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A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (East Kyoto) 4h
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Joined 2018
This tour is recommended for the first visitors to Kyoto. Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for 1000 years and has many old temples and shrines to visit. In this tour, you can visit two of the most famous and popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto and see the wonderful tradition, especially about Buddhist culture.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel (lobby) (in Kyoto)
Sanjyusangendo Temple
You can see 1001 statues of Buddha in a hall. It's a 'Forest of Buddha'. You will be amazed at the scenery. It is said that you will find the Buddha which resembles you among these statues.
Please be noted that you have to take off your shoes to enter the building.
Please be noted that you cannot take any pictures in this hall. Please imprint the breathtaking view in your memory!
Kiyomizudera Temple
This temple was built on the 13-meter cliff without using any nails in the 8th century. (UNESCO World Cultural Herigate site)
You can enjoy the panoramic view of Kyoto city, shopping and eating on its approach way. (There are many souvenir shops around this temple and you can enjoy shopping. Kiyomizu Pottery is produced in this area and you will find good presents for your family and friends.) How about trying some pieces of 'Yatsuhashi' (specialty sweets of Kyoto area)? You can try some different kinds of 'Yatsuhashi'.
You can also visit waterfall which is famous because the water gives you, 'longevity, love, or study (wisdom)'
This temple is so beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring and colored maple leaves in fall. Please enjoy!!
Jisyu Jinjya Shrine
This shrine is famous as the Shinto shrine for love and many young people like to visit this shrine.
(Jisyu Jinjya Shrine will start its renovation in August 2022 and be closed for public for 3 years.)
Zuigudo
You can hold on to the string of Buddhist rosary beads in the dark hall and feel like to go back to your mother's womb.
(If you don't like, you can omit here.)
Ending Point
Exit of Kiyomizudera Temple (Nio Mon, a Deva gate) , however, I will give you some advice, where to have lunch around the temple, how to go back to your hotel, and so on.
Want to personalize this tour?
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, hotel pick up in Kyoto area
Transportation fee (you and your guide)
Entrance fee : Kiyomizudera Temple, 400 Japanese Yen/person
Sanjusangendo Temple, 600 Japanese Yen/person
(Zuigudo, 100 Japanese Yen/person)
Tour Important Information
Kiyomizudera Temple is now being renovated and the main hall is covered.
In Sanjyusangendo Temple, you cannot take pictures. Also, you have to take off your shoes.
Important message from the supplier
If you book me early, I can exchange mails with you many times to know what you want to do in details, collect information and prepare a lot for your plan. Please don't hesitate to ask me anything in advance.
I can guide you in the morning almost every day.(from 8:30 or 9:00 AM till 13:00 or 13:30PM)
This year, in case of the full day tour, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, are available.
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
Joined 2018
About Tour Guide Tomoe S.
Hello! My name is Tomoe. I'm a national licensed guide interpreter(English). I made my page here, TripleLights in October 2018. Thank you for finding me.
I was born and grew up in Otsu,Shiga, which is the next city of Kyoto.
I graduated from the university in Kyoto and lived there for four years due to my husband's job.
I like history and like to visit temples in Nara.
My hobby is to plan trips and have visited many cities and towns in Japan and abroad. One of my favorite places is the AIRPORT!!
I have enjoyed meeting and guiding people from abroad, to sightseeing spots in my country.
I really want many people from abroad to enjoy visiting many places and have wonderful experiences in my country. I'll be really happy if I can have such experiences with you!!
Please tell and ask me if there are any places which you want to visit and anything which you want to do in my country. I'll plan the trip only for you.
I am cheerful and always positive. I like to talk with people. I would like to talk with many people from many countries. Please tell me about your country, too!!
I'm looking forward to seeing you!!
* If you want, I will take you back to your hotel (within the time or with the extra hourly rate)
Or, I will show you how to go back to your hotel when we finish the tour.
* If you want, I will give you some advice about what to and where to eat your lunch/dinner.
Reviews
John A.
“Kyoto, Nijo, Golden Pavilion and gardens.”
Tomoe was an really great guide for our Kyoto day trip. She was kind, knowledgeable and thoughtful. Her historic knowledge was excellent and she gave us much insight into Japanese life in general, both past and present. It was as if we were on an outing with a wise friend. Importantly we found communication with Tomoe before we arrived in Japan easy and we appreciated her advice on how to make the best use of our limited time. We would recommend you consider Tomoe as you guide of choice in Kyoto. Thanks Tomoe. John and Ian.
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Tomoe S.
Dear John and Ian, Thank you very much for your wonderful review. It got also a memorable day for me, which I spent with you in Kyoto. I enjoyed autumn foliage at Kinkakuji and Nanzenji on such a fine day, and also enjoyed talking with you, such nice men with a long history. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. I hope that I can see you again. TOMOE
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Marcus L.
