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Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Full Day)
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Joined 2022
Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience wandering in the backstreets where a few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple, Shirakawa riverside and more.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or JR Kyoto Station
Your Hotel or JR Kyoto Station
Condition: Tour time would be changed, depending on where you stay and what time you want.
Higashi Honganji Temple
Higashi Honganji, or “Eastern Temple of the First Vow” is one of two head temples of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Pure Land Buddhism, the most popular form of Buddhism in Japan.
Geisya quarter and Kenninji Zen Temple
You can encounter Geino and Maiko if you are lucky.
Kenninji Zen temple is famous for the tea culture foundation. The founder priest, Eisai brought back tea philosophy from China. You can see green tea leave hedge in the precinct. Kenninji Zen Temple has a Dragon ceiling picture and a replica of the Wind and Thunder God paper screen that is designated as a national treasure (You can see a real one at the Kyoto National Museum.).
* Notice: The admission of Kenninji Zen temple costs you 800JPY/adult.
Lunch
A restaurant is supposed to arrange by the tour guide.
Please notice your allergies and prohibited food for your health and /or religious reasons beforehand.
Houkanji Temple/Yasaka Pagoda
It is said that Houkanji Temple was built in 837 before the capital relocation.
The temple is famous for its pagoda called "Yasaka no Tou" by Kyoto local.
Yasaka Shrine
records, its history might stretch back to 656 during the Asuka Era, which was the second year of Emperor Saimei's reign. It's said that Irishi, a visitor from Korea, brought the spirit of Susanoo-no-mikoto to this location.
Apart from this perspective, another account states that in the Jogan Era of 876, a Buddhist monk named Ennyo, hailing from Nara Prefecture, established a temple. Within this temple, he enshrined Susanoo-no-mikoto, the deity of the region.
Gion Geisya Quarter and Tatsumi Shrine
Tatsumi shrine is located south-east direction from the palace.
Zodiac calender shows Tatsu（辰: Dragon）-Mi（巳：snake) as south-east.
Chionin Temple and Shirakawa River side
The tour visits Chionin that was established in 1175 by Hounen Monk who has established Jodo sect. You can challenge crossing Gyojyabashi that is a stone-build bridge with 67cm in width and 12m in length.
Heianjingu Shrine
Heian Jingu was constructed in 1895 to align with the festivities commemorating the 1,100th year since the establishment of Heiankyo, the imperial capital of Japan during the period spanning from the late eighth to the mid-nineteenth centuries. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Kanmu (737–806), the inaugural ruler of the Heian era (794–1185), and Emperor Komei (1831–1866), the final monarch to hold sway from Heiankyo.
Your hotel or Local dissolution
The tour guide will take you back to your hotel by the public transportation, or arrange a taxi to your hotel.
Ending Point
At your hotel or the tour's final destination
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
Admission*, Transportation Fare, Lunch, Souvenirs, Beverage
For example, Kenninji Zen Temple costs you 800JPY/adult and 500JPY/7-18yrs old student to enter into the temple hall.
-Mass transit fares, admission fees and meal fees must be self-pay.
-Please pay the guide its mass transit fares (2000JPY) by cash on the tour day.
Tour Important Information
Please wear sneakers since this tour is walking tour.
A restaurant is to be arranged by the tour guide.
Please tell your prohibited (NG) foods for your health and/or religious reasons beforehand.
Meal fees are excluded from the tour fee.
This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience strolling in the backstreets where few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
You can image a gorgeous Heian era during 794-1185, wandering the alleys by stopping by the temples and shrines.
Important message from the supplier
I can introduce you interesting spots including temples, shrines and yummy places including local foods though it is not fancy. Please note the following conditions;
-Mass transit fares, admission fees and meal fees must be self-pay.
-Please pay the guide its mass transit fares (2000JPY) by cash on the tour day.
-Let me know if you have any food allergies beforehand.
-Let me know if you have any food you cannot eat for your religious and dietary reasons beforehand.
-My tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
and
-My tour schedule will accomodate you to start earlier at 7:30AM for your convenience if you want to avoid crowds.
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 2022
About Tour Guide Kenji O.
