• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Experience a unique glimpse into Japan’s hidden heritage with this exclusive tour of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. This brief yet enriching journey offers exceptional value and a deeper understanding of the shrine’s significance.

Discover the rich history and cultural tales of Fushimi Inari Shrine beyond its iconic vermillion-red torii gates. While many visitors are content with the scenic views, this tour delves into the shrine’s origins and its dedication to the god of grains, Inari. You’ll learn about the fox statues, or ‘Kitsune,’ which serve as messengers to Inari, embodying cleverness and guidance in the business world. By the end of the tour, you might find yourself wishing for the foxes’ favor.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Explore one of Kyoto’s most beloved temples, Kiyomizu-dera, on a detailed 1-hour guided tour. With an English-speaking guide, you’ll uncover the temple’s historical and cultural significance while admiring its stunning architecture.
• Nijo Castle - Visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
• Gion - Navigate the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District, Gion, with ease on a guided tour. Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour reveals hidden gems and shares insights into Kyoto’s ancient past, including Geisha culture and rituals, and visits to Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho.
• Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” is a bustling five-block shopping street filled with over a hundred shops and restaurants. Specializing in food-related items, the market offers fresh seafood, produce, cookware, and Kyoto specialties like Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. The lively atmosphere invites exploration of Kyoto’s culinary delights, with shops ranging from small stalls to larger two-story establishments, all offering locally produced goods.
• Kyoto Imperial Palace - The Kyoto Imperial Palace, once the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, is situated in the expansive Kyoto Imperial Park. This central city park also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and other attractions.
• Pontocho - Pontocho is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric dining areas, featuring a narrow alley lined with restaurants offering a variety of dining options, from affordable yakitori to exclusive Kyoto cuisine. Many establishments provide English menus and are open from 17:00 to 23:00, with some also serving lunch.
• Higashiyama Ward - The Higashiyama District, located along Kyoto’s eastern mountains, is one of the city’s best-preserved historic areas. It offers a glimpse into traditional Kyoto, with narrow lanes, wooden buildings, and traditional shops, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine. Recent renovations have enhanced the district’s historic charm.
• Ginkakuji Temple - Ginkakuji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple in Kyoto’s eastern mountains. Built in 1482 by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a retirement villa, it became a center of contemporary culture known as the Higashiyama Culture, influencing tea ceremonies, flower arrangement, noh theater, poetry, garden design, and architecture.
• Nanzenji Suirokaku - Nanzenji Temple, located at the base of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains, is a significant Zen temple and the head temple of a Rinzai sect school. Founded in the mid-13th century by Emperor Kameyama, it has grown into a large complex with multiple subtemples.
• Tofuku-ji Temple - Tofukuji is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto, renowned for its stunning autumn colors. Founded in 1236 by the Fujiwara clan, it is one of Kyoto’s principal Zen temples and a head temple of a Rinzai sect school. The Tsutenkyo Bridge offers spectacular views of the autumn foliage.
• Toji - Toji Temple, or the “East Temple,” was established in the late 700s and is one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. It became a significant Shingon temple under Kobo Daishi, who added many of the large wooden buildings still present today.
• Kinkakuji Temple - Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto, famous for its top two floors covered in gold leaf. Originally a shogun’s retirement villa, it became a Zen temple after his death in 1408. The current structure, rebuilt in 1955, overlooks a large pond.
• Ninna-ji Temple - Ninnaji is a World Heritage Site and the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect. Founded in 888 by the reigning emperor, it has been rebuilt several times, with the oldest buildings dating back to the early 1600s.
• Shugakuin Imperial Villa - Built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno, Shugakuin Imperial Villa features traditional gardens and buildings across its Upper, Middle, and Lower Villa areas. Managed by the Imperial Household Agency, it includes farmlands leased to local farmers.
• Kibune River - Kibune is a small town in Kyoto’s northern mountains, known for Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the god of water and rain. The shrine offers unique fortunes revealed when dipped in water and features the original site, Okunomiya, with a rock said to be the goddess’s boat.
