Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.
At your hotel
at your hotel lobby in Kyoto or the station
Popular for the countless vermilion Torii Gates
We will use the JR or the Keihan line to get there.
If you don't want to much, we can skip this.
A quiet temple with a beautiful garden.
Very nice architecture. You can sit quietly and enjoy the beautiful garden.
You can enjoy tea (only in autumn).
Take a train to Shichijo
The longest wooden building in the world, with a thousand Buddha statues inside. It was built in the 12th century.
Amazing space!
Lunch at casual restaurant
A unique temple that has a wonderful garden and beloved masterpieces of the 16th century with a sad story. This temple is the headquarters of one Buddhist school which has a full of ups and downs history.
Walk to the Kiyomizu Temple.
Stunning views and unique architecture.
Must-see in Kyoto
Walk to Higashiyama Hills (sannenzaka, ninennzaka)
Atmospheric hills to Yasaka area.
Downhill course with stairs. There are many shops, restaurants, and temples alongside. Photogenic spot.
The historical area where Geisha (female artist) lives.
I will explain in which house a geisha lives.
We shouldn't be Paparazzi.
Your hotel or where you never get lost
At your hotel
guide fee, hotel pick-up
transportation fee (you and the guide) for a train (about 400 yen/per person)
lunch
admission fees (about 2000 yen/per person, no guide needed)
We will walk on the paved road. But we go up and down stairs. So, please put on easy walking shoes. Please take water with you. Please walk with your speed. There are so many photo spots.
Lynette M.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ~truly the must-see place in Japan~
“Amazing place with excellent guide”
Our guide Shuji took excellent care of our family. He was very considerate planning the tour so the children and adults can enjoy the place. He made suggestions so it was easy for the kids to navigate (5 and 7 years old). He recommended which place to eat and advice us which place to avoid. He was very patient answering my nephew's questions about fishing! Unfortunately it rained but it was towards the end of our tour. We would highly recommend our guide Shuji. Thank you for the wonderful tour. Lynette and family ( Philippines)
Shuji O.
(15 reviews)Thank you for your kind review. We visited Nara considering the sudden heavy rain and the condition of 5 and 7-year-old children. The most challenging thing for me was the series of questions from 7-year-old boys about fishing. Yes, I also had a pleasant day in Nara. Thank you very much. See you sometime.
“Great Day with Shuji”
We had a great day visiting Himeji and its garden with Shuji. He was very accommodating and discreet. It was a perfect day!
Shuji O.
(15 reviews)Thank you for the wonderful review. As you suggested starting early, we were able to enjoy Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden during the cooler hours. And we got amazing seats for lunch. It really was a lovely tour. I would love to go on a tour with you all anytime. I hope you enjoy the tours for the rest of your stay in Japan.
“Shuji is Great!”
We spent a day with Shuji in Kyoto and went at the end with him to Osaka where he lives. It was a great day. He is very knowlegeeable about Japanese history and culture (he taught world history before retiring). His Englsh is great. The Kyoto part was exploring three temples that were further out and we might have missed without his guidance. Osaka was a brief tour of the central area, including the night life and street food. He recommended a great restaurant for us after. Highly recommended. Kent and Luca
Shuji O.
(15 reviews)Dear Kent and Luca, Thank you so much for the great review. We really had a wonderful time. Since you had already visited many places in Kyoto, I was able to take you to my most favorite hidden gems. And thank you very much for your barrage of jokes! I hope I can see both of you again. Shuji O.