A Kyoto tour through the Higashiyama district reveals the charm of ancient Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the most famous temples in the Higashiyama district, has a history dating back to before the capital was moved to Kyoto, making it one of Japan's most representative ancient temples. It is particularly known for its “Kiyomizu Stage,” built without a single nail, from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto's cityscape.
Nearby attractions include the Yasaka Pagoda, Ryozen Kannon, and the slopes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel Lobby
Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist Temple
"Kiyomizu-dera" Buddhist Temple is Japan’s most famous temple, founded in the 8th century. Perched halfway up a mountainside, the temple features a three-story pagoda the famous “Kiyomizu-no-Butai” stage, Buddha statues etc..
It also offers a panoramic view of Kyoto, and on clear days, you can even see as far as Osaka. The approach to the temple is lined with many souvenir shops, and you can enjoy light meals there as well. Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and the famous "Yasaka pagoda" are also located along the way.
Ryozen Kannon Buddha Statue.
This is a 24meter (80 feet)-tall statue of Kannon Buddha Statue. Standing tall against the backdrop of the Higashiyama Mountains, this statue is sure to leave you in awe. Within the temple grounds, there is a large sphere; it is said that if you walk around it three times while making a wish, your wish will come true. Be sure to give it a try.
It also offers views of Ninenzaka, the Yasaka Pgoda, and the Kyoto Tower, making it a perfect spot for photos.
Lunch
Along the approach to "Kiyomizu-dera" Buddhist Temple, (Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka), there are snack restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of light meals.
Optional Tour
We will visit following 1 or 2 spots.
・Gion district (This is Japan's most famous entertainment district.
It features rows of traditional Japanese houses where Geisha and Maiko
perform dances and other entertainments for guests.
・Kouda-ji Buddhist Temple
It is famous for its beautiful dry landscape garden and bamboo grove.
・Central Kyoto
It’s a large shopping district where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy a
meal. There’s also the Nishiki Japanese Traditional Market and the
Pokémon Center Kyoto.
Ending Point
Kyoto City
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
・Public transportation fee (Less than about $10 per person, for
you and guide)
・Lunch (Less than about $10 per person, for you and guide)
・Entrance fee (Less than about $10 per person, for you)
Tour Important Information
Important message from the supplier
Please feel free to contact me!!
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 Kazuhiko G.
Hello, I’m Kazuhiko. Please call me “Kazu”. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I have a wife and 4 children.
I was born in Osaka city near Kyoto, although I have lived in many places across Japan. I used to work for multinational electric company and I traveled to many countries (U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong etc.) on business.
I have enjoyed guiding many foreign tourists in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji etc. for many years.
During your tour, you can discover a rich Japanese history spanning about 2,000 years, learn about and experience profound Japanese arts (tea ceremony, flower arrangement etc.), feel the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, see a breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, bamboo forest, Japanese gardens etc..
Moreover, you can taste Japanese cuisine that each season has to offer (Sushi, Tempura, Soba or ramen noodle etc.).
You can get close to nature and feed wild deer or monkeys or even a build snowman in winter.
I’m sure that I can provide a splendid tour of Japan that will be a lasting memory for you to treasure.
Experience the mysteries of Japan with 5 senses !!
Your memorable tour awaits you.
Please feel free to contact me!!
Reviews
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Michelle M.
“Excellent day in Himeji”
We had an excellent tour with Kazu. I highly recommend him. He had great communication to create a custom tour for us. He arrived early at our hotel lobby. He spoke excellent English and was very kind. He was very informative about the many sights we visited and came prepared with printouts and pictures. He took photos of our family. He took us to the castle, garden and museum. He took us to a special request to see a Sake Brewery. He reserved Shinkansen tickets. He helped us with ordering lunch. He was very knowledgeable getting around the trains and buses. It made our day a breeze. We really enjoyed our day and Kazu made it very special. Thank you.
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Kazuhiko G.
Hello, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. And, thank you also for the lovely gift. I’m sorry I had everyone walking so much. It was a pleasure to spend such a fun day with all of your families. I hope this tour will be a memorable part of your time in Japan. I hope you continue to enjoy many more wonderful tours in Japan. Thank you, Kazuhiko Goto
Stephen K.
“A great guide and a very nice man”
I have just returned from Japan. I had a great day in Kyoto with Kaz. He was punctual and provided me with a great day of not just sightseeing, but also the historical depth that I had requested. He was so knowledgeable and was able to really explain his knowledge with depth and clarity. To make things even better he was extremely organized and prepared. It was a great day and I feel as if I have made a friend. I plan on returning as soon as I can and would use him in Kyoto without question. Stephen Kahn
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Kazuhiko G.
Hello, Thank you for your wonderful review. I also had a great time. I hope this tour becomes a memorable one for you. And I look forward to welcoming you back to Japan again. Thank you!!
Yehuda M.
“Great tour”
Kazuhiko (Kazu) was very kind with us, considerate with our walking issues, and had a lot of patience towards our needs.
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Kazuhiko G.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. I apologize for making you walk so much. I imagine it was a tiring journey. I hope this tour becomes a memorable tour in Japan. Thank you!!
$189/ per group
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