Excursion Highlights of kyoto & bullet train experience tour at Kobe

Experience UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Japanese traditions during this scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion to Kyoto via bullet-train with lunch.

Kobe, Shin-Kobe Station, Bullet-Train to Kyoto

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Shin-Kobe Station. Upon arrival, board the high-speed Shinkansen bullet-train for the short ride to historic Kyoto. Once the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto is a sophisticated city on the island of Honshu with thousands of classical Buddhist temples. It is also home to many gardens, Shinto shrines, palaces, and traditional wooden houses, a number of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, board a coach and transfer to the spectacular Nijo Castle.

Nijo Castle, Chinese Gate, Ninomaru Palace & Garden

The Nijo Castle is a fortification of cypress wood built in 1603 as the residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Hon-maru (Main Court) burned down in 1788. The only original part remaining is the Ninomaru (Second Court). The present 'Hon-maru', built in 1827, is a replica of the one that originally stood on the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The castle, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is protected by a moat, stone walls, and ingenious nightingale floors, which chirp like a bird when walked upon to alert the guards of potential intruders. It is also renowned for its many cultural treasures dating from the 16th-century Momoyama Era, including the Karamon (Chinese Gate) and Ninomaru Palace & Garden.  

Traditional Tearoom, Tatami Floor, Tea Ceremony, Freshly-Brewed Green Tea, Japanese Lunch

Next, re-board your coach and head for a tea ceremony venue. Upon arrival, enjoy an opportunity to experience an authentic tea ceremony, a Japanese tradition steeped in history. It is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea in a traditional tearoom with a tatami floor. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the art of the tea ceremony accompanied by a cup of freshly-brewed green tea. Following the tea ceremony, re-board your coach and proceed to a local restaurant for a Japanese, set-menu lunch.

Golden Pavilion

After lunch, re-board your coach and transfer to the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) for an exterior visit. Built as a villa during the Muromachi Period in 1397, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was later converted into a temple. The temple burned down in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955. It is approximately 41 feet (about 12.5 metres) in height, and the second-and-third storeys are covered with approximately two tons (about 1.8 metric tons) of pure gold foil. The mirror reflection on the still pond in the garden is a marvellous site to behold. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Nijo Castle, Local Restaurant, Tea Ceremony, Kinkakuji Temple, Shinkansen Bullet Train

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.05 miles (about 1.7 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the bullet-train, and steps at the Nijo Castle. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Although credit cards are mostly accepted, Japanese Yen is required for any purchases; guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. Proper attire is required to enter temples and shrines; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must remove their shoes before entering the tea ceremony and Ninomaru Palace at the Nijo Castle. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 20 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in Kobe may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Photography/videography is not permitted inside the Ninomaru Palace at the Nijo Castle. Due to ongoing repair-and-restoration projects on the Nijo Castle grounds, some of the buildings may be covered. The tour sequence may vary.