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Kyoto Imperial Palace

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Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), an attractive park in the center of the city that also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace and a few other attractions. The current Imperial Palace was reconstructed in 1855 after it had burnt down and moved around town repeatedly over the centuries. The complex is enclosed by long walls and consists of several gates, halls and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were held in the palace's main hall. The palace grounds can now be entered and explored without joining a tour and without any prior arrangements (although tours in English are still available). Visitors can see the palace buildings and gardens, but note that none of the buildings can be entered. The 1300 meter long and 700 meter wide park also serves as recreational space for both tourists and residents, featuring attractive, broad gravel paths, lawns and tree groves. A pretty group of weeping cherry trees stands beside Konoe Pond in the park's northwestern corner and is usually in bloom for two to three weeks from late March to mid-April.



Attraction Included Tours

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Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of Japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people.

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of Japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people.
(Smaller group departure available)

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget.

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel Japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation.

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Japan Garden, Art & Architecture Tour: Autumn Leaves

Group Tour | Deluxe-Plus        

Japan Garden, Art & Architecture Tour: Autumn Leaves
33 reviews

14 Days 13 Nights | from US $8598.00 (Limit to 12 guests)

Himeji / Yasugi / Matsue / Naoshima / Takamatsu / Osaka / Nara / Kyoto / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo
This 14-day tour takes you to some of the best gardens and wonders of art and architecture in Japan, plus delicious cuisine, ancient temples, with other local experiences in Osaka, Naoshima, Takamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Mount Fuji, Tokyo and more.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Mon. Oct 30, 2023 Sun. Nov 12, 2023 US $8598.00

Small Group Limited to 12 passengers

Osaka Tokyo Deluxe-Plus Save this tour Inquiry  
Mon. Nov 4, 2024 Sun. Nov 17, 2024 US $8598.00

Small Group Limited to 12 passengers

Osaka Tokyo Deluxe-Plus Save this tour Book Now  
Mon. Nov 3, 2025 Sun. Nov 16, 2025 US $8598.00

Small Group Limited to 12 passengers

Osaka Tokyo Deluxe-Plus Save this tour Book Now  
Japan Garden & Art Tour: Cherry Blossoms

Group Tour | Deluxe-Plus        

Japan Garden & Art Tour: Cherry Blossoms
30 reviews

14 Days 13 Nights | from US $8598.00 (Limit to 12 guests)

Himeji / Yasugi / Matsue / Kurashiki / Seto Ohashi Bridge / Takamatsu / Naoshima / Bizen / Osaka / Nara / Kyoto / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo
The Garden and Art Cherry Blossoms Tour offers you the most magnificent of Japan's gardens in one of the loveliest seasons, guided by our garden-knowledgeable guide, including a trip to Naoshima Art Island.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Mon. Mar 25, 2024 Sun. Apr 7, 2024 US $8598.00

Small Group Limited to 12 passengers

Osaka Tokyo Deluxe-Plus Save this tour Inquiry  
Mon. Mar 24, 2025 Sun. Apr 6, 2025 US $8598.00

Small Group Limited to 12 passengers

Osaka Tokyo Deluxe-Plus Save this tour Book Now  
Japan Pottery & Art Tour

Group Tour | Deluxe-Plus        

Japan Pottery & Art Tour

14 Days 13 Nights | from US $8598.00 (Limit to 12 guests)

Toho Village / Sasebo / Hasami / Arita / Karatsu / Bizen / Kurashiki / Yasugi / Naoshima / Takamatsu / Kobe / Osaka / Nara / Kyoto
Find inspiration during a 14-day Japan Pottery and Art tour stopping at major arts destinations: the small pottery towns at Karatsu, Toho Village, Arita, Bizen, Sasebo, and Hasami plus Kurashiki, Naoshima Island, Takamatsu, Kobe, Osaka, Ikaruga (Nara) and Kyoto.
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Wed. May 29, 2024 Tue. Jun 11, 2024 US $8598.00

Small Group Limited to 12 passengers

Fukuoka Kyoto Deluxe-Plus Save this tour Book Now  
Wed. May 28, 2025 Tue. Jun 10, 2025 US $8598.00

Small Group Limited to 12 passengers

Fukuoka Osaka Deluxe-Plus Save this tour Book Now  
Japan Pottery & Art Tour with Tokyo Extension

Group Tour | Deluxe-Plus        

Japan Pottery & Art Tour with Tokyo Extension

17 Days 16 Nights | from US $9998.00 (Limit to 12 guests)

Toho Village / Sasebo / Hasami / Arita / Karatsu / Bizen / Kurashiki / Yasugi / Naoshima / Takamatsu / Kobe / Osaka / Nara / Kyoto / Mt. Fuji / Tokyo
For travelers who can't get enough of Japan Pottery and Art, join this 17-day tour that includes all the delights of our Japan Pottery and Art Tour, with an exciting extension that includes Mount Fuji and Tokyo!
Start Date End Date Twin/Triple Start City End City Style Compare Status
Wed. May 29, 2024 Fri. Jun 14, 2024 US $9998.00

Small Group Limited to 12 passengers

Fukuoka Tokyo Deluxe-Plus Save this tour Book Now  
Wed. May 28, 2025 Fri. Jun 13, 2025 US $9998.00

Small Group Limited to 12 passengers

Fukuoka Tokyo Deluxe-Plus Save this tour Book Now