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.
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.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Carolyn W.
“Another excellent day with Tomoe to Nara and Osaka. ”
Another wonderful day with Tomoe who was able to accomodate with our plans and interests. Well planned and Tomoe's understanding of English is perfect. Thankyou again.
Tomoe S.
Dear Carolyn, Thank you very much for your another quick review. Yes! I had another nice day with you, visiting Nara and Osaka from Kyoto! We took Kintetsu train, subway in Osaka, and JR train! I hope that you will enjoy my country and make wonderful memories. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. TOMOE
Carolyn W.
“A fabulous day with Tomoe”
We booked this months out and we were able to liaise with Tomoe about our plans for the day. Everything worked like clockwork. We didn't have to worry about any of the details about getting to places, which train etc and she provided exactly the right level of detail that we needed. Thankyou Tomoe.
Tomoe S.
Dear Carolyn, Thank you very much for your quick review. I had such a nice day visiting the west side of Kyoto with you. I will always remember you when I eat Japanese pickles, and when I pass by Ninnaji Temple! TOMOE
John B.
“Very helpful and fun”
We spent our 3rd day with Tomoe and visited Nara outside of central Kyoto. Tomoe knows all of the best places to go in Kyoto, and the best way to get there. We would not have seen half of what we did without her guidance. We highly recommend Tomoe for any experience in Kyoto.
Tomoe S.
Dear John, Thank you so much for such a warmhearted review again! I enjoyed 3 days with you, a really nice couple in Kyoto and Nara. Also, I had unique experience with you, too. Train troubles on the 2nd morning, delicious Chinese lunch...I will always remember you when I have train troubles even though I don't want to have anymore...I hope that you will come back to Japan and I can see you again. Thank you very much for booking me. Precious meeting! TOMOE
$140/ per group