Kyoto 1 Day Trip ~Concierge Recommendation~

One-day sightseeing plan recommended by our concierge. It's a preferable course for Kyoto beginners to efficiently visit the Kinkakuji-temple, Ginkakuji-temple and Nijo Castle that represent Kyoto, a world heritage site. The Gion area, which is lined with traditional tea houses, is one of the places you should definitely visit. If you are lucky, you can see maiko or geisya on her way to tea house!

1. Nijo Castle (World Heritage Site)

■Hotel to Nijo Castle (about 15minutes)
-5 minutes walk to "Shijyo Karasuma" bus stop.
-Take #12 or #101 bus to "Nijojo-mae" bus stop.

Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 as his Kyoto residence. In the grand chamber of this historic castle, the last shogun announced the return of government power to the emperor in 1868. The Ninomaru Palace in the castle compound is famous for its floors that give a squeaky sound just like a nightingale’s song. The palace is also well-known for its strolling-style garden with a pond containing three miniature “islands.”

Open: 8:45-16:00
Entrance Fee: JPY1,030 (include Ninomaru-palace)

Nijo_castle

2. Kinkakuji-temple (World Heritage Site)

■Nijo Castle to Kinkakuji-temple (about 20minutes)
-Take #12 or #101 bus to "Kinkakuji michi" bus stop.

Its original name is called "Rokuon-ji" but the Golden Pavilion is so famous that the temple is called "Kinkaku-ji". The top two stories are covered with pure gold leaf. Whatever time of year you visit, it is sure not to disappoint. The Golden Pavilion reflected in the pond is also very famous and beautiful!

Open: 9:00-17:00
Entrance Fee: JPY400

Kinkakuji_temple

3. Ginkakuji-temple (World Heritage Site)

■Kinkakuji-temple to Ginkakuji-temple (about 20minutes)
-Take #102 or #204 bus to "Ginkakuji michi" bus stop.

Actually, the appearance of Ginkaku-ji is not silver and the temple is modest Zen temple, while Kinkaku-ji is flashy. The modest appearance of Ginkaku-ji and the beautiful sand garden represent traditional Japanese beauty of “wabi-sabi”. After visting the temple, you should walk Philosopher's path that is very beautiful along the narrow river!

Open: 8:30-17:00
Entrance Fee: JPY500

Ginkakuji_temple

4. Gion

■Ginkakuji-temple to Gion (about 10minutes)
-Take #100 bus to "Gion" bus stop.

Gion is the traditional geisha area, lined with tea-houses. There are also many souvenir shops, restaurants, temples and shrines. If you are lucky, you can see "Maiko" or "Geisya" on her way to tea house!

[Recommended spot: Gion Corner]
You can enjoy 5 different Japanese traditional performances.
Open: every day *From December till the second week of March, performances will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays only.
Show time: 18:00~, 19:00~
Fee: 3,150yen (※You can get discount coupon at the concierge desk.)
Gion Corner official website: http://www.kyoto-gioncorner.com/global/en.html

Gion_area

INQUIRIES

WHAT’S NEW