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
Steffen F.
“Family sightseeing in Kyoto on a hot summer day”
We had a fantastic day with Kaz visiting some of Kyoto‘s most exciting sites like Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sanjusangendo Temple. Kaz was very knowledgeable about the sites and Kyoto history and made the tour an excellent experience for the whole family. My teenage daughters enjoyed hearing about contemporary Japanese culture along the way. It was a hot day and she allowed for plenty of refreshment stops and a tasty lunch. We also managed to sample some local specialties. To finish it all off at the end of the day she shared some tips about Gion and local restaurants with us. Altogether a brilliant day for the whole family. We highly recommend a tour in Kyoto with Kaz. Steffen, Anna, Amelia & Phoebe, London, UK
Laura K.
“Wanted more of a Guide, Got a local who speaks English”
I was looking for more a guide led experience, where she would tell us about the sights we were visiting and other interesting things about Japanese culture. I did get a few stories but I would have liked more. It felt more like I had a local who speaks English for companionship.
Kazue K.
Dear Laura, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your honest feedback. I truly appreciate your thoughts and am sorry to hear that the tour did not fully meet your expectations. During the tour, we had many conversations about cultural differences between Japan and other countries, and I truly enjoyed discussing these topics with you. I thought we were sharing and enjoying those cultural exchanges together throughout the day. However, I completely understand that you were expecting a more structured, guide-led experience with more detailed information about the sights. Your comments are very helpful, and I will sincerely take them as a chance to improve my tours. I will make sure to provide more stories and cultural insights for my future guests, so they can enjoy a deeper and more informative experience. Still, I hope you enjoyed some parts of Kyoto and had memorable moments from the day. Thank you again for your valuable feedback, and I would be happy to welcome you again if you ever return to Kyoto.
Megan M.
“We had a perfect day! Highly recommend Kaz!”
Thank you Kaz for our perfect day. This was our first visit to Kyoto and our fifth/last day. We wanted to visit Rokuon-ji Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion) but we also wanted to see some different things with a more local experience. Kaz was so patient with us as we decided on our day and then she found us the most wonderful little art gallery, textile museum and coffee place. We enjoyed her company so much that by the time we were strolling through shopping arcades after lunch, we were chatting like old friends. A perfect day to end our stay in Kyoto and we learned a lot about this beautiful city. A memorable day for us!
$273/ per group
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