Explore History and Culture in Kyoto

Explore History and Culture in Kyoto

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About This Experience in Kyoto

Discover the rich culture and history of Kyoto on a private walking tour with a knowledgeable bilingual and local guide, who has abundant international and local experiences as well as social media activities about Japan’s tourism over the years. We’ll stroll through picturesque streets, visiting iconic landmarks and hidden gems with detailed cultural insights. I ensure you gain insider knowledge and local insights, making your visit more enriching. The main course takes 5 hours from Kiyomizu-dera to Gion District. I recommend early morning to avoid the crowds. 8hr course includes the 5-hour course + 1 more site:Please pick 1 from Pontocho & Nishiki Market Food Tour, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, or Nijo Castle. 3hr course is when your time is limited. Please inform me which places you'd like to visit. All courses are customizable. Please tell me where you'd like to visit. We’ll use Kyoto's efficient public transport systems to travel around the city.

Why Visit Kyoto?

Kyoto is Japan's cultural heart, home to thousands of temples and traditional gardens. Explore historic districts, visit serene temples, and experience traditional geisha culture. Kyoto offers a glimpse into traditional Japan with stunning beauty and rich heritage.

Getting to Kyoto

The easiest way to reach Kyoto is by flying into Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM). The city has excellent public transportation systems, including trains, subways, and buses. Taxis are widely available, and the transportation infrastructure is efficient and reliable.

What's Included

  • Admission fee to Kiyomizu-dera is included.

What's Not Included

  • Fares for trains, subways, buses and trams are not included.
  • Optional/Customized courses not part of the itinerary might be subject to additional entrance fee. Price may vary.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Customer Reviews

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Meeting and Pickup

Meeting Point

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Please wait at West Ticket Gate of Hankyu Karasuma Station on the underground floor. You can find Hankyu Tourist Information Center there.

End Point

Izumo-no-Okuni

Please wait at West Ticket Gate of Hankyu Karasuma Station on the underground floor. You can find Hankyu Tourist Information Center there.

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Japan’s most famous... 1 hour

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Japan’s most famous and celebrated Buddhist temples. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." The most famous feature of the temple is its wooden stage. It was built using wooden interlocking joints and it doesn’t use any single nail.

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are iconic pedestrian streets in... 30 minutes

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are iconic pedestrian streets in Kyoto, located in the historic Higashiyama district. Lined with traditional wooden townhouses (machiya), teahouses, and shops, these sloping, stone-paved lanes offer a quintessential glimpse into ancient Kyoto.

The Yasaka Pagoda, officially known as Hōkan-ji Temple,... 30 minutes

The Yasaka Pagoda, officially known as Hōkan-ji Temple, is one of the most recognizable and enduring symbols of Kyoto. Located in the heart of the Higashiyama district, it is a prominent landmark that can be seen from various points in the city, especially along the famous Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka slopes.

Nene-no-michi, or "Nene's Path," is a beautiful stone-paved... 30 minutes

Nene-no-michi, or "Nene's Path," is a beautiful stone-paved walkway in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. It's an essential part of the walking route that connects some of the city's most famous attractions, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka, with Kodai-ji Temple and Maruyama Park. The path is named after Nene, the wife of the great 16th-century warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who founded Kodai-ji Temple in her late husband's memory.

Maruyama Park is Kyoto's oldest public park and... 15 minutes

Maruyama Park is Kyoto's oldest public park and a designated Place of Scenic Beauty. Located at the eastern end of the Gion district, it's a popular and central spot that serves as a beautiful gateway to the Higashiyama area. While it's a lovely place to visit all year round, it is most famous as Kyoto's premier spot for cherry blossom viewing (hanami).

Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka-jinja) is one of Kyoto's most... 15 minutes

Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka-jinja) is one of Kyoto's most important and famous Shinto shrines. Located at the eastern end of Shijo-dori Street, it serves as a prominent landmark and the spiritual heart of the Gion district. The shrine is a central element of Kyoto's culture, history, and major festivals.

Hanamikoji Street is the most famous and atmospheric... 30 minutes

Hanamikoji Street is the most famous and atmospheric street in Kyoto's Gion district, the city's renowned Geisha quarter. This pedestrian-friendly, cobblestone lane perfectly encapsulates the traditional, refined elegance of old Kyoto.

Gion Shirakawa is one of Kyoto's most picturesque... 30 minutes

Gion Shirakawa is one of Kyoto's most picturesque and serene areas, offering a tranquil contrast to the bustling main streets of the Gion district. Located a short walk north of the famous Shijo-dori Street, this area is a designated "Traditional Buildings Preservation District" and is renowned for its traditional teahouses, willow trees, and the beautiful Shirakawa Canal that flows through it.

The Minamiza Theater is an iconic landmark and... 15 minutes

The Minamiza Theater is an iconic landmark and a cultural institution in Kyoto, which is recognized as the oldest Kabuki Theatre in Japan. Located in the heart of the Gion district, it has been a center for the traditional Japanese performing arts for over 400 years since the beginning of 17th century.

Izumo-no-Okuni is a pivotal figure in Japanese history,... 15 minutes

Izumo-no-Okuni is a pivotal figure in Japanese history, widely credited with the creation of Kabuki, one of the country's most famous and enduring traditional theatrical art forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How do I book this tour?

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Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

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