• Arashiyama - TOGETSUKYO BRIDGE Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark is the Togetsukyo Bridge, also known as the “Moon Crossing Bridge.” It was last reconstructed in the 1930s, having originally been built during the Heian Period (794–1185). The bridge is particularly beautiful against the backdrop of the forested slope. Nearby, a riverbank park is adorned with numerous cherry trees. BAMBOO GROVES Enjoyable walks and bike rides can be taken along the paths that wind through the bamboo groves. When a gentle breeze sways the tall bamboo stalks, the scenery becomes quite picturesque. For generations, bamboo has been used in local workshops to craft various items, such as mats, cups, boxes, and baskets.

• Sanjusangendo Temple - Sanjusangendo is the common name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto renowned for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure was destroyed by fire. At 120 meters long, the temple hall is Japan’s longest wooden structure. The name Sanjusangendo, meaning 33 intervals, refers to the number of spaces between the building’s rear columns, a traditional method of measuring a building’s size.

• Kinkakuji Temple - The upper two floors of the Zen temple Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), situated in northern Kyoto, are completely covered with gold leaf. Originally named Rokuonji, the temple served as the retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death in 1408, the shogun left it as a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect. Ashikaga Yoshimasa, Yoshimitsu’s grandson, constructed Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) on the opposite side of the city a few decades after Kinkakuji. Kinkakuji is the only remaining structure from Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex, an exquisite temple overlooking a large pond. Throughout its history, it has been destroyed by fire several times, including twice during the Onin War, a civil conflict.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Kiyomizudera, meaning “Pure Water Temple,” is one of Japan’s most famous temples. It derives its name from the pure waters of the Otowa Waterfall, located on the forested hillsides east of Kyoto, where it was founded in 780. The temple established the Kita Hosso sect in 1965 after initially being associated with the Hosso sect, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist schools. In 1994, the temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kiyomizudera’s most prominent feature is its wooden stage, which extends 13 meters over the hillside from the main hall. From the stage, visitors can enjoy a delightful view of the cherry and maple trees below, which burst into vibrant colors.

• Gion - Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, located along Shijo Avenue between the Kamo River to the west and Yasaka Shrine to the east. The area is filled with shops, restaurants, and ochaya (teahouses) offering entertainment by geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices). Gion’s high concentration of traditional wooden machiya merchant houses attracts tourists. These houses were built with narrow facades, only five to six meters wide, but extend up to twenty meters from the street, as property taxes were once based on street frontage. Hanami-koji Street, running from Shijo Avenue to Kenninji Temple, is Gion’s busiest area. The street and its side alleys are lined with charming, elegant, and expensive dining establishments.

• Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market (Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five-block-long shopping street lined with over one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this vibrant market specializes in all things food-related, such as fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware, and is an excellent place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, including Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. Nishiki Market has a lively yet welcoming atmosphere that invites exploration of the diverse culinary delights for which Kyoto is renowned. The market’s stores range in size from small, narrow stalls to larger, two-story shops, with most specializing in a specific type of food, and nearly everything sold is locally produced.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace - The Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyōto Gosho) was the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is situated in the expansive Kyoto Imperial Park (Kyōto Gyoen), a beautiful park in the city’s center that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and other attractions. The current Imperial Palace was rebuilt in 1855 after being destroyed by fire and relocated multiple times over the centuries. The complex is surrounded by long walls and consists of several gates, halls, and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were still held in the palace’s main hall. The Tokyo Imperial Palace is now used for enthronement ceremonies.

• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is a major Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of red torii gates that form a network of trails behind the main buildings. These paths lead into the forested area of the sacred Mount Inari, located on the shrine grounds and rising to 233 meters. Among the many shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, Fushimi Inari is the most important. Foxes, believed to be Inari’s messengers, are represented by numerous statues scattered throughout the shrine grounds. The history of Fushimi Inari Shrine predates Kyoto’s establishment as the capital in 794. Exploring the mountain trails is the primary reason most international visitors come to Fushimi Inari Shrine.

• Private transportation
• Pick-up and Drop-off to Hotel
• English-Speaking Driver
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Complimentary pickup is available from three cities: Kyoto, Osaka and Nara.

• Any Special Ride or Cruise not included in this package.
• Lunch
• Entry tickets

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Near public transporation
• Most travelers can participate

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.