Timeless Kyoto: A journey to explore the wabi-sabi culture of Higashiyama
Experience the timeless elegance of Kyoto on an exclusive tour seeking a deeper connection with traditional Japan. The day begins from Ginkaku-ji, the Philosopher’s Path, Hōnen-in, Eikando and Nanzen-ji—nestled at the base of Mount Hiei, where the subtle harmony of wabi-sabi and the changing seasons come to life.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- At the reception of your hotel. Then we will take a taxi or bus to Ginkakuji.
Ginkakuji temple
A 15th-century Zen temple known for its beautiful gardens and a sand mound shaped like Mount Fuji.
The Philosopher's Path
The Philosopher's Path is a long promenade, It runs along the Lake Biwa Canal and is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
Honenin temple
It's famous for the thatched roof of the mountain gate. There are few tourists visiting this temple, so you can really feel the sacred and tasteful atmosphere.
Eikando temple
Eikando Temple is known as one of the most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves in Kyoto. Other attractions include the principal image of the temple, the "Looking Back Amida," and the Seven Mysteries of Eikando Temple.
Lunch
Have lunch at a restaurant near the Philosopher's Path. There are several restaurants, I will make a reservation according to your preference.
・Restaurant Ginkakuji Ikana (Japanese cuisine)
・Restaurant Green terrace (Japanese cuisine)
・Coffe shop And bull coffee (Pizza and salad)
Nanzenji temple Sanmon
From Sanmon( a huge mountain gate) of Nanzennji temple, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic view of Kyoto city.
Nanzenji temple Hojo (Main hall)
The highlights of Nanzenji Temple is the main bulding designated as national treasures, and breathtaking dry landscape Gardens. It was relocated from the former Imperial Palace, and is famous for its Kano school sliding screen paintings.
Matcha tea break
You can enjoy matcha tea while looking out at the garden in the teahouse located inside the Hojo.
Acueduct Suirokaku
This acueduct Suirokaku in japanese has a unique, modern feel to it. It is called Suirokaku because of its imposing appearance that is reminiscent of the aqueducts of the Roman Empire.
Keage Incline
Keage Incline is a former railway converted into a gently sloping pedestrian trail lined with sakura (cherry trees) that links Lake Biwa Canal to Kyoto’s Kamo River.
Ending Point
At your hotel
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
* Admission fees ¥2300 per person (Including all temples)
* Taxi fee ¥3000-5000 Round trip fare from your hotel
* Lunch ¥1500 - 2500 per person
* Admission fees, transport fee and lunch for guide.
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
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 Fumi U.
I have spent nearly 30 years working in a Government organization, contributing to development projects in Latin America and African countries. During this time, I cultivated strong cross-cultural understanding and effective communication skills.
For the past 10 years, I have lived in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato, Mexico, where I managed a guesthouse, operated a jewelry workshop, and provided guided tours. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep sense of hospitality and attentiveness, ensuring that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Leveraging these skills, I am dedicated to sharing the beauty of Japan with international guests and creating unforgettable travel experiences.
Reviews
Juan m A.
“Excellent ”
Fumi is a very nice and happy person, she is very profesional and knowledgeable she provides very interesting information and curios data about all the places we visited we are very grateful with her and higly recomend her as a guide. Thank you again Fumi!!
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Fumi U.
Muchas gracias por escribir una reseña tan maravillosa. Me alegra mucho que hayan disfrutado del tour. Ustedes tienen un profundo conocimiento de la historia japonesa, y fue un placer guiarlos. Por favor, contáctenme nuevamente la próxima vez que visiten Kioto. ¡Disfruten su viaje a Japón!
Amelia B.
“Kyoto highlights”
Fumi was a great guiide. She met us on time, spoke fantastic English, she was informative, helpful, funny. She took us to Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, the Geisha area of Gion (where we actually saw three geishas) and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Fabulous day, thank you Fumi U.
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Fumi U.
Thank you so much for writing a wonderful review. I'm very happy that you enjoyed the tour. We were lucky enough to encounter a geisha that day. It was an honor to have been able to guide you both, even if only for a short time. I look forward to your next visit.
Techdaddio T.
“A happy, happy, day in Kyoto with a great guide”
Eight hours is a long day of touring the sights of Kyoto but it was a breeze with Fumi as our guide. The temples and shrines we visited were all amazing but different from each other. Fumi was great at teaching a bit about Japanese history and culture at each sight to help provide context to what we were seeing. (The teaching graphics she carried were so good we found ourselves taking pictures of them in addition to the sights we were seeing.) Above all, Fumi was so capable, happy and energetic it made what could have been a tiring day an absolute joy. Thank you Fumi for the very memorable day in Kyoto !
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Fumi U.
Thank you so much for writing a wonderful review. I'm very happy that you enjoyed the tour. I was impressed by your excellent physical stamina. I also thoroughly enjoyed guiding you around, as you both possess a deep understanding of world history. I would be delighted if you would contact me again when you visit Kyoto. I hope you return home safely with lots of happy memories.
$189/ per group
More tours by Fumi U.
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Las atracciones imprescindibles de Kioto y los sitios UNESCO en un día.
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Kyoto's highlights walking tour by public transport
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One day trip to explore Okusaga, western Kyoto's hidden gem
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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Let's enjoy your Half-day Kyoto Tour!
Half-day Kyoto Tour would be personalized according to your interests and preferences. If you don't like the busy sightseeing spots, I'm happy to suggest the suitable itinerary for you on your requests. Let's enjoy your own tour to experience a wider variety of cultures in Kyoto! The meeting time would be flexible based on your schedule, for example, 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM (or 1:00 PM) would be available. === I would appreciate it if you could visit my page on Facebook by my name "Tohru Shimagaki".
Let's enjoy your Half-day Kyoto Tour!
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
Perfect for those with limited time, this well-organized tour allows you to experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights efficiently. The itinerary includes the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.
Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities
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Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
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Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
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