• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Experience a unique glimpse into Japan’s heritage, typically inaccessible to regular tourists, after the tour. This brief excursion offers an exceptional and valuable way to explore Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine!

Discover new insights with us, as Fushimi Inari Shrine offers much more than its renowned tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. While many are content with its scenic beauty, the shrine holds numerous stories that connect visitors to Japan’s rich history and culture, which your guide will delve into. Learn about the intriguing origins of the shrine dedicated to the god of grains, “Inari,” and understand why fox statues, representing “Kitsune,” the clever servants of Inari, are prevalent around the shrine. These cunning creatures are seen as ideal guides in the challenging business world, and you might find yourself wanting them on your side after this tour.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Explore one of Kyoto’s most beloved temples—Kiyomizu-dera Temple—on a comprehensive 1-hour guided tour. With a guide, you’ll gain insights into Japan’s history and culture while exploring this magnificent structure. Enjoy commentary from your English-speaking guide, ensuring you don’t miss any significant features.

• Nijo Castle - Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).

• Gion - Navigating the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District—Gion—can be daunting for first-time visitors. A guided tour eliminates the worry of getting lost and offers a fantastic way to discover hidden gems cherished by locals, while learning about Kyoto’s ancient past. Highlights include insights into Geisha culture and rituals, and visits to Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho.

• Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a bustling, five-block-long shopping street lined with over a hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this vibrant market specializes in all things food-related, including fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware. It’s an excellent place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

Nishiki Market offers a lively yet inviting atmosphere for those eager to explore Kyoto’s famous culinary delights. The market features a range of store sizes, from small stalls to larger two-story shops, with most specializing in a specific type of food. Nearly everything sold is locally produced and sourced.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace - The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, 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 (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), a beautiful park in the city’s center that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and other attractions.

• Pontocho - Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric dining areas. This narrow alley runs from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamogawa River, and is lined with restaurants offering a wide range of dining options, from affordable yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign dishes, and exclusive establishments requiring connections and a generous budget.

Business hours and closing days vary by establishment, but most places are open from around 17:00 to 23:00, with some also open for lunch. An increasing number of establishments offer English menus.

• Higashiyama Ward - The Higashiyama District (東山), along the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains, is one of the city’s best-preserved historic areas. It’s an excellent place to experience traditional old Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, where narrow lanes, wooden buildings, and traditional merchant shops evoke the old capital city’s charm. Recent renovations have enhanced the district’s traditional feel by removing telephone poles and repaving streets.

• Ginkakuji Temple - Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple along Kyoto’s eastern mountains (Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today’s temple, modeling it after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather’s retirement villa at the base of Kyoto’s northern mountains (Kitayama). The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa’s death in 1490.

As the retirement villa of an art-obsessed shogun, Ginkakuji became a center of contemporary culture, known as the Higashiyama Culture, contrasting with the Kitayama Culture of his grandfather’s era. Unlike the Kitayama Culture, which was limited to Kyoto’s aristocratic circles, the Higashiyama Culture had a broad impact nationwide. The arts developed and refined during this time include the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, noh theater, poetry, garden design, and architecture.

• Nanzenji Suirokaku - Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺), located at the base of Kyoto’s forested Higashiyama mountains, is one of Japan’s most important Zen temples. It serves as the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism and includes multiple subtemples, making the already large complex even more extensive.

Nanzenji’s history dates back to the mid-13th century when Emperor Kameyama built his retirement villa at the temple’s current location, later converting it into a Zen temple. After its founding, Nanzenji grew steadily, but its buildings were destroyed during the late Muromachi Period’s civil wars (1333-1573). The oldest current buildings were constructed after that period.

• Tofuku-ji Temple - Tofukuji (東福寺, Tōfukuji) is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto, renowned for its stunning autumn colors. The temple was founded in 1236 at the request of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Its name combines the names of two great temples in Nara, Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple, also associated with the Fujiwara. Tofukuji has historically been one of Kyoto’s principal Zen temples and is a head temple of one of the Rinzai sect’s schools of Zen Buddhism.

In autumn, visitors from across Japan flock to Tofukuji to admire its autumn colors. The most popular view is from the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley of lush maple trees. The view from the bridge is equally spectacular, and the 100-meter-long covered walkway becomes extremely crowded when the colors peak, usually around mid to late November.

• Toji - Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji), meaning “East Temple,” was founded at the start of the Heian Period, shortly after the capital moved to Kyoto in the late 700s. The large temple, along with its now-defunct sister temple Saiji (“West Temple”), flanked the city’s south entrance and served as the capital’s guardian temples. Toji Temple is one of Kyoto’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites.

About thirty years after the temple’s establishment, Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, was appointed head priest of Toji, making it one of the most important Shingon temples besides the sect’s headquarters on Mount Koya. Kobo Daishi also added many of the large wooden buildings that stand on the grounds today.

