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The Old Heart of Kyoto: Gion & Higashiyama

Autumn sure is the best time to be here!

Kyoto's landmark, Yasaka Pagoda

grand dragon painting at Kenninji

The Old Heart of Kyoto: Gion & Higashiyama

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2026

Shohei T.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English (Native), Japanese (Native)

3 hours

Private tour (only you and Shohei T.)

Up to 6 people

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.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:30 AM

Meeting Point

Minamiza Theatre

- historic Kabuki theatre, meet at the front entrance by the big lanterns

Chionin Temple and Maruyama Park

The beautiful highlights of this area in Higashiyama beyond Gion,,, Reaching this beautiful POI via walking thru Gion and Shirakawa ally, Chionin temple is the head-quater Temple of Jodoshu group, one of the biggest group in Japanese Buddhism

right next to this is the oldest public park in Kyotom the Maruyama Park, also designated as a national scenic site

Nene's Ally and up the Kodaiji premise, walking into Rishodo Hall

Nene's ally is one of Kyoto's building preservation area. Going up the stairs, we can see some bamboos before reaching the Kodaiji Temple built by Nene, commemorating her late husband, the great shogun Toyotomi. Would also recommend visiting the Rishodo Hall to appreciate the prayer hall with the grand Nirvana painting

Tea Break

there are many local (and hidden) matcha and coffee places and it is not worth ignoring these places for a little rest!

Stroll around the Ninnenzaka Hill and see the Yasaka Pagoda

safe to say, the most famous and scenic shopping street in Kyoto. From there, comes the best view in town, the historic Yasaka Pagoda which is the oldest temple tour in Japana

Kiyomizu temple or Kenninji zen temple

last but not least, we will either go up the hill to the grand Kiyomizu temple,,, which safe to say the one of the most famous temple in Japan, known for it's magnificent view from the grand wood terrace,,, or we can go down the hill to be immersed in the zen garden at the oldest zen temple in Kyoto, Kenninji

(the choice does also depends on what time we start, due to the 2 POI's closing time)

Ending Point

Kenninji Temple or Kiyomizu temple (depending on the time we start this tour)

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

- private guide fee and customization

- entrance ticket to Kenninji Temple or Kiyomizu temple

-hotel pick up (if requested, but meeting at the theater is suggested to maximize our time)

What‘s not included

- snack/drink during our the break

Tour Important Information

* This tour involves a fair amount of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. (we will walk about 5km/3miles in total)

* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.

*This tour is more about history, religion, culture etc hence maybe not suited/entertaining for children (especially those younger than a teenager)

* Please have some cash for the tea break as some local places don't accept cards

Important message from the supplier

- Even though if the date you prefer is blocked/unavailable, that sometimes means I have another tour booked, hence I might have availability outside of those hours. So, please do CONTACT ME just in case!!!

- I DO NOT own a car and can't drive (Please set up a car and a driver if you want a tour with vehicle)

- I don't do food related tours,, but would love to share my list of good restaurants here!

- Not an expert on geisha culture, I don't do tours where you can set up a meeting with them.

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

Joined 2026

Shohei T.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Shohei T.

Hi, I’m Shohei — a professional guitarist, singer, and private guide based in Kyoto!

I was born in Japan but grew up in the city called Dublin, Ohio. My family moved there when I was 4yrs old because of my father’s was in the automotive industry. My passion for acoustic guitar led me to Boston, where I studied at Berklee College of Music. Since graduating in 2008, I’ve worked professionally as a musician, performing and teaching around the world and receiving several international awards in the acoustic fingerstyle guitar genre.

In 2012, I fulfilled a long-held dream and moved back to Japan. I’ve called Kyoto home ever since.

I started working as a guide in 2019, and I quickly discovered how much I enjoy sharing Japan with people from around the world. My passion for guiding was also inspired by the opportunity to accompany internationally renowned guitarists during their tours and workshops in Japan.

I especially love exploring Kyoto’s temples and shrines and sharing the stories behind them. Rather than simply explaining what you see, I enjoy discussing how Buddhism, Shinto, and other traditions have shaped Japanese culture and everyday life. I also love Kyoto’s castles, palaces, gardens, traditional neighborhoods, and art.

Having grown up in both Japan and the United States, I naturally have perspectives from both sides. I enjoy sharing cultural differences and helping guests understand not only what Japanese people do, but why.

Most of all, I love meeting people, sharing stories, and discovering Kyoto together. Whether you want to explore famous landmarks, find hidden gems, dive deeper into Japanese history and culture, or simply enjoy a relaxed day in Kyoto, I’d be happy to show you around.

If you don’t see a tour that fits your interests, feel free to message me. I’m always happy to create a private, custom experience for you!

I look forward to meeting you and exploring Kyoto together!