Kyoto Trip Overview
Kyoto’s charm is a combination of geisha culture, ancient temples, and age-old traditions that are still preserved and revered in the ex-capital of Japan. On this private tour, you can experience an authentic Kyoto.
Join your local host and visit the renowned geisha district, Gion. See geishas in traditional kimonos and powdered white oshiroi makeup strolling through historic streets. Check out from old tea houses to textile shops and artisanal boutiques housed in wooden townhouses. Hear stories of their life-long training, learn the intricacies of the art of geisha entertainment, and step briefly into their high-cultured flower and willow world.
Go in-depth inside Kyoto’s roots and visit inspiring pagodas and shrines built centuries ago, each bearing a unique story featuring deities, monsters, and heroes.
On this private tour, the host will introduce you to the history of Kyoto and help you understand Japanese religion and the way of life.
Additional Info
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Starts: Kyoto, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Kyoto Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto’s charm is a combination of geisha culture, ancient temples, and age-old traditions that are still preserved and revered in the ex-capital of Japan. On this private tour, you can experience an authentic Kyoto.
Join your local host and visit the renowned geisha district, Gion. See geishas in traditional kimonos and powdered white oshiroi makeup strolling through historic streets. Check out from old tea houses to textile shops and artisanal boutiques housed in wooden townhouses. Hear stories of their life-long training, learn the intricacies of the art of geisha entertainment, and step briefly into their high-cultured flower and willow world.
Go in-depth inside Kyoto’s roots and visit inspiring pagodas and shrines built centuries ago, each bearing a unique story featuring deities, monsters, and heroes.
On this private tour, the host will introduce you to the history of Kyoto and help you understand Japanese religion and the way of life.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Statue of Izumo no Okuni, Kawabatacho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0076 Kyoto Prefecture
Okuni was the originator of kabuki theater
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Minamiza : The Kabuki Theater of Kyoto, 198 Nakanomachi, Shijodori Yamatooji Nishiiru, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0075 Kyoto Prefecture
The roots of Minamiza go back to the early Edo period (1596-1615).
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Gion, Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture
The area of Gion Shinbashi is designated as a traditional business preservation area and the area south of Shijo Street as a historical scenery preservation area.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine, Motoyoshicho Shimbashi Hanamikoji Nishiiru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0087 Kyoto Prefecture
Hear more about Japanese religion here, it is a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Shinbashi Dori, Gion, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
Stand outside the traditional banquet buildings where the geisha would have entertained customers and learn more in-depth about the geisha and the culture.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Chion-in Temple, 400 Rinkacho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-8686 Kyoto Prefecture
Walk up the steps to get a better view of the temple and see the garden area.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Maruyama Park, 473 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
Walk from the temple towards the park area.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Yasaka Shrine, 625 Giommachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0073 Kyoto Prefecture
According to the legend of the shrine, its history may go back as far as 150 years before the Heian era, AC656 (the second year of the reign of Emperor Seimei).
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Shijo Dori, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
Walk on the Shijō Street, that literally means Fourth Avenue of Heian-kyō, the ancient capital
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Nene-no-Michi, Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0825 Kyoto Prefecture
Kodaiji Temple was built in 1605 at the behest of Nene, for whom the street was later named
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Yasaka Shrine, 1-2-9 Higashi, Toride 302-0005 Ibaraki Prefecture
Picturesque 5-story Buddhist pagoda temple, offering sweeping views from the top. Finish the tour in a local cafe nearby.
Duration: 10 minutes