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.
