For 8 hours, we will cover the symbolic places of Kyoto city and marvel at its over 1100-year-old history, culture, traditions and food. This trip is perfect for those who want to experience this wonderful former capital of Japan with only a day or two to spare for travelling in the region.
At your hotel
Let's walk in the historic district of Kyoto. We will stop at Kiyomizudera Temple → Sanenzaka & Ninenzaka slopes→ Nene-no-michi Street→Yasaka Shrine (or Gion Shrine).
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.
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.
We will enter this UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of Honmaru and Ninomaru palaces and gardens. Our visit will be mainly at Ninomaru - the palace that was the residence of the 1st Edo-period shogun - Tokugawa Ieyasu - during his rare visits to Kyoto. We will have the chance to see his private quarters, office, waiting and audience rooms for the feudal lords.
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 Zen culture.
Kyoto Station/Your hotel
Guide Fee
Hotel Pick-Up
Transportation Fee
Entrance Tickets (Kiyomizudera Temple, Nijo Castle, The Golden Pavilion)
Meals (lunch)
The entrance at Nijo Castle - Ninomaru Palace requires taking off our shoes.
“Kyoto and Nara day tour”
Ms Ana is a very professional Guide. She is awesome with all the arrangement, information, and helpful. Great job.
Ana I.
(9 reviews)Dear Jee, thank you for the chance to show these two cities. It was a great learning experience for me and I had much fun with. Happy travels!
“Amazing tours of Kyoto!”
Where do I begin?! Ana is an incredible guide! We spent 1.5 wonderful, inspiring, information-filled days with her in Kyoto and I wish we could have had her with us the rest of our trip. She seems to know everything about everything (truly, there wasn't a single question we asked that she couldn't answer). She's wonderful with kids — she was so kind and patient with our young children, who absolutely adored her (my 7 year old daughter was holding her hand by the end of our first day together). She also advised us well about visiting sites that weren't part of our tour and some of our best family photos of our trip were taken by her. We feel lucky to have met her and we're so grateful to have had her guidance. We highly, highly recommend Ana!
Ana I.
(9 reviews)Dear Marta, thank you for the kind review. It was such a treat for me to spend a day and a half with your family! The children were amazing and under your wonderful parental guidance, they were patient and open to trying things during the tour. It was a bittersweet moment to say my goodbyes to everyone and I am so grateful for choosing me to show you Kyoto. I wish you all much health and joyous days ahead️.
“Exceptional Tour Experience with Ana in Kyoto”
Ana is not only a wonderful tour guide, but she is also incredibly flexible. Whether it was accommodating our schedule or adapting the tour to suit our son's needs, she was always ready to adjust and ensure our comfort. Her knowledge of Kyoto is extensive and impressive and she conveys it in a way that is both engaging and enjoyable. Her kindness towards our nine-month-old son was particularly touching. She was patient, engaging, and always considerate of his needs. We couldn't have asked for a better guide! 10/10 would recommend!
Ana I.
(9 reviews)Dear Natalie, thank you all for allowing me to show you Kyoto on a surprisingly hot day. Your son is a champion and I will remember him as my sweetest and most charming guest ever. Much appreciated the warmth of the group and attention to my stories and commentary. Thank you so much for the opportunity to meet everyone. All the best!