I lived in Seattle, WA US for several years to study public policy and urban planning at University of Washington and Washington State Department of Transportation . The US life has awakened me to realize its beauty and value of the Japanese nature and culture. After coming back from US, I have started my professional career of the infrastructure development in both developed and developing countries as a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert for more than 20 years. I have provided hospitality and honesty as a Japanese during my professional career.
I can give you not only sightseeing tours but also technical tours with my expertise.
I live in Osaka where an ancient capital city, Kyoto is located within a hour by train. I can show you how Japanese has developed the capital city with urban planning and infrastructure development. I look forward to seeing you here in Japan.
Reviews
Anna R.
“Very nice tour!”
Kenji was such a such a kind guide and was able to take us around, not just to the places that he had planned for the tour, but to find a couple things that we were looking for. He also was super helpful because I lost my jacket and he filed out the lost and found paperwork for me! Kenji is very easy to work with, will work around thing/places that you want to go, and took us to a really great place for lunch that we would have never found without him! Thank you, Kenji!
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Kenji O.
Anna, Thanks for your message. I hope you have a safe and fun trip. Please stay in touch with me while you’re staying in Japan. Kenji
Luis T.
“Great way to know Kyoto’s alleys and less know but still great attractions ”
Kenji showed enthusiasm and knowledge of the city alleys. He pointed to interesting things along the way and held a good rithm all the way.
Kenji O.
Luis san, Kyoto has a lot of hidden gems. I hope you to come here again. Please say hi to other members including your wife. Kenji
Magnus K.
“Unforgettable First Visit to Kyoto with Kenji san as My Guide”
As it was my first time in Kyoto, I decided to hire a guide to make the most of my visit. From the very beginning, Kenji impressed me with his professionalism and attention to detail in planning the tour. He carefully crafted an itinerary that perfectly matched my wishes and requirements for the day. What truly set Kenji apart was his exceptional knowledge and ability to share insights about Kyoto’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Throughout the tour, he explained fascinating details that I would never have discovered on my own. His accommodating and helpful nature made the experience not only informative but also very enjoyable. The day ended with a lunch that was absolutely unforgettable - one of the best culinary experiences I’ve ever had. Kenjis thoughtfulness in organizing every aspect of the tour made this visit to Kyoto an amazing and enriching experience. If you’re considering hiring a guide in Kyoto, I can wholeheartedly recommend Kenji. He will elevate your experience and ensure your time in Kyoto is as special as it can possibly be.
Kenji O.
Magnus san, thank you for the review. I hope you visit Kyoto again and I look forward to guiding you and your wife for other hidden places. Have a safe journey! Kenji
$212/ per group
More tours by Kenji O.
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Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
Keifuku Tram is beloved as "Randen" by Kyoto local. You can enjoy the nostalgic tram ride that takes you the Bamboo forest path in the precinct of Tenryuji temple. This tour takes you to Ryoanji temple that is famous for its rock garden and the Golden temple (Kinkakuji). This tour also includes strolling in the Geisya district of Kamishichiken.
Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
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Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience strolling in the backstreets where few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple and Shirakawa riverside.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
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Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
You can experience a time travel to the feudal period to encounter Samurai, Japanese warriors. Himeji Castle (姫路城, Himejijō), also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely recognized as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds.The first fortifications built on the site were completed in the 1400s. The castle complex as it survives today was completed in 1609.
Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
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Philosopher's Path Walking Tour; Silver Temple~Nanzenji
This tour invites you to walk along one of the most beautiful walkways in Kyoto. You visit several temples along the walkway, Silver Temple (Ginkakuji), Hounenin Temple, and Nanzenji Temple (Headquarter of Rinzai Zen Sect).
Philosopher's Path Walking Tour; Silver Temple~Nanzenji
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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Thousand Torii Gates & Sake: Fushimi Half-Day Tour
This half-day tour begins at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a sacred site with more than 1,300 years of history, famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates. Next, we will take a train to another district and visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Here you will learn how Japan’s iconic drink has been crafted for centuries and enjoy a tasting of several sake varieties. We will wrap up the tour with a leisurely stroll through the lively Otesuji Shopping Arcade.
Thousand Torii Gates & Sake: Fushimi Half-Day Tour
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Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
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