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Discover Kyoto From Osaka - By Private VehicleExplore > Japan > Osaka > Discover Kyoto From Osaka - By Private Vehicle
OverviewA short journey to Kyoto will bring you a world away! Kyoto is where you fall in love with Japan. Unlike much of the rest of the country, the city was left virtually untouched from the wars of the last century. Literally covered with monuments, temples, palaces, shrines, and elaborate gardens, Kyoto offers an authentic Japanese experience. The hardest part is deciding the most important sites to visit! With private transportation from Osaka, you will arrive to Kyoto with ease. It's difficult to choose a favorite site in Kyoto, but it may be the Fushimi Shrine and that is our first stop of the day. It is a favorite haunt of photographers, business people, and local residents who ask the gods to bless their homes, companies, and destinies. Founded in 711, it is difficult to explain the feeling of walking through one red torii arch after another, as they form a tunnel of stunning simplicity. You will note that those at the beginning of the route are larger than those following. Patrons dedicate new tori arches as they need replacing, allowing the patron's name or business name to be painted in black on the new gate. Ultimately, these form a path up the mountain behind the temple. If this looks familiar, it should as the Fushimi Inari Shrine was used in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," a movie that will have much more meaning upon your return home. You will move on to the Nijo Castle, an ornamental villa surrounded by stunning gardens. Kyoto is known for its gardens and here you will find a wonderful example of why. Nijo Castle can be divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense) and some gardens that encircle the Honmaru and Ninomaru. The entire castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats. The main building was completed in 1603, and is famous for its architecture, decorated sliding doors and ‘chirping’ nightingale floors, created to warn the shogun of ninjas. During the day, a stop for lunch will occur at a local restaurant and is included in the tour cost. - The cost of lunch is included. - Entrance fees are included in tour cost. - The drive from Osaka to Kyoto is approximate one hour each way, though it may take longer with traffic. - Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December, and from December 25-January 3. When it is closed, you will have a choice between the Kyoto Imperial Palace or Tofuku-ji Temple. - During peak season (April/May, November), the course may be changed due to traffic conditions. - The cancellation policy on this tour is outside of the normal ShoreTrips Terms of Service. The tour is non refundable 18 days prior to the tour date. If your ship does not make port, this tour will be non-refundable. Please take out travel insurance to cover this rare occurrence. This tour will NOT be refundable in cases in which conditions make it impossible for the ship to dock and disembark passengers in a timely manner. - Due to the extreme costs of hospitalization and medical services in Japan, we strongly recommend purchasing independent travel insurance that will cover you for injuries or illness while in Japan. Days offered: 7 days a week Departures:
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