- USD ($)
- Wishlists
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions
Scenic historical streets without rushing
Ideal photo opportunities
A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kyoto station or in front of the Yasaka Shrine
- it’s very easy to get to Kyoto from either Osaka or Nara. You can take the Kintetsu Line or JR Line directly to Kyoto Station.
Rokudo Shrine
A legendary gateway to the “Six Realms of Rebirth.”
Rokudō Chinno-ji, often called Rokudo no Tsuji, is a small yet historically significant temple in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Known as the place where spirits were believed to pass into the afterlife, it has long been associated with rituals for honoring ancestors and guiding souls.
Visitors come to see its unique atmosphere, traditional wooden halls, and the famous “Bell of the Underworld,” which was used to call back wandering spirits.
Kiyomizu-dera
A UNESCO World Heritage temple famous for its wooden terrace overlooking Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, known for its massive wooden stage that offers sweeping views of the city. Founded in 778, the temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, and features beautiful pagodas, sacred springs, and scenic walking paths. It’s especially stunning during cherry blossom and autumn seasons.
Lunch Time
Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at a historic Kyoto restaurant with over 100 years of history.
Yasaka Shrine
One of Kyoto’s most iconic Shinto shrines, famous for festivals and spiritual traditions.
Yasaka Shrine, located at the entrance of Gion, is known for its bright vermilion gates and its role as the host of the famous Gion Festival. Visitors come to pray for good fortune, enjoy the serene shrine grounds, and experience Kyoto’s living Shinto culture.
Hanamikoji Street Gion
The heart of Kyoto’s historic geisha district, Gion.
Hanamikoji Street is a picturesque street in Gion, lined with traditional wooden machiya houses and teahouses. It’s famous for its elegant atmosphere and the chance to spot geisha or maiko walking to their appointments. A perfect place to experience the charm of old Kyoto.
Ending Point
Gion Shopping street.
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Entrence tickets
Lunch
personal expense
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is wheelchair accessible.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Important message from the supplier
I can guide you in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka if you pay my transportation fee.
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
About Tour Guide Akira F.
Hello, my name is Akira , and I am a private guide based in Kyoto. I specialize in creating customized tours that are tailored to your interests and travel style.
Kyoto is a city rich in history, culture, and hidden beauty, and I would love to share its charm with you. Whether you are interested in famous landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, exploring peaceful temples and gardens, or discovering local food and traditions, I will design a unique itinerary just for you.
My goal is to make your time in Kyoto not only enjoyable, but also meaningful and memorable. I look forward to guiding you and helping you experience Kyoto like a local.
Reviews
Sally H.
“Day in Osaka! Learning made easy with Akira! ”
We had such a fun time with Akira during our 3 days (Kyoto, Nara & Osaka) and would most definitely recommend him. Akira explained the differences about shrines and temples and their rituals in a way that was easy to understand and made our visit feel much more meaningful. He also shared such a lot of interesting information about Japanese culture and everyday behaviour. He thoroughly explained the fascinating history of Osaka Castle without overcomplicating it for us. We really appreciated being driven around Kyoto and Osaka in the comfort of his car. He was very kind and thoughtful in adapting to our needs. Akira took such great care of us, even offering invaluable help with our ongoing travels around Japan. His food recommendations were fab as I’m a ‘picky eater’. One of the best tour guides we have ever experienced worldwide! He made us feel very special. Thank you so much Akira! We highly recommend you!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
Akira F.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I truly enjoyed the three days we spent together, and I feel that our journey became a meaningful learning experience for all of us. Kyoto and Nara offered you so much history and inspiration, and the final day in Osaka was especially memorable. We shared joyful moments, visited Osaka’s oldest temple, tasted your first traditional okonomiyaki, and experienced the warmth, humor, and energy of the people of Osaka. I hope you will always remember Osaka—and also remember Akira—and that these memories will stay with you for a long time. I sincerely look forward to the chance to meet you again in Japan someday. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Regards Akira! Arigatougozaimasu!
Sally H.
“Highlight of our trip so far!”
One of the best tours we have ever done. Akira brings history to life with his fantastic knowledge, energy and passion. He knows just where to take the most awesome photos and cleverly kept us ahead of the crowds. He videoed us feeding the bowing deer of Nara… In a word…. SPECTACULAR! Thank you Akira!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
Akira F.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share the joy of Nara with you, to introduce its friendly deer, and to present the charm of Japan’s most ancient capital. We learned a lot, enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, and spent delightful moments with the deer together. I truly hope that, through my guidance, Nara has left a special and lasting impression on you both. I would be very happy to welcome you back to experience the beauty of this city again. Thank you!