• Kurama-dera - Kurama is a rural town in Kyoto’s northern mountains, famous for Kurama-dera Temple and its hot spring, Kurama Onsen. The onsen offers both indoor and outdoor baths, accessible to daytrippers and staying guests.
• Ryoanji Temple - Ryoanji Temple is home to Japan’s most famous rock garden, attracting numerous visitors daily. Originally an aristocrat’s villa, it became a Zen temple in 1450. The garden’s design ensures that at least one rock is always hidden from view.
• Arashiyama - Arashiyama is a scenic district in western Kyoto, popular since the Heian Period. It is known for the Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Temple, bamboo groves, and seasonal cherry blossoms and fall colors.
• Katsura Imperial Villa - Katsura Imperial Villa, completed in 1645, is a prime example of Japanese architecture and garden design. Tours follow a circular walking trail around the central pond, with views of the palace buildings from the outside.
• Daikaku-ji Temple - Daikakuji, a large temple in northern Kyoto, was originally an emperor’s detached palace before becoming a temple. It played a role in significant historical events and is featured in the Tale of Genji.
• Tenryuji Temple - Tenryuji, the most important temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, is a world heritage site and the head temple of its own Rinzai Zen sect school. Built in 1339, it was dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo by shogun Ashikaga Takauji.
• Yoshimine-dera - Yoshiminedera, a Tendai sect temple in Kyoto’s western mountains, offers expansive grounds and views over Kyoto. Founded in 1029, it was rebuilt in 1621 after being destroyed in the Onin War.
• Togetsukyo Bridge - The Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Moon Crossing Bridge,” is Arashiyama’s iconic landmark, originally built during the Heian Period and reconstructed in the 1930s. It offers picturesque views with the forested mountainside backdrop.
• Bamboo Forest Street - The bamboo groves in Arashiyama provide a serene setting for a walk or bike ride, with the swaying bamboo creating a tranquil atmosphere. Local workshops have used bamboo for various products for centuries.
• Okochi Sanso Garden - The former villa of actor Okochi Denjiro, Okochi Sanso features multiple gardens and buildings, including tea houses and living quarters, viewable only from the outside.
• Jojakkoji Temple - Founded in 1596, Jojakkoji Temple offers a peaceful atmosphere with small buildings and gates, maple trees, and moss. Visitors can enjoy views over Kyoto from various spots.
• Nisonin - Nisonin Temple, a Tendai sect temple founded in the mid-9th century, features larger buildings and views over Kyoto. The temple grounds have an understated atmosphere with overhanging trees.
• Gio-ji Temple - Gioji Temple is known for its moss garden and tall maple trees. The temple’s entrance gate and main hall have thatched roofs, with a round window offering views into the gardens.
• Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple - Adashino Nenbutsuji, founded in the early 9th century, features hundreds of stone statues for the souls of the dead. A short path leads through a bamboo forest at the back of the temple.
• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple - Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is known for its 1200 stone statues of rakan, each with a unique expression. The statues, created in the 1980s and 1990s, are spread across the temple grounds.
• Daitoku-ji Temple - Daitokuji is a large Zen temple complex in northern Kyoto, featuring nearly two dozen subtemples and a variety of Zen gardens. Four subtemples are open to the public: Daisenin, Ryogenin, Zuihoin, and Kotoin (currently closed).
• Myoshinji Temple - Myoshinji is a large temple complex in northwestern Kyoto with about 50 subtemples. While most subtemples are closed to the public, visitors can explore the walking paths and a few accessible temple halls.
• Eikando Zenrinji Temple - Eikando, or Zenrinji Temple, is famous for its autumn colors and evening illuminations. Located north of Nanzenji, it has a long history and various buildings and gardens to explore.
• Sanjusangendo Temple - Sanjusangendo, or Rengeo-in, is known for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Founded in 1164 and rebuilt after a fire, it is a significant temple in eastern Kyoto.
• Kennin-ji Temple - Kenninji Temple, near Hanamikoji and Shijo streets, is thought to be Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple. Its expansive grounds and dry landscape gardens offer a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle.

• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kyoto
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• 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.