Short Relaxing Tour: Explore Gion and Temples
Step into the magic world of old Kyoto!
This 4-hour tour takes you through the heart of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods—perfect for first-time visitors. Stroll the charming streets of Gion, lined with beautiful wooden teahouses and learn about the geisha culture.
We’ll visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Zen Kodaiji Temple, and the 1000 year old Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, enjoy scenic views, traditional architecture, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
7-Eleven Higashioji Kiyomizu-michi
- 〒605-0855 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Tatsumicho, 112番
Kiyomizu Dera Temple
Famous temple with a huge wooden stage and stunning city views
Kodaiji Temple
Zen temple with pretty gardens, bamboo grove, and peaceful vibes.
Yasaka Pagoda Tower
A tall five-story pagoda that’s a Kyoto icon.
Yasui Kompiragu Shrine
Famous for its “power stone” that’s said to break bad ties and bring good relationships.
Hanami Koji
The heart of the Gion geisha district, known for its wooden teahouses and the chance to spot a geisha or maiko.
Yasaka Shrine
One of Kyoto’s most famous shrines, especially known for the Gion Festival. It’s lively and open day and night.
Ending Point
End in Yasaka Shrine
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75164/f0232b2d-487f-437c-82d2-7a2f7a2eb1fe.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
• Guide Fee
• Entrance tickets for Kiyomizu-dera temple
• Entrance tickets for Kodaiji Temple
• Hotel Pick Up
• Meals and drinks
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
About Tour Guide Jasmine L.
Hi, I’m Jasmine! I am a friendly, multilingual guide based in Kyoto.
My tours are perfect for families with children and easy-paced for elderly guests. I offer warm, personal experiences filled with fun stories, local delights, and hidden gems you won’t find in guidebooks. Let’s explore Kyoto together!
Reviews
Maile B.
“A lovely day filled with history and flexibility!”
Jasmine did a great job of communicating ahead of time all the logistics and answered all my questions. During the tour she was very knowledgeable and super friendly. We have younger children who aren’t from a walking city so Jasmine altered the day to fit the needs of our family. It was a wonderful tour and we highly recommend Jasmine!
Michael C.
“Jasmine is incredible!”
There are so many things to say about our tour, but let's start with what a wonderful person and guide Jasmine is. She is very personable and conscientious of your needs throughout the day, which is a long one and requires a lot of walking/stairs. It's impossible to see Kyoto in full in a single day, but the places you visit with her are perfect. The market is vibrant and full of food/ware vendors, and without her we'd have been lost or sucked into a tourist trap or ten. She cruises through it expertly and gets you to THE spots, some of which are quite unique. The information she provided about Gion and geisha history was just enough without the endless droning of a history professor that some guides pretend to be. The temple visits are great, but there are hidden gems she takes you to that make the tour that much better with fewer crowds. At the end of the day, she even bought us a gift and gave us dining recommendations! It was such a great tour; we highly recommend it, and I'd give Jasmine 10 stars if I could.
Martin D.
“Excellent day with Jasmine”
We had a wonderful time with Jasmine. Despite rain and jet-lagged kids, Jasmine was great in showing the key sites, and finding sugar and coffee breaks. Highly recommended!
$233/ per group
More tours by Jasmine L.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19122/802109b1-9bcd-4dd6-8524-e3f9878a3b45.jpeg)
A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
The Ultimate Kyoto Tour: Explore Kyoto’s top sights in just a few hours! We’ll visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, walk through the bamboo grove at Kodaiji, see a 1,000-year-old shrine, learn about Japanese geishas in Gion, and even have time for beautiful photos and shopping along the way. It’s a family-friendly tour for all ages, with a relaxing pace and scenic walk.
A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19195/2c5eebbe-3d96-48eb-95ec-b35563333399.jpeg)
A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
A perfect blend of taste and tradition—start with a delicious food tour at Nishiki Market, featuring 7 types of Japanese food (included in the price). Then stroll through the historic Gion district and visit iconic landmarks like the Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Kodaiji Temple. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience Kyoto’s culture, scenery, and flavors in one memorable day!
A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/b5bd75aa-f2d5-4976-862d-cafe45c18955.jpeg)
Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll
Discover the Secret Side of Gion Take a peaceful walk through Gion and explore quiet streets full of beauty and history. Learn all about geisha culture and the traditions of Kyoto in a fun and easy way. You might even see a real geisha! With lots of pretty spots for photos and an easy route for kids and older guests, this tour is a relaxing way to enjoy the magic of Kyoto.
Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19294/a7848872-4976-4f7c-812d-911c9da32c87.jpeg)
Arashiyama Tour with Scenic Boat Ride
Escape the city and step into nature on this unforgettable Arashiyama adventure. Wander through Kyoto’s famous Bamboo Forest, explore the peaceful Tenryu-ji Temple, shop for local treats, cross the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, and enjoy a scenic boat ride with seasonal views. A perfect mix of culture, nature, and fun—all in one trip!
Arashiyama Tour with Scenic Boat Ride
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21290/b3a280d3-b5d5-4de8-8c25-beadaa72194a.jpg)
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18650/1d8babde-bdf3-4148-b796-8e922ef39f10.jpg)
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/69610/c49801c3-752f-4733-905c-f0c443200719.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12587/a41a2c58-deb8-485a-8d44-7972c48293b3.jpg)
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/47276/806519d4-d314-43ca-93bc-a4fef8e6ce4e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22879/6de4ff9d-ddb1-4646-8374-66b0a23c102f.jpeg)
Kyoto Day Tour - Fushimi-Inari, Kiyomizu temple, Yasaka Shrine and Gion
Explore Kyoto's most iconic sites with a local guide! You'll Visit: ・Fushimi Inari - Thousands of vermillion torii gates ・Kiyomizu-dera - Stunning temple views ・Yasaka Shrine - Traditional spirituality ・Gion - Historic geisha district What to Expect: ・Cultural insights and stories that bring each site to life ・ Local knowledge, hidden details, and great photo opportunities Discover Kyoto's beauty and culture with me!
Kyoto Day Tour - Fushimi-Inari, Kiyomizu temple, Yasaka Shrine and Gion
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/97767/bd900e8e-3891-401e-b15f-508ac0abccc7.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/094ac183-f667-4a72-9cd5-3b226d49c12f.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/0efbfc9c-dd0e-4155-8b64-c98c50d98e8c.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/585bee0d-5bcc-4b5e-b55f-32cb0886a598.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/c5ecfc6f-720b-4e4a-8a33-0e6639d6cfce.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/d68d0110-49d1-4ccf-814a-5bf44a1241a7.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/ff9f0a21-8096-43ad-b8aa-5a9dd3672825.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/cbf25243-9aff-4648-b300-2158193c72a0.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/c94a9b71-b2a9-451f-86a3-05c83075c802.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/2760d3d0-8f66-477b-b24c-9942abc5cd0f.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/f7c0c9b6-ca1e-4244-bd8b-0a0f2aa4debb.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/52a905aa-15f4-418f-abc8-a1a7941362ab.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19196/3321f35a-209c-421b-8096-4c7a40c4693b.jpeg)