• Kinkakuji Temple - Here are some sample spots for tours. Please select your preferred locations from the list.
  ★ Half Day tour: 2–3 spots
  ★ Full Day tour: 3–4 spots

If you don’t see a spot you’d like to visit, please discuss with our guide. The guide will create a personalized itinerary for you.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion): The main attraction of Kinkakuji Temple is the golden Shariden Hall, inspired by the Pure Land. Its beauty is truly awe-inspiring. Additionally, the 600-year-old “Rokushumatsu” pine tree is one of Kyoto’s three most famous pines, symbolizing a boat journeying to the Pure Land. It is also a classic Japanese Zen garden.

• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - “Fushimi Inari Taisha: Kyoto’s Renowned Shrine of a Thousand Torii Gates

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most iconic and spiritual sites, famous for its thousands of torii gates that guide visitors up Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, agriculture, and prosperity, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a significant destination for spiritual pilgrims and travelers eager to experience Japan’s unique blend of nature and spirituality.

The shrine complex is celebrated for its long, winding paths lined with vibrant red torii gates, known as Senbon Torii (“thousand torii gates”). These gates form a stunning corridor stretching over 4 kilometers up the mountain, offering a picturesque journey. Each gate is a donation from individuals or businesses, with the donor’s name and date inscribed on the back.

It takes about 2-3 hours to hike to the summit of Mount Inari, but smaller shrines and resting spots along the way provide a peaceful and rewarding journey.

• Ryoanji Temple - Ryoanji: Kyoto’s Iconic Zen Garden

Ryoanji is a Zen temple that gained international fame when Queen Elizabeth II praised its rock garden.

The temple’s highlight is the dry landscape garden, a meticulously arranged composition of 15 stones surrounded by white gravel. The minimalist design invites deep contemplation, symbolizing various interpretations such as enlightenment and life’s impermanence. The simplicity and elegance of this garden make it one of the most renowned examples of Zen garden aesthetics.

In addition to the garden, the Ryoanji grounds feature beautiful ponds, traditional buildings, and lush greenery, providing a tranquil setting for meditation. The temple’s hojo (main hall) and its corridors overlook the garden, making it the perfect place to pause and reflect on the serenity of your surroundings.

• Bamboo Forest Street - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A Magical Experience in Kyoto

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (竹林の道) offers a truly immersive natural experience. Located in the Arashiyama district, this serene bamboo forest is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Walking through the towering bamboo stalks, which can reach up to 30 meters tall, feels like stepping into another world. The soft rustling of the bamboo leaves in the breeze creates a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere, making it a perfect escape from the bustle of city life. The narrow paths wind through the grove, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature from every angle.

The Bamboo Grove is particularly striking during early morning or late afternoon, when the light filters through the bamboo, casting ethereal shadows and highlighting the vibrant green of the leaves. In winter, the grove has a serene, crisp beauty, while in summer, the cool shade offers a welcome respite from the heat.

• Gion - Gion: Kyoto’s Historic Geisha District

Gion (祇園) is renowned for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and vibrant atmosphere. It is also best known as the center of Kyoto’s geisha culture, where visitors can step back in time to experience the elegance and charm of old Japan.

Walking through Gion’s picturesque streets, especially in the evening, feels like entering a different era. The district is lined with narrow alleyways, lantern-lit paths, and historic teahouses where geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) can be seen on their way to appointments, dressed in their iconic kimonos. The area retains an enchanting, traditional ambiance, offering visitors a chance to glimpse the artistry and grace that have been part of Kyoto’s cultural fabric for centuries.

One of Gion’s highlights is Hanami-koji Street, where teahouses and restaurants are located. You can enjoy a traditional meal, watch a maiko performance, or simply take in the charming architecture and atmosphere.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple - “Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A Majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) is a historic Buddhist temple, dedicated to Kannon and renowned for its stunning architecture and panoramic views.

The temple’s most famous feature is its Main Hall (Hondo), constructed without a single nail and supported by hundreds of wooden pillars. The hall extends over a steep hillside, offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding area, especially during the spring when cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold.

Another highlight is the Otawa Waterfall in the temple grounds, where visitors can drink from three streams of water, each said to grant different blessings: longevity, success, and love.

