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Kyoto Highlights – A Journey Through Timeless Beauty

Fushimi-Inari – Romon gate or two-stored gate

Fushimi-Inari – Messenger fox with a key in mouth

Fushimi-Inari – Worship hall

Fushimi-Inari – Main hall

Fushimi-Inari – One thousand torii gate

Fushimi-Inari – Stone of future-telling

Fushimi-Inari – Good luck pine tree for investors

Fushimi-Inari – Tunnel of large size Torii gates

Nijojo – Higashi-Otemon gate or Main entrance

Nijojo – Beautifully decorated Karamon gate

Ninomaru palace and famous Japanese garden

Nijojo – Castle moat, garden and buildings

Nijojo– Seiryuen Japanese garden in autumn foliage

Golden pavilion– A mirror of pavilion on the water

Golden pavilion –Pine tree planted by the Shogun

Golden pavilion – Black fishing house on the right

Golden pavilion – Golden phoenix at the rooftop

Tenryuji-temple – Hojo or Abbot’s residence

Gaden designed by priest Musososeki

Tenryuji-temple – Kannon statue for peaceful world

Tenryuji-temple – Pristine autumn foliage

A path through deep bamboo grove

Nonomiya shrine – Many wish for matchmaking

Nonomiya shrine – Deity for wealth and safety

Beautiful senary from Arashiyama Togetsukyo bridge

Kyoto Highlights – A Journey Through Timeless Beauty

Highlights

Joined 2025

Fuji S.

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Kyoto

English, Japanese (Native)

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Fuji S.)

Up to 6 people

Discover Kyoto’s most iconic and unforgettable sights in a single day. Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour takes you to four must-see destinations:

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Arashiyama Bamboo

We travel comfortably by public transportation, allowing you to experience Kyoto like a local.

Join us to explore the traditional heart of Japan—where history, nature, and beauty come alive.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:30 AM

Meeting Point

Lobby at your hotel at central area of Kyoto city

09:30 AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine – Kyoto’s Icon of Endless Torii Gates

The shrine is famous for its thousands of bright orange torii gates.

This shrine honors the deity of good harvests and prosperous business, and serves as the head shrine of over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan. With around 10,000 torii gates lining the trails, it offers a magical walking experience and a powerful glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heritage.

11:00 AM

Nijo-jo Castle: A Glimpse into Shogun Power and Beauty

Nijo-jo Castle is one of Kyoto’s most famous and impressive landmarks. Built during the Edo Period, it reflects the strength and authority of the Shoguns. Inside, you can explore the elegant Ninomaru Palace, known for its “nightingale floors” that chirp as you walk and for its stunning wall paintings by master artists of the Kano school.

The castle grounds also feature a breathtaking Japanese garden, with graceful pine trees, a peaceful pond, and carefully arranged stones. It’s considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Kyoto.

01:30 PM

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion): Kyoto’s Shining Icon

One of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, Kinkaku-ji—the Golden Pavilion—is a breathtaking Zen temple covered in brilliant gold leaf, shimmering above a tranquil reflecting pond. Originally built in the 14th century as a shogun’s retirement villa, it was later transformed into a temple and has become a symbol of Kyoto’s timeless beauty.

03:00 PM

ArashiyamaTenryu-ji Temple - Zen Serenity in Arashiyama

Tenryu-ji is a UNESCO Site and one of the most important temples of the Rinzai Zen sect.

The temple carries deep historical and spiritual significance with beautiful pond-centered landscape garden built in 14th century, harmonizing water, rocks, and borrowed scenery from the surrounding mountains. It’s especially magical in autumn, when fiery maple leaves reflect in the still waters.

03:40 PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A Walk Through Living Poetry

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offers a magical escape into nature and tradition. As you step into the forest, you're surrounded by thousands of tall bamboo stalks, creating a serene, dreamlike atmosphere. It’s a favorite spot for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the gentle spirit of Kyoto.

04:00 PM

Nonomiya Shrine - Popular for matchmaking and fertility blessings

The shrine is popular among visitors—especially women—who come to pray for good relationships, safe childbirth, and academic success. It’s a lovely place to pause during a walk through the bamboo forest, offering a moment of serenity and connection to Japan’s poetic past.

Ending Point

train station in Kyoto

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

What‘s included

Guide fee

Hotel pick up

What‘s not included

Admission fee : Nijo-jo castle;1300yen, Golden pavilion;500yen,

Tenryuji temple;800yen

Public transportation cost: approx. 1500yen

Lunch cost

Travel insurance

Tour Important Information

To help you enjoy your day smoothly and comfortably, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use an IC Card for Transportation

We’ll be using trains and buses during the tour. IC cards like Icoca or Suica make travel much easier—you won’t need to buy a ticket each time. You can purchase an IC card at most train stations, and it can also be used in other cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

• Wear Comfortable, Easy-to-Remove Shoes

When entering castles, temples, or shrines, you may be asked to take off your shoes. Please wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on. Also, we’ll be walking a lot—possibly more than 20,000 steps—so comfortable walking shoes are essential.

• Weather Considerations

If the weather is very bad, we’ll adjust the schedule and offer an alternative plan to ensure your comfort and safety.

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 2025

Fuji S.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Fuji S.

Hello I am Fuji. I am living in Kyoto city for more than 30years and a certified guide of Kyoto city.

I have an appreciation for nature and culture, which leads me to explore the outdoors through hiking and occasionally visit temples and shrines to experience the history and traditions. Also, I truly enjoy meeting new people and learning from their stories. I look forward to sharing my love for nature, culture, and travel with visitors. Let’s explore the wonders of the Kyoto city together.