Visiting temples and tea ceremony experience in East Kyoto
This tour is based on 'A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (East Kyoto). You can visit Kiyomizudera Temple, Sanjyusangendo Temple, Kenninji Temple. You can also enjoy tea ceremony experience.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel (lobby)(in Kyoto)
Sanjyusangendo Temple
In this temple, you can see 1001 Buddhist statues in a hall. You will be amazed at the scenery, 'Forest of Buddha'.
It is said that you can find the Buddhist statue which resembles you among these statues.
Please be noted that you cannot take any pictures in this hall. Please imprint the breathtaking view in your memory!
Kiyomizudera Temple
This temple was built on the 13-meter cliff without any nails in the 8th century. (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site)
You can enjoy the panoramic view of Kyoto city, shopping and eating on its approach way. You can find shops where you can buy Kiyomizu pottery which is produced in this area. I hope you will enjoy trying some different kinds of Yatsuhashi (specialty sweets of Kyoto area).
Kiyomizudera temple is so beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring and colored maple leaves in fall.
Kenninji Temple
This temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto built in the 13th century and holds the replica of one of the most famous paintings, 'FUJIN RAIJIN' (Wind God and Thunder God Screens)
It's located in the area of 'Gion', however, not so many people visit this temple and you can enjoy the quiet rock gardens. This temple is also famous for the huge picture of dragons which is drawn on the ceiling of a temple.
Japanese tea ceremoy experience (about 45 minutes)
Please enjoy Japanese culture, tea ceremony experience.
Ending Point
This tour ends at the place near Shijyo, however, I will show you how to go back to 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, hotel pick up in Kyoto area
Transportation fee (you and guide)
Entrance fee: Sanjyusangendo Temple, 600 Japanese yen/person (you and guide)
Kiyomizudera Temple,400 Japanese yen/person
(Zuigudo, 100 Japanese yen/person)
Kenninji Temple, 500 Japanese yen/person
Lunch (you and guide)
Tea ceremony experience
Tour Important Information
*Inside of Sanjyusangendo Temple, you cannot take any pictures.
*Please book tea ceremony by yourself at 15:00 or 15:30.
*We will use public transportation.
This tour is available only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this year.
Important message from the supplier
If you book me early, I can exchange mails with you many times to know what you want to do in details, collect information and prepare a lot for your plan. Please don't hesitate to ask me anything in advance.
I can guide you in the morning almost every day.(from 8:30 or 9:00 AM till 13:00 or 13:30PM)
This year, in case of the full day tour, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, are available.
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 Tomoe S.
Hello! My name is Tomoe. I'm a national licensed guide interpreter(English). I made my page here, TripleLights in October 2018. Thank you for finding me.
I was born and grew up in Otsu,Shiga, which is the next city of Kyoto.
I graduated from the university in Kyoto and lived there for four years due to my husband's job.
I like history and like to visit temples in Nara.
My hobby is to plan trips and have visited many cities and towns in Japan and abroad. One of my favorite places is the AIRPORT!!
I have enjoyed meeting and guiding people from abroad, to sightseeing spots in my country.
I really want many people from abroad to enjoy visiting many places and have wonderful experiences in my country. I'll be really happy if I can have such experiences with you!!
Please tell and ask me if there are any places which you want to visit and anything which you want to do in my country. I'll plan the trip only for you.
I am cheerful and always positive. I like to talk with people. I would like to talk with many people from many countries. Please tell me about your country, too!!
I'm looking forward to seeing you!!
* If you want, I will take you back to your hotel (within the time or with the extra hourly rate)
Or, I will show you how to go back to your hotel when we finish the tour.
* If you want, I will give you some advice about what to and where to eat your lunch/dinner.
Reviews
John A.
“Kyoto, Nijo, Golden Pavilion and gardens.”
Tomoe was an really great guide for our Kyoto day trip. She was kind, knowledgeable and thoughtful. Her historic knowledge was excellent and she gave us much insight into Japanese life in general, both past and present. It was as if we were on an outing with a wise friend. Importantly we found communication with Tomoe before we arrived in Japan easy and we appreciated her advice on how to make the best use of our limited time. We would recommend you consider Tomoe as you guide of choice in Kyoto. Thanks Tomoe. John and Ian.
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Tomoe S.
Dear John and Ian, Thank you very much for your wonderful review. It got also a memorable day for me, which I spent with you in Kyoto. I enjoyed autumn foliage at Kinkakuji and Nanzenji on such a fine day, and also enjoyed talking with you, such nice men with a long history. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. I hope that I can see you again. TOMOE
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Marcus L.
“Kyoto tour”
I booked Tomoe to guide a group of 9 women on a Kyoto tour with lunch. The group was very happy with Tomoe. She was professional, friendly and helpful and the group enjoyed their tour very much!
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Tomoe S.
Thank you very much for your warmhearted review. I also had a wonderful day with such women who are full of energy in Kyoto. I'm very glad to hear that they were very happy with me. Thank you very much for booking me as your guests' guide. I hope that I can work with you again. TOMOE
Steven P.
“An Outstanding Guide — Our Two Days with Tomoe Were Exceptional”
We had the pleasure of spending two full days with Tomoe, and she truly made our time in Kyoto and Nara unforgettable. She is exceptionally knowledgeable, thoughtful, and a joy to explore with. Day 1 – Kyoto Tomoe guided us through some of Kyoto’s most iconic cultural treasures: Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo-jo Castle. Her deep understanding of history, architecture, and cultural traditions brought each site to life. She shared insights and stories we never would have discovered on our own, and she always seemed to know the perfect viewpoints and quiet corners away from the crowds. Day 2 – Nara Our day in Nara was equally memorable. We visited the Kōfuku-ji Temple complex, the magnificent Todai-ji with its Great Buddha, and the serene Isui-en Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens we’ve seen in Japan. Tomoe’s explanations made the history and symbolism of each place vivid and meaningful. She also brought us to a wonderful local restaurant, Soba-dokoro Kitahara, where we enjoyed some of the best soba we’ve ever had. Why We Loved Touring with Tomoe Beyond her expertise, Tomoe is warm, patient, organized, and truly attentive to every detail. She customized the pace to our interests, helped with photos, answered every question with enthusiasm, and created an atmosphere that felt relaxed and friendly. Spending time with her felt like exploring with a knowledgeable friend who genuinely cares about making your experience special. We cannot recommend Tomoe highly enough. If you’re visiting Kyoto or Nara, she is an outstanding guide who will elevate your trip in every way. Arigato Gozaimus, Tomoe, from Steve and Inna
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Tomoe S.
Dear Steve and Inna, Thank you so! so! so much for your wonderful review. I had the greatest joy as a guide, spending two wonderful days with you, who had so much interest in my country. You must have checked a lot and prepared a lot for your long tour in Japan. Sharing time with such ambitious couple inspired me a lot. Yes! I will never forget eating delicious soba at Kitahara in Nara with you. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. I hope that I can see you again (with your family next time???) I miss you so much... TOMOE
$200/ per group
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