Kyoto Half-Day Cultural Tour (4 Hours)
Joined 2024
Explore Kyoto’s highlights in just 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.
Itinerary
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
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 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
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!
On Sundays this tour only start from between 9:00 or 9:30.
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!
Reviews
Pedro C.
“A Personalized walk around Kyoto!”
We had the pleasure of exploring Kyoto with Kazue as our guide, and it was a truly enjoyable and memorable experience. From the start, she was friendly, attentive, and genuinely interested in making the tour suit our interests. Kazue crafted a personalized itinerary that took us beyond the usual tourist spots. We visited quiet, lesser-known temples that allowed us to appreciate a more peaceful and authentic side of Kyoto. Along the way, we had meaningful encounters with local people — moments that added a special, personal touch to the day. Despite having only four hours, the tour felt rich and unhurried, giving us a genuine glimpse into the city’s culture and charm. If you’re looking for a more intimate, well-curated experience of Kyoto, we’d definitely recommend a tour with Kazue.
Kazue K.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful message. It truly made my day! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that it became a special part of your honeymoon. It was such a pleasure spending time with you both and showing you a quieter, more peaceful side of Kyoto. The unexpected moment with the kind man floating flowers in the stream was so touching --- I think I will always remember of you two when I go to there. Thank you again for letting me be part of such a special time in your honeymoon. Wishing you both lots of love, happiness, and many more adventures together! I hope we sometimes meet somewhere in the world like you two had just randomly meet your ild friends in Kyoto. Thank you very much!
Kristen V.
“Great time with Kaz! ”
Taking a tour with Kaz was so informative and fun. She gave us details that we wouldn’t have found out about had we gone on our own. She helped us to decipher our Omikuji, which we got lucky! And she took us to places to eat the local food and learn more about Japanese culture. It was such a pleasure hanging out with Kaz that I hope one day we will meet again. Thank you, Kaz, for making our time so special in Kyoto!
Kazue K.
Thank you very much, Kristen! I had a great time too — it was really fun! It was also really nice to talk about so many things, not only the history and culture of Kyoto, but also many other things from around the world. I was also really interested to hear your stories about your job, your history and your family. Also, Thank you so much for teaching me so much while we were eating matcha ice cream! I really hope to meet you again someday, either in Japan or in America. Thank you very much!
Lisa M.
“Wonderful day!”
Kazue was a great hostess for us on our introductory day in Kyoto during the cherry blossom period. She deftly steered us through town to some of the major sites (Fushimi Inari Shrine, Ryoanji Temple, Golden Temple and Gion) and adapted to our changing whims for other the beaten path arcades and streets when the sheer number of tourists in certain areas became overwhelming. The day was a great mix of culture, religion, history and food, which made us that much more comfortable taking on the city on our own in the days that followed. Kazue is lovely and our day with her was very pleasant. Enjoy!
$207/ per group
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