Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour worth booking?
Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour is a 7-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $7973 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (10)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $7973 per person
This luxurious tour introduces all the important spots in Kyoto in one day: you can get to know the faith of the commoners of Japan, the characteristic food of Kyoto, the residence of the shogun, the palace of the Empero
What you get
- Guide Fare
About this experience
This luxurious tour introduces all the important spots in Kyoto in one day: you can get to know the faith of the commoners of Japan, the characteristic food of Kyoto, the residence of the shogun, the palace of the Emperor, and also take a stroll through the geisha street. With this tour, you can deeply understand the lives and thoughts of the people of Kyoto and Japan.
What's included
Included
- Guide Fare
Not included
- Admission fee
- Publlic Transportation Fare
What you'll see and do
Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
Buddhism has the most believers out of all religions in Japan. It has several sects, and one of the largest sects in Japan is Shingon Otani whose believers are said to be about 8 million. Most of them used to be ordinary people like merchants and farmers. Higashi Honganji is a head temple of about 9,000 temples of Shingon Otani and its Founder’s Hall is the largest wooden building in the world with over 900 tatami mats laid and able to hold 3,000 people at once.You will be struck by Japanese people's deep faith and the majestic atmosphere of this hall.
30 minutes here
Nishiki Market Shopping District
The Nishiki market is called the kitchen of Kyoto. What is that? It is said that underneath this district, there is a gigantic water reservoir. Therefore, Kyoto has been blessed with fresh and delicious water from long ago. Utilizing that water, about 500 years ago, a fish market developed in this place, and various shops gradually gathered later. Almost anything you need on a daily basis is available in this market. Kyoto's specialty is vegetables grown in pure water, pickles made of those vegetables and tofu, also utilizing this delicious water. There are many shops where you can sample food, so please try Kyoto’s specialties loved for centuries by the local people.
30 minutes here
Nijo Castle
In 1603, the shogun relocated his shogunate to Edo, present day Tokyo. Nijo castle was built as the castle where the shogun stayed when visiting Kyoto. Inside the castle, there are more than 1,000 gorgeous pictures painted on sliding doors giving you an understanding of the powerful authority of the shogun. It was in this very castle that the last shogun declared to return the power to the Emperor in 1867, after 260 years of his family’s governance.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is situated in an extensive area in the center of Kyoto. Until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1868, the emperor 's family used to live here. And even today, when the emperor and/or the crown prince come to Kyoto, they stay at one of the residences in this site. The luxurious buildings and beautifully arranged gardens here tell a tale of the refined taste of the times. This place is a must-see when you visit Kyoto.
75 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
We can also meet you at any hotel in central Kyoto. PLEASE NOTE: NO PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We can also meet you at any hotel in central Kyoto. PLEASE NOTE: NO PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- KAMNAVI Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Quite a bit of walking involved
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Naoko was amazing! Very...
Naoko was amazing! Very knowledgeful, had a ton of fun facts, and made it very interesting for our kids as well. We really enjoyed getting to know the sights and history of Kyoto with her.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed exploring Kyoto with Naoko. She will be very happy to know that you appreciated her knowledge and the way she made the tour enjoyable for your children as well. We truly appreciate your feedback！
via Viator
Excellent private Kyoto tour
we had excellent 7 hr private tour of Kyoto ' imperial palace and gardens, castle,markets, temple. Our guide Naoko was the best guide we had so far. Highly knowledgeable, made tour pleasant and educational. She provided lots of information on customs, beliefs, in very engaging and interesting manner. She was highly organized ,well prepared, very friendly . Highly recommend to engage her for your travels.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed your private tour of Kyoto and appreciated Naoko’s guiding. She will be very happy to know that you found the tour both pleasant and educational. Thank you again for your kind recommendation！
via Tripadvisor
Great insight to years past
Chie was a great guide with lots of information to share. The tour was very informative and Chie knew how to get us around making maximum use of our time. The Palace and Castle are very different from each other. Don't expect the Palace to be like a European Palace full of furniture and gold.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words and positive review! We are very happy to know that you were able to see and learn a lot of things. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan!
via Viator
Excellent tour
Michi was an excellent guide. She knew so much about all the spots, led us to some excellent udon noodles and we even learnt some basic Japanese :)
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to leave a positive review! We're delighted to know that you had a good day with Michi while learning about Japanese culture and language.
via Tripadvisor
This was an excellent...
This was an excellent tour with a knowledgeable and charming guide who spoke very good English. The walking tour format offered an up-close look at Kyoto's history, architecture, and culture with enough time to enjoy shopping and refreshments. I highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: We appreciate your taking the time to write such a nice review very much. We're delighted to hear that you got a nice insight into the culture and history of Kyoto with your guide. Thanks again and all the best to you.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 6+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $7973 to $34084
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $7973 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 6. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 7-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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