• Kinkakuji Temple - Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto, with its top two floors entirely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will, it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji inspired the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu’s grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the city’s opposite side a few decades later.

Kinkakuji is an impressive structure overlooking a large pond and is the only remaining building of Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex. It has burned down multiple times throughout its history, including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that devastated much of Kyoto, and once again in 1950 when a fanatic monk set it on fire. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.

• Ninna-ji Temple - Ninnaji (仁和寺) is one of Kyoto’s many great temples listed as World Heritage Sites. It is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and was founded in 888 by the reigning emperor. For many centuries, a member of the Imperial Family served as Ninnaji’s head priest, and the temple was also known as Omuro Imperial Palace.

Due to the numerous wars and fires that ravaged Kyoto throughout its history, none of the buildings from the temple’s foundation in the 9th century survive. The oldest buildings date back to the early 1600s during the Edo Period, including the main hall (Kondo), the Kannon Hall, the Niomon front gate, the Chumon inner gate, and the five-storied pagoda.

• Shugakuin Imperial Villa - Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was constructed in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It comprises the Upper, Middle, and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings in the traditional imperial style.

Shugakuin’s name originates from a former temple built on the same site in the tenth century. The Imperial Villa was constructed between 1655 and 1659, with a palace for Gomizuno’s daughter added ten years later. In 1964, the surrounding farmlands were acquired by the Imperial Household Agency and are leased to local farmers who continue to cultivate the fields.

• Kibune River - Kibune (貴船) is a quaint town nestled in a forested valley in Kyoto City’s northern mountains, developed around Kifune Shrine. According to legend, a goddess traveled by boat from Osaka up the river into the mountains north of Kyoto, and Kifune Shrine was built at the site where her journey ended.

Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the god of water and rain and is believed to protect those at sea. Here, visitors can obtain a unique type of fortune written on paper slips (omikuji) that reveal their messages when dipped into water. Okunomiya, the inner sanctum and original site of Kifune Shrine, lies about one kilometer further up the valley. It features a large rock, known as the boat stone, where the goddess’ yellow boat is said to be buried.

• Kurama-dera - Kurama (鞍馬) is a rural town in Kyoto City’s northern mountains, less than an hour from the city center. Kurama is best known for its temple Kurama-dera and its hot spring, one of the most accessible hot springs from Kyoto.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor and indoor baths at Kurama Onsen, a ryokan located at the upper end of Kurama town. It is a 10-minute walk from the train station along the town’s only road or a nature trail following the river. Staying guests can use the baths for free, while day-trippers pay 2500 yen (Weekday), 2700 yen (Weekend) for all baths or 1400 yen (Weekday), 1600 yen (Weekend) for just the outdoor bath (rotemburo).

• Ryoanji Temple - Ryoanji Temple (龍安寺, Ryōanji) is home to Japan’s most famous rock garden, attracting hundreds of visitors daily. Originally an aristocrat’s villa during the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, whose head temple is just a kilometer south.

The history of Ryoanji’s renowned rock garden is less certain, with unknown construction dates and various speculations about its designer. The garden features a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks arranged in small groups on patches of moss. An intriguing aspect of the garden’s design is that from any vantage point, at least one rock is always hidden from view.

• Arashiyama - Arashiyama (嵐山) is a charming, tourist-friendly district on Kyoto’s western outskirts. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles enjoyed its natural beauty. Arashiyama is especially popular during cherry blossom and fall color seasons.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s iconic central landmark. Nearby, visitors can find numerous small shops, restaurants, and attractions, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves, and pleasure boats available for rent on the river.

• Katsura Imperial Villa - Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) is a prime example of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden, completed in 1645, served as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan’s Imperial Family.

Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a tour, which follows the garden’s circular walking trail around the central pond. Palace buildings can only be viewed from the outside, and photography is allowed only from designated spots. English tours are available.

• Daikaku-ji Temple - Daikakuji (大覚寺) is a large temple in Kyoto’s northern Sagano district. Originally built in the early 800s as Emperor Saga’s detached palace, the emperor enjoyed spending time in this tranquil area on Kyoto’s outskirts. Thirty years after his death, the palace was converted into a temple and has since been one of the highest-ranked temples of Shingon Buddhism.

Daikakuji has played a role in several significant historical events. A succession of retired emperors reigned from here, and in the 12th century, the temple hosted peace talks that reunited the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts after 50 years of civil war. Daikakuji is also featured in the Tale of Genji, the first novel in Japanese literature. Today, the temple is one of the best places to experience the ancient court atmosphere described in the novel and is often used for filming historical dramas.

• Tenryuji Temple - Tenryuji (天龍寺, Tenryūji) is the most important temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. It was ranked first among the city’s five great Zen temples and is now a registered world heritage site. Tenryuji is the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism.

