Kyoto Imperial Palace + Nijo Castle Guided Tour

Despite the activity being in English, which is not our native language, all the explanations were clear and we understo...

Eduardo

Join us for a guided tour through the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, and uncover the storied past of two of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks!

Details

Duration

3 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide
Admission to Kyoto Imperial Palace
Admission to Nijo Castle

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

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Meeting point

Nijojo-Mae metro station

Where does the activity end?

Imadegawa station

Reviews of our customers

8.9

Excellent 418 Travelers·28 reviews

September 19, 2026
Eduardo
Salamanca, Spain
Despite the activity being in English, which is not our native language, all the explanations were clear and we understood them without any problem, i...
With friends
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August 14, 2026
Luis Francisco Lominchar Martine
Guadalajara, Spain
We enjoyed the tour, although it was a bit tiring. Overall, the guide was quite good, although sometimes we couldn't hear him very well, and the farew...
Is this useful?
February 18, 2026
Maria Fernanda
Argentina
Highly recommended. Our guide Naoki conveyed his love for history, which enriched the experience.
Traveling solo
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October 26, 2025
Stefano
Gorizia, Italy
Very well, Rafael was ready to answer to any question and given a big amount of explanations that helped us out to get the story of the attractions we...
As a couple
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August 31, 2025
Ana
Spain
Our guide, Miyake, was incredible. It was one of the best tours we've taken in Japan. He was incredibly interesting, extremely knowledgeable, and spok...
As a couple
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October 3, 2025
Eduardo
La Plata, Argentina
Very responsive. He was there for us in our time, giving us precise answers to our questions.
Is this useful?
August 15, 2025
Elena
Barcelona, Spain
The visit was very pleasant and informative. Vincent explained a lot of interesting topics to us. A fantastic visit.
Traveling solo
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May 21, 2025
Ana Maria
Toluca, Mexico
The guide was excellent, and all the information he gave us was very interesting. I definitely recommend him 100%.
Traveling solo
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April 16, 2025
Francisco Marino
Miami, United States
Mao was an excellent tour guide. She was very friendly and happy. We loved it!
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March 17, 2025
Xisca Sanz Beltran
Spain
Boris, very good guide
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Join us for a guided tour through the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, and uncover the storied past of two of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks!

Imperial Palace + Nijo Castle Guided Tour

Meet us at the Nijojo-Mae train station at the designated time. Once everyone's gathered, we'll head off to explore the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle!

Our first stop will be the Imperial Palace, once the residence of the Japanese royal family. The main building, originally constructed in 1630, was tragically destroyed by fire in 1854. What stands today is a meticulous reconstruction completed just a year after the incident.

During our tour, we'll stroll through the various rooms of the palace, immersing ourselves in the rich culture of the Japanese court and gaining insight into its role as the backdrop for contemporary state meetings. We'll also wander through its breathtaking gardens: the Oikeniwa, known as the main garden, and the Gonaitei, both full of stunning flowers and majestic trees.

Next up is Nijo Castle. Fun fact: Did you know it once served as the residence of the first Shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty, whose reign lasted over two centuries? This fortress boasts a series of buildings encircled by a moat, covering a perimeter that spans over 200,000 square meters (2,152,782 square feet).

As we walk through the castle, you will see how the rooms are decorated with paintings typical of the Edo period, whose ceilings and walls are lined with rice paper, or the rooms with tatami flooring. An intricate design, sure to captivate you!

After the guided tour, we will go to the Imadegawa Station, where we will say goodbye 3 hours later.

Points of interest in Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Palacio Imperial Sento de Kioto Fushimi Inari Taisha

Types of activities in Kyoto

Guided Tours & Free Tours in Kyoto Transport Cards in Kyoto Day Trips from Kyoto

Other activities in Kyoto

Free Tour of Kyoto Gion Free Walking Tour Kyoto Private Walking Tour Traditional Kimono Rental Nishiki Market Food Tour Kyoto Tourist Bus Kyoto Tower Tickets Haruka Express Train Between Kansai Airport and Kyoto or Osaka Kyoto Bike Tour Sagano Romantic Train Tickets

Join us for a guided tour through the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, and uncover the storied past of two of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks!

Imperial Palace + Nijo Castle Guided Tour

Meet us at the Nijojo-Mae train station at the designated time. Once everyone's gathered, we'll head off to explore the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle!

After the guided tour, we will go to the Imadegawa Station, where we will say goodbye 3 hours later.

Kyoto Imperial Palace + Nijo Castle Guided Tour