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).
At your hotel (in Kyoto)/Kyoto Station
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, we are heading to Tofukuji Temple, for a meditative walk. We will go through the wooden Tsutenkyo Bridge to wonder at the beauty of the Japanese maple trees and autumn foliage gardens.
Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the symbols of Kyoto, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and a sacred place under the protection of Kannon. Visitors enjoy beautiful views of Kyoto city from the hinoki (Japanese cypress) stage supported by pillars.
These two historical slopes are signatures of the Higashiyama district, abundant in old houses, shops, temples and shrines, inns and museums. As this is a protected cultural area of Kyoto city, visitors can really feel the Japan of long passed times.
We will arrive at Yasaka Shrine following the Nene-no-Michi street for a bit of historical guidance and traverse Maruyama Park one of the oldest parks in Kyoto to enjoy a quick tea break. After, we will walk on the grounds of the Yasaka Shrine - the protective shrine of the Gion area.
Behind the shopping avenue Shijo, we will explore Gion and walk in the Hanamachi neighbourhoods where geiko (geisha) live and work. With luck, we might encounter maiko (apprentice geiko) on the way from dance or shamisen classes.
End of tour.
Kyoto Station
Guide fee
Hotel pick-up
Transportation fee between destinations
Entrance fee
Meals
Please have good walking shoes and folding umbrellas as the tour has slopes and stairs, and the weather can be unpredictable.
We will use a train line to reach from Tofukuji Temple to Kiyomizu Temple for efficiency purposes. The train ticket fees are not included in the tour fee. We will take proper necessary breaks during our walk.
“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!