Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
For 8 hours, we will explore Kyoto's symbolic places and marvel at its over 1100-year-old history, culture, traditions, and food. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience this wonderful former capital of Japan with only a day or two to spare for traveling in the region.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel/accommodation
Kinkakuji- Temple of the Golden Pavilion
No matter the season, the Golden Pavilion is a symbol of Kyoto. Its breathtaking beauty and wonderful gardens offer visitors the chance to experience and learn about the Kitayama culture of the 14th century.
Nijo Castle - Former Imperial Villa
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a prime example of 17th-century architectural design.
The former government building of the Tokugawa Shogunate stands as an example of Tokugawa Ieyasu's power. We will have the chance to see the private quarters of the shogun, offices, waiting and audience rooms for the feudal lords.
Lunch break at Nishiki Market & Teramachi Street
It is time for some delicious street food and original souvenirs from Nishiki Market and Teramachi Street! I will guide you based on your preferences to the best shops for lunch and a shopping break before continuing the journey.
Higashiyama District
Let's walk in the Historic District of Kyoto. We will stop at Kiyomizudera Temple (The Temple of Pure Water) for beautiful cityscapes and continue exploring the neighborhood on the Sanenzaka & Ninenzaka slopes.
Gion - home of the Geiko (Geisha)
We will take our time to enjoy the Gion area where professional artists and entertainers called geiko (geisha) and the maiko (apprentice geiko) live and work. We will get to know more about this one-of-a-kind profession in the world.
Gion
We will end our tour on the Hanamikoji Street.
Ending Point
In Gion
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/48201/3511d1fd-bce1-40b2-a9f2-0c0f726564ba.png)
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
Transportation Fee
Entrance Tickets (Kiyomizudera Temple, Nijo Castle, The Golden Pavilion)
Meals (lunch)
Tour Important Information
The entrance at Nijo Castle - Ninomaru Palace requires taking off our shoes.
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 Ana I.
Hello everyone!
My name is Ana. I am an experienced tour conductor who guides clients throughout Japan. I am Romanian and have been living in Japan for over 10 years.
I am versed in creating customized on-the-budget one-day and half-day tours for solo travelers, families, or groups.
Please allow me to show you the natural beauty, traditions, history and amazing food of KYOTO and NARA.
Feel free to contact me for a standard package OR a customized trip. I will put my best effort into meeting your needs and creating an amazing journey.
WELCOME TO JAPAN!
Reviews
Divine L.
“Exceptional Guide! ”
Excellent guide, thank you so much, Ana!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/48201/3511d1fd-bce1-40b2-a9f2-0c0f726564ba.png)
Ana I.
Thank you for your time and patience!
Divine L.
“Exceptional Guide! ”
Excellent guide, thank you so much, Ana!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/48201/3511d1fd-bce1-40b2-a9f2-0c0f726564ba.png)
Ana I.
Thank you Divine for the amazing day in Nara!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/67463/e7ce0ca7-8cf1-470a-bc57-41154e0909d2.png)
Joanna F.
“Thank you Ana for the wonderful tour of Kyoto,”
Ana is an excellent tour guide, she speaks English very well, and her deep knowledge of Japanese history and culture is incredible. She navigates the Kyoto transportation system with great efficiency and is fluent in Japanese. Her organization skills let us visit all attractions on our itinerary, we never felt rushed and she even stayed with us a little longer to help us catch a train back to Osaka. We highly recommend Ana as your tour guide. Jonna & Peter
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/48201/3511d1fd-bce1-40b2-a9f2-0c0f726564ba.png)
Ana I.
Dear Joanna and Peter, thank you very much for your time and trust in my services. I had a great time with you both; I loved all our chats. It was my absolute pleasure to show you Kyoto and talk about Japan. I wish you both much health and a great summer!
$192/ per group
More tours by Ana I.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12298/174774.jpg)
Kyoto - 5-hour tour of the historic Higashiyama District!
This 5-hour tour is created for those who wish to learn about the historic district of Kyoto but do not have the time to explore in-depth. Everyone is welcome to participate as the tour has a mixture of history, nature, architecture and experiences ( shopping or souvenir browsing, introduction to Japanese sweets and food/drinks, meditative walk).
Kyoto - 5-hour tour of the historic Higashiyama District!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16562/781883ac-cb96-4bdc-8823-4872230e6bc8.jpg)
Postcards of Kyoto (East Version)
We will explore the East of Kyoto: rich in history, culture, and traditional architecture. This tour will cover some of the most famous sites of the ancient city — symbols of Kyoto that appear in the postcards.
Postcards of Kyoto (East Version)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12300/174522.jpg)
Rise&Shine, walk in historic Higashiyama District at SUNRISE
As a unique experience, let me guide you through Kyoto's protected Higashiyama District at sunrise. Away from the crowds of tourists, this short trip offers the chance for those interested in Japanese culture and history to experience the area at a peaceful and meditative pace.
Rise&Shine, walk in historic Higashiyama District at SUNRISE
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16227/bded79cc-1296-4c88-86cc-f4b8f00b6ae1.jpeg)
NARA - Journey into Shinto and Buddhism
The ancient city of Nara hosts 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with breathtaking architectural examples of the 8th century. This tour covers the historical sites in the journey of better understanding Buddhism and Shinto, interacting with some of the hundreds of deer in Nara Park, and enjoying walks in old forests.
NARA - Journey into Shinto and Buddhism
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3879/145142.jpeg)
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)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/16782/67164.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18391/ed4593f6-89c9-4003-b806-3373a9a7f79d.jpg)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70544/88cc0a4f-d90f-48f7-b564-6a62c80d1fcd.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12289/174364.jpg)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/f91fb200-8cd3-42eb-ab83-22445375e494.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4826/82581.jpg)
Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakuji
Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? I would also like to take you some hidden gemes in Kyoto. Beat the crowds!
Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakuji
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/10288/90682.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12317/174861.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12317/178638.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12317/174844.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12317/174840.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12317/174838.jpg)