A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
A perfect blend of taste and tradition—start with a delicious food tour at Nishiki Market, featuring 6 types of Japanese food (included in the price). Then stroll through the historic Gion district and visit iconic landmarks like the Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Kodaiji Temple.
Ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience Kyoto’s culture, scenery, and flavors in one memorable day!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Apple Kyoto
- Apple Store Kyoto 〒600-8006 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Tachiuri Nakanocho, 83-1 〒600-8006 京都府京都市下京区四条通高倉東入立売中之町83-1
Nishiki Market
Kyoto’s historic food market with over 400 years of history, enjoy souvenir shopping and trying 6 types of local Japanese food.
Kamo Gawa
Kyoto’s most famous river—perfect for relaxing walks, and enjoying the view of nature, with cherry blossoms along the riverside in April.
Shirakawa Canal
One of Kyoto’s most beautiful streets, lined with willow trees and traditional houses.
Hanami Koji
The heart of the Gion geisha district, known for its wooden teahouses and the chance to spot a geisha or maiko.
Yasui Kompiragu Shrine
Famous for its “power stone” that’s said to break bad ties and bring good relationships.
Yasaka Pagoda Tower
A tall five-story pagoda that’s a Kyoto icon.
Kiyomizu Dera Temple
Famous temple with a huge wooden stage and stunning city views.
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
Historic shopping streets full of charm, souvenirs, and photo spots.
Kodaiji Temple
Zen temple with pretty gardens, bamboo grove, and peaceful vibes.
Yasaka Shrine
One of Kyoto’s most famous shrines, especially known for the Gion Festival. It’s lively and open day and night.
Pontocho Alley
A narrow alley beside the river, filled with traditional restaurants and bars. A great place for food and a possible geisha sighting.
Ending Point
End in Pontocho Alley
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
• Guide Fee
• Entrance ticket for Kiyomizu-dera temple
• Entrance ticket for Kodaiji Temple
• Nishiki Market Food Tasting with vegetarian option available (wagyu beef gyozas, fluffy Japanese omelette, matcha shrimp tempura, freshly made takoyaki, soy milk donuts, Kyoto cream puffs)
• Hotel Pick Up
Tour Important Information
Tour Duration: 7 hours
• Included Experiences:
• 6 types of Japanese food included in Nishiki Market food tasting
• Stroll through the Gion & Hanami Koji geisha districts
• Visit two iconic temples: Kiyomizu-dera and Kodaiji Temple
Food Info:
• Vegetarian-friendly options available upon request
• Food items can be swapped for allergies or dietary needs – please inform in advance
Geisha Etiquette:
• No direct interaction with geisha or maiko, no guaranteed sighting
• Photos are allowed from a distance only, out of respect for their privacy
Entrance Fees:
• Entrance ticket to Kiyomizu-dera and Kodaiji Temple is included in the tour price
What to Bring:
• Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a bottle of water
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
About Tour Guide Jasmine L.
Hi, I’m Jasmine! I am a friendly, multilingual guide based in Kyoto.
My tours are perfect for families with children and easy-paced for elderly guests. I offer warm, personal experiences filled with fun stories, local delights, and hidden gems you won’t find in guidebooks. Let’s explore Kyoto together!
Reviews
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Tom P.
“Jasmine is awesome!!”
Jasmine was an amazing tour guide, super knowledgeable about all of the culture, traditions and history of life in Kyoto, very grateful to spend time with her, all her insights made exploring Kyoto a much richer experience! She is also extremely friendly, personable and speaks great English! Highly recommend her to anyone looking to explore Kyoto!
Robyn T.
