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?
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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
Robert S.
“Destination Kyoto”
At age 83, I recently had the wonderful adventure of exploring Kyoto on a three-day personalized tour, spending six hours a day with Jasmine. She crafted a thoughtful itinerary that seamlessly blended local insights with major sightseeing, while easily accommodating new explorations as they popped up along the way. Jasmine skillfully guided me through periods of rain and busy tourist crowds, while always finding the more serene, less-traveled spots. She is fully professional and keenly knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited. As a bonus, our lunches were at wonderful drop-in spots with the locals. Most highly recommended!
Guy B.
“Excellent All Around Tour”
Jasmine was an excellent tour guide. It was my small group’s first time in Japan at all and she not only gave us a great tour of Kyoto, but many good recommendations for other things to do on our trip, restaurants in the area, tourist trap identifications, and more. The tour itself was also very informative and great. I certainly recommend booking a tour with Jasmine!
Robert S.
“Lovely Tour with Jasmine”
We enjoyed a five-hour tour entitled "A Family Day in Kyoto" with Jasmine. She guided us to all of the major sights in the oldest part of Kyoto, including the Kiyomizu Dera Temple and the Yasaka Shrine. At the same time, Jasmine educated us on the tradition of Geisha and its importance in Japanese society and in Kyoto especially. Jasmine was sensitive to my wife's hearing issue and took pains to make sure she could hear. She also guided us to a fine restaurant for lunch and helped us shop. All in all, it was a perfect tour.
$235/ per group
More tours by Jasmine L.
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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
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A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
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A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
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Discover Gion: A Journey Through Time
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 after dark.
Discover Gion: A Journey Through Time
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Arashiyama: Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park, Tenryuji Temple
Escape the city and step into nature on this unforgettable Arashiyama adventure. Wander through Kyoto’s famous Bamboo Forest, feed snow monkeys at the Monkey Park, 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: Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park, Tenryuji Temple
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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The Old Heart of Kyoto: Gion & Higashiyama
Starting at the historic Minamiza Theatre, we’ll discover the timeless beauty of Gion and Higashiyama on foot! Stroll along the charming Shirakawa Canal and Tatsumi Bridge, visit the magnificent Chion-in Temple and peaceful Maruyama Park, then follow the scenic Nene-no-Michi to Kodaiji’s Rishodo and the iconic Yasaka Pagoda. Along the way, I’ll share Kyoto’s history, culture, and local stories. If time and energy allow, we’ll finish at either Kiyomizu-dera up the hill, or Kenninji Zen Temple.
The Old Heart of Kyoto: Gion & Higashiyama
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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
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Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
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A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
Daitoku-ji is a renowned Zen temple founded in 1315. During this visit, we will explore three to four of its 24 sub-temples that are open to the public. You will gain insight into Zen philosophy while enjoying serene gardens and traditional ink paintings, as well as an introduction to the tea ceremony rooted in Zen practice. Optional add-ons include a zazen meditation experience (subject to availability) and a Zen vegetarian lunch. Refresh yourself in the tranquil grounds.
A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
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