Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
Joined 2023
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?
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
Joined 2023
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
Reid G.
“Fantastic Guide”
We had a half day tour with Ana, she was terrific creating an itinerary that hit all the sites we had not seen yet. Her English was outstanding and knowledge. She made sure our time was filled and kept us moving so we accomplished a lot in a short period of time. Would highly recommend using Ana.
Ana I.
Dear Reid and Audrey, Thank you very much for spending half a day with me in Kyoto. It was a pleasure getting to know you both and sharing our common interest in Japanese architecture and gardens. Thank you both for your generosity! I wish you happy and safe travels in Japan!!
Steve A.
“Best of Kyoto Tour”
Had a great day trip in Kyoto with Ana. We had to change our date at the last minute due to illness and she was very accommodating to ensure our trip wasn't spoiled. Her english was great, and she was friendly, funny and highly knowledgeable about the various sites we visited (Kinka-kuji Golden Pavillion, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Fushimi Inari Shrine). We would definitely use Ana again if we manage to get back to Japan and would strongly recommend her to anyone seeking a guide in the Kyoto/Osaka area. Thanks again for making our family trip so enjoyable Ana and we hope you enjoyed the NZ chocolate. Steve, Michele and Liam Armstrong
Ana I.
Dear Steve, Michele and Liam - Thank you for your warmth, kindness and patience on the tour. I had a blast showing you Kyoto and sharing stories with you all. Your gift was delicious and well enjoyed every morning with a nice cup of coffee. I wish you a wonderful end of year and much health to everyone! Thank you for the beautiful review!
Mats W.
“Amazing Tour through Kyoto”
Ana guided us so well through all the interesting and also less crowded places in Kyoto. She planned everything so well, oftentimes we would see masses of people coming to places that we were just about to leave, so just in time. What I found really incredible is that she even go to the vegan place beforehard to try it out, just because she didn't want to go with us anywhere that she didn't know beforehand! Thank you so much for the amazing day Ana!
Ana I.
Dear Mats, Thank you for the beautiful review!! I had lots of fun walking through Kyoto with you and Alexandra. I have learned how to improve my tours, thanks to you! I am very grateful for your questions and opinions. I wish you much health and safe travels!
$100/ per person
More tours by Ana I.
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).
Postcards of Kyoto (East Version)
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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.
NARA - Journey into Shinto and Buddhism
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Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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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.
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!
Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
Why not enjoy your holidays in Kyoto? You can certainly get in touch with many things Japanese that we are proud of. They are old temples and shrines, cultural assets and the beautiful natural surroundings. You can also enjoy dropping in at souvenir stores and buy exquisitely made products, such as folding fans, porcelain and traditional Japanese cakes. I would like to take you to the following places, which are the three representative tourist destinations in this city: (1) Arashiyama It is the place where all the traditional natural beauties of Japan are combined together. They are Togetsukyo bridge, bamboo grove and the old temples. If you go up to the observation spot, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the gorge below. You can also see rickshaws of the olden times drawn by young people with smiling passengers on board. There are souvenir shops selling variety of goods and products. (2) Nijo-jo Castle (World Cultural Heritage Site) This castle was built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa Shogunate government for the purpose of protecting the Kyoto Imperial Palace and as the accommodations when Tokugawa Shogun was in Kyoto. It was subsequently enlarged by successive Shogun. It is the castle as well as the palace, where you can see the powerful structures and beautiful gardens. You can learn, in addition, how great the power of Tokugawa Shogun was. (3) Kinkakuji temple (the Golden Pavilion) (World Cultural Heritage Site) The history of this temple began when the third Shogun of the Muromachi period acquired a tract of land in this area from a powerful statesman in 1397 and built a villa of his own to entertain the Emperor and members of the nobility. The upper two levels of the temple are covered with pieces of gold foil and are shining brilliantly against the background of the rich greenery. The pond in the foreground reflects the golden structure. It looks like the materialization of Pure Land of Buddha in this world. In addition, on the top of the golden structure is the shining phoenix.
Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities
This tour covers 4 must-see sites and Nishiki Market. You visit the most renowned sites such as the Golden Pavilion, Ryo-an-ji temple where you may find an elegant beauty in its simple rock garden Nijo-castle ,the luxurious palace of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Sanjyu-sangendo temple, where the thousand life-size statues and the Principal statue make you feel like you are in a forest of Buddha! says " It's amazing ! Lastly visit Nishiki Market, where you can enjoy eating Kyoto’s cuisine.
