Cherry Blossom Viewing Walking Tour
The tour starts at JR Kyoto Station at 9 AM. You will go to Demachi Yanagi Station by JR Nara Line and Keihan Line. From there you will begin walking. The main tourist attractions of this tour are Ginkaku-ji Temple ( the Silver Pavilion ), the Philosopher's Path, Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian Jingu Shrine Garden and Maruyama Park. The tour ends at Gion Shijo Station of Keihan Line.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Kyoto Station
Ginkaku-ji Temple and the Philosopher's Path
Nanzen-ji Temple and Heian Jingu Shrine Garden
Maruyama Park, the Kamo River and the Gion area
Ending Point
Gion Shijo Station of Keihan Line
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
transportation fee : ¥410 per person ( you and guide ),
entrance fee for Ginkaku-ji and Heian Shrine Garden : ¥1,100 per person
and lunch.
Tour Important Information
This is a limited-time tour from March 24th till April 4th in 2025.
The cherry blossom season varies from year to year and the day of your tour may be too early or too late for cherry blossoms.
At this time of the year it is occasionally still cold, so wear warm clothes, please.
Sneakers or walking shoes and portable umbrellas are desirable.
This is a limited-time tour from March 24 to April 4 in 2025 except on Saturdays and Sundays.
Important message from the supplier
It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.
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 Yoshihisa T.
Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest.
Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise.
One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?
Reviews
Amy H.
“Putting the "Personal" Touch in the Tour”
This was our first time in Kyoto and rather than walking cluelessly from one site or one shrine to another, we decided to get a tour guide to learn the history and meaning behind the places we visited. We could not have asked for a better tour guide than Yoshie, who made our tour one of the most memorable days of our trip. Not only was he incredibly informative about each place we visited, but he also weaved in entertaining stories and little historical tidbits that one would not find in a tour book. Yoshie also knows the best places and angles to take photos and would miraculously have us pose in pictures where no other tourists were in our photo (many of which ended up in our holiday card this year!). We ended the day at an Izakaya of his choosing and were treated to warm welcomes, cozy local vibes, and delicious food. It was also my husband's birthday, and the restaurant owner surprised him with a cake, and the whole place ended up singing happy birthday to him. We were very moved by the generous spirit and my husband was grinning ear to ear. If you want a personal touch, someone with deep knowledge and the gentle manner to share it with you, and a more profound grasp of the history of Japan in that region, Yoshie is your person! We have already recommended him to our friends who are going to Kyoto next year!
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Yoshihisa T.
Hi Amy. I really appreciate your marvelous comment on my tour in Kyoto. I am delighted to learn that you had such a great time in every aspect of the tour, from my silly jokes, photo-taking spots to the food and warm atmosphere of the izakaya. I am looking forward to your next visit to Kansai area someday again. With warm wishes. Yoshie
Brit D.
“Perfect day in Kyoto with Yoshi!”
Our family had the most wonderful time with Yoshi, on our very first day in Kyoto. He was so friendly, warm and knowledgeable -- and he packed a LOT of sightseeing into our walking tour, without rushing us! My husband and I, as well as our son (15) and daughter (12) were delighted by all of the history, culture and stories he shared. Our highlight was having dinner at the tiniest izakaya - just barely enough room for the five of us at the bar, and the amazing food kept coming until we said stop. Truly the best - you will not go wrong, with Yoshi! Thank you Yoshi - sincerely, the Davis Family (from Colorado, USA)
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Yoshihisa T.
Hi Brit. Thank you so much for your heartwarming comment on my tour in Kyoto. I am very pleased that you and your family still remember the tour and dinner with me more than ten months ago. I sincerely hope that our paths will cross someday again. With the best wishes. Yoshie
Gan kong C.
“Day tour Osaka”
Excellent 5 star
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Yoshihisa T.
Hi Chin-san. Thank you very much for your tours in Nara and Osaka. I had a pleasant time guiding and talking with you two. I hope you have returned home safely with lots of nice memories of Japan. With best wishes. Yoshie
$209/ per group
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