Kyoto Day Tour of Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and Sanjusangendo from Osaka

See all the sights of Kyoto in a day. Travelling from Osaka, visit Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Kyoto Handicraft Center, Heian Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall and the Kiyomizu Temple.

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face. Enjoy this morning tour to see some of the main highlights of this wonderful city.

Tour continues with a visit to the Heian Shrine, a reflection the elegance of Japanese life. Explore Sanjusangendo Hall, long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues of Kannon, Bodhisattva, that date back to the 13th century. Tour concludes with a visit to  where you'll enjoy sweeping views of the entire city of Kyoto before your rail journey back to Osaka.

Nijo Castle Nijo Castle is noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors. Note: On Tuesday's in January, July, August and December when Nijo Castle is closed, the tour will visit Ryoanji Temple instead.

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) Kyoto's most popular temple is the home of perhaps the world's most authentic and exquisite Japanese Garden, as well as the celebrated Golden Pavilion.

Kyoto Imperial Palace The ancient Imperial Palace clearly shows the Japanese taste for purity, simplicity and calmness. The residence of the Imperial family until the capital was relocated to Tokyo in 1868. Note: On Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed, the tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu instead. This shrine is known as the god of study.

Buffet Lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center
Enjoy a buffet lunch (free soft drinks included, alcoholic drinks not included) and shopping at Kyoto Handicraft Center.

Heian Shrine The brightly colored shrine with its vermilion pillars and green roof, and its enchanting inner gardens and ponds, reflects the elegance of life in the ancient Japanese court.

Sanjusangendo Hall A renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues of Kannon, Bodhisattva, that date back to the 13th century.

Kiyomizu Temple A quaint old lane lined with pottery shops lead up to this famous temple. Enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city of Kyoto from its lofty terrace.

Note important itinerary changes for departures December 26 - 29, 2009 - Instead of Nijo Castle, the tour will visit Ryoanji Temple. Instead of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the tour will visit Nishi Honganji.