The Kiyomizu Stage, a large wooden platform that juts out from the main hall, offers one of the most famous scenic views in Kyoto, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

• Sannenzaka Ninenzaka - “Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka: Historic Streets of Kyoto

Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka are two charming, steep streets in the historic Higashiyama district of Kyoto, lined with traditional wooden houses, tea shops, and souvenir stores. These picturesque streets offer a glimpse into old Kyoto, making them a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the city’s timeless atmosphere.

Starting from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka wind their way down toward Yasaka Shrine, passing by quaint tea houses, boutiques, and local artisan shops. The streets are especially enchanting during the spring and autumn months when the area is surrounded by seasonal flowers and vibrant foliage. As you walk along, you might catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko in their traditional attire, adding to the streets’ historical charm.

Both streets offer an authentic and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for strolling, shopping for unique Kyoto souvenirs, or enjoying traditional Japanese sweets.

• Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market: Kyoto’s Food Haven

Nishiki Market (錦市場) is a vibrant, bustling marketplace known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” This historic market dates back over 400 years and offers a fascinating mix of traditional Japanese food, snacks, and local specialties.

Stretching over 400 meters, Nishiki Market is lined with more than 100 shops and stalls, each offering unique products ranging from fresh seafood and seasonal produce to Kyoto’s famous sweets, pickles (tsukemono), and freshly prepared street food. Whether you’re looking to try yuba (tofu skin), sample kyo-tsukemono (Kyoto-style pickles), or taste matcha-flavored sweets, the market has something to delight every palate.

Beyond food, you’ll find a variety of handmade kitchenware, spices, and local craft items, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

• Nijo Castle - Nijo Castle: A Symbol of Samurai Power and Japanese History

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Nijo Castle (二条城) is one of Japan’s most historically significant castles. Built in 1603 as the official residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Nijo Castle is a stunning example of Edo-period architecture and design.

The castle is famous for its Ninomaru Palace, a lavish building featuring intricate woodwork, sliding doors painted with beautiful scenes of nature, and the famous “nightingale floors”—so named for their chirping sound, which was designed to alert the occupants of any intruders. The garden surrounding the palace is a peaceful, beautifully landscaped area with ponds, bridges, and carefully arranged rocks, offering a serene escape within the bustling city.

Visiting Nijo Castle allows you to experience both the grandeur of feudal Japan and the elegance of samurai culture.

• Pontocho District - Pontocho: Kyoto’s Historic and Lively Dining District

Located along the Kamo River, Pontocho is one of Kyoto’s most charming and atmospheric districts, famous for its narrow alleys lined with traditional teahouses, ryotei (high-end Japanese restaurants), and lively bars. Pontocho is a unique place that offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage, blending old-world charm with modern dining and entertainment.

Walking through Pontocho feels like you’ve traveled back in time, with its wooden buildings, lantern-lit streets, and the occasional glimpse of geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) walking between the teahouses. The area is especially charming in the evenings, when the restaurants and bars light up, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for a leisurely dinner or night out.

Pontocho offers a wide range of cuisines from kaiseki (Kyoto’s specialty) to traditional course meals, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

• Tenryuji Temple - If you wish to visit here, you can customize the itinerary.

Please feel free to let us know.
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• Kyoto Imperial Palace - If you wish to visit here, you can customize the itinerary.

Please feel free to let us know.

• Philosopher’s Walk - If you wish to visit here, you can customize the itinerary.

Please feel free to let us know.

• Monkey Park Iwatayama - We could include Monkey Park in our customized itinerary. Please let us know if you are interested.
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• Tofuku-ji Temple - We could include Tofukuji Temple in our customized itinerary. Please let us know if you are interested.
  Optional: Enter the inside

• Professional local guide
• Private customized walking tour
• Option to use public transportation or taxis
• Choice of 4 or 8 hours
• Hotel meet up (no car)

• Optional : Entrance fees (for yourself and guide)
• Optional : Meal (for yourself and guide)
• Optional : Transportation fee (for yourself and guide)

Take control of your sightseeing itinerary by booking this customised tour. Whether its a minimum of 4-hour or a full day trip consisting of 8 hours, visit all the sights you wish with a professional guide. Choose from an enormous range of cultural and historical landmarks and tick off your desired attractions all in one day! Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu temple and Gion district are just a pocketful of destinations out of countless others. Wherever you request, we will do our best to accommodate you as well as possible. Hotel meet-up and drop-off are included to ensure you receive a totally stress-free experience.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved. Please wear comfortable walking shoes
• This is a walking tour. A private van is not included.
• Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between spots.
• We can customize the tour to accommodate your requests.
• The tour will take place rain or shine.

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