Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Meeting Point
at your hotel lobby in Kyoto or the station
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Popular for the countless vermilion Torii Gates
We will use the JR or the Keihan line to get there.
Tofukuji Temple
This is the absolute mecca for the fall foliage. Stunning!
Sanjusangendo Temple
The longest wooden building in the world, with a thousand Buddha statues inside. It was built in the 12th century.
Amazing space!
Lunch
Lunch at casual restaurant
Chishakuin Temple
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.
Kiyomizu Temple
Stunning views and unique architecture.
Must-see in Kyoto
Walk to Higashiyama Hills (sannenzaka, ninennzaka)
Higashiyama Hills (Sannenzaka hills)
Atmospheric hills to Yasaka area.
Downhill course with stairs. There are many shops, restaurants, and temples alongside. Photogenic spot.
Gion district
The historical area where Geisha (female artists) live.
I will explain where a geisha lives.
If you visit the museum, you can see the real Geisha.
Ending Point
Your hotel or where you never get lost
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, hotel pick-up
- Transportation (you and the guide): train and subway (about 2000 JPY/per person)
- Lunch (you and the guide) 1200 - 3000 JPY/per person
- Tea: for a tea break: 700 JPY /per person
- Entrance fee: about 2000 JPY/person, no guide needed
If you visit the Gion Museum, it costs 3,100 JPY
Tour Important Information
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.
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 Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.
I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.
I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.
If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Reviews
Immanuele S.
“The Cassel”
“Shuji, was fantastic — he came to pick us up, helped us organize the day, and on top of that showed us the castle in an amazing way. Kind, professional, and attentive to every detail.”
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Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words. I started talking about the special relationship between Italy and Japan regarding the Expo. Italy gave us a lot in the exhibition, and it still continues today. How wonderful it is. I'm happy I could help you with your busy schedule on your tour. Yes, stations are always so complicated. I hope you enjoyed everything in Japan. Thank you very much.
Tamara O.
“One day in Kyoto”
Shuji-san was the perfect guide for me and my father. We had just one full day in Kyoto, and managed to see and experience so much without feeling rushed. Shuji-san is calm, flexible, warm and knowledgeable. He reads the room well in terms of pace and giving you space to soak it all in. Highly recommend!
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Shuji O.
Thank you for the wonderful review! It was easy to plan your tour because you suggested a wonderful place. Yes, our tour was very comfortable. You weren't greedy and appreciated the beauty of nature and culture. You are excellent travelers! I was very happy to travel with you. Thank you so much!
Andrew I.
“Excellent guide for Kyoto”
Shuji helped us organise a tour for approximately 25 people when our organisation visited Kyoto for a conference. Shuji displayed an excellent knowledge of the sites we visited; not once did we feel like he as lost or didn't know the way. He had a good strategy for keeping track of so many people and ensuring that no one got lost. We appreciated that he helped us navigate the logistics including getting so many people to the different places by subway. I would definitely book a tour with Shuji again if I were in the area.
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Shuji O.
Hello Andrew, Thank you for the great review. I'm so glad to read this. Yes, we had many things to consider.But you got ready for it really well. You were a great leader, and the other staff members also helped us a lot. Your group was from different countries, but you were very disciplined. You all had a great time. I hope your conference was successful. Yes, I would be always ready to welcome you. Thank you so much!
$317/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years! There are so many historic sites and beautiful places that you will be at a loss for what to choose. Please tell me about your favorite. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. I recommend some hidden gems if you like going off the beaten track. And also the charming famous popular tourist spots worth visiting when it is so busy. I will tell you stories to help you appreciate the place.
The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Visiting Nara from Osaka ~truly the must-see place in Japan~
Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ~truly the must-see place in Japan~
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Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
Among the many castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is truly special. You will feel happy just to be there when you see its beautiful figure over the surrounding cherry blossom or maple trees. It has a long and touching history. It is definitely a must-see in Japan.
Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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Thousand Torii Gates & Sake: Fushimi Half-Day Tour
This half-day tour begins at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a sacred site with more than 1,300 years of history, famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates. Next, we will take a train to another district and visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Here you will learn how Japan’s iconic drink has been crafted for centuries and enjoy a tasting of several sake varieties. We will wrap up the tour with a leisurely stroll through the lively Otesuji Shopping Arcade.
Thousand Torii Gates & Sake: Fushimi Half-Day Tour
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Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
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Eastern Kyoto, Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest
Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Take a 3km walk around the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountain Range, visiting shrines and temples along the path. Starting at Seikanji Temple on Mt. Kiyomizu (242m height), follow the Uta-no-Nakayama Road to Kiyomizu-dera. Then, go through Sanneizaka and Nene-no-michi, and reach Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we can feel old stories of tragic love while enjoying panoramic views of the Kyoto cityscape.
Eastern Kyoto, Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest
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