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!
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!
$245/ per group