KyotoSightseeingCulture and history

    Historical and Cooling Tour of the Ancient Capital of Kyoto

    By OTOMO Travel GuideProduct code 85886P487
    Historical and Cooling Tour of the Ancient Capital of Kyoto photo 1
    View all photos
    Historical and Cooling Tour of the Ancient Capital of Kyoto gallery 6Historical and Cooling Tour of the Ancient Capital of Kyoto gallery 7Historical and Cooling Tour of the Ancient Capital of Kyoto gallery 8

    Duration

    4 hours 30 minutes

    Ticket type

    Mobile Only

    Languages

    English

    Confirmation

    Instant

    Pickup

    Pickup details available

    Meeting point

    Meeting point provided

    Time zone

    Asia/Tokyo

    Why Travelers Love This

    4 hours 30 minutesMobile ticketsPickup details available

    Overview

    Among Kyoto's popular tourist destinations, Higashiyama and the Kyoto Station area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, attract visitors from Japan and abroad due to their deeply Japanese atmosphere. This tour focuses on experiencing Japanese history, culture, and summer in Kyoto. The tour begins at Shijo-Kawaramachi Station, offering easy access to Higashiyama attractions. After a short bus ride and walk, you'll reach Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its clear water and small waterfall. After shopping on the street in front of the temple, you'll visit Yasaka Shrine, believed to ward off epidemic diseases during the hot season. Next, enjoy the Japanese summer sweet "shaved ice" in Gion and stroll along the famous Gion street. The tour concludes with a visit to Kyoto Tower in front of Kyoto Station for a romantic view at dusk. Let's embark on a trip to Kyoto, a city best enjoyed in the hot summer!

    What's Included

    Included

    Other

    Private Tour

    Other

    Tour Guide

    Other

    The necessary expenses for the guide during the tour

    Not included

    Other

    Estimated Costs of the Tour: 1,960 JPY per Person

    Other

    Breakdown: Transportation: 460 JPY, Admission Fees: 1,400 JPY, Meal costs: 0 JPY per Person

    Other

    Optional Experience Costs: 100 JPY per Person

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    Keihan Electric Railway Gion-Shijo Station ticket gate

    End point

    Kyoto Station

    Pickup details

    ・Please contact us using the messaging feature or WhatsApp message : +81 80-7475-5829. ・Please note that we do not answer calls. In case of any difficulties meeting up, kindly call your tour guide directly. ・All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer. ・If you do not arrive at the specified starting place after 60 minutes from the agreed meeting time, the tour will be considered canceled.

    Itinerary

    Standard4 hours 30 minutes
    1

    Stop 1

    35 minutesAdmission not included

    Kiyomizu Temple: It is a World Heritage temple representing Kyoto. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, the temple attracts many pilgrims who come to see the main image of the Buddha who saves people with his mercy. The "Kiyomizu-no-butai" (stage of Kiyomizu), built on the slope of the mountain, offers a panoramic view of the beautiful city of Kyoto.

    2

    Stop 2

    15 minutes

    Sanneizaka: This slope is part of the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and is said to have been used by Kitamasato, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Together with Niningsaka, it is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Kyoto City. The winding stone pavement and stone steps are flanked by old-fashioned buildings, and it is also known as the center of sightseeing in Kiyomizu.

    3

    Stop 3

    15 minutesAdmission not included

    Yasaka Shrine: Located in Higashiyama, it is the representative shrine of Kyoto City. Until the Meiji era (1868-1912), the shrine was called "Gion Shrine." The famous town of Gion was the gateway to Yasaka Shrine, and the festival "Gion Matsuri" became Kyoto's representative summer festival, greatly influencing the culture, customs and landscape of Kyoto.

    4

    Stop 4

    30 minutes

    Kezurihiya Kyoto Gion: Gion Aisu" is a beautifully designed store with patterns drawn with various flavored powders on top of milk-flavored ice. Bring the ice, which has a smooth texture like fresh snow, to your mouth and you will quickly feel the heat of your body cool down.

    5

    Stop 5

    15 minutes

    Gion/Hanamikoji Street: As the main street of the Gion area, it is a popular place for tourists. The street and surrounding area are lined with temples, shrines, tea houses, and other buildings that are very Kyoto-like. If you are lucky, you may be able to see real maiko and geiko walking along the alley.

