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Kyoto's Top City Highlights: 2-Day Tour Experience
This tour takes you through Kyoto’s iconic and culturally significant landmarks. You'll explore famous sites such as the shimmering Kinkaku-ji Temple and the majestic Nijo Castle,an Edo-period marvel that offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich history. This tour is designed to provide a perfect blend of Kyoto’s historical, cultural, and scenic beauty, ideal for first-time visitors. It ensures a deep, immersive experience of Kyoto's timeless charm, creating lasting memories of Japan's cultural heart.
Meeting Point
Any place inside Kyoto city
- *The guide will meet you at your hotel inside Kyoto. If outside, please let us know. *We provide shore excursion services from Osaka or Kobe ports for an additional fee, payable directly to the driver of the hired vehicle. Please be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted to fit your schedule and preferences.
Day-I : Kyoto's Top Historic Sightseeing Spots
Discover Kyoto’s rich history and cultural heritage with a visit to its most iconic sightseeing spots. Explore the golden splendor of Kinkaku-ji Temple, a Zen temple with its top floors covered in gold leaf, offering stunning reflections in its surrounding pond. Visit Ryuanji Temple, renowned for its serene rock garden that epitomizes Zen aesthetics with its minimalist design and tranquil atmosphere. Explore this peaceful retreat and experience the perfect harmony of nature and architecture in one of Kyoto's most revered temples.
Walk through the grand Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Edo-period architecture and beautifully preserved gardens.
Wander beneath the 10,000 vibrant red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a breathtaking symbol of Japan's spiritual culture.
09:00 Meeting the Guide
The guide will meet you at your hotel inside Kyoto. If outside, please let us know
09:30 Nijo Castle
Step back in time with a visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto that showcases stunning Edo-period architecture and exquisite gardens. Explore the opulent Ninomaru Palace, famed for its "nightingale floors" and intricate woodwork, offering a glimpse into the life of the Tokugawa shoguns. Perfect for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers, this tour promises a captivating journey through Japan's rich cultural heritage.
11:00 Kinkako-ji Temple
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto's iconic Golden Pavilion, shimmering brilliantly against its serene pond backdrop. Stroll through the exquisite gardens, reflecting the harmonious blend of nature and artistry that defines this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and photographers, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into Japan's architectural splendor and tranquil elegance.
12:30 Ryoanji Temple
Discover the serene beauty of Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous Zen rock garden, renowned for its simplicity and profound tranquility. Stroll through the temple's lush gardens and peaceful surroundings, offering a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto. Ideal for meditation and reflection, this tour invites you to experience the timeless elegance and spiritual depth of Ryoanji Temple.
14:00 Nishiki Market / Lunch Break
Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". Dive into the culinary heart of Kyoto at Nishiki Market, a bustling five-block marketplace brimming with over a hundred vibrant stalls and shops. Savor the flavors of fresh seafood, local delicacies, and unique snacks while exploring traditional Japanese ingredients and gourmet treats. Perfect for food lovers and cultural explorers, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Kyoto's rich culinary heritage.
15:30 Fushimi Inari Shrine
Embark on a spiritual journey at Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of iconic red torii gates that create a mesmerizing path through lush forest trails. Discover the beauty and mystique of this ancient Shinto shrine, dedicated to the deity of rice and prosperity, with stunning views and serene surroundings. Perfect for hikers and culture enthusiasts, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage in Kyoto.
17:00 Tour Finish
Day-II: Gion & Arashiyama Serenity: A Journey Through Kyoto's Scenic Beauty
Experience the best of Kyoto with our "Gion & Arashiyama Tour," blending cultural heritage and natural beauty. Begin your journey in Arashiyama, renowned for its stunning bamboo grove and the picturesque Togetsu Bridge spanning the Katsura River. Take a tranquil stroll through the lush bamboo forest, and enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding landscapes. This tour offers a perfect blend of Kyoto’s rich history and breathtaking natural scenery, creating an unforgettable experience.
Next, explore Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, where traditional wooden machiya houses and charming teahouses transport you back in time. Spot geiko and maiko in their elegant kimonos and immerse yourself in the timeless atmosphere of this iconic area.
09:00 Meeting the Guide
The guide will meet you at any palce in Kyoto city, including your hotel inside Kyoto. If outside, please let us know
10:00 Bamboo forest, Nonomiya Shrine and Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
Immerse yourself in the enchanting Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Visit the historic Nonomiya Shrine, a hidden gem nestled within the bamboo grove, offering a tranquil escape and a touch of ancient tradition. Complete your journey with a stroll through the stunning gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where meticulously landscaped grounds provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and Zen serenity.
