• Kyotokimono Rental Wargo - Gionshijo Regular Store - Experience Wargo’s Standard Kimono Plan, a budget-friendly option for those new to kimono wearing. The designs are simple yet charming, blending cuteness with elegance, appealing to all. After dressing, enjoy your tour in the kimono, but ensure it is returned at least an hour before closing.

• Kinkakuji Temple - Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto, with its top two floors covered in gold leaf. Originally the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, 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 opposite side of the city.

Kinkakuji is a stunning structure overlooking a large pond and is the only remaining building of Yoshimitsu’s retirement complex. It has been rebuilt several times, including after being set on fire by a monk in 1950, with the current structure completed in 1955.

• Ginkakuji Temple - Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple in Kyoto’s eastern mountains (Higashiyama). Built in 1482 by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as his retirement villa, it was modeled after Kinkakuji, his grandfather’s villa. After Yoshimasa’s death in 1490, it was converted into a Zen temple.

Ginkakuji became a cultural hub 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 aristocracy, the Higashiyama Culture influenced the entire country, refining arts such as the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, noh theater, poetry, garden design, and architecture.

• Honen-in - Honen-in captivates visitors from the start with its scenic approach leading to a moss-covered gate. Inside, visitors pass between two sand mounds believed to purify them, cross a stone bridge over a pond, and wander through a moss-covered garden to a secret grotto behind the main hall.

• Nanzen-ji Temple - Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺), located at the base of Kyoto’s forested Higashiyama mountains, is one of Japan’s most significant Zen temples. It is the head temple of a Rinzai sect school and includes multiple subtemples, expanding the already large complex.

Nanzenji’s history dates back to the mid-13th century when Emperor Kameyama built his retirement villa there, later converting it into a Zen temple. Although its buildings were destroyed during the late Muromachi Period’s civil wars, the oldest current buildings were constructed afterward.

• Tofuku-ji Temple - Tofukuji (東福寺, Tōfukuji) is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto, renowned for its stunning autumn colors. Founded in 1236 by the powerful Fujiwara clan, its name combines those of two great Nara temples associated with the Fujiwara: Todaiji and Kofukuji. Tofukuji is a principal Zen temple in Kyoto and a head temple of a Rinzai sect school.

In autumn, visitors flock to Tofukuji for its vibrant colors, with the Tsutenkyo Bridge offering a popular view over a valley of maple trees. The bridge’s view is equally spectacular, and the 100-meter-long covered walkway becomes crowded when the colors peak, usually in mid to late November.

• Taizo-in - The garden at Taizo-in, a subtemple of Myoshin-ji Temple in northwest Kyoto, is one of Kyoto’s most renowned and is recommended in any season.

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

Shugakuin’s name derives from a former temple on the site in the tenth century. Constructed between 1655 and 1659, a palace for Gomizuno’s daughter was added ten years later. In 1964, the surrounding farmlands were purchased by the Imperial Household Agency and leased to local farmers.

• 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, it became a Zen temple in 1450, part of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect, whose head temple is just a kilometer south.

The history of Ryoanji’s rock garden is uncertain, with unknown construction dates and designer speculations. The garden features a rectangular plot of pebbles with 15 rocks on moss patches, surrounded by low earthen walls. An intriguing design aspect is that from any viewpoint, at least one rock is always hidden.

• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi Inari Shrine is more than its famous vermillion-red torii gate tunnels. A guide will reveal how politics influences worship, the balance between ritual and spontaneity, and the impact of Indians, Koreans, and Americans on the Inari faith. After this hike, you’ll view shrines and temples differently, spotting hidden symbols, practices, and stories. Discover a Fushimi Inari-taisha that others miss, and gain a new perspective on Buddhism and Shintoism.

• 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 to Tokyo. It is situated in the expansive Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), a central city park that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and other attractions.

• Daitoku-ji Temple - Explore the Zen temple complex of Daitoku-ji in northern Kyoto, where you’ll find temples within temples. Michael Lambe guides visitors through its rich history and the significance of its meditative gardens.

• Kokedera Suzumusidera - Kokedera Suzumusidera, located in Matsuomangokucho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, is also known as Saihoji (西芳寺, Saihōji) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reservations are required for entry.

Kokedera, meaning Moss Temple, refers to the garden’s estimated 120 moss varieties. Visitors can explore this stunning garden, which has greatly influenced Japanese garden design.

Originally Prince Shotoku’s villa, the site became a temple in the Nara Period. In 1339, it was renovated and converted into a Zen temple by priest Muso Soseki, who also designed Kokedera’s gardens.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Discover Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most popular temples, on a comprehensive 1-hour guided tour. With a guide, learn about Japan’s history and culture while exploring the magnificent building. Enjoy insights from your English-speaking guide, ensuring you don’t miss any key features.

• Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five-block shopping street with over a hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” it specializes in food-related items like fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware, and offers seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

Nishiki Market has a lively yet inviting atmosphere, perfect for exploring Kyoto’s culinary delights. The market’s stores range from small stalls to larger two-story shops, with most specializing in a specific type of food, all locally produced and sourced.

• Pontocho District - Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric dining areas. This narrow alley, running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, is lined with restaurants offering a wide range of dining options, from affordable yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign cuisine, 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.

• Gion - Navigating the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District, Gion, can be challenging for first-time visitors. A guided tour eliminates the worry of getting lost, allowing you to discover hidden local favorites and learn about Kyoto’s ancient past. Highlights include insights into Geisha culture and rituals, and visits to Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho.

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

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

• Bamboo Forest Street - The walking paths through the bamboo groves offer a pleasant walk or bike ride. The groves are especially beautiful when a light wind causes the tall bamboo stalks to sway gently. For centuries, bamboo has been used to create various products like baskets, cups, boxes, and mats at local workshops.

• Kennin-ji Temple - Kenninji Temple (建仁寺) is close to the bustling Hanamikoji and Shijo streets. Its expansive grounds and two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) provide a tranquil oasis. It is considered the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.

• Byodoin Temple - Byodoin Temple is renowned for its Phoenix Hall, a National Treasure of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Uji city in Kyoto prefecture, extra travel time is recommended.

• Wearing a Kimono experience (standard plan only)
• Licensed Local Guide
• Meet up with a guide in Kyoto on foot
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Entrance fees (for yourself)
• Transportation fee (for yourself)
• Other personal expenses
• You cannot combine tour groups
• You can not visit all places on the itinerary, please coose 2-3 sites
• We can not pick you up in Kobe

Kimono is the beautiful traditional dress of Japan. This 6 hour Kyoto walking tour includes wearing a Kimono experience! You will be dressed by a professional and have your hair done in a simple hairstyle.

It will take about one hour to change for one group (including a simple hair set for women). Afterward, you can walk around the old capitol, Kyoto.

The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city waring a Kimono can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries.

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 2 to 3 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.

• Your tour will be of 2 to 3 sights that you decide on with your guide from the itinerary list.
• Kimono Sizes: for woman 150cm-170cm, for men 165cm-200cm. If you cannot find a perfect fit Kimono, the professional staff can dress you in the Kimono as best as they can.
• Start time: Your start time for the experience may vary. The estimated time for the experience will be about 1 hour from the tour start.

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