“Kyoto tour”
I booked Tomoe to guide a group of 9 women on a Kyoto tour with lunch. The group was very happy with Tomoe. She was professional, friendly and helpful and the group enjoyed their tour very much!
Tomoe S.
Thank you very much for your warmhearted review. I also had a wonderful day with such women who are full of energy in Kyoto. I'm very glad to hear that they were very happy with me. Thank you very much for booking me as your guests' guide. I hope that I can work with you again. TOMOE
Steven P.
“An Outstanding Guide — Our Two Days with Tomoe Were Exceptional”
We had the pleasure of spending two full days with Tomoe, and she truly made our time in Kyoto and Nara unforgettable. She is exceptionally knowledgeable, thoughtful, and a joy to explore with. Day 1 – Kyoto Tomoe guided us through some of Kyoto’s most iconic cultural treasures: Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo-jo Castle. Her deep understanding of history, architecture, and cultural traditions brought each site to life. She shared insights and stories we never would have discovered on our own, and she always seemed to know the perfect viewpoints and quiet corners away from the crowds. Day 2 – Nara Our day in Nara was equally memorable. We visited the Kōfuku-ji Temple complex, the magnificent Todai-ji with its Great Buddha, and the serene Isui-en Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens we’ve seen in Japan. Tomoe’s explanations made the history and symbolism of each place vivid and meaningful. She also brought us to a wonderful local restaurant, Soba-dokoro Kitahara, where we enjoyed some of the best soba we’ve ever had. Why We Loved Touring with Tomoe Beyond her expertise, Tomoe is warm, patient, organized, and truly attentive to every detail. She customized the pace to our interests, helped with photos, answered every question with enthusiasm, and created an atmosphere that felt relaxed and friendly. Spending time with her felt like exploring with a knowledgeable friend who genuinely cares about making your experience special. We cannot recommend Tomoe highly enough. If you’re visiting Kyoto or Nara, she is an outstanding guide who will elevate your trip in every way. Arigato Gozaimus, Tomoe, from Steve and Inna
Tomoe S.
Dear Steve and Inna, Thank you so! so! so much for your wonderful review. I had the greatest joy as a guide, spending two wonderful days with you, who had so much interest in my country. You must have checked a lot and prepared a lot for your long tour in Japan. Sharing time with such ambitious couple inspired me a lot. Yes! I will never forget eating delicious soba at Kitahara in Nara with you. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. I hope that I can see you again (with your family next time???) I miss you so much... TOMOE
$129/ per group
More tours by Tomoe S.
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Very Special 1day Kyoto Tour just for You
Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for 1000 years and has many wonderful places to visit. Please choose a few places among the following sightseeing spots, as you like. If you have any other preferable spots, please let me know. I'll guide you as many places as possible. Please note that some places are located in a little far away from the center of the city and it may need some time to go and come back.
Very Special 1day Kyoto Tour just for You
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Must see spots in Kyoto and Nara in a day (8 hours)
It's a little bit difficult, for the first comers to Japan, to visit popular sightseeing spots in both of Kyoto and Nara. In this tour, you can visit Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, three most popular sightseeing spots in Nara and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, the most popular sightseeing spot for visitors from abroad, in Kyoto. Deer will wait for you in Nara Park!
Must see spots in Kyoto and Nara in a day (8 hours)
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A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (North-west Kyoto) 4h
This tour is recommended for the first timers to Kyoto. Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for 1000 years and has many old temples and shrines to visit. You can visit three famous and popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto. All of these three places are registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.
A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (North-west Kyoto) 4h
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Visiting temples and tea ceremony experience in East Kyoto
This tour is based on 'A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (East Kyoto). You can visit Kiyomizudera Temple, Sanjyusangendo Temple, Kenninji Temple. You can also enjoy tea ceremony experience.
Visiting temples and tea ceremony experience in East Kyoto
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
Perfect for those with limited time, this well-organized tour allows you to experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights efficiently. The itinerary includes the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.
Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
Tour will start from the Hotel in Kyoto. Frst visit is Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion ),then, to Ryoanji tmple where is famous for rock garden. Tour will stop at Arasiyama area to take lunch and visit Togetsu bridge, Bamboo grove, Tentyuji temple and others. The last visit is NIjyo castle. As these places are normally crowded. using chartered taxi is highly recommended in order to effectively use your valuable time in Kyoto.
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
Discover Kyoto’s cultural heart in just one day with a local guide. Visit three iconic spots: the golden beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the stunning hillside temple Kiyomizu-dera, and the peaceful bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Along the way, you’ll learn real stories, traditions, and the deeper meaning behind each place. This tour blends famous sights with local insights, giving you more than just photos — it gives you a true connection to Kyoto.
Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
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