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Nature & Outdoor

Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours]

Nature & Outdoor

Kyoto

English (Native), Japanese

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Jay T.)

Up to 7 people

The tranquility of a meticulously maintained bamboo forest, a mountain shrine with vibrant red torii gates, and a breathtaking view of the city from a mountaintop temple.

In this adventure we will explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, and wander through the Tofuku-ji temple (especially beautiful in Fall or Spring). Later, we check out Kiyomizu-dera and walk through Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Shirakawa Lane, Pontocho, Teramachi, and over to the Nishiki Market.

Jay T.

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

Kyoto Station

- Central Exit between the escalators leading downstairs, just in front of the main exit turnstiles.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

A tourist town surrounding a meticulously maintained bamboo forest. Autumn leaves change with the season in the surrounding mountainsides.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

This is a mountainside shrine dedicated to foxes. Thousands of red torii gates surround the pathway leading up and around the mountain.

Tofuku-ji temple

This Buddhist temple is beautiful anytime, but especially lovely in the Spring and Autumn, as the trees change their displays to match the changing season.

Higashiyama hillside walk-down

We start at Kiyomizu-dera, enjoy the panoramic city view, then down and across through famous Yasaka Shrine and into Gion.

Gion to Shirakawa

We start at the Geisha home in Gion, then stroll through the ancient homes and shops of Shirakawa Lane.

Evening spots and shopping streets

Crossing the river, we'll take in the evening alleyways of Pontocho, and explore the covered shopping streets from Teramachi all the way over to the Nishiki Market.

Dropoff at Nishiki, or...?

Up to you. I can guide you back toward Kyoto Station, or let you find your own way back from here. (From the neighborhood station, Kyoto Station is only a short subway ride to the south.)

Ending Point

Kyoto Station (but see above)

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Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Private Guide (me!)

Pickup and drop-off on foot

What‘s not included

I suggest a total of about 5000 yen cash per person for incidental expenses. These may include:

Entry to certain shrines, temples, gardens, museums. Such fees are usually small

Public Transportation

Personal expenses. Drinks, Snacks, Meals at your expense. (YOUR food, not mine!)

Good idea to bring change/small bills to use in vending machines to buy drinks. There will be convenience stores, and may be souvenir shops on the road

Shrines and many small shops still only take Japanese cash

Train/Bus/Subway (not included)

OPTIONAL Fee to cover transit for each person who needs it: ¥4,000

Tour Important Information

Itinerary listed is merely a loose guide! I don't guarantee we'll be able to visit any particular place, although I'll do my best. We will at times need to change the order of events, places we visit, etc. as determined on the day of the tour. Japanese attractions also have a habit of suddenly closing without notice. If this occurs, I'll simply fill in that time with something else I think you'd enjoy.

These are all WALKING tours, and we may cover significant distances (sometimes >10km per four hours) on foot. Please dress appropriately for that, and for the weather. Japan can get quite hot and humid in summer, and it gets chilly in the winter. Sunblock, insect repellent, etc. recommended.

Roadways and walking areas in Japan can be quite rough and uneven. Please watch your step! Injury liability is usually determined by the courts to be the walker's fault for lack of care, not that of anyone else.