Meeting Point

Hotel/ 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)