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.