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.
Yael M.
“An excellent day with the best guide”
Tomoe made our visit to Kyoto so meaningful! She helped us plan the visit when we prepared for it. We spent a full day with her and enjoyed her kind and knowledgeable company. She explained and answered all our questions, and took us to all the major attractions around the city. A perfect day! Thank you Tomoe!
Tomoe S.
Dear Yael, Thank you very much for your amazing review so soon! I was so happy that you have still remembered me since you canceled my tour due to COVID pandemic in 2020, and then, booked me again after 5 years! What a precious day you gave me! I enjoyed visiting every place with you. It's like to spend time with my old friend. Thank you very much again for booking me. I do hope that I can see you again! TOMOE
Tana W.
“Some good, some bad ”
The first part of our day and lunch were nice, we visited beautiful temples which for the most part were less crowded during this time of year and that part was appreciated. The second part of the day was poorly planned. We basically finished the tour far ahead of schedule and wandered around exceptionally crowded streets to no end. Can't say the tour ended on a great note for us at all but we appreciate the effort nonetheless.
Tomoe S.
Dear Tana, Thank you very much for taking time to write your precious comment. It was a hot day in April, and I'm relieved to hear that you are satisfied with visiting Kiyomizudera Temple, Nanzenji Temple, Silver Pavilion and Tofukuji Temple. In the afternoon, however, we walked to Yasaka Jinjya Shirine, Pontocho, and Nishiki Market among many people. Thank you for walking with me. I was happy to spend a day with you, nice people from Russia because it's been ages since I have guests from your country last time. I wanted to do my best so that you will have a good day. Thank you very much for booking me. I hope that you will enjoy your trip. TOMOE
Vihar B.
“Kyoto tour”
Had a wonderful time with our guide. Very knowledgeable with getting around and the historical aspects of the sites which we visited. She custom made a tour for us with what we wanted to experience. Took all the thinking and stress away. Would recommend using her to see sites in Kyoto. Will definitely recommend to my close friends and family if they visit Kyoto. Spoke perfect English and we learned a-lot in one day.
Tomoe S.
Dear Vihar, Thank you very much for taking time to write your wonderful review. I'm glad to hear that you liked my tour. I had a nice day with you, such a nice family, too! I hope that you will enjoy the rest of your trip in my country. Thank you very much for booking my tour. TOMOE
$141/ per group