Japan · CASTLE TOURS IN KYOTO
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 10 castle tours in Kyoto that reviewers rated highly, each with its price, its verdict and the one thing worth knowing before you commit.
English guided tour of Kyoto’s Nijo-jo Castle, including Ninomaru Palace and gardens in 60 minutes, plus access to normally restricted areas.
“Insightful and quite a neat look at the Amauri facilities”
One-day Kyoto coach tour: early Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, plus optional Golden Pavilion. 11-hour bilingual.
“Both Alex and Angel were wonderful guides and did a brilliant job of jumping between English and Spanish over the tour. There was a great balance of travel between sites, information / guided walks at the sites, and free time to explore”
A small-group Kyoto walking tour pairing the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle with an English-speaking guide, included fees, and a great pace.
“The tour had a good pace and was insightful. Our guide Vincent was very knowledgeable about the area and was full of cultural facts. He also gave recommendations on the local area. Would recommend to others.”
Kyoto UNESCO Nijo Castle guided tour with prebooked admission, small group up to 10, and a guide to lead you for about 90 minutes.
“We really enjoyed this tour of the castle and garden. What an interesting place to see and our tour guide Noe was so full of information!”
Small-group walk through Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace with included entry tickets, about 3 hours, $55 per person.
“Great guide, and interesting information provided. Would recommend to all travelers wanting to find out about Japanese history.”
3-hour guided walk linking Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Small group, English guide, included tickets, and seasonal gardens.
“Beautiful tour; Taku was an exceptional guide who gave us a lot of local tips and historical notions. Ten out of ten”
Guided 2.5-hour visit linking Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace, with an English guide, tickets, and transport for about $79.
“Two magnificent places to visit! If you loved Shogun then these are a must see. And I think we hit the jackpot with Mia as our guide. She’s well-informed, fun and totally funny. She made everything so accessible and interesting to learn about. Read more”
Kyoto in 4 hours: see Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, explore Nijo Castle nightingale floors, then snack at Nishiki Market with guide Roberto.
“La Experiencia fue excelente. Muy amable atención. Roberto es un gran guía profesional y comprometido. Una persona muy agradable. Nos encantó a mi familia y a mi. Súper recomendable.”
Guided day trip from Kyoto to Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, with JR trains and a Japanese and Western lunch buffet.
“Himeji Castle is amazing but such a long queue for tickets and another long queue to enter (2 hours)! Koko-en Garden is truly amazing...would love to come back for an autumn visit! Super tour guide who is very helpful, speaks very good English and very knowledgable!”
Private 5-hour Kyoto tour hitting Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji with early timing to dodge crowds, plus local guide stories.
“We had an excellent experience on this tour.This tour is I think perfect if you wanna see Kyoto's most famous spots in one efficient day.”
Pick the experience, read what travellers said, book the good one.
