We will explore the East of Kyoto: rich in history, culture, and traditional architecture. This tour will cover some of the most famous sites of the ancient city — symbols of Kyoto that appear in the postcards.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hotel/ Kyoto Station
- We will meet at your accommodation (Kyoto exclusive) If you are staying in Osaka or Nara, we will meet at JR Kyoto Station.
Postcard #1 : Fushimi-Inari Shrine
Fushimi-Inari Taisha is famous for its 1000-torii gate passage on the sacred Mt.Inari. It hosts the God of Harvest Inari which the fox represents. We will discuss Shinto and the significance of the shrine while hiking on Mt. Inari, under vermilion red gates.
Postcard #2: Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple - The Temple of Pure Water - is a stunning architectural example of the 8th century and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kyoto. Perched on the mt. Otowa, the temple is a place of prayer for those who make wishes to Kannon - Goddess of Mercy. Beautiful cityscapes can be seen from the terraces of Kiyomizudera.
Postcard #3: Historic District
We will walk in the Historic District along the Higashiyama (eastern mountains). Down the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka slopes and on Nene's Path we will explore preserves streets that remind us of the feudal times. Shops, restaurants, and kyo-machiya (townhouses) offer a unique view into the lives of Kyoto people.
Lunch break
Postcard #4 : Gion
Gion is the Geisha District, preserving 4 of the main streets where geiko (=geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentice) work and live. We will walk in Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Miyagawacho, and Pontocho with the chance to meet a maiko on these streets.
End of tour on Shijo Street (Gion-Shijo Station)
We will end the tour on Shijo Street.
Ending Point
Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guidance Fee
Transportation during the tour (guide & guests)/ approx. 1000 yen per person
Entrance tickets (guide & guests)/ 500 yen per person
Meals
* 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.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
*This tour uses public transportation (train, tram, taxi, bus)
Sundays this tour only starts at 07:00AM~08:00AM.
Hello everyone!
My name is Ana. I am an experienced tour conductor who guides clients throughout Japan. I am Romanian and have been living in Japan for over 10 years.
I am versed in creating customized on-the-budget one-day and half-day tours for solo travelers, families, or groups.
Please allow me to show you the natural beauty, traditions, history and amazing food of KYOTO and NARA.
Feel free to contact me for a standard package OR a customized trip. I will put my best effort into meeting your needs and creating an amazing journey.
WELCOME TO JAPAN!
Eileen E.
“Two great days in Kyoto”
Ana was our guide for two days in Kyoto. She taught us a great deal about Japanese history and culture. She made excellent suggestions for meals and photographs and helped us navigate the crowds and the train system. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a guide in Kyoto.
Ana I.
Dear Eileen, Thank you for having me as a guide for your time in Kyoto. All four of you were great companions for discovering the city and chatting about Japanese history,culture and lifestyle. I am most grateful for meeting you all! All the best!
Gerald D.
“À great experience. An outstanding individual ”
It was an awesome experience. As a first time visitor to Kyoto, visiting the highly popular locations In Higashiyama ku including Kiyomizu dera, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka & Maruyama Park can be challenging and overcrowded. An early morning tour to beat the crowds makes lots of sense. Ana is one of few tour guides in the area that offers such a tour. She was kind, friendly, very professional & knowledgeable. In a very good way, it felt like time spent with an old friend than with a formal tour guide. Her knowledge of the historical context & her passion for the area is admirable For English speakers, she has great command of the language & speaks very clearly.
Ana I.
Dear Gerald, Thank you for the beautiful review. It was an absolute pleasure walking in the Historic District at sunrise with you. The conversation with you enriched my general knowledge and understanding of what visitors to Japan are experiencing in Kyoto. Thank you for your generosity and time. I wish you all the best!
Eileen E.
“Beautiful country - great guide!”
Ana was professional, well-informed, friendly and extremely helpful. We learned about the history and local culture while managing the crowds and the transportation system with Ana's help. It was a great tour of Kyoto!
Ana I.
Dear Eileen, thank you for your kind review. I enjoyed spending every moment with you and the group. Everyone's patience throughout the tour days was much appreciated. I wish you all safe travels back home!
$105/ per person