Kyoto Car Tour

PRIVATE 8 HOUR KYOTO CAR TOUR （DAILY）

• THE KYOTO WALKING TOUR is an exclusive tour operated solely for you and your party.
• We will accommodate your needs, requests and interests. If necessary, your itinerary can be changed to accommodate your existing schedule.
• A licensed English speaking tour guide will take you to must-see places in Kyoto in a private car.
• Pick-up and drop-off services are available.

Kyoto is located nearly 500 kilometers south west of Tokyo, and bounded by mountains to the west, north, and east. Kyoto became Japan's capital in 794 when Emperor Kanmu moved Heijo-kyo Palace in Nara, south of Kyoto, to Heian-kyo Palace （meaning "Capital of Peace"） in Kyoto.
Since Heian-kyo Place was modeled on Chang'an （now Xi'an） of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, as in Hejo-kyo Place in Nara, Heian-kyo Palace was laid out in a checkerboard. As a result, unlike today's Tokyo, Kyoto is also arranged on a grid like layout.
Kyoto was Japan's capital for more than 1000 years till the middle of the 19th century. After the political revolution known as the Meiji Restoration in 1868, political power was returned to the emperors from the military head of state; shoguns. Then, Japan's capital was moved to Tokyo from Kyoto by Emperor Meiji. Tokyo has been Japan's capital since then.
More than 1600 temples and 400 shrines are located in Kyoto. 17 temples and shrines are registered as World Cultural Heritage sites. Kyoto boasts of its rich culture, refined cuisine, many dry gardens, works of art, and traditional handcrafts. The Golden and Silver Pavilions are especially popular for their historical significance. Kyoto's three biggest festivals, Gion, Jidai, and Aoi draw the attention of a lot of people every year.

Kiyomizu-dera, Buddhist temple, officially called Otowasan, belongs to the Hosso sect. It is designated as a World Heritage Site, and dedicated to the 11-headed Kannon （goddess of mercy） who can bring about easy childbirth. The temple was reportedly founded by warlord Sakanoueno Tamuramaro who was dispatched by the Imperial court in the Heian period to conquer the Emishi race in northern Japan. It is also famous for its stage referred to as the "Stage of Kiyomizu." The veranda was constructed without any nails. 139 giant pillars are dovetailed together. Because this veranda stands on a steep hillside, it commands superb views of Kyoto city.
"To jump off Kiyomizu's veranda" is often used when one starts a new venture, which is the Japanese equivalent of "to take the plunge". The Otowa Waterfalls are another landmark, and are considered sacred waters, falling down from three channels of water. In fact, Kiyomizu literally means "clear water" in Japanese.

Chionin Temple was founded by Priest Honen and it is the main temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. The Jodo sect teaches that you will be able to go to the "Pure Land", a paradise only if you recite Buddhist sutras. The temple has a famous temple bell which is often struck on New Year's Eve. And it is often televised on NHK, the public broadcasting corporation. In the main hall, Mieido, you can experience meditation sitting with your legs crossed for a short time.

The Heian Jingu Shrine was modeled on the ancient Heijyo-kyo Palace in Kiyoto, and constructed in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto becoming Japan's capital in 794. The shrine is dedicated to two emperors; Emperor Kammu who moved the capital to Kyoto from Nara, and Emperor Komei who was the last emperor to reign in Kyoto.
The size of the shrine is two thirds of the original. The huge vermilion colored torii archway stands in front of the shrine.
The shrine has beautiful Japanese style gardens called Shinen which are four gardens, with a total area of 33,000m2. The strolling landscape gardens are designated as a national scenic spot.

The Kinkakuji, Golden Pavilion, officially called Rokuonji, used to be the 3rd Shogun Yoshimitsu's villa, a masterpiece in architecture and influenced by Zen Buddhism. It is designated as a World Heritage Site. The garden is a good example of traditional Japanese strolling gardens.
The Golden Pavilion is a three storied structure. The 1st story, Hosui-in, is Shinden-zukuri or in palace style. The 2nd story, Choon-do, is Buke-zukuri or in the style of a samurai house. The 3rd story, Kukkyo-cho, is in Karayo or Zen temple style. This order suggests that in those days Buddhism was placed highest, Samurai warriors came second, and the imperial court and nobility at the bottom.