11:30 Hozu-Gawa River and Togetsu Bridge
Discover Kyoto's serene beauty with a visit to the Hozu-gawa River and the iconic Togetsu Bridge in Arashiyama. The Hozu-gawa River, once a vital trade route, now offers peaceful boat tours through lush valleys. In spring, cherry blossoms grace the riverbanks, while autumn brings vibrant reds and oranges, creating a picturesque journey through nature.
After the boat ride, visit Togetsu Bridge, a symbol of Arashiyama. Spanning the Katsura River, this centuries-old bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photos.
Experience Kyoto’s natural wonders in one unforgettable day!
12:00 Monkey's Park
Visit Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, where you can encounter over 100 wild Japanese macaques in their natural habitat. Located on a scenic hillside, the park offers stunning panoramic views of Kyoto from the observation area. Enjoy an interactive experience as the monkeys roam freely, and safely feed them from designated areas. The short hike to the top rewards you with both the playful antics of the monkeys and breathtaking scenery. It's a perfect family-friendly adventure that adds a unique twist to your Kyoto visit.
14:00 Lunch Break / Porta Dining
During your Kyoto tour, take a delightful lunch break at Porta Dining, located beneath Kyoto Station. This bustling underground dining area offers a variety of authentic Japanese dishes in a convenient and vibrant setting. Whether you're craving fresh sushi, hearty ramen, tempura, or traditional Kyoto cuisine, Porta Dining has something for everyone. Enjoy a quick yet flavorful meal in one of the many restaurants, perfect for recharging before continuing your exploration of Kyoto. It's the ideal stop for a delicious taste of Japan in the heart of the city!
15:30 Kiyomezu Dera Temple and Gion District
Explore the enchanting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the historic Gion area on your Kyoto tour. Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on the hillside, the temple offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding forests. Its wooden stage, built without nails, is famous for its breathtaking views of cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn. The temple's peaceful atmosphere, sacred shrines, and natural beauty make it an unforgettable destination.
After visiting Kiyomizu-dera, stroll through the Gion district, Kyoto’s renowned geisha area. Immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese culture as you wander along narrow streets lined with wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and shops. Gion is one of the few places where you can spot geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dressed in exquisite kimonos, bringing the past to life. The district offers a perfect blend of cultural elegance and history, making it an essential stop on your Kyoto journey.
17:00 Tour Finish
Ending Point
On the spot
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Inclusions & Exclusions
2-Days Guiding Fees & Tour Management
*Transportation fee
*Entrance fees
*Lunch & personal Expenses
*We provide shore excursion services from Osaka or Kobe ports for an additional fee, payable directly to the driver of the hired vehicle. Please be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted to fit your schedule and preferences.
*Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected. If you feel that your experience was exceptional, tipping is a lovely way to show your appreciation for the service provided.
Tour Important Information
*These tours are based on using public transportation, however we recommend car hiring (cost is JPY 100,000 per day in cash to the driver for up to 5 pax) since it will make it more convinient and efficient. In case you are interested please ask me to manage it.
*These tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
*We provide shore excursion services from Osaka or Kobe ports for an additional fee, payable directly to the driver of the hired vehicle. Please be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted to fit your schedule and preferences.
Important message from the supplier
See the calendar for availability
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Kyoto Tour Reviews
“Thank you for helping us!!”
Our client gave a good review for Guide Atsushi-san, whom Ahmed provided when he was not available. Even though Ahmed wasn't available, he helped us a lot with our very last-minute request. Thank you so much, Ahmed. I hope we can collaborate again next time.
Ahmed A.
(32 reviews)Thanks a lot for your nice words and hope to serve you again in Japan
Laura Z.
Guided Gion Tour: Explore Kyoto’s Historic Geisha District and Spot Geisha
“Fun evening”
We met our guys Shu and had a lovely evening walking around and exploring a neighborhood that we had not previously seen. He was fun, knowledgeable and flexible to explore things we wanted to see and do. He even joined us for a dinner and helped us with making reservations for the next day.
Ahmed A.
(32 reviews)Thanks a lot Lara for your nice words and hope to serve you again in Kyoto
Joe B.
1-Tailored Full Day Private Experience of Kyoto for 1 Day Visitors
“Ahmed - hugely helpful in the face of a big mistake!”
I booked a 1-day Kyoto tour with Ahmed for TWELVE people about 3 months before our trip. Awhile later I changed our arrival date to Kyoto, but forgot to update Ahmed. The night before our scheduled tour, he sent me a message making sure we were set for "tomorrow" .. but we weren't scheduled to arrive until the following day! Long story short... Ahmed went to great lengths to solve the problem, rescheduling the driver and then standing-in himself for the original guide (who was unavailable a day later). Overall -- it was FANTASTIC that he was able to solve this with just a day of notice! we had a fun and interesting day with Ahmed, I would definitely recommend.
Ahmed A.
(32 reviews)Thank you so much Joe for your nice words and pleasure to see you were happy with it.
