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
Maryann B.
“HIROSHIMA Museum and Miyajima island ”
Sad about what happened in Hiroshima all those deaths, but wonderful how it flourished and now looks beautiful. We enjoyed Miyajima also, the Tori gate and saw the temple. Had wonderful seafood and checked out the stores. It was a wonderful tour thanks to Kazu! We enjoyed this tour a lot! Kazu was wonderful as always. Thank you Kazu!
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Kazuhiko G.
Hello, I also had a wonderful time in Hiroshima and Miyajima with your nice group. Thank you very much. I hope this tour will be a memorable experience for your group. Thank you!! Kazuhiko Goto
Maryann B.
“Train ride, boat ride and Gion”
Went on the lovely Romantic train ride, Hozugawa boat ride which we really enjoyed, and visited Gion. Kazu was wonderful as always.
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Kazuhiko G.
Hello, Thank you so much for the wonderful review. It was my first time taking the Hozu River cruise, too. I had a great time. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Thank you, Kazu Goto
Hannah G.
“What an adventure!!!”
Wow what a day we spent with Kazu! Nothing was too much for Kazu - even my demanding schedule to take us from one side of Kyoto to another and he excelled and we all had such an amazing time! Kazu led us with ease and made even train hopping look easy. He knew the best pics to take in the areas especially at the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo groves and do not miss the MUST DO trip to the Monkey park - was fabulous and feeding the monkeys was so much fun! We can't wait to come back in the future - Kazu will give you the adventure of a lifetime and show off his beautiful country!Thank you thank you thank you!!! We will never forget the time we shared in Kyoto with you!
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Kazuhiko G.
Hello, Thank you very much for your wonderful review. I was also very happy to serve as your family’s tour guide. It was a very hot day, so I’m sure you were all exhausted. However, I’m very glad you all enjoyed yourselves. I hope this tour will be a memorable experience in Japan for your wonderful family. I would be delighted if you could visit Japan again soon. Thank you!! Kazuhiko Goto
$190/ per group
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Half-day Kyoto Tour would be personalized according to your interests and preferences. If you don't like the busy sightseeing spots, I'm happy to suggest the suitable itinerary for you on your requests. Let's enjoy your own tour to experience a wider variety of cultures in Kyoto! The meeting time would be flexible based on your schedule, for example, 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM (or 1:00 PM) would be available. === I would appreciate it if you could visit my page on Facebook by my name "Tohru Shimagaki".
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