“A Phenomenal Gion Night Tour with Jasmine”
 Jasmine was phenomenal. She is so kind and clearly passionate about her work. At every stop she gave us such a rich history of the spot — she explained the differences between a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple, and between a geiko and a maiko, in a way that made Gion come alive for us. She was incredibly accommodating with my mom, who is older and cannot walk fast or very far because she needs hip replacement surgery. Jasmine adjusted to her slower pace without ever making us feel rushed, kept us on time, and adapted whenever we needed — and we still saw everything we wanted to see. Even when it started to drizzle, she happily took me to the last spots I wanted, Yasaka Shrine and the Yasaka Pagoda, and even brought me into a sweet shop to show me the things that are specific to Kyoto and make wonderful omiyage. What made the tour truly special was how she connected with all three of us. She took the time to get to know us, shared plenty of great recommendations along the way, and even offered to make dinner reservations on our behalf. She took so many photos — and kept reminding us to stop for them, which I was so grateful for. At the end of the night, she even hailed our cab. We had such a wonderful time. I truly hope to see her in Hawaii someday, and when we come back to Kyoto — hopefully next year or the year after — we plan to book her again. Thank you so much, Jasmine. If I could give you 10 stars, I would! Mahalo nui loa — thank you very much. And aloha ʻoe — until we meet again.
Jonas H.
“Wonderful evening in old Kyoto.”
Thank you Jasmine. We had such great time with Jasmine, she the beautiful old traditional Kyoto, and told us so much about Kyoto, Geishas and other interesting things. Jasmine is so nice, easy going and caretaking. Could not have asked for a better guide to give us a good start on our visit to Kyoto. Finally she showed us to a restaurant that is one of the best experiences so far on this trip. The kind of restarant that is hard to find on your own.
$422/ per group
More tours by Jasmine L.
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A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
The Ultimate Kyoto Tour: Explore Kyoto’s top sights in just a few hours! We’ll visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, walk through the bamboo grove at Kodaiji, see a 1,000-year-old shrine, learn about Japanese geishas in Gion, and even have time for beautiful photos and shopping along the way. It’s a family-friendly tour for all ages, with a relaxing pace and scenic walk.
A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
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Discover Gion: Geisha, Shrines & Hidden Stories
Discover the Secret Side of Gion: Take a peaceful walk through Gion and explore quiet streets full of beauty and history. Learn all about geisha culture and the traditions of Kyoto in a fun and easy way. You might even see a real geisha! With lots of pretty spots for photos and an easy route for kids and older guests, this tour is a relaxing way to enjoy the magic of Kyoto after dark.
Discover Gion: Geisha, Shrines & Hidden Stories
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Arashiyama: Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park, Tenryuji Temple
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Short Relaxing Tour: Explore Gion and Temples
Step into the magic world of old Kyoto! This 4-hour tour takes you through the heart of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods—perfect for first-time visitors. Stroll the charming streets of Gion, lined with beautiful wooden teahouses and learn about the geisha culture. We’ll visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Zen Kodaiji Temple, and the 1000 year old Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, enjoy scenic views, traditional architecture, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Short Relaxing Tour: Explore Gion and Temples
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
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The Old Heart of Kyoto: Gion & Higashiyama
Starting at the historic Minamiza Theatre, we’ll discover the timeless beauty of Gion and Higashiyama on foot! Stroll along the charming Shirakawa Canal and Tatsumi Bridge, visit the magnificent Chion-in Temple and peaceful Maruyama Park, then follow the scenic Nene-no-Michi to Kodaiji’s Rishodo and the iconic Yasaka Pagoda. Along the way, I’ll share Kyoto’s history, culture, and local stories. If time and energy allow, we’ll finish at either Kiyomizu-dera up the hill, or Kenninji Zen Temple.
The Old Heart of Kyoto: Gion & Higashiyama
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Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
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A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
Daitoku-ji is a renowned Zen temple founded in 1315. During this visit, we will explore three to four of its 24 sub-temples that are open to the public. You will gain insight into Zen philosophy while enjoying serene gardens and traditional ink paintings, as well as an introduction to the tea ceremony rooted in Zen practice. Optional add-ons include a zazen meditation experience (subject to availability) and a Zen vegetarian lunch. Refresh yourself in the tranquil grounds.
A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
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