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Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, 2 Zen temples, Nishiki Market & Gion—experience it all in one day!

Golden Pavilion

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market

Pound with reflection

Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, 2 Zen temples, Nishiki Market & Gion—experience it all in one day!

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2024

Akari Y.

5.00 / 5

(2 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

Chinese (Simplified), English, Japanese (Native)

6 hours

Private tour (only you and Akari Y.)

Up to 8 people

Enjoy a full-day Kyoto tour of its highlights.

Start at Ryoan-ji, walking through the famous Zen rock garden.

Next, visit Kinkaku-ji to see the Golden Pavilion reflected in the pond.

Explore lively Nishiki Market and sample local specialties,

then stroll along Hanamikoji Street in Gion to enjoy the historic streetscape.

Finish at Kennin-ji, relaxing in its serene Zen gardens.

Experience Kyoto’s history, culture, and cuisine—all in one unforgettable day!

Itinerary

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

08:30 AM

Meeting Point

Kyoto station

- Meeting Points at Kyoto Station: 1, Starbucks Coffee, JR Kyoto Station, Shinkansen Central Exit 2, JR Kyoto Station, Central Exit If you would like a hotel pickup instead, please let us know your hotel name.

Ryoan-ji /Zen temple

Ryoan-ji is a Zen temple built in the 15th century, famous for its rock garden. The garden has 15 stones carefully arranged on white gravel, and from any one angle, you can never see all the stones at once. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it one of Kyoto’s most popular and unique attractions.

Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, was built in the 14th century by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Its top floors are covered in gold leaf, shining brilliantly above the pond. With its beautiful seasonal gardens, it is one of Kyoto’s most popular and iconic sights.

Entrance of Nishiki Market

Known as Kyoto's kitchen, this bustling market is a feast for the senses, offering local delicacies, fresh produce, and traditional crafts. It's the perfect place to experience Kyoto's culinary and cultural diversity.

Explore the charming streets of Gion

Gion is one of Kyoto’s most famous historic districts, lined with traditional wooden townhouses and tea houses. Walking along Hanamikoji Street, you can soak in the charming atmosphere and experience the essence of Kyoto’s culture.

Kenjinji is one of the oldest Zen temples in Kyoto.

Kennin-ji, founded in 1202 by the monk Eisai, is one of the oldest Zen temples in Kyoto. Located near Gion, it’s known for the Wind and Thunder Gods screens and the impressive Twin Dragons ceiling painting. The quiet gardens also let you feel the spirit of Zen.

Ending Point

At your request

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 and hospitality

What‘s not included

Public Transportation Expenses: Approximately JPY 1,300 per person

Admission Fees (per person):

Ryoan-ji: JPY 500

Kinkaku-ji: JPY 500

Kennin-ji: JPY 800

Food and Drinks:

Lunch is approximately JPY 2,000 per person (for both you and your guide).

Please note that admission fees, transportation costs, and the guide’s lunch are to be covered by guests. We kindly ask you to have cash ready for payment at each location. Thank you for your understanding.

Tour Important Information

* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Important message from the supplier

Transportation fee and lunch fee for yourself ans the guide will be paid by the customer.

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

Akari Y.

5.00 / 5

(2 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Akari Y.

I have started guiding in the Kansai area since 2023. I am passionate about introducing the history of Japan.

I am happy to introduce guests from overseas to the Japanese culture established by our predecessors.

I will introduce Japanese culture, food, cuisine, sake, nature, manga, spiritual culture, history, Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendo, pilgrimage paths, and other topics of interest.

Let me introduce myself. I was born in Osaka and grew up in Osaka and Kyoto. I have lived in the U.S., China, and Australia when I was young.

Reviews

Eduardo V.

5 / 5

May 31, 2025

Sacred Nara: Private Tour of Temples, Deer, and Daily Life

May 31, 2025

Nara

4 hours

Customized

“Nara Best tour”

Amazing tour, she was really Nice with us, we visit the Best things in Nara, the explain of the temples,park,shrine,gardens ,all is really good, thanks for an amazing day

Akari Y.

Thank you so much for your lovely message! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour in Nara — it was a pleasure meeting you. It’s amazing that your love for anime, especially Dragon Ball, brought you from Mexico to Japan! I grew up with Dragon Ball, too, so I understand how special it is. Seeing Japan through the eyes of an anime fan makes the experience even more exciting. I hope you're having a great time in Osaka now! Maybe you'll find something there that reminds you of Dragon Ball — like powerful energy, cool spots that feel like they came out of the show, or even some fun merchandise! And don’t forget to try takoyaki and okonomiyaki too. :) If you ever come back to Japan, please visit Osaka again — I’d love to see you all! Have an awesome adventure just like Goku’s, and enjoy the rest of your trip! Best wishes, Akari Yamaguchi

Jay Z.

5 / 5

Apr 8, 2025

Halfday Private Tour Osaka castle & Gastronomy: A Street Food Expedition at Korean Town

Apr 8, 2025

Osaka

4 hours

“Fun Historic Tour”

Great and enthusiastic guide! She brought us to Korea town and the museum of housing and living. On the way, she talked about the history of Japan’s culture and religious history and I found it interesting. It is clear she is passionate about Japan’s rich history and loves to share it with the world. Thanks Akari!

Akari Y.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for joining me your special day for two of you. It was truly a pleasure to guide you through the Korean Market, and I thoroughly enjoyed introduce Japanese history. Exploring Korean Market together and diving into local fish Market and its rich cultural stories was such a rewarding experience, especially when we had the chance to meet and talk to some local Market lady and try whale skin along the way. Your curiosity and interest made the morning even more enjoyable, and I hope you took away some memorable insights about this vibrant city. It’s always wonderful to share a deeper understanding of Japan's past and present with fellow people like you. Should you ever return to Osaka, I’d be happy to show you more hidden gems of the city! Wishing you safe travels and hope our paths cross again soon. Than you very much Jay and Z