Kyoto Cultural & Scenic Tour
Joined 2024
This 5-6 hour guided tour offers a deep dive into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage, starting from the Fushimi Inari Shrine and winding through historic districts, famous temples, and traditional streets. Perfect for first-time visitors and those who want to experience Kyoto’s essence in a day.
-Pace: Moderate, with a mix of walking and short train/taxi rides.
-Best for: Culture lovers, history enthusiasts, and first-time visitors.
-Tour Style: A blend of famous sites, and cultural experiences.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kyoto Station / Central Exit (Karasuma Exit)
- The tour will begin at Kyoto Station, one of the most convenient and accessible locations in the city. We will meet at the Central Exit (Karasuma Exit), in front of the Kyoto Tower. This spot is easy to find and serves as a great starting point for our journey through Kyoto. ●Alternative Meeting Option: Your Hotel (Additional Fee Applies) If you prefer, I can meet you directly at your hotel within Kyoto city. This option is available for an additional fee of ¥1,000–¥2,000, depending on the location. Please provide your hotel name and address in advance.
Fushimi Inari Taisha（伏見稲荷大社）
Fushimi Inari Taisha (10:00 – 11:00)
The tour begins at Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind through the forested hills. As we walk through the sacred pathways, I’ll share the shrine’s history, its connection to prosperity and business, and the fascinating symbolism behind the fox statues. We’ll take our time exploring the main shrine before venturing into the first section of the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates) for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Tofukuji Temple（東福寺）
Tofukuji Temple – Zen Gardens & History (11:30 – 12:00)
A short 10-minute walk from Fushimi Inari leads us to Tofukuji Temple, a hidden gem famous for its Zen gardens and historic architecture. Tofukuji is especially breathtaking in autumn, with vibrant maple trees surrounding the Tsutenkyo Bridge. Here, we’ll take in the tranquil atmosphere and explore some of Kyoto’s finest raked gravel gardens, a masterpiece of Zen design.
Lunch in Central Kyoto（河原町）or Near Kiyomizu-dera
Lunch in Downtown or Near Kiyomizu-dera (12:30 – 13:30)
Next, we head toward Kyoto’s heart for a delicious traditional Kyoto-style lunch. Depending on the group’s preferences, we can choose what you want to eat.
Kiyomizu-dera & Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka (清水寺）
Kiyomizu-dera & Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka (14:00 – 15:00)
After lunch, we visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a massive wooden stage that offers breathtaking views of Kyoto. I’ll explain the temple’s history, including its “pure water” legend and the significance of the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to love and relationships.
From there, we take a leisurely walk down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, two of Kyoto’s most scenic streets, filled with traditional shops, matcha cafés, and historic wooden townhouses. We’ll stop to try local sweets like yatsuhashi (cinnamon rice crackers) or Kyoto’s famous matcha ice cream.
Gion & Yasaka Shrine（祇園＆八坂神社）
Gion & Yasaka Shrine (15:00 – 15:30)
The tour continues into Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district. We’ll walk through the charming Shirakawa Street, lined with willow trees and wooden teahouses, where you might even catch a glimpse of a maiko (apprentice geisha).
At Yasaka Shrine, an important spiritual site, I’ll introduce the shrine’s role in Kyoto’s festivals and traditions.
Ending Point
Gion（祇園）or Shijyo Kawaramachi (四条河原町）
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
●Guided Tour of Kyoto:
A personalized, guided experience, where I’ll take you to explore Kyoto's key cultural landmarks and share in-depth information about their history and significance.
●Cultural Conversations with Me:
-A chance to engage in interesting talks about the cultural differences between Japan and other countries. I work as an interpreter and help people who want to live in Japan, so I have many insights into life in Japan and how it differs from other cultures.
-We can discuss topics like Japanese customs, work culture, daily life, and more, and compare them to your home country. Feel free to ask questions about how living in Japan works or anything related to cultural integration!
●Meals:
Lunch is not included in the tour price. You’ll have the option to purchase a meal at a local restaurant, where typical options include Kyoto-style food, sushi, Udon or ramen.
●Transportation Fees:
Public transportation (bus, subway, or train) and taxi fares are not included in the price. These will cost approximately ¥1,000-2,000 per person depending on the mode of transport and distance between locations.
●Entrance Fees:
Some temples and shrines along the tour are free to visit, but many temples and gardens charge an entrance fee ranging from ¥300–¥1,000.
For example:
Kiyomizu Temple: ¥300
Tofukuji Temple: ¥500 - ¥1000
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion): ¥500
Ryoanji: ¥500
Ninnaji: ¥500
●Snacks & Souvenirs:
Any snacks or souvenirs you purchase during the tour (e.g., matcha drinks or local crafts) are not included.
Tour Important Information
●This tour involves a lot of walking, including stairs and slopes, so please wear comfortable walking shoes.
●The tour runs in all weather conditions. Please bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is expected. Kyoto can be hot in summer and cold in winter, so dress accordingly.
●Bring cash, as some small shops and temples do not accept credit cards.
●Transportation fees are not included. You will need an IC card (Suica/ICOCA/Pasmo) or cash for buses and trains (around ¥1,000-2,000 per person).
●Food & drinks are not included. You can enjoy Kyoto’s specialties during lunch and snack breaks.
●Some attractions have entrance fees (about ¥1,000-3,000 per person), so please prepare for this.
●Hotel pickup is available for an additional ¥1,000–¥2,000, depending on location.
◎Kids are welcome on this tour! However, please keep in mind the following:
●The tour involves a lot of walking (about 5–7 km), including stairs and slopes. A lightweight stroller may be useful for younger children, but some areas (like Fushimi Inari) have uneven paths.
●Child-friendly food options are available during lunch breaks. Let me know in advance if your child has any allergies or dietary needs.
●There are many fun stops for kids, such as trying matcha ice cream, exploring souvenir shops, and seeing fox statues at Fushimi Inari.
●Restroom breaks will be planned, but facilities may not always be available nearby, especially in temple areas.
●Public transport will be used, so young children should be comfortable with short train/bus rides.
◎This tour can be made wheelchair-friendly, but some locations have stairs, slopes, or uneven paths. If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, please let me know in advance, and I will adjust the route to ensure a smooth experience.
※If you have specific requests to make the tour more kid-friendly (e.g., shorter walking distances, extra snack stops, or fun hands-on activities), or wheelchair-friendly, just let me know!
Important message from the supplier
Depends on other schedule, I can be more flexible. I can be more flexible if can know the schedule before.
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 2024
About Tour Guide Kazue K.
Hello! My name is Kazu, a tour guide from Kyoto. I was born and raised here, studied in Osaka, and became fluent in English after studying abroad in Canada. My experience there made me appreciate Japan’s beauty and cultural differences, inspiring me to share Kyoto with people from around the world.
I started as a volunteer guide for friends but now work professionally to show more people Kyoto’s charm. On my tours, I’ll take you to great spots and share insights into Japanese culture, customs, and the unique mindset of Japanese people. I look forward to guiding you!
$199/ per group
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