Kyoto: Private Full-Day Early Riser Platinum Walking Tour
ID: GYG855123-1353566
Category:
Country: Japan
Duration:
08:00 hours
Description
Discover the cultural highlights of Kyoto on a private full-day tour. Visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Nishiki Market, and more.
Explore the cultural highlights of Kyoto on a private full-day tour. Visit the Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple, the red torii gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, the bamboo forest, and more.
Start your day early to beat the crowds and the summer heat.
Setting out from Kyoto station you will first visit the rows of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. The gates were offered by worshippers in appreciation of the good fortune they received from the deity here. Learn all about Japan's ancient religion, Shintoism. Look for the many fox statues throughout the shrine grounds and find out about their significance.
Move through the city like a local using public transportation to reach the famous bamboo forest with its subtle hues of green and the soothing sound of the trunk and leaves in the gentle breeze. This area was open only to the aristocracy in earlier times to enjoy the cooler weather in the hot Kyoto summer.
Next visit the Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple. The gilded building reflected in the pond in front of it is a sight to behold. The well-kept garden is designed in a way to incorporate the hills in the background to add depth to it. Build first as a villa for the shogun at the time it was turned into a Zen temple after his death.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine with its imposing gate and buildings where students come to pray for successful examinations is the next stop. Built in 945 by the emperor of the time it enshrines an aristocratic politician and intellectual who was unjustly banned out of Kyoto.
Explore the nearby Kamishichiken geisha district, much smaller than Gion but with a quiet atmosphere.
Finally, visit Nishiki Market, where there is time for shopping and trying all kinds of local street food.
The tour ends back at Kyoto station.
Highlights
- Discover the beauty of the Kinkaku-ji Temple and the Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Explore the Nishiki Market and try some of the local street food
- Visit the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and the Kamishichiken geisha district
- Walk through the famous bamboo forest and take in the serene atmosphere
- Enjoy your day with a knowledgeable guide and learn about Japan's rich history
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Start early to beat the crowds and the summer heat
Wear comfortable shoes as quite a lot of walking is required
Bring a camera for photos
Consider bringing cash for purchases at Nishiki Market
The meeting point is beside the central ticket gates to the JR lines on the ground floor.
The central ticket gates are on the north side of Kyoto station where Kyoto Tower is, just down the stairs from Mr. Donut.
The guide will hold a name board with the customer’s name on it.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
