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Kyoto West Heritage Walk – From Golden Pavilion to Arashiyama’s Timeless Beauty

Kyoto West Heritage Walk – From Golden Pavilion to Arashiyama’s Timeless Beauty

Day Trip

Joined 2025

Issei Y.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English, Japanese (Native)

6 hours

Private tour (only you and Issei Y.)

Up to 15 people

Discover Kyoto’s serene western side, where ancient temples, Zen gardens, and scenic riverside views unfold in harmony. This private walking tour takes you from the iconic Golden Pavilion to the peaceful bamboo groves of Arashiyama, immersing you in the quiet elegance that defines Kyoto’s spiritual heart.

Itinerary

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

10:00 AM

Meeting Point

Your Hotel Lobby (Kyoto City Area)

- Your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby and begin the tour from there. Transportation between sites will be by taxi or public transport, depending on distance and weather.

10:30 AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Start your journey with Kyoto’s most iconic landmark. The Golden Pavilion reflects gracefully on its pond — a symbol of refined beauty and Zen philosophy from the Muromachi period.

11:30 AM

Ryoan-ji Zen Rock Garden

Admire Japan’s most famous rock garden, known for its mysterious arrangement of 15 stones that can never be seen all at once. A meditative experience that captures the spirit of Kyoto’s simplicity and balance.

12:30 PM

Kyoto-style Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Savor a Kyoto-style lunch — yuba (tofu skin), seasonal vegetables, and delicate tempura — at a traditional restaurant near Ryoan-ji or Arashiyama.

01:30 PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge

Wander through the ethereal bamboo forest and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from Togetsukyo Bridge. Optionally, visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before concluding the tour.

Ending Point

Your Hotel (Kyoto City Area)

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

・Friendly local English-speaking guide

・Fully customizable itinerary

・Hotel pick-up

What‘s not included

・Transportation fees: Around ¥2,000 per person per day if using local trains or buses in Kyoto.

・Lunch: Depending on your preferences, approximately ¥2,000–¥3,000 per person (including the guide’s meal).

・Personal expenses: Snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.

Tour Important Information

・The tour will proceed even in case of rain.

・Please wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.

・Some locations we visit may not accept credit cards, so please bring some cash.

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

Issei Y.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Issei Y.

Hello everyone!

My name is Issei, and I was born and raised in Japan. During my university years, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Canada, where I spent a year living in Vancouver. The experience of studying and living in such a multicultural city was truly eye-opening—it gave me a deep appreciation for different perspectives and the joy of connecting with people from all around the world.

The kindness and hospitality I received in Canada inspired me to become a guide who can offer the same warmth to visitors in Japan. As your guide, my goal is not only to show you beautiful sights, but also to create authentic experiences where you can feel Japan—its traditions, its modern life, and its hidden gems.

Through my tours, I strive to go beyond ordinary sightseeing. Whether it’s exploring vibrant city streets, tasting local flavors, or experiencing unique cultural traditions, I want to make your journey in Japan truly special and unforgettable.

I look forward to welcoming you and sharing the heart of Japan together.