Osaka, Japan

Sights of Kyoto

Discover Kyoto’s History and Heritage Explore historic Kyoto, a city of temples and shrines, and complex architecture. Meet your guide and embark on a one-and-a-half-hour drive to Kinkaku-ji. One of Japan’s most iconic sights, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Golden Pavilion, is named for its gold-leaf facade. Built as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later converted to a temple. See its towering bronze phoenix statue and 14th-century architecture before continuing to Nijō Castle, one of the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture in Japan. Take a stroll within its fortified walls and learn about its rich history and striking design features. After lunch, visit the Sanjūsangen-dō temple and step inside to view the display of 1,001 life-size golden Buddha statues. Finally, return to your awaiting ship. * Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.