Ryoanji temple is a Zen temple. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site. It is famous for its Karesansui garden, or dry garden consisting of only rocks and gravel. The garden is from Zen Buddhism.
You should just sit on the veranda of the temple, and meditate with your eyes closed. It is said that there are no rules of how to meditate. This temple became very famous after Queen Elizabeth visited the garden in 1975, and expressed great admiration for it. This temple has a large strolling garden too.

Nijojo Castle was constructed by shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603, founder of the Tokugawa Shougnate Government, in order to show his wealth and political power to the imperial court which lost political power in the late 12th century. The castle consists of two parts; Ninomaru and Honmaru - areas with Japanese style gardens. This is also designated as a World Heritage Site. Ninomaru Palace is 3,300m2 and has 33 rooms and over 800 tatami straw mats, with beautiful paintings drawn by the famous Japanese art school, Kano.

8 HOUR CAR TOUR RATES

Number of guests	8 hour Tour charge (per person)	8 hour Tour charge (Total Charge)	Type of private transport
1 person	85,000	85,000	Sedan
2 persons	45,000	90,000
3 persons	35,000	105,000	Mini-van
4 persons	27,500	110,000
5 persons	23,000	115,000

• Tour price may change depending on number of guests.
• Included: English speaking tour guide; Admission fees; Tolls and Parking
• Not included: Lunch （Although lunch is not included in the package, your tour guide will be happy to help you find a suitable restaurant）.
• Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel and take you back once the tour concludes.

If you are interested in taking one of our tours, we shall be very happy to arrange a tour itinerary to meet your precise requirements. So, please, don't hesitate to contact us and tell us of your special interests or requests by e-mail.

PRIVATE 6 HOUR KYOTO CAR TOUR （DAILY）

• THE KYOTO WALKING TOUR is an exclusive tour operated solely for you and your party.
• We will accommodate your needs, requests and interests. If necessary, your itinerary can be changed to accommodate your existing schedule.
• A licensed English speaking tour guide will take you to must-see places in Kyoto in a private car.
• Pick-up and drop-off services are available.

Kyoto is located nearly 500 kilometers south west of Tokyo, and bounded by mountains to the west, north, and east. Kyoto became Japan's capital in 794 when Emperor Kanmu moved Heijo-kyo Palace in Nara, south of Kyoto, to Heian-kyo Palace （meaning "Capital of Peace"） in Kyoto.
Since Heian-kyo Place was modeled on Chang'an （now Xi'an） of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, as in Hejo-kyo Place in Nara, Heian-kyo Palace was laid out in a checkerboard. As a result, unlike today's Tokyo, Kyoto is also arranged on a grid like layout.
Kyoto was Japan's capital for more than 1000 years till the middle of the 19th century. After the political revolution known as the Meiji Restoration in 1868, political power was returned to the emperors from the military head of state; shoguns. Then, Japan's capital was moved to Tokyo from Kyoto by Emperor Meiji. Tokyo has been Japan's capital since then.
More than 1600 temples and 400 shrines are located in Kyoto. 17 temples and shrines are registered as World Cultural Heritage sites. Kyoto boasts of its rich culture, refined cuisine, many dry gardens, works of art, and traditional handcrafts. The Golden and Silver Pavilions are especially popular for their historical significance. Kyoto's three biggest festivals, Gion, Jidai, and Aoi draw the attention of a lot of people every year.

6 HOUR CAR TOUR RATES

Number of guests	6 hour tour charge (per person)	6 hour tour charge (Total Charge)	Type of private transport
1 person	75,000	75,000	Sedan
2 persons	40,000	80,000
3 persons	30,000	90,000	Mini-van
4 persons	23,750	95,000
5 persons	20,000	100,000

• Tour price may change depending on number of guests.
• Included: English speaking tour guide; Admission fees; Tolls and Parking
• Not included: Lunch （Although lunch is not included in the package, your tour guide will be happy to help you find a suitable restaurant）.
• Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel and take you back once the tour concludes.

If you are interested in taking one of our tours, we shall be very happy to arrange a tour itinerary to meet your precise requirements. So, please, don't hesitate to contact us and tell us of your special interests or requests by e-mail.