• Kinkakuji Temple - Also known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji Temple is a must-visit in Kyoto. Situated in the northern part of the city, it is easily reachable by car, although the public bus takes about an hour from central Kyoto.

The temple’s main highlight is the magnificent golden pavilion that glistens in the sunlight, surrounded by a serene pond and beautifully maintained gardens. The pavilion exemplifies the traditional Japanese Zen style, which focuses on simplicity and natural beauty despite its vibrant color. Visitors will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will share insights about Zen Buddhism and its impact on Japanese culture. (30 min. Transfer Time - 30 min. Walk Around)

• Gio-ji Temple - Located in Arashiyama, this small temple encapsulates authentic Japanese scenery. The peaceful Japanese garden, covered in moss, and the simple thatched hut surrounded by a bamboo grove and maple trees, create a setting that visitors find enchanting. The guide will narrate the story of its origin, including the poignant love story of a woman named “Gio” in Japanese history.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Stroll through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and immerse yourself in the sounds of Japan! The guide will explain the origins of Japanese bamboo and its connection to Edison’s invention of the light bulb.
• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple - This quaint temple is located in the well-preserved “old-Kyoto-view” area, in the northern part of the Arashiyama historical district. Due to its distance from the station, it is less crowded than the main area of Arashiyama, yet it offers a stunning view of countless Buddha statues.

The guide will share its unique history and provide basic information about Japanese funeral traditions.

(10min Transfer Time + 30min Walk Around)

• Arashiyama-Takao Parkway - The Arashiyama-Takao Parkway is a tourist toll road starting from north Arashiyama. In April, it is adorned with 2,000 cherry blossom trees, and in November, with maple trees. The breathtaking mountains and the Hozu Gorge offer a glimpse into the nature revered by the Japanese since ancient times.

• Nakagawa-hachimangū Shrine - “Nakagawa Hachiman Shrine” is a local shrine built as a guardian of the area, featuring the oldest Japanese Cedar tree in the region, revered as a lord. Touch the tree to feel the spirit’s power.

• Kitayama Big Daisugi - Secret spot! “Kitayama Giant Platform Cedar Trees”
  This area is located in the far northern part of Arashiyama, hidden by a narrow cliff road that few dare to traverse. However, the view becomes extraordinary with uniquely shaped trees, featuring many slender and straight Japanese cedar trees emerging from single giant platforms. These 200-300-year-old bonsai cedars are cultivated by local farmers over generations, showcasing the harmony of art and nature. This area is renowned for the world’s oldest timber factory, providing sacred wood for imperial buildings to this day. Although pictures of this area are often shared on Instagram and other media, few have actually seen it! A true adventure for explorers!

• Hanamikoji Street - Experience the 600-year-old street known for Geishas by car! Avoid the crowds and capture photos from the car. (Taking pictures of Geishas requires their permission)

• Heian Jingu Shrine Otorii - The largest torii gate (red shrine gate) in Kyoto, built for the Heian Jingu Imperial Shrine. Standing at 24.4 meters (80 feet), it is one of the largest torii gates in Japan.

• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi-Inari Shrine is Kyoto’s most popular and iconic tourist attraction, renowned for its “SenbonTorii” path (thousands of gates, now numbering over 10,000), cherished by Japanese people since 711 A.C. Starting from the giant gates, as the gates become smaller, it is believed that one’s ego diminishes, fostering a sense of unity with nature upon returning to the main shrine. Along the way, in the deeply spiritual atmosphere, visitors will encounter many unique objects and small shrines, introduced by the guide leading the way.
  (60 min Transfer Time + 70 min Walk Around)

• Fuel and Toll Fees
• Pick-up and Dropping off at anywhere in Kyoto City
• Knowledgeable Guide with Fluent English
• Parking fees
• Comfortable Private Van

• Admission Fees (¥300~¥600 at each temples)

Explore Kyoto more deeply with a local Japanese guide, comfortably in a Japanese minivan!

•Visit the best but hidden temples without crowds: private bamboo forest, the best moss garden in Kyoto, Fushimi-Inari Shrine after sunset

•Drive farther to mountains by car, enjoy the unique nature of Japan with stunning views from the mountains and secret bonzai areas in deeper Kyoto

The experienced guide will also take you the best seasonal spots for each seasons, like the best cherryblossom shrines, maple-leaf covered temples or even temples becomes more beautiful on a rainy day

Each spots will be guided with explainations in fluent English, by a friendly local Japanese guide with deep knowledge about Japanese culture, religion and history

This is a private tour, so you can customize the tour flexibly to cover what you missed or omit what you already visited (eg. include Gion area or Nishiki Market)

Book this tour now for an unforgettable experience and have a perfect day in Kyoto!

• Some temples need walks and walking up stairs to visit

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