• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Experience a unique glimpse into Japan’s hidden heritage, typically inaccessible to regular tourists, with this exceptional tour. This brief yet enriching journey offers an incredible opportunity to explore the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine at an unbeatable value!

We aim to help you uncover new experiences. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is renowned for its iconic tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates, but there’s so much more to discover. While many visitors are content with the scenic views, the shrine holds numerous stories that connect deeply with Japan’s history and culture, which your guide will reveal. You’ll learn about the shrine’s origins, dedicated to the god of grains, Inari, and understand why fox statues, representing Inari’s cunning and clever messengers, are scattered around. By the end of the tour, you might find yourself wanting these foxes on your 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 first-time visitors. A guided tour eliminates the stress of getting lost and offers a fantastic way to discover hidden gems loved by locals while learning about Kyoto’s rich history. 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 lined with over a hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this vibrant market specializes in food-related items, including fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware. It’s an excellent place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties like Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

Nishiki Market offers a lively yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for exploring Kyoto’s culinary delights. The market features a mix of small stalls and larger shops, most of which specialize in specific food items, with nearly everything locally produced and sourced.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Explore one of Kyoto’s most beloved temples, Kiyomizu-dera, with a comprehensive 1-hour guided tour. A guide will enhance your visit by sharing insights into Japan’s history and culture as you wander through the magnificent temple grounds. Enjoy informative commentary from your English-speaking guide, ensuring you don’t miss any significant details.
• 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 charming dining areas. This narrow alley, running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamogawa River, is packed with restaurants offering a wide range of dining options, from affordable yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign dishes, and exclusive establishments requiring connections and a generous budget.

The business hours and closing days of Pontocho’s restaurants, bars, and shops vary, but most are open from around 17:00 to 23:00, with some also serving lunch. An increasing number of places offer English menus.

• Higashiyama Ward - The Higashiyama District (東山), located along the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains, is one of the city’s best-preserved historic areas. It’s an excellent place to experience traditional Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, where narrow lanes, wooden buildings, and traditional merchant shops evoke the old capital’s charm. Recent renovations, including the removal of telephone poles and repaving of streets, have further enhanced the district’s traditional atmosphere.
• Ginkakuji Temple - Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple nestled in Kyoto’s eastern mountains (Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the site of today’s temple, modeling it after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather’s retirement villa in Kyoto’s northern mountains (Kitayama). The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa’s death in 1490.

As the retirement villa of an art-enthusiast shogun, Ginkakuji became a hub of contemporary culture, known as the Higashiyama Culture, which contrasted with the Kitayama Culture of his grandfather’s era. Unlike the Kitayama Culture, which was confined to Kyoto’s aristocratic circles, the Higashiyama Culture had a widespread impact across Japan. The arts developed and refined during this period 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 significant Zen temples. It serves as the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism and includes multiple sub-temples, making the already large complex even more extensive.

Nanzenji’s history dates back to the mid-13th century when Emperor Kameyama built his retirement villa at the temple’s current location, later converting it into a Zen temple. The temple grew steadily after its founding, but all its buildings were destroyed during the civil wars of the late Muromachi Period (1333-1573). The oldest existing buildings were constructed after this 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 those of two great temples in Nara, Todaiji and Kofukuji, also associated with the Fujiwara. Historically, Tofukuji has been one of Kyoto’s principal Zen temples and serves as the head temple of one of the Rinzai sect’s schools of Zen Buddhism.

In autumn, visitors from across Japan flock to Tofukuji to admire its vibrant fall foliage. The most popular view is from the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley filled with lush maple trees. The view from the bridge is equally spectacular, and the 100-meter-long covered walkway becomes extremely crowded when the colors peak, usually around mid to late November.

• Toji - Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji), meaning “East Temple,” was established at the start of the Heian Period, shortly 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 for the capital. Toji Temple is one of Kyoto’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites.

About thirty years after its founding, Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, was appointed head priest of Toji, making it one of the most important Shingon temples besides the sect’s headquarters on Mount Koya. Kobo Daishi also added many of the large wooden buildings that stand on the grounds today.

• Kinkakuji Temple - Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto, with its top two floors entirely covered in gold leaf. Originally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. According to his will, 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 a few decades later.

