Kyoto Trip Overview
Dive into and swoon about one of Kyoto’s most historically rich areas, Higashiyama (“Eastern Mountain”) with your very own private, English speaking guide with vast knowledge of Kyoto and Japanese culture. Start from the southernmost mountain in the city, where the justifiably famous Fushimi Inari Shrine lies in wait with its thousands upon thousands of bright red torii gates leading you up the mountain into higher and still holier places. Mission accomplished, a short train ride (included) deposits us perfectly for an exploration of the Gion, a traditional entertainment district, where geisha still hold court and high regard. Work your way through various temples and shrines on the east side while learning what makes this area so special. All admission fees and transit are included so there’s no need to fret about hidden fees.
Since this is a private tour, feel free to contact us about any changes you’d like to make to the itinerary. We’re very flexible.
Additional Info
Duration: 4 hours
Starts: Kyoto, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Kyoto Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Kyoto, , Japan
Dive into and swoon about one of Kyoto’s most historically rich areas, Higashiyama (“Eastern Mountain”) with your very own private, English speaking guide with vast knowledge of Kyoto and Japanese culture. Start from the southernmost mountain in the city, where the justifiably famous Fushimi Inari Shrine lies in wait with its thousands upon thousands of bright red torii gates leading you up the mountain into higher and still holier places. Mission accomplished, a short train ride (included) deposits us perfectly for an exploration of the Gion, a traditional entertainment district, where geisha still hold court and high regard. Work your way through various temples and shrines on the east side while learning what makes this area so special. All admission fees and transit are included so there’s no need to fret about hidden fees.
Since this is a private tour, feel free to contact us about any changes you’d like to make to the itinerary. We’re very flexible.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-0882 Kyoto Prefecture
Start your journey at the southernmost tip of the Higashiyama mountain range with the unrivaled magnificence of Fushimi Inari Shrine. Here, transport yourself to another world underneath the thousands of mystical, vermilion torii gates, as your guide explains the meaning behind the architecture and symbolism. Founded in 711 AD, this shrine has lots of stories to tell.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Stop At: Hanamikoji Street, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
A quick train ride takes us to the granddaddy of Kyoto entertainment districts, the Gion, where Geisha still reside and entertain to this day. Pass by the awe-inspiring Kabuki theater, then stroll the tea house string of pearls known as Hanami Koji Street. The beautifully preserved medieval architecture in this area transports you straight back the Edo period (1603-1868).
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Yasui-Konpiragu, 70 Benten-cho, Todaijimatsubara, Kyoto 605-0000 Kyoto Prefecture
Pay a visit to Kyoto’s most notorious love shrine where people don’t just wish for their soul mate, but also revenge. See if you can crawl through the power stone said to help strengthen bonds with those you love, and cut out the toxic ties in your life.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Yasakanoto, 388 Yasakakamimachi, Higashiyama-Ku Hoka-ji Temple, Kyoto 605-0827 Kyoto Prefecture
Behold the breathtaking Yasaka Pagoda that towers over the Eastern Mountain district. Its authoritative stance has been part of the district’s fabric since 1440 AD. We’ll stop by this architectural wonder on our way up to Sannenzaka street.
Stop At: Kodai-ji Temple, 526 Shimokawaramachi, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0825 Kyoto Prefecture
Blissfully less crowded then some other must-see spots in Kyoto, Kodaiji temple allows you to bask in the serenity of its gardens and just generally breathe it all in. The temple complex hosts the mausoleum and remains of two heroes from the end of the Warring States period in the late 16th century, the 2nd great unifier Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and his wife, Nene. There was a time when the temple was enrobed in luxuriant lacquer, with crushed precious metal inlay achieved through a technique called “Maki-e”. Despite many fires, there is still one original structure with the fading lacquer and murals as well as the immaculately preserved mausoleum itself, where you can see the spectacular, enduring craftsmanship up close and first hand.
For an additional 500 yen, you can also enjoy some fresh whisked matcha tea with a small sweet as you gaze at the serene gardens.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0001 Kyoto Prefecture
Two beautifully preserved pilgrimage streets that lead to the famous Kiyomizudera (pure water) Temple. Lined with bustling shops and townhouses in the medieval style, with lovely, unobstructed, lines of sight.
Duration: 20 minutes
