ll explore the grandeur and rich history of Japan’s past with a visit to Nijo Castle. Admire the castle’s impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and intricate interiors that offer a glimpse into the lives of Japan’s shoguns.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Learn about the Kyoto Imperial Palace and how it was once the residence of Japan’s imperial family. Your friendly TripGuru will take you around the impressive structure, giving you time to admire the stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and more.
What‘s Included
English-speaking tour guide
Entrance fees
3 hour walking tour
Hotel pick up and drop off
Meals and other drinks
Personal expenses
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Small Group Tour
Private Tour in French
Private Tour in French: Select this option for a Private tour with a French Guide. Entrance fees are included.
Private Tour in Spanish
Private Tour in Spanish: Select this option for a Private tour with a Spanish Guide. Entrance fees are included.
Private Tour in Chinese
Chinese-speaking tour guide
Private Tour in English
with a private tour guide
Reviews
145 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
Henri C,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everyone should do it if they want to learn More about Japanese history.Jasmine was ann excellent guide and very knowledgeable.
You would not regret booking this tour!
hlS4763ZZ,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friend and I were looking to explore Kyoto for the day and decided to book this tour. It did not disappoint, our tour guide Taku, was extremely knowledgeable, funny, and kind! He made every stop interesting, that the 3 hours flew by.
Our guide was very...
Cindy S,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very informative and was patient with our questions. He grew up in Kyōto and knew a lot about the tour and Japanese culture.
Cecilia was a great guide...
Keenan M,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Cecilia was a great guide and gave us some fantastic insight into Japans history on this tour. There was a LOT to see!
Great service from Jasmine - really interesting tour. History and culture rolled into one
Tom M,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour of the castle and palace with Jasmine. Really interesting and insightful knowledge. Friendly and prepared for all the questions we had! Also very helpful with local recommendations for dinner and lunch. We did a private tour for three which worked brilliantly for us
Excellent
D6747PRnicolel,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Vincent was excellent very knowledgeable, pointed out things we would miss. He made the tour enjoyable. Thank you we had a lovely time.
Jasmine is a fantastic...
Patrick K,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jasmine is a fantastic guide. She speaks English well and is a wealth of knowledge. She had great insights to share about the castle annd imperial palace. She also shed interesting light on the culture, history, and people of Japan. She was friendly and made for a fantastic tour.
Nijo Castle and Imperial palace
Fiona R,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David was very informative and gave great historical information as well as other interesting facts. A really good insight into past Japanese history
Excellent tour
Kari M,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Not too much walking. Interesting background information. Beautiful and magnificent imperial gardens.
A great grounding on Japanese history
marslyn,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yuxuan Chen was a very good guide with excellent English skill. He clearly described Japanese history, the eras, and the Chinese influences on written language and art (depiction of tigers, lions and cheetahs). He fascinated us with his knowledge and understanding of the Emperors and Samurai and the power rivalries among the Samurai. Details of the construction of the palace and castle were appreciated. He was also very kind to make sure to get us on the right train to our next destination.
From US$38.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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