KYOTO: Exploring Six Scenic Spots with Sushi

Discover the cultural wonders of Kyoto on a guided tour of the city. Visit the Golden Pavilion, Kodaiji Temple, and Yasaka Shrine. Enjoy a sushi dinner at a local restaurant in the Gion district.
Explore the cultural wonders of Kyoto on this unique afternoon tour, where you will visit some of the city's most iconic and culturally rich areas: Kitayama, Higashiyama, and Gion. This tour is designed to offer you an immersive experience, allowing you to see, hear, and taste the essence of Kyoto in a way that goes beyond typical sightseeing.

Meet your guide, a local expert who is passionate about sharing Kyoto’s rich history and culture. The first stop is the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkakuji, located at Rokuonji Temple. This magnificent Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and stands as one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. The reflection of the pavilion on the surrounding pond is a sight to behold, creating a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere.

After visiting the Golden Pavilion, head to the Higashiyama district, where you will visit Entokuin Temple. This temple, though lesser-known, offers a peaceful retreat with its beautiful gardens and exquisite sliding screen paintings. As you walk through the temple grounds, feel a deep connection to the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in simplicity and imperfection.

Next, visit Kodaiji Temple, another highlight of the Higashiyama area. Kodaiji was established in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most important historical figures, and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. The temple grounds are especially enchanting in the evening when the gardens are illuminated, creating a magical ambiance.

Continue to Maruyama Park, a popular spot in Kyoto known for its cherry blossoms in spring. Even outside of cherry blossom season, the park is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto. From Maruyama Park, head to Yasaka Shrine, a vibrant Shinto shrine that plays a central role in Kyoto’s Gion Festival. The shrine is an important spiritual site for the people of Kyoto, and your guide will explain the rituals and traditions associated with this sacred place.

Finally, head to the historic district of Gion, where you can experience the traditional side of Kyoto. Gion is famous for its well-preserved wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and the possibility of spotting a geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha). Walking through the narrow streets of Gion, you will feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to old Kyoto, where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony.

To conclude the tour, enjoy a delicious sushi dinner at a local restaurant. The sushi will be prepared with the freshest ingredients and served in a setting that reflects the elegance and refinement of Kyoto’s culinary culture. As you savor each bite, reflect on the day’s experiences, filled with cultural insights and memorable moments.

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.

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.