Sally H.
“Best tour guide in Kyoto!”
Akira was an incredible tour guide, very professional but so warm and accommodating, with a lovely sense of humour. He made us feel very welcome and at ease. His superb historical knowledge of Japan and the Emperor and Samurai brought Kyoto alive for us. We were totally enthralled for 8 hours. He is just simply the best! Totally and unreservedly recommend! You won’t be disappointed!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
Akira F.
Thank you very much for your kind review. It was truly my pleasure to be your guide in Kyoto, to share enjoyable moments with you, and to introduce the beauty and history of this ancient city. I sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing me, and I hope to have the opportunity to serve you again in the future. Thank you!
$307/ per group
More tours by Akira F.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20392/971b3b7a-2e83-4d2a-90b9-ce77e6bd0346.jpeg)
Private Kyoto Customizable Day Trip With A Local
Discover the wonders of Kyoto in a day, without having to do any research, thanks to this hassle-free private tour. To help you feel like a VIP, the route is customized to suit your interests and preferences—something you wouldn’t get on a bus tour. Potential stops on the tour include some of Kyoto's most well-known attractions such as Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama bamboo groves.Slow down and discover Kyoto at a leisurely pace with a Luxury car tour.
Private Kyoto Customizable Day Trip With A Local
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20399/0e54ba42-4d29-428b-8bf7-c170d6de1aab.jpg)
Osaka full day Private Customizable Tour With A Private Car
Explore Osaka in Style and Comfort!Embark on an extraordinary private day trip in Osaka, tailored just for you.Craft your day's adventure as I customize the itinerary to align with your interests and desires. Explore iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle, Shitenno-ji Temple, Kuchu Teien Observatory, and the vibrant Dotonbori district. This exclusive journey is entirely flexible, allowing us to adapt the schedule based on your preferences.Bid farewell to crowded public transportation.
Osaka full day Private Customizable Tour With A Private Car
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20396/d5fa7cb5-ac2a-4f08-b9a6-c8453a53c482.jpg)
Nara historical walking Tours(half day)
Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destination, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, Todaiji - Temple, kasura shrine. And local Conners !
Nara historical walking Tours(half day)
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18650/1d8babde-bdf3-4148-b796-8e922ef39f10.jpg)
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/69610/c49801c3-752f-4733-905c-f0c443200719.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12587/a41a2c58-deb8-485a-8d44-7972c48293b3.jpg)
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/47276/806519d4-d314-43ca-93bc-a4fef8e6ce4e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21950/790d7125-8def-4560-baf5-327cef9ed9d3.jpg)
Northern Kyoto with UNESCO Sites
This tour takes you through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama bamboo forest, and Tenryū-ji, famous for a Zen landscape garden with a pond. You will also visit the ancient Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines, sacred sites nestled in nature that reveal the spiritual heart of Kyoto. Blending history, architecture, and tranquil landscapes, this experience offers a perfect balance of Kyoto’s beauty, tradition, and quiet wonder.
Northern Kyoto with UNESCO Sites
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/91235/9f5976e8-e119-44e8-83ac-7f7dceefd7ed.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17360/cc1ab6a7-dcb9-4099-8358-8ad0b3173e95.jpg)
Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple
Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Take a 3km walk around the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountain Range, visiting shrines and temples along the path. Starting at Seikanji Temple on Mt. Kiyomizu (242m height), follow the Uta-no-Nakayama Road to Kiyomizu-dera. Then, go through Sanneizaka and Nene-no-michi, and reach Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we can feel old stories of tragic love while enjoying panoramic views of the Kyoto cityscape.
Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/61875/d7d4e207-5e4f-476f-811a-dbd7043e46b1.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21290/b3a280d3-b5d5-4de8-8c25-beadaa72194a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21290/8d11c966-fe65-4283-b9d8-c3023022b621.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21290/a75482d2-bfe2-43d3-a63c-88dc16c4660c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21290/55e4fc96-72af-4fa4-877c-a72054e65744.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21290/e5cd1658-03d0-4f9a-bd8a-649dd194d378.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21290/8f50719a-bece-4ce8-a526-14cf6c086ca6.jpg)