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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel or JR Kyoto station
Meet at your Hotel
Condition: Tour time would be changed, depending on where you stay and what time you want.
Higashi Hongannji 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
ou 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/person.
Shirakawa River side
You can challenge crossing Gyojyabashi that is a stone-build bridge with 67cm in width and 12m in length.
Ending Point
Your hotel or Local dissolution
Want to personalize this tour?
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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 (ex. Kenninji Zen Temple costs you 800JPY/adult and 500JPY/7-18yrs old student to enter into the temple.)
-Transportation Fare
-Meal (Lunch)
-Souvenirs
-Beverage
- Your food fee is paid by yourself.
-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 or jogging shoes.
Please bring rain clothes or umbrella in case of rain.
The tour guide will change the itineraries to accommodate the tour without prior notice, considering the location of the guest accommodation.
This tour would be cancelled in case of harsh weather like heavy rain/snow/storm.
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
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.
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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.
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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
$160/ per group
More tours by Kenji O.
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Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
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Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
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Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
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Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Full 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 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.
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Full Day)
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Philosopher's Path Walking Tour; Silver Temple~Nanzenji
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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
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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Thousand Torii Gates & Sake: Fushimi Half-Day Tour
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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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