Explore Kyoto’s highlights in just 3-4 hours!
I’ll share insights on history, culture, and Japan’s unique traditions throughout the tour!
[Note] On Sundays this tour only starts from between 9:00 or 9:30.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Keihan Gion Shijyo station
- Keihan Gion Shijyo station **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 up to 5000 yen depending on the location. Please provide your hotel name and address in advance.
Yasaka-no-Tō (Hōkan-ji Temple) 八坂の塔(法観寺)
Yasaka-no-Tō (Hōkan-ji Temple) is a pagoda in Higashiyama. It is said to have been originally built in 592 AD by Prince Shōtoku and was reconstructed in 1440 (Muromachi period). The pagoda is a landmark of Kyoto, and visitors can enter and climb it during special openings. Located near Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera, it offers a perfect blend of history and traditional scenery.
Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka (二年坂&三年坂)
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka – Kyoto’s Historic Streets
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are two beautifully preserved stone-paved streets leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Lined with traditional wooden buildings, teahouses, and souvenir shops, they offer a glimpse into Kyoto’s past. Both streets are perfect for strolling, taking photos, and experiencing Kyoto’s timeless beauty.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple(清水寺)
Enjoy breathtaking views of Kyoto from this historic temple’s wooden stage. Learn about its Buddhist heritage and the pure water of Otowa Falls.
Gion District (祇園)
Stroll through Kyoto’s famous geisha(芸者) district, where traditional teahouses and wooden machiya buildings preserve Kyoto’s old-world charm.
Nishiki market (錦市場)
I will show you Nishiki market also you have have lunch or eat some food there!
Ending Point
Nishiki Market
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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.
◎Guided tour with cultural and historical insights
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.
◎Interesting discussions about Japan’s traditions and cultural differences
◎Some ideas and advices for another days - How to spend time in Japan/Kyoto/Osaka (Where to go, What to eat, What to do)
×Transportation fees (Bus and Train)
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.
×Taxi fees
You can choose taxi to save money.
×Meals and drinks (you and your guide)
×Entrance fees (you and your guide)
Some temples and shrines along the tour are free to visit, but many temples and gardens charge an entrance fee ranging from ¥500–¥1000.
For example:
Nijyo custle: ¥1300
Kiyomizu Temple: ¥400
Tofukuji Temple: ¥1000
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion): ¥500
●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!
On Sundays this tour only start from between 9:00 or 9:30.
Depends on other schedule, I can be more flexible. I can be more flexible if can know the schedule before.
Hi, I’m Kaz, a tour guide from Kyoto. I was born and raised here, studied in Osaka, and became fluent in English after studying abroad in Canada. Living in Canada taught me how fun and meaningful it is to discover different cultures and ways of thinking.
Kyoto is my hometown, and of course it’s beautiful—but I think it becomes even more special when we notice the differences between cultures. Seeing things from different perspectives always makes me feel amazed and curious again.
On my tours, I love sharing not just Kyoto’s famous spots, but also local stories, daily life, and the unique mindset of Japanese people. I really enjoy talking and learning from my guests too. Let’s explore Kyoto together and find the beauty in our differences!
Larry C.
“Kazue K knows Kyoto! Fun to be with!”
Kazue K is a delightful young woman who gave us a marvelous introduction to Kyoto, a very large city. She took us on a long walk up a lovely stone path to a famous temple, the “cricket” temple. At the bottom of the road, we saw many kimono rental shops, and at the temple, many women in full kimono dress. A middle-aged monk gave a talk (in Japanese, of course) that must have been hilarious, since the audience of nearly a hundred periodically broke out in delighted laughter. Afterwards, Kazue took us to another very small temple in a magnificently towering bamboo grove, a stunning sight. Back on the streets of Kyoto, she helped us choose a variety of kimonos to take home as gifts. She also took us to a charmingly atmospheric coffee house for a quick lunch, and in the evening to a famous restaurant for a delicious Japanese meal. Kazue packed so many events into one day, and yet we moved at a reasonable pace and at the end of the day were refreshed, rather than tired. Kazue is an utterly charming person whose knowledge of Kyoto and Japanese culture left us much more knowledgeable at the end of just one day. We had a wonderful experience of Kyoto with Kazue and give her our highest recommendation. Thank you, Kazue, for everything! We hope to see you again someday. Margaret & Larry
James H.
“Private family tour of Kyoto”
Kaz was a delightful host. Our family had a lovely day wandering the temples, shrines and streets of Kyoto on our private tour. She helped us to customise our itinerary to fit in the sights we were keen to see and advise on what was realistic in 8 hours. We saw the main sites together into which she gave an interesting insight and also an insight into general Japanese life. Thank you!
Michael C.
“Delightful day in Nara!”
When spending a few days in Nara we were fortunate to book Kazue for her Tales of Nara tour. Her tour not only took us to all the main attractions, which were awesome, but she led us on a beautiful stroll through the forest to visit several smaller shrines away from the crowds. She also took us to a less visited but extremely important Temple in the heart of Nara. She was professional, relaxed, easy to communicate with in English and accommodating to our interests and willing to go with the flow. Highly recommend!
$261/ per group
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