Kinkakuji is an impressive structure overlooking a large pond and is the only remaining building of Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex. It has burned down multiple times throughout its history, including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that devastated much of Kyoto, and once more recently in 1950 when a fanatic monk set it on fire. The current structure was rebuilt in 1955.

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

Due to the numerous wars and fires that have ravaged Kyoto, none of the original buildings from the temple’s founding in the 9th century survive. The oldest existing structures date back to the early Edo Period in the early 1600s, including the main hall (Kondo), the Kannon Hall, the Niomon front gate, the Chumon inner gate, and the five-storied pagoda.

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

Shugakuin’s name originates from a former temple built on the same 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 are leased to local farmers who continue to cultivate the fields.

• Kibune River - Kibune (貴船) is a quaint town nestled in a forested valley in Kyoto City’s northern mountains, developed around Kifune Shrine. According to legend, a goddess traveled by boat from Osaka up the river into the northern Kyoto mountains, where Kifune Shrine was built at the end of her journey.

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

• Kurama-dera - Kurama (鞍馬) is a rural town in Kyoto City’s northern mountains, less than an hour from the city center. Kurama is famous for its temple, Kurama-dera, and its hot spring, one of the most accessible hot springs from Kyoto.

Kurama Onsen, a ryokan at the upper end of Kurama, offers both outdoor and indoor baths. It is a 10-minute walk from the train station along the town’s only road or a nature trail following the river. Guests staying at the ryokan can use the baths for free, while day visitors pay 2500 yen for access to all baths or 1000 yen for just the outdoor bath (rotemburo).

• 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, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, whose head temple is just a kilometer to the south.

The history of Ryoanji’s renowned rock garden is somewhat mysterious, with its construction date and designer remaining uncertain. The garden features a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks arranged in small groups on patches of moss. An intriguing aspect of the garden’s design 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 on Kyoto’s western outskirts. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles enjoyed its natural beauty. Arashiyama is especially popular during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s central landmark. Nearby, you’ll find numerous small shops, restaurants, and attractions, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves, and pleasure boats available for rent on the river.

• Kokedera Suzumusidera - Saihoji (西芳寺, Saihōji), commonly known as Kokedera (苔寺), is one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visiting this temple requires an advance reservation.

Kokedera, meaning Moss Temple, refers to the garden’s estimated 120 different varieties of moss. Visitors can stroll through this stunning garden, which has significantly influenced Japanese garden design.

Originally the site of Prince Shotoku’s villa, Kokedera became a temple during the Nara Period. In 1339, the temple was renovated and converted into a Zen temple by the priest Muso Soseki, who is also credited with creating Kokedera’s gardens.

• 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, the villa and garden are masterpieces of their kind.

Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a tour that follows the garden’s circular walking trail around the central pond. The palace buildings can only be viewed from the outside, and photography is permitted 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 was converted into a temple thirty years after his death and has since been one of the highest-ranked temples of Shingon Buddhism.

Daikakuji has played a role in several significant historical events. Retired emperors reigned from here, and in the 12th century, the temple hosted peace talks that reunited the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts after 50 years of civil war. Daikakuji is also featured in the Tale of Genji, Japan’s first novel. Today, the temple retains the ancient court atmosphere described in the 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 now a world heritage site and the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism.

Tenryuji was built in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji, who dedicated it to Emperor Go-Daigo, who had recently passed away. The two historic figures were once allies until Takauji turned against the emperor 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 located in Kyoto’s western mountains. Like Kiyomizudera on the opposite side of town, Yoshiminedera is built along the mountainside, offering views of Kyoto. The temple grounds are expansive, with many buildings scattered up the mountainside.

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

• Kennin-ji Temple - Kenninji Temple (建仁寺), located near the bustling Hanamikoji and Shijo streets, offers expansive and pleasant grounds for walking. The two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) provide a tranquil oasis. It is considered the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.

• Private Transportation in air conditioned vehicle
• Parking Fees, Fuel surcharge, Highway fees
• Hotel Pick up and Drop-off
• Choose 4 to 5 spots from ‘Tour Details’ to visit
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

• Food and Drink (for yourself)
• Entrance Fees to attractions where applicable (for yourself)
• Any other personal expenses