• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Discover the wonders of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its iconic vermillion-red torii gates. Beyond the scenic views, this shrine offers rich stories that connect visitors to Japan’s history and culture. A knowledgeable guide will delve deeper into its origins, dedicated to the god of grains, “Inari.” This is why fox statues, known as “Kitsune,” are prevalent around the shrine, serving as clever guides in the business world. After this tour, visitors might find themselves wanting these cunning foxes on their side.
• 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 challenging for newcomers. A guided tour eliminates the worry of getting lost and reveals hidden gems cherished by locals. 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 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. 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 culinary delights. The market features a range of stores, from small stalls to larger two-story shops, each specializing in a particular type of food, with most products locally sourced.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Explore one of Kyoto’s most beloved temples, Kiyomizu-dera Temple. A guided tour of the temple grounds provides insights into Japan’s history and culture while exploring the magnificent architecture. An English-speaking guide ensures no important features are missed.
• 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 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, 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 dishes, and exclusive establishments.

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 Kyoto’s eastern mountains is one of the city’s best-preserved historic areas. It’s an ideal place to experience traditional Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, where narrow lanes, wooden buildings, and traditional shops evoke the old capital’s charm. Recent renovations have enhanced the district’s traditional feel.
• Ginkakuji Temple - Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple in Kyoto’s eastern mountains (Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa here, modeling it after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather’s villa. After Yoshimasa’s death in 1490, it became a Zen temple.

Ginkakuji became a center of contemporary culture, known as the Higashiyama Culture, which had a broad impact on Japan. The arts developed 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 is the head temple of a school within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism and includes multiple subtemples, making the complex even larger.

Nanzenji’s history dates back to the mid-13th century when Emperor Kameyama built his retirement villa here, 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. 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. Founded in 1236 by the powerful Fujiwara clan, its name combines the names 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 to admire the vibrant 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 crowded when the colors peak, usually in mid to late November.

• Toji - Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji), meaning “East Temple,” was founded at the start of the Heian Period 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 guardian temples. Toji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

About thirty years after its establishment, Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, became Toji’s head priest, making it a significant Shingon temple alongside the sect’s headquarters on Mount Koya. Kobo Daishi also added many large wooden buildings that stand today.

• 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.

Kinkakuji is an impressive structure overlooking a large pond and is the only remaining building of Yoshimitsu’s retirement complex. It has burned down several times, including during the Onin War and more recently in 1950 when set on fire by a fanatic monk. The current structure was rebuilt in 1955.

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

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

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

Shugakuin’s name comes from a former temple on the site in the 10th 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 leased to local farmers.

• Kibune River - Kibune (貴船) is a small town in a forested valley in Kyoto City’s northern mountains, developed around Kifune Shrine. Legend says a goddess traveled by boat from Osaka up the river into the mountains, and Kifune Shrine was built where her journey ended.

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

• 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 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

The history of Ryoanji’s rock garden is uncertain, with unknown construction dates and designer speculations. The garden features a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups on moss patches. An interesting design feature 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 in Kyoto’s western outskirts. It 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 central landmark. Nearby are 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. Completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan’s Imperial Family, visiting requires joining a tour.

The tour 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, it became a temple 30 years after his death and is a high-ranking Shingon Buddhism temple.

Daikakuji played roles in significant historical events, hosting peace talks in the 12th century that reunited the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts after 50 years of civil war. It is featured in the Tale of Genji, the first Japanese 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. Ranked first among the city’s five great Zen temples, it is a world heritage site and the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism.

Built in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji, Tenryuji was dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo, who had recently passed away. Takauji and the emperor were allies until Takauji turned against him in a power struggle. By building the temple, Takauji sought to appease the former emperor’s spirit.

• Yoshimine-dera - Yoshiminedera (吉峰寺) is a Tendai sect temple in Kyoto’s western mountains. Like Kiyomizudera on the opposite side of town, Yoshiminedera is built along the mountainside, offering views of Kyoto. The spacious temple grounds feature many buildings distributed up the mountainside.

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

• Togetsukyo Bridge - The Togetsukyo Bridge (“Moon Crossing Bridge”) is Arashiyama’s iconic landmark. Originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185), it was 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. Bamboo has been used for centuries to make various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, and mats at local workshops.
• Okochi Sanso Garden - This former villa of popular actor Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962) is located in Arashiyama’s bamboo groves. Okochi Sanso features several gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses, and gates. Buildings can only be viewed from the outside. Admission includes matcha green tea with a snack.
• Jojakkoji Temple - Founded in 1596, this mountainside temple has small, attractive buildings and gates, creating a quiet and understated atmosphere. Maple trees and moss line the paths and stairs across the temple grounds. Visitors can enjoy views over Kyoto from several spots.
• Nisonin - Similar to Jojakkoji, Nisonin Temple is a hillside temple with larger, imposing buildings. The understated atmosphere is enhanced by overhanging trees along the approach. Founded in the mid-9th century, Nisonin is a Tendai sect temple with views over the city from the upper grounds.
• Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple - Located at the end of the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street, Adashino Nenbutsuji was founded in the early 9th century by monk Kobo Daishi, who placed stone statues for the souls of the dead. Today, the temple grounds are covered by hundreds of 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 Adashino Nenbutsuji, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is famous for its 1200 stone statues of rakan, devoted Buddhist followers, each with a unique expression. Created in the 1980s and early 1990s, the statues stand across the temple grounds on a forested mountain slope.
• Byodoin Temple - Byodoin Temple (平等院) 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 expected.
• Kyoto Sushi Making - Atelier SUSHI offers a unique opportunity for international visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. Enjoy crafting your own sushi in a fun, hands-on workshop at Atelier SUSHI! Located in Kyoto, it’s just a short walk from iconic sites and vibrant districts, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion.

• Sushi making experience for ages 5 and up
• Customizable tour with 2-3 sights
• Meet up with guide on foot in Kyoto City
• Licensed local English-speaking guide

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

This 6-hour walking tour features a 1.5-hour sushi-making session at Atelier SUSHI in Kyoto. Atelier SUSHI provides a hands-on opportunity to learn how to craft Nigiri and Maki sushi using the freshest fish sourced from Kyoto’s Nishiki Market. Participants will master sushi-making techniques under the guidance of an English-speaking instructor and savor their own delicious creations. Prior to the sushi experience, enjoy a walking tour with our licensed guide! After a 4-hour walking tour, the guide will escort you to Atelier SUSHI.

Please design your itinerary by selecting 2 to 3 locations from the ‘what to expect’ or ‘itinerary’ list.

Start time: The start time for the experience may vary. The estimated duration of the experience is approximately 4 hours from the beginning of the tour.

The experience duration may slightly vary depending on the day’s circumstances.

Your tour will be accompanied by a certified English-speaking guide.

• Children 5 years old or older can participate the experience.
• This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
• Not available for vegetarians or vegans.
• Please inform us of any requests or allergies in advance. We cannot be held responsible for allergic reactions.

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