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.
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.
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
We will end our tour on the Hanamikoji Street.
Ending Point
In Gion
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
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.
Important message from the supplier
On the tour day, if there is a delay of over 40 minutes (no notice from the client; the guide can’t reach the client), the tour will be automatically cancelled. Please check the GoWithGuide cancellation policies when booking a tour.
Thank you in advance!
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
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Rachael S.
“An excellent day exploring East Kyoto”
Ana was a fabulous guide. She is very friendly and very knowledgeable which made our day so much easier. Ana was always looking out for our safety and always gave us a choice in regards to the itinerary. We had an amazing day!!!!
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Ana I.
Dear Rachel, thank you very much for spending your day with me. It was truly a pleasure to guide your family, your energy and enthusiasm were the best. I wish you all a wonderful journey ahead!
Dave P.
“A brilliant trip experiencing Kyoto”
As a group of 8 we wanted a guide who would help us and inform us on the area. Ana met us at the port and guided us to Arashiyama to take in the Bamboo forest, scenic train and river trip. She also found time to take us back to Kyoto to see the Geisha area. At all times Ana was extremely helpful and very informative. We would recommend anyone coming to this area to hire the services of Ana to show them around as she makes the whole thing so easy and enjoyable. Ana, you're a star, thank you once again, the day was the highlight of the holiday
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Ana I.
Dear Dave and all you other seven adventurers, thank you very much for trusting me with your only day in Kyoto. I had lots of fun, I've learned a few things, and I enjoyed having you as guests. I wish you all much health and a joyous cruise trip ahead.
Grace S.
“Efficient, Friendly and Flexible”
Ana gave us the impression that she is well-prepared for her tour with us, the moment we met. She gave us information regarding Okayama and especially the castle, without being robotic. Just the right information, nothing more, nothing less. Many tour guides simply gave us too much information, to the point where we do not retain much of it, at the end of the day. Matsuyama was a delight under her guidance. She was wonderfully flexible and her attitude made us feel comfortable and welcomed. I shall certainly ask for her guidance again.
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Ana I.
Dear Grace, thank you very much for trusting me to guide and assist you on this occasion. I had a wonderful time as you shared invaluable experiences and very interesting stories. I will cherish your generosity shown on our tour for a very long time. I look forward to meeting you again soon. Have a wonderful rest of the trip, filled with health and hot springs!
$190/ per group
More tours by Ana I.
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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!
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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
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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)
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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
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Kyoto beginner’s tour
Kyoto popular spots & must visit spots -Fushimi Inari 1000s Ted Torii gate shrine -Kiyomizudera temple (world heritage) -Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka -Gion geisha district -Nishiki food market
Kyoto beginner’s tour
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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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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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Explore Kyoto with a Local ! A Tailor-Made Day
A certified local guide from Kyoto will design a private tour just for you! Every itinerary is fully customizedーfrom destinations to timingーto suit your group's interests and pace. From Kyoto's iconic landmarks such as Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, or Nijo Castle to hidden gems. Tell me what you'd love to see or experience in Kyoto, and I'll create a personalized plan with my local recommendations. No idea yet? No problemーI'm happy to craft a special itinerary for you from scratch.
Explore Kyoto with a Local ! A Tailor-Made Day
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