Kyoto - 5-hour tour of the historic Higashiyama District!
Joined 2023
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).
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel (in Kyoto)/Kyoto Station
Tofukuji Temple (from Gion-Shijo 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
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.
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka Streets
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.
Yasaka Shrine
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.
Gion - the home of geiko and maiko ( geisha)
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.
Kyoto Station
End of tour.
Ending Point
Kyoto Station
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
Meet up
Transportation fee between destinations
Entrance fee
Meals
Tour Important Information
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.
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
Eileen E.
“Two great days in Kyoto”
Ana was our guide for two days in Kyoto. She taught us a great deal about Japanese history and culture. She made excellent suggestions for meals and photographs and helped us navigate the crowds and the train system. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a guide in Kyoto.
Ana I.
Dear Eileen, Thank you for having me as a guide for your time in Kyoto. All four of you were great companions for discovering the city and chatting about Japanese history,culture and lifestyle. I am most grateful for meeting you all! All the best!
Gerald D.
“À great experience. An outstanding individual ”
It was an awesome experience. As a first time visitor to Kyoto, visiting the highly popular locations In Higashiyama ku including Kiyomizu dera, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka & Maruyama Park can be challenging and overcrowded. An early morning tour to beat the crowds makes lots of sense. Ana is one of few tour guides in the area that offers such a tour. She was kind, friendly, very professional & knowledgeable. In a very good way, it felt like time spent with an old friend than with a formal tour guide. Her knowledge of the historical context & her passion for the area is admirable For English speakers, she has great command of the language & speaks very clearly.
Ana I.
Dear Gerald, Thank you for the beautiful review. It was an absolute pleasure walking in the Historic District at sunrise with you. The conversation with you enriched my general knowledge and understanding of what visitors to Japan are experiencing in Kyoto. Thank you for your generosity and time. I wish you all the best!
Eileen E.
“Beautiful country - great guide!”
Ana was professional, well-informed, friendly and extremely helpful. We learned about the history and local culture while managing the crowds and the transportation system with Ana's help. It was a great tour of Kyoto!
Ana I.
Dear Eileen, thank you for your kind review. I enjoyed spending every moment with you and the group. Everyone's patience throughout the tour days was much appreciated. I wish you all safe travels back home!
$165/ per group
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