The Ultimate Kyoto Day Trip: Arashiyama & Kiyomizu Temple
Experience the very best of Kyoto in a single day, featuring the famous Arashiyama and Kiyomizu Temple areas.
This itinerary was handcrafted by my mother, who was born and raised right here in Kyoto. It covers all the "must-see" landmarks while also leading you to hidden gems away from the crowds.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Saga-Arashiyama Station(nearest station to Arashiyama)
Arashiyama bamboo forest
Daigo Temple
This temple was built about 700 years ago by Emperor Go-Daigo.
He was like the Donald Trump of his time—a bold leader who broke traditions with unconventional policies and established a whole new government in Japan. As we enjoy the beautiful temple and its gardens, I’ll tell you more about his colorful and rebellious life.
Sweet and souvenir crawl in Arashiyama
Let’s explore some local Japanese sweet shops and souvenir stores in Arashiyama.
Actually, one of my relatives used to work at this particular sweet shop! I hope you truly enjoy these authentic Japanese flavors.
Nishiki market
Next, we’ll leave Arashiyama and head toward downtown Kyoto.
Ponto-cho Photo Op!
Ponto-cho is a very narrow alley, but it’s packed with quintessential Kyoto charm. It’s also a bit of a hidden gem with fewer tourists. Let’s snap some beautiful photos of the traditional streetscape!
Exploring Tatsumi Bridge & Hanamikoji
Let’s take the scenic route through the quieter backstreets. We’ll soak in the timeless atmosphere of Kyoto’s traditional cityscape.
If we’re lucky, we might even spot a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) gracefully passing by!
Yasaka Shrine
Maruyama Park
Enjoy cherryblossoms
Explore around Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple
Ending Point
around Kiyomizu Temple
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
・Public transportation(taxi)
・Food
・Personal expense
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
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 Atsushi T.
Hello, I’m Atsushi.
I grew up in Osaka, a city famous for its warm people, delicious food, and lively culture.
Until last month, I worked for five years as a softwear engineer. Now, I’ve shifted to what I truly enjoy—working closely with people. Alongside private tutoring and mental health counseling, I am excited to guide travelers through my home region.
“Make your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan even more unforgettable.”
That’s my mission as your guide.
With me, you can explore historic landmarks, or dive into the city’s soul through food—whether it’s a casual street-food crawl or hidden local favorites. Since I grew up here, I can take you beyond the usual tourist spots to restaurants and shops that locals actually return to again and again. I’d like to introduce a place that will make you want to come back.
On hot summer days, I’ll show you comfortable underground passages and indoor attractions. When the weather is just right, we can enjoy the city outdoors to the fullest.
Guests often say my tours feel like being guided by a friend who knows the city inside out—fun, relaxed, and authentic. I want you to experience Osaka not only as a visitor, but as someone who feels at home here.
Let’s make your Japan journey something truly special together!
Reviews
Myroslav M.
“Great experience with Atsushi”
We had a full day Kyoto tour with Atsushi. It’s been wonderful! Atsushi has great personality and lots of knowledge. He’s been extra flexible: picked us up early (8am) at a remote location, accommodated our ad-hoc desire to see a wonderful bonsai place and a street festival, and even went with us to a local department store to help buy some things. Atsushi’s vehicle was fully comfortable for our party of 4, and could have accomodated 6 passengers with a bit of squeeze in the middle row. Overall, a very satisfying trip. Thank you Asushi!
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Atsushi T.
Dear Myro, thank you as well! Your family was so curious and noticed things I usually overlook, which made it a truly fun experience for me too. I wish you all a safe and wonderful rest of your trip. Next time you come to Japan for a longer stay, please reach out again!
Cindy P.
“Osaka with Atsushi”
We had a fantastic experience with Atsushi! He was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, spoke excellent English and made the entire day enjoyable and fun for our family. What really stood out was his flexibility and willingness to accommodate our requests and changes to the itinerary, ensuring we got the most out of our experience. One of the highlights was our amazing Taiko drumming class, which Atsushi even joined in on! It was such a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Atsushi made the tour feel personal rather than following a set schedule, allowing us to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions and enjoy something a little different. We would highly recommend him to any traveller looking for a customised, memorable experience that goes outside the box. Thank you, Atsushi, for a wonderful day!
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Atsushi T.
Dear Cindy, Thank you so much for your warm message! It made me so happy. I had a great time with your lovely family. I’m glad that Zach and Max enjoyed the tour, too! :) Thank you for inviting me to the Taiko drumming class with you. If you visit Japan again, please feel free to ask me anything. I hope to see you all again! Best regards, Atsushi
Maria stella C.
“Atsushi: a perfect guide!”
My daughter and I were very pleased with Atsushi as a guide; he accompanied us between Kyoto and Osaka for six days. What can I say about Atsushi? Nothing but praise comes to mind! He is incredibly kind, personable, helpful, very considerate and an excellent driver, too. He proposed itineraries that were very well-structured in terms of timing and daily organization, flexibly and expertly accommodating our wishes. He gave us excellent recommendations, including restaurant choices, and shared fascinating historical details that really brought the places and monuments he showed us to life. Atsushi helped make our trip even more interesting and comfortable; we are very grateful to him and highly recommend him.
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Atsushi T.
Dear Stella, thank you so much for the heartwarming review. It is truly helpful for me! Over those six days, guiding you and your daughter was a genuine pleasure and honor. I am so glad that you were interested in my explanations. I also learned a great deal myself from hearing your stories about your hometown and the current situation in Europe. As you settle back into your daily routine after the trip, I would be truly happy if your time in Japan and my tour remain wonderful memories that bring a little extra color to your everyday life.
$285/ per group
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