Avanti's Sunrise Tours Desk
(across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit) - Depart All transportation on this tour is generally by bus, but, depending on the number of participants, a sedan or taxi van may be used instead. Stops will be made for pick-up at hotels along the way.
Nijo Castle (50 min)
A World Heritage site. Tour the historical castle completed in 1626, which was built to provide lodging for Tokugawa Shogun and as a palladium for Kyoto Imperial Palace. The impressive, elaborate carvings and decors in the Ninomaru Palace are a must-see.
[Remarks] Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December. (Closed on the following day if Tuesday is a holiday.) If the castle is closed, or if the tour is during the year-end/New Year's holidays, Ryoan-ji Temple will be visited instead.
Kinkaku-ji Temple (45 min)
A World Heritage site. The wooden architecture is covered in thin layers of pure gold and is surrounded by a beautiful pond.
[Except Mondays] Kyoto Imperial Palace (40 min)
See the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was used as the Emperor's residence until about 150 years ago.
[Remarks] Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed to the public on the following days. During these times, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine will be visited instead:
(Mondays, Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday, May 14-17 for the Aoi Festival, New Year's holidays, and whenever there is an Imperial Household event).
[Mondays (and Tuesdays when Monday is a national holiday)] Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (40 min)
On Mondays (and Tuesdays if a national holiday falls on the preceding Monday), this tour will visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It is famous for housing the God of scholarship. This shrine's main hall is a designated national treasure. The shrine is especially great to see during the plum blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
[Remarks] The tour will visit Nishi Hongan-ji Temple instead of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine on June 25, Sept. 25 and Dec. 25.
Lunch (50 min)
Enjoy a Japanese/Western-style buffet for lunch. As the meal is served buffet style, vegetarian customers are also welcome. During the period from Jan. 5 to Mar. 11, a one-plate lunch may be served depending on the number of participants. A menu that may also be enjoyed by vegetarians will be served. Thank you for your understanding.
From Kyoto to Nara (90 min)
Head to Nara via Keinawa Expressway
Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha) Nara Park (60 min)
A World Heritage site. This is the symbol of the Nara Period and one of the world's largest wooden structures. Its huge main hall and bronze Great Buddha are impressive to behold.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine (40 min)
This Nara Period shrine is designated as a World Heritage Site. The deer of Nara Park are thought to be the shrine messengers.
[Remarks] The tour will not enter areas requiring admission.
Nara Nagomikan (Gift Shop) (20 min)
The largest souvenir shop in Nara. Enjoy yourself in this spacious shop and look for the perfect souvenir.
[Remarks] This facility may be omitted from the itinerary if it is closed on the day of the tour, or as a result of traffic congestion.
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Drop-off Service
Head to Kyoto City Hotels
[Remarks] During the Gion Festival (Sakimatsuri, July 15 - 16), drop-off service to Karasuma Kyoto Hotel and Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto will be unavailable due to traffic restrictions.
Connection to the Kyoto Night Tour or Kyoto Maiko Dinner is not possible.