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Kyoto Full-Day Tour: Exploring Highlights and Japanese Culture
4.9
77 Ratings
Kyoto
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and explore the highlights of Kyoto on this full-day tour. Discover the secrets behind Japan’s unique customs and traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s philosophy and way of life.
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and explore the highlights of Kyoto on this full-day tour. Discover the secrets behind Japan’s unique customs and traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s philosophy and way of life.
Duration:
7 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Kyoto Station Building - We gather at the left side of the main entrance, after a brief introduction and explanation, we will ride on the train to Saga Arashiyama
-
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - 60 mins
Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the bamboo forest, while learning about Japan, Japanese, and why them being them.
40 mins
We will hop on the…
- Kyoto Station Building - We gather at the left side of the main entrance, after a brief introduction and explanation, we will ride on the train to Saga Arashiyama
-
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - 60 mins
Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the bamboo forest, while learning about Japan, Japanese, and why them being them.
40 mins
We will hop on the bus/ train from Arashiyama to Kinkakuji
-
Kinkakuji Temple - 40 mins
Enter the 2nd most visited tourist spot in Japan, we will explain to you about Buddhism in Japan, the history of the temple, while taking pictures of you with breathtaking view.
60 mins
Next we will go to Gion with various modes of transportation
-
Shijo Kawaramachi - 75 mins
Explore the shopping street of Kyoto, we will have lunch here and you can also enjoy the view of Japanese Shopping Arcade
15 mins
We will walk on foot across the Shijo Bridge while enjoying the view of Kamo river to reach Gion
-
Gion Shirakawa - 60 mins
We will go the the quiet side of Gion, entertainment area in Japan where the Geisha works, enjoy the beautiful scenery, learning about Geiko and Maiko and their world, and who knows?! maybe you’re lucky enough to meet them.
10 mins
Next we will take the train to Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Explore the number one tourist spot in Japan, we will learn about what is shintoism, the place and it’s history while passing through thousands of vermillion torii gate
- Kyoto Station Building - We will ride on the train to reach Kyoto Station once again and bid our farewell. See you again!
What's Included
- Walking Experience
- Experienced Local Guide
- Walking Experience
- Experienced Local Guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Admission fees
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- Gratuities
- Admission fees
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
Additional Information
(This is a walking tour)
Ideal for travelers with busy schedules and limited time in Kyoto. We offer more than just sightseeing and visiting tourist spots; we provide a deeper understanding of Japan, its people, culture, life philosophy, and mindset. By the end of the tour, you’ll grasp ‘why it’s so hard to find trash cans’ or ‘why Japanese roads are so…
(This is a walking tour)
Ideal for travelers with busy schedules and limited time in Kyoto. We offer more than just sightseeing and visiting tourist spots; we provide a deeper understanding of Japan, its people, culture, life philosophy, and mindset. By the end of the tour, you’ll grasp ‘why it’s so hard to find trash cans’ or ‘why Japanese roads are so quiet’ and the philosophy behind these aspects. Even the smallest details will become clear when you join us.
- Not Recommended for pregnant travelers more than first trimester
- This is a walking tour, not recommended for people with bad leg
Location
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Tower Sando
At the pillar of Starbucks Kyoto Tower facing Kyoto Station. Please read the message we send you one day before the tour. We will send you the picture of our meeting point and the information regarding our guide.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(77 Ratings)
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Deanfb1661qp
May 7, 2025
Great day of historic sites - A Great day, long walk and also using public transportation to visit recommended highlight around Kyoto with a knowledgeable guide with a stop in Nishi market for authentic food . Wholehearted recommendation
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia_t
Apr 6, 2025
This was my first day in... - This was my first day in Japan. So it's good way to get some idea of different kind of transportations. I was the only guest on the day, so Indra helped take a lot of photos for me, which is good for a solo traveler. All in all, I enjoyed my new experience in Japan.
Review provided by Viator
Mr
Mar 10, 2025
An excellent day in Kyoto! - Kyoto is a magnificent city to visit with so much cultural heritage. The highlight of our tour was our guide Indra. He is originally from Indonesia but has lived in Japan for many years. He was very forthcoming with information and recommendations. He also gave us great insights into the Japanese culture and customs, not only from a Japanese point of view but also from an outsiders point of view which we appreciated. We highly recommend him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sheripickering
Jan 19, 2025
Great day out and about in Kyoto! - Great day out with Indra - easy pace, so many good sights, and excellent commentary, information, context and hot tips for best photo spots from our wonderful guide, Indra! Highly recommend this tour and Indra for anyone who wants to experience Kyoto.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexander
Jan 5, 2025
Highly recommended. - Very good experience. Our guide was very thorough and provided many insights and a pleasant atmosphere. Highly recommended if you don't mind walking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Naadirah_c
Dec 4, 2024
A good fun learning experience with alot of exercise. - Our tour guide's name is Indra.
He was very knowledgeable, patient and funny.
He taught us a few Japanese phrases that helped us alot. He thought also thought us alot about Japanese culture and modern day practices.
He knew they layout of the land which helped alot with avoiding long lines and touristy areas.
In addition, he didn't mind being my personal photographer and taking me too all the good spots for photos.
The restaurant he took us for lunch was delicious.
I would highly recommend Indra and will use his services again when I visit Japan again.
Review provided by Viator
Victoria_h
Nov 20, 2024
Amazing sights with an excellent guide - This tour was an amazing experience that we won’t forget! Our guide, Indra, was incredible, taking us to all the must-see spots like Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Arashiyama, while providing rich historical context and fascinating stories along the way. His enthusiasm and expertise brought the city’s history to life. He captured stunning photos of us at every location, making memories that will last a lifetime. The pace was perfect, and we never felt rushed. It was a wonderful tour experience that we will recommend to all of our family and friends!
Review provided by Viator
752hiddeh
Sep 7, 2024
Great day tour in Kyoto - Had a great day. The tourguide Mareen was amazing! She took her time explaining the history of every site. She showed me so much of Kyoto all in one day. She helped with the trains and bussen! I would highly recomend going with this tour and Mareeen!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y4182ovchrist
Aug 27, 2024
Whirlwind Kyoto - My wife and I had the pleasure of taking the full day tour of Kyoto with Maureen as our guide. We had a fantastic day exploring the many sites of Kyoto. Maureen was a fantastic guide and was able to give us plenty of information regarding the sites, their history and significance. She did a great job showing us how to use the public transport system as well! Maureen also gave us valuable insights into Japanese culture. All in all, a fantastic day with a delightful guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mia_j
Dec 28, 2024
On the day of my tour, I... - On the day of my tour, I was the only one booked so it ended up essentially being a private tour. The guide spoke great English, was very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions I had. It was a great way to see all of Kyoto highlights in one day. The only criticism I have is at the start of the day the guide asked did I have a transport card, which I didn’t so he offered to use his and I would pay him back the 1,200 yen at the end of the day. When it came to paying for lunch I said I would pay for his, which was 2,400 yen for the transport and a tip. Despite this at the end of the tour, he asked I pay him for the transport which I found quite awkward as I had already done so by buying his lunch.
Review provided by Viator
