Osaka, Japan

Kyoto Highlights & Shinkansen Bullet Train

Remarkable Buildings, Beautiful Gardens, Good Food and the Bullet Train Immerse yourself in history on a journey to Kyoto’s most significant sights. Visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its elaborate 14th-century decor and witness its opulent gold leaf–plated facade and bronze phoenix towering above. Next, you will visit Nijō Castle, built in the 17th century by Ieyasu—founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Its Ninomaru Palace was declared one of Japan’s national treasures and its creaking floors, or “bush warbler boards,” are an integral design feature, warning occupants against intruders. After lunch, explore the Sanjūsangen-dō temple, built by the famous warrior Kiyomori Taira. Inside you will see the magnificent display of 1,001 life-size golden Buddha statues, which took more than 15 years to complete. On your return to Osaka, enjoy an exhilarating ride on Japan’s bullet train. Traveling at speeds of up to 185 mph, it is one of the world’s fastest trains. * Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved sur