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GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

Full Day Kyoto Tour - The Most Popular Sights of Ancient Kyoto

Luke Kinsella

by GoWithGuide travel specialist:Luke Kinsella

Last updated : Apr 23, 20233 min read

Itinerary Ideas

We introduce the most popular itineraries amongst our customers who choose tours on GoWithGuide. We hope it helps you to plan your perfect itinerary during your trip to Japan. In our nineteenth post of the series, we focus on the most popular sights around Kyoto.

 

In this eight hour full day itinerary, we visit the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, before losing ourselves to deep thought as we wander down Philosopher’s Walk. Finally, we explore the interesting attractions at Kiyomizu-Dera, before finally taking a stroll around the historic area of Gion.

 

1. Kinkakuji

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A World Heritage Site, and perhaps one of the most beatiful temples in Japan. Kyokochi Pond which sits below the temple reflects the shine of gold like a mirror, and is simply incredible to look out during a winter season that has brought with it snow. But, you can enjoy Kinkaku all year around, when the temple itself stands out against a backdrop of seasonal nature.

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2. Ginkakuji

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Experience traditional Japanese culture at Ginkakuji, otherwise known as the Temple of the Silver Pavilion. Tea ceremony, Noh drama, and flower arranging can be enjoyed here. Beautiful landscape gardens and a strolling pond garden help to representative Higashiyama culture. 

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3. Philosopher’s Walk

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(image by flickr.com)

This impressive 1.5km walking path can be enjoyed throughout the year, and the changing of seasons make it a place worth visiting numerous times. Passing shrines and temples along the way, this sacred path has been nominated as one of the best 100 streets in Japan. Completed in the Meiji Era, Philosopher’s Walk remains a highlight of any trip to Kyoto.

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4. Kiyomizu-Dera

Take the Kiyomisu-zaka road through winding streets of small souvenir shops to the top of Mt. Kiyomizu, and atop you will find this incredible World Heritage temple. The temple is stunning, and includes a variety of sights and things to do, including entering the ‘womb’ of Daizuigu Bosatsu, taking part in old traditions, and exploring the Moon Garden. The view from Kiyomizu-dera is another feature that makes this temple one of the most visited spots in Kyoto.

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5. Gion 

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(image by flickr.com)

A wander through the streets of Gion offers a chance to see a true representation of old Kyoto, in the style of maiko and geisha dressed in kimono. The rest of the streets here feature old houses, small restaurants, and tea houses, making it a great place to soak up the traditional atmosphere of a historic Kyoto.

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Written by Luke Kinsella

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GoWithGuide’s writers are passionate travel specialists sharing unique tips and essential information for global explorers.

Kyoto Tour Guide - Hiroshi Y.

Hiroshi Y.

4.67 / 5
(325 reviews)
Japan

Hello,I am HIROSHI YOKOYAMA. Please call me Hiro, not "hero". I have been lived in kyoto for more than 30years. So, I am very familiar with the city of Kyoto and a unique culture developed in Japan as well. I can offer you not only historic places like Nijo castle, Kinkakuji temple ,Kiyomizu temple etc., but also off the beaten track spots Nijo jinya house or nicknamed "ninjya house" ,Katsura Imperial Villa etc.. I am really looking forward to seeing you .                                                                                                                                 

Kyoto Tour Guide - Toshiyo O.

Toshiyo O.

4.68 / 5
(244 reviews)
Japan

I was born and raised in Kyoto.Kyoto has a lot of things to see and experience. Kyoto is an ancient city with a lot of world heritage. I am happy to show you both traditonal aspects of Japan and modern things. I use public transportation and I am good at walking. Also I am very flexible.                                                                                                                                  

Kyoto Tour Guide - Yoshihisa T.

Yoshihisa T.

4.97 / 5
(211 reviews)
Japan

Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest. Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise. One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?                                                                                                                                  

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