Tenryuji was built in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji, who dedicated the temple to Emperor Go-Daigo, who had recently passed away. The two historic figures were once allies until Takauji turned against the emperor in a struggle for supremacy over Japan. By building the temple, Takauji aimed to appease the former emperor’s spirit.

• Yoshimine-dera - Yoshiminedera (吉峰寺) is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism located in Kyoto’s western mountains. Similar to Kiyomizudera on the opposite side of town, Yoshiminedera is built along the mountainside and overlooks Kyoto. The temple grounds are spacious, with many buildings distributed up the mountainside.

A priest from Enryakuji, named Gesan, established Yoshiminedera as a personal retreat in 1029. In 1467, the temple was destroyed in the Onin War but was rebuilt in 1621. The temple’s main objects of worship are a Kannon statue carved by Gesan and a Kannon statue given to the temple by Emperor Gosuzaku in 1042.

• Togetsukyo Bridge - The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. “Moon Crossing Bridge”) is Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark. Originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185), it was most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge is particularly attractive when combined with the forested mountainside backdrop. A riverside park with dozens of cherry trees is located adjacent to the bridge.

• Bamboo Forest Street - The walking paths through the bamboo groves offer a pleasant walk or bicycle ride. The groves are especially appealing when a gentle breeze causes the tall bamboo stalks to sway gracefully. For centuries, local workshops have used bamboo to create various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, and mats.

• Okochi Sanso Garden - This former villa of the popular actor Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962) is located behind Arashiyama’s bamboo groves. Okochi Sanso consists of several gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses, and gates. The buildings can only be viewed from the outside.

• Jojakkoji Temple - This mountainside temple, founded in 1596, features small, charming buildings and gates, creating a serene and understated atmosphere. Maple trees and moss line the paths and stairs that traverse the temple grounds. From several spots, visitors can enjoy views over Kyoto.

• Nisonin - Similar to Jojakkoji, Nisonin Temple is a hillside temple with slightly larger and more imposing buildings. The understated atmosphere on the temple grounds is partly due to the overhanging trees along the approach. Founded in the mid-9th century, Nisonin is a temple of the Tendai sect. The upper grounds offer views over the city.

• Gio-ji Temple - Gioji is nestled deeper into the forest than Jojakkoji and Nisonin. It is renowned for its moss garden, punctuated by tall maple trees. The temple’s entrance gate and small main hall feature thatched roofs, with the latter boasting an attractive round window overlooking the gardens.

• Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple - Adashino Nenbutsuji is located at the end of the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street. The temple was founded in the early 9th century when the famous monk Kobo Daishi placed stone statues for the souls of the deceased here. Today, the temple grounds are covered by hundreds of such stone statues. A short path leads through a bamboo forest at the back of the temple.

• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple - A ten-minute walk north of the similarly named Adashino Nenbutsuji, the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is famous for its 1200 stone statues of rakan, devoted followers of Buddhism, each with a unique facial expression. Created relatively recently in the 1980s and early 1990s, the statues are scattered across the temple grounds, which cover part of a forested mountain slope.

• Daitoku-ji Temple - Daitokuji (大徳寺) is a large, walled temple complex in northern Kyoto and the head temple of the Rinzai sect’s Daitokuji school of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The complex consists of nearly two dozen subtemples and is one of the best places in Japan to experience a wide variety of Zen gardens and Zen culture and architecture.

Daitokuji’s main buildings are usually not open to the public, but there are four subtemples open to visitors:

• Daisenin

• Ryogenin

• Zuihoin

• Kotoin (Currently closed)

• Myoshinji Temple - Myoshinji (妙心寺, Myōshinji) is a large temple complex in northwestern Kyoto, including about 50 subtemples in addition to its main buildings. While a few temple halls can be entered, most subtemples are closed to the public. However, visitors are free to wander along the walking paths. In several ways, the temple complex resembles Daitokuji Temple.

• Eikando Zenrinji Temple - Eikando (永観堂, Eikandō), formally known as Zenrinji Temple, belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. Located north of Nanzenji, Eikando is renowned for its autumn colors and evening illuminations in fall. The temple has a long history, with various buildings and a pond garden for visitors to explore.

• Sanjusangendo Temple - Sanjusangendo (三十三間堂, Sanjūsangendō) is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto famous 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 in a fire.

• Kennin-ji Temple - Kenninji Temple (建仁寺) is located close to the bustling Hanamikoji and Shijo streets. The expansive and pleasant grounds of Kenninji Temple offer a tranquil oasis, with two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) providing a peaceful retreat. It is considered the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.

• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kyoto
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 4-6 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private Vehicle
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

• This is a walking tour
• Pick up & Drop Off is on foot
• Please reserve at least 2 weeks in advance

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