Excursion Kyoto highlights & high-speed shinkansen train tour at Osaka

Experience Kyoto on the fast track during a panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion to this historic city via bullet train.

Osaka, Bullet Train to Kyoto, Golden Pavilion

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Shin-Osaka Station. Upon arrival, board the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train for the short ride to Kyoto. Upon arrival at the Kyoto Station, board a 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.

Nijo Castle, Cultural Treasures, Chinese Gate, Ni-no-maru Garden, Pictures on Doors

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Nijo Castle, built in 1626 as the residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Hon-maru (Main Court) burned down in 1788. The only original part remaining is the Ni-no-maru (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 also renowned for its many cultural treasures dating from the 16th-century Momoyama Era, including the Karamon (Chinese Gate), Ni-no-maru Garden, and pictures on the doors of the building.  

Shozan Resort Kyoto, Japanese Lunch, Heian Jingu Shrine

Leaving Nijo Castle, re-board your coach and proceed for a Japanese, set-menu lunch at the Shozan Resort Kyoto. After lunch, re-board your coach and transfer to the Heian Shrine (Shrine of Peace), built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto (Heian-Kyo capital). The Heian Shrine is dedicated to two emperors: Emperor Kammu, the first emperor to rule Kyoto, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to live out his reign in the city.

Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier. A comfort stop is made en route.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Osaka, Shin-Osaka Station, Shinkansen Bullet-Train, Kyoto, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Lunch, Heian Shrine

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the bullet-train, and 40 steps at the Nijo Castle and Heian Jingu Shrine. 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 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 Osaka 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. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately 45 minutes-1.5 hours in each direction. Photography/videography is not permitted inside the Ninomaru Palace at the Nijo Castle. The tour sequence may vary.

Due to ongoing repair-and-restoration projects on the Nijo Castle grounds, some of the buildings may be covered.