Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
Kyoto Discovery
Your stay in Kyoto continues with a guided tour of the city’s most iconic sites, beginning with Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace. Nijo Castle, with its impressive walls and ornate interiors, reflects the power and elegance of the Tokugawa shogunate. Within the castle grounds, Ninomaru Palace offers a glimpse into the past, with its stunning painted screens and the famous "nightingale floors," which chirp underfoot to alert of intruders. These structures provide a unique look into Japan's feudal era, blending architectural splendor with subtle defensive features. Next, you’ll visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. A walk through Fushimi Inari Shrine leads you along a path lined with endless rows of red torii gates, climbing the mountain in a peaceful procession. As you ascend, the shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and agriculture, offers quiet moments and occasional views of Kyoto below. Further into the city, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple rises on a hillside, its expansive wooden stage offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Known for its connection to the deity Kannon, the temple invites reflection, with its striking architecture and tranquil surroundings. To end the day, you’ll wander through the Gion Geisha District, where narrow alleys lined with traditional wooden machiya houses evoke the charm of old Kyoto. As you explore, you may spot geishas and maiko elegantly making their way between teahouses and exclusive ochaya. The district’s preserved architecture and quiet streets create a serene atmosphere, allowing you to appreciate its timeless beauty and cultural significance.