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.
Options
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
Small Group Tour
Private Tour in English
with a private tour guide
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.
Reviews
154 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!!
K8041RUalann,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Naoki is just the best! We had a great time and we learned a lot!
Kyoto‘s palaces
JNiclasS,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an excellent tour with Naoki. Thank you very much for the fun and interesting time!
Family visit to Kyoto
Christopher R,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly, knowledgeable and had a relatable way of explaining in a fun way..:not just pure facts. Patient enough to allow ample photos but kept the group moving at a good pace. Thanks David for helping us make some great memories!
Incredible guided tour
E2501ONsilviap,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alex was our guide. 10/10 for the experience. Phenomenal explanation, and she gave us plenty of tips for the rest of our days in Kyoto.
Ceci tour guide review
pratyushij,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ceci was our tour guide and she was exceptional. Her English was highly understandable and she had answers to almost all the questions we had asked her, moreover her insights her humour and her nature only made the experience even more memorable. Thank you Cecillia we had a great time.
Very good and enjoyable
danielfZ6861DB,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alex served very well as a guide; he asked me to coordinate well with him, and at the end, he gave me good recommendations for other places to visit.
Defiantly must do !
David S,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide David was excellent. We really enjoyed of tour of Nijo Castle and Kyotos Imperial Palace. The tour was well paced and informative. One of the best tours we have done this trip
Kyoto pearls
Daniel J,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00David was great and very welcoming. Good knowledge of the route and Japan in general. Good conversation and a very strong guide.
From Shoguns to Emperors!
GiPi45,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Naoki for an amazing tour of Nijo Castle and The Imperial Palace. Your knowledge of the history and culture made the experience truly memorable. We especially appreciated your kindness and care when we were dropped off at the wrong location and became quite frantic. You reached out to help us, waited for us, and made sure we were able to join the tour without worry. Your graciousness, patience, and genuine concern meant so much to us. Thank you for going above and beyond recommending additional sites and route maximizing out time and making our visit to Kyoto such a wonderful experience. We highly recommend your tours to anyone visiting Kyoto.
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.
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