As a unique experience, let me guide you through Kyoto's protected Higashiyama District at sunrise. Away from the crowds of tourists, this short trip offers the chance for those interested in Japanese culture and history to experience the area at a peaceful and meditative pace.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Meeting
Hotel pick up
Kiyomizudera Temple
Let's visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site for a morning prayer, beautiful grounds, amazing cityscape and the nature sounds from Mt Otowa. The view of Kyoto at sunrise is unique, a one-of-a-kind memory.
Sanenzaka & Ninenzaka
These historic alleys are in a preserved area of Kyoto where we can pass by traditional Japanese houses. In the early hours, residents of the area can be seen attending to their businesses or starting the day with jogging and dog walking. It is a picture for those who are interested in the daily life of the Japanese people. Historical facts of the area will also be presented.
Yasaka Shrine
On our way to Yasaka Shrine, we will stop briefly at Maruyama Park for morning photos. The views of the mountains are spectacular. After, we will visit Yasaka Shrine, the protective shrine of the Gion district.
Gion-Kobu (Hanamikoji Street & Gion Corner)
Have you ever wondered how the district of geiko (geisha) looks in the early morning? Along the small cobbled Hanamikoji street, we will see well-preserved tea houses (ochaya) or merchants' houses (machiya), and experience the uniqueness of the area.
Fushimi-Inari Shrine - The shrine with 10.000 Torii Gates
We will end our morning walk at Fushimi-Inari Shrine. We will walk through a 1,000 torii gate passage under the protective eyes of the god Inari represented by foxes. I will also help you choose souvenirs or buy delicious snacks from the local vendor at the entrance of the shrine.
End of the tour
Ending Point
Fushimi-Inari Shrine
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee
Hotel pick-up
Transportation fee
Entrance fee
Meals
Good walking shoes and folding umbrellas are needed as the trip includes slippery slopes and stairs and the weather is unpredictable.
Please keep in mind that this is an EXTRAORDINARY time to visit this historic protected area and that shops are NOT open. As we pass through residential areas, we will have to keep quiet in some parts.
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!
“Best of Kyoto Tour”
Had a great day trip in Kyoto with Ana. We had to change our date at the last minute due to illness and she was very accommodating to ensure our trip wasn't spoiled. Her english was great, and she was friendly, funny and highly knowledgeable about the various sites we visited (Kinka-kuji Golden Pavillion, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Fushimi Inari Shrine). We would definitely use Ana again if we manage to get back to Japan and would strongly recommend her to anyone seeking a guide in the Kyoto/Osaka area. Thanks again for making our family trip so enjoyable Ana and we hope you enjoyed the NZ chocolate. Steve, Michele and Liam Armstrong
Ana I.
Dear Steve, Michele and Liam - Thank you for your warmth, kindness and patience on the tour. I had a blast showing you Kyoto and sharing stories with you all. Your gift was delicious and well enjoyed every morning with a nice cup of coffee. I wish you a wonderful end of year and much health to everyone! Thank you for the beautiful review!
“Amazing Tour through Kyoto”
Ana guided us so well through all the interesting and also less crowded places in Kyoto. She planned everything so well, oftentimes we would see masses of people coming to places that we were just about to leave, so just in time. What I found really incredible is that she even go to the vegan place beforehard to try it out, just because she didn't want to go with us anywhere that she didn't know beforehand! Thank you so much for the amazing day Ana!
Ana I.
Dear Mats, Thank you for the beautiful review!! I had lots of fun walking through Kyoto with you and Alexandra. I have learned how to improve my tours, thanks to you! I am very grateful for your questions and opinions. I wish you much health and safe travels!
“The best of Kyoto”
I want to thank Ana for touring us around this beautiful city. She made us feel like family and is very knowledgeable and really the best tour guide I have ever had. Ana took us all over Kyoto and Nara, we had some amazing food, saw the most incredible temples, even got see few geisha. I can't thank Ana enough for making my trip so great. I would recommend her to anyone coming to Kyoto, she is the best. Thank you.
Ana I.
Dear Daniel, thank you for the kind words. Your passion for Japan and interest in deeply understanding the culture and its society was refreshing. I greatly enjoyed walking in Kyoto and Nara with you both. May your efforts bring you back to Japan with the same energy soon. All the best and thank you!!
$162/ per group