Higashiyama is located in the east of Kyoto city. Kiyomizu Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hill roads, which were front approaches to the temple, a pagoda in Yasaka, the magnificent view from those hill roads are popular tourist spots in Kyoto. They have flourished as a part of the temple area since ancient times. Lovely monkey balls in the temple, the historical Yasaka Shrine, and Gion area which has unique traditional culture in Japan, enhance the attraction of Higashiyama.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hotel or other places
- Hotel or other places
At your hotel in Kyoto
You can choose any hotel or train station near your accommodation.
If you stay at a hotel in Osaka, we will start the tour earlier.
Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, is located in the eastern part of Kyoto city. Kiyomizu literally means clean water and Tera literally means a temple. It is said that the origins of this temple go back to the end of the 8th century.
The temple is located in the middle of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains, which is located in the east part of Kyoto city. Mt. Otowa has always been famous for its beautiful scenery and views of the city of Kyoto.
A monk found this area as a place deep in the forest greenery where a mist, like a belt of white clouds, hung over a waterfall at the foot of a mountain.
The Main Hall here is famous for its platform projecting over a cliff. You can enjoy the view of Kyoto city and also see the many pillars which support this platform.
You can also enjoy the three water streams which flow down from the mountain to the temple.
The Hill Roads in Higashiyama
The hill roads, which were front approaches to Kiyomizu Temple, a pagoda in Yasaka, and the magnificent view from those hill roads are popular tourist spots in Kyoto. They have flourished as a part of the temple area since ancient times.
These hill roads were designated as an Important Traditional and Conservation area. They are protected by the Kyoto city government.
On this tour, we will enjoy walking on unique hill roads, visiting lovely mini monkey dolls in a temple, tiny gardens, charming souvenir shops and beautiful mural paintings in another temple
A restaurant
We will visit a restaurant on hill roads. There are many traditional Japanese restaurants.
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka shrine is located in the east of Kyoto city. The shrine in Kyoto is the head Yasaka shrine nationwide. The shrine itself has a long history. It is famous for a beautiful gate fronting a street. On entering we can see shrine structures in traditional architectural style and a stage with beautiful lanterns.
On this tour, we will stroll around the shrine precinct and the park which was a part of the shrine area and is now rich in nature.
Gion Area
Gion is one of the popular tourist spots in Kyoto because of its own traditional Japanese cultures, restaurants, houses and businesses. Kyoto was an ancient capital of Japan. It has unique and long-term traditions and cultures because of its own 1000-year history.
Gion area is famous for Maiko and Geiko, who are professional entertainers. They are skillful, knowledgeable and beautiful girls.
Kyoto has five districts where Maiko and Geiko work, live and study. Gion is one of them.
We will enjoy walking in the Gion district and learn how they lived before and how they live together now.
NIshiki Market
Nishiki Market has around 400 year old history. This area was rich in high-quality water.
Foods here was served to the Imperial Palace before.
This market has been called ' A kitchen of Kyoto'.
A wide variety of foods are in the market.
We can enjoy eating street foods and seeing the beautiful paintings that a famous artist painted, and colorful archade.
Your hotel
We can finish at your hotel or Nishiki Market.
Ending Point
Hotel or other places
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 for you and your guide
admission fee for you and your guide (Guides don't need admission fees for some temples)
Lunch costs for you and your guide
On this tour, we will enjoy visiting a temple which has unique architectures and the magnificent view, and walking on the famous hill roads which have lovely souvenir shops, tiny gardens and attractive temples. After going down the hill roads, we will visit a shrine which has a long history, and walk on entertainment districts which have traditional Japanese culture. At the end of the tour, we will visit the market which has a wide variety of Kyoto's foods.
If you want to visit other places, please feel free to let me know. I will arrange the tour according to your request. Also, if you want to change the meeting time and finishing time, please feel free to ask me. We'll be able to finish the tour at shopping district in Kyoto or Osaka if you want.
You will be able to enjoy the local food there.
This tour will show you the following;
・The picturesque scenery
・The unique architecture
・The magnificent view
・The history of Kyoto
・The correlation between Shinto and Buddhism for Japanese people
・The traditional and beautiful garden
・The traditional Japanese culture
・The beautiful murals
・The historic shrine
・The Market in Kyoto
Hello. My name is Atsuko.I'm a licensed tour guide in Japan.
I have lived in Osaka since I was born.
I have guided many tourists all over the world as a volunteer for 6 years. I like showing my tourists my favorite places in Japan and talking with them. Osaka, where I was born and raised, is famous for foods, modern and ancient cultures. Nara and Kyoto, which are neighboring places, were ancient capitals in Japan. I'm happy to visit those places with you.
“Great experience ”
We did a tour today with Atsuko. She was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. She took us to many places and kept everything at a nice walkable pace. Not to fast ...not to slow but let you explore on your own also. I highly recommend using her for a tour when you are in tue osaka area. We would have never seen as much of osaka without her!
Atsuko T.
Hello Mr. Ryan, Thank you for your kind review and comment for me. I really appreciate your words. It was fun for me to show you the attractions in Osaka and talking with all of you. I think you must be relaxing in the ship before it is leaving Osaka. It is cold and raining now. You made a right decision on the tour. Thank you for joining my tour today. Best regards, Atsuko
“One Day Tour with Atsuko”
Atsuko was an outstanding tour guide! Her deep knowledge of Kyoto made the tour both educational and enjoyable. She was attentive, approachable, and took care of all the details so that we could relax and enjoy. Atsuko’s enthusiasm for sharing her insights was contagious. Although the pace was on the quicker side, it ensured we had the opportunity to take in more sights and experiences. As first-time visitors, we would have likely taken a less efficient route and missed some of the hidden gems Atsuko introduced us to. I highly recommend her for an unforgettable tour experience!
Atsuko T.
Hello Mr. Dan, Thank you for your kind review and comment for me. I really appreciate your words. We visited many places on the day. My tour shows only two places so we decided to visit more places. We were in a hurry especially we had to reach Fushimi Inari Shrine before it got dark. Luckily, we manged to see the beautiful orange gates before it got dark when it was less crowded. I am happy to know you had a wonderful time in Kyoto. I also enjoyed showing beautiful places in Kyoto and chatting with you. Thank you for joining my tour. Best regards, Atsuko
Susan V.
One Day Tour with the picturesque scenery in Kyoto
“Great day with Atsuko ”
Our group of 7 had an amazing experience with Atsuko on her tour in Osaka! She was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, making the entire experience both enjoyable and enriching. Atsuko’s deep understanding of Osaka’s history, culture, and hidden gems truly brought the city to life. Whether we were exploring historic landmarks, bustling markets, or peaceful neighborhoods, she shared fascinating stories and insights that made each stop memorable. What stood out most was Atsuko’s ability to tailor the tour to the group’s interests and pace, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and engaged. Her warmth and genuine enthusiasm for Osaka shone through, making it feel like I was exploring the city with a close friend. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to discover the authentic charm of Osaka. Atsuko’s passion for her city is contagious, and I left with not only incredible memories but also a deeper appreciation for this vibrant city.
Atsuko T.
Hello Ms. Susan, Thank you for joining my tour yesterday. I really appreciate your kind words and review. I enjoyed the Osaka tour with you, your family, friends, and your ship's friends. We changed the Kyoto tour to Osaka tour. Your decision was great for us. Everyone relaxed and had a wonderful time in Osaka. I am happy to hear you truly enjoyed this tour. Please visit Kyoto next year as you mentioned. I am looking forward to seeing you next November. Please the rest of your journey and say hello to everyone. Thank you. Best regards, Atsuko
$221/ per group