Today, experience the extraordinary Japanese bullet train by riding it yourself from Tokyo to Kyoto. Our guide will give you the train tickets with reserved seats in advance and advise you on important matters. In just 2.5 hours, you’ll complete a 470 km (292 mi) east-west traverse of Japan.
► Early Departure Recommended:
The train takes 2.5 hours, and it gets dark early in Japan, with many attractions closing at 16:00 or 17:00. To give you more time for sightseeing, we would book a train for you leaving at 8:30. Please contact us if you need to adjust the train time.
► Get from the Hotel to Tokyo Station by Yourself:
Please check out and leave your hotel half an hour ahead of the scheduled departure time of the train. Walk 1 minute north to Shinjuku Station, take the Chuo Line or Marunouchi Line for 15 to 20 minutes to Tokyo Station; or you can take a taxi there if you have big luggage. Follow the signs to find the right bullet train platform.
► Luggage Tips:
1. Travel light, as there will be long walking distances and stairs, and carrying oversized luggage will drive you crazy.
2. Some trains require extra tickets for oversized luggage, so inform the guide in advance if you have large baggage.
3. Luggage Delivery Service at Hotel: You can pack essentials in a small carry-on bag and deliver your large baggage to a city later in your trip. A third city is recommended, given that delivery may take 2 or 3 days.
Kyoto, the old imperial capital of Japan for over a millennium and the spiritual heart of the nation, boasts a wealth of ancient shrines, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1994. Upon arrival, our guide will pick you up at Kyoto Station and escort you on a short walk to the hotel to drop off your luggage. Appreciate the magnificent
Kyoto Tower just out of the Kyoto Station, and then we’ll head to the
Temple of the Golden Pavilion. The classical Golden Pavilion will hit you at once, but do you know that this is not really an antique? It was a restoration in 1955 after the original was burned down by a psychopathic monk in 1950. What a pity! But this does not affect or even enhance its aesthetic display, as the rebuilt pavilion is even more brilliant than the original, and its reflection in the pool makes a tremendous visual impact. Later, we’ll visit the
Nijo Castle, built in 1603 and once home to Japan’s first Tokugawa shogun. Its opulent architecture, surpassing even that of the imperial palace, is a testament to the Tokugawa family’s rising and the emperor’s waning power at that time.
Next, we’ll visit the ancient
Pure Water Temple, a masterpiece of Kyoto’s historic monuments. Enter from the Niomon Gate, admire the elegant Sanjunoto (Three Story Pagoda), and climb the stairs to the Hondo Main Hall. Stand on the wooden veranda outside the hall, suspended on the side of the cliff, you can take in the stunning views of the Mount Otowa. The cherry blossoms in spring and the maple leaves in autumn are truly unforgettable.
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Gion Walking Tour: Experience the True KyotoStep out of the temple and follow the guide to wander through the atmospheric
Sannenzaka and
Ninenzaka, distinctive walking ramps lined with traditional wooden houses and shops selling a variety of Japanese snacks, groceries and souvenirs. Marvel at the five-story
Yasaka Pagoda of the Hokan-ji Temple at the crossing of the narrow alleyways and take some representative photos. Then, visit the lively
Yasaka Shrine and explore the
Gion geisha district. Here you might bump into a geisha with elaborate makeup on the Hanamikoji Street. The guide will finally take you to a handpicked tea house for a special cultural experience – geisha show.
► Tip: In the Pure Water Temple and Gion areas, you can see many locals and tourists dressed in bright traditional kimonos. If you like, you can rent a favorite kimono for a fee to take photos, as the classical atmosphere here is perfect for it.
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Bonus for Our Guests: Tea Ceremony with Geisha ShowCurious about these graceful geisha girls with amazing skills? During 1 hour stay in a traditional tatami room, you can enjoy 2 dried sweets and matcha green tea served by lovely geishas or maikos from Gion or Miyagawa, who will also perform the traditional dance and tea ceremony for you. Have a pleasant chat, take commemorative photos with a maiko, and get a senjafuda gift, which is the special business card of a maiko.
After the enjoyable show, wander around the Gion area for the night view before getting back to the hotel by yourself – a taxi takes 10 minutes and costs about USD 10.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto (4 stars)