    6

    Stop 6

    1 hourAdmission not included

    Kyoto Tower: The tower stands tall in front of Kyoto Station. The tiled roofs of machiya (traditional townhouse) buildings in Kyoto City are designed to resemble waves, with the image of a lighthouse illuminating the city of Kyoto, which has no sea. It is characterized by its curvaceous and graceful appearance and is one of the landmarks of Kyoto, a city with few high-rise buildings.

    Additional Info

    Public Transportation Nearby

    Public transportation options are available nearby

    Physical Easy

    Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Other

    Transportation, entrance fees, food and beverage costs incurred at the visited spots are to be borne by the client.

    Other

    In case of inclement weather on the day of the tour, the means of transportation, places to visit, and routes may be changed.

    Other

    The dismissal point is different from the meeting point. Please contact the guide if you would like to change the dismissal point.

    Other

    Please note that each spot may be changed to another spot in case of temporary closure.

    Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

    Policy type

    Standard

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

    Refund eligibility

    100% refundable 1+ days before

    Refund eligibility

    0% refundable 0-1 days before

    Similar Experiences

    Kyoto: Spiritual Reset Tour with Zen & Shrine RitualViator

    Kyoto

    Kyoto: Spiritual Reset Tour with Zen & Shrine Ritual

    This is not just a sightseeing tour—it is a guided journey designed to help you reset your mind and let go of what no longer serves you. Unlike typical temple visits, this experience follows a meaningful path inspired by Japanese spiritual traditions. You will reflect on your thoughts, write down what you wish to release, take part in a symbolic ritual to cut negative ties, and finish with a calming Zen meditation. Each step is simple, yet deeply personal. No prior knowledge is needed, and you are never required to share anything with the group. The experience is designed to be quiet, reflective, and accessible to anyone. By the end of the tour, many guests feel lighter, clearer, and more grounded—having experienced not just Kyoto’s culture, but a moment of personal transformation.

    2 hours

    From JPY 17,000

    Gion Kyoto Walking TourViator

    Kyoto

    Gion Kyoto Walking Tour

    Discover the rich history of Kyoto on a gentle 2km, 2 1/2-hour walking tour through the enchanting Gion district. This private tour invites groups of 1-5 to explore hidden gems like the Ebisu and Yasui-Konpira-gu Shrines and Kennin-ji Temple, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, away from the bustling crowds. Led by an English-speaking guide, delve into the lesser-known stories of Japan's past, including the origins of the Emperor and samurai traditions, and gain an understanding of the difference between Shinto and Buddhism. Perfect for travellers seeking a personal and insightful experience in Japan's cultural heart. - Explore two serene shrines and Kyoto's oldest Zen temple - Ideal for wheelchairs and those with lower mobility - Personalized attention with a maximum group size of 5 - Engage with a knowledgeable guide for an in-depth historical overview - Meet at an easy-to-access train station and return to the same place

    2 hours 30 minutes

    From JPY 20,000

    Kyoto: Zen and Art at Tranquil Kennin-ji TempleViator

    Kyoto

    Kyoto: Zen and Art at Tranquil Kennin-ji Temple

    This tour offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Kyoto’s most prestigious Zen temples—Kennin-ji—through the lens of both spiritual heritage and visual art. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, you’ll be guided by an expert who provides deep cultural context, revealing the hidden meanings behind the temple’s architecture, gardens, and centuries-old artworks. Beginning with a stroll through the atmospheric Hanamikoji Street in Gion, the tour seamlessly transitions from the vibrant charm of old Kyoto to the quiet introspection of Zen. With a compact 1.5-hour itinerary, it’s perfect for travelers seeking an immersive, meaningful experience without taking up their whole day.

    5.0 / 5 (1 review)

    1 hour 30 minutes

    From JPY 16,000

    Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining OptionsViator

    Kyoto

    Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

    Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Your local guide will tell you about the traditions from an insider perspective about Geisha culture. At the same time you'll explore Gion's beautiful streets, temples, shrines, and shops, for a comprehensive overview of historic Kyoto. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, but on my experience ・In the first half we will walk in Gion and discuss the living traditions, their lifestyle and history. ・In the second half we will meet an apprentice geisha, Maiko. First we will talk with and ask her questions. Also we will watch her dancing, having one of these, a cup of tea or lunch or dinner together. *Picture and filming of Geisha is fine but not allowed to post it in public.

    5.0 / 5 (509 reviews)

    3 hours

    From JPY 18,300

    Kyoto Garden Secrets Led by an Architect PRIVATE TourViator

    Kyoto

    Kyoto Garden Secrets Led by an Architect PRIVATE Tour

    As an architect and design writer, I have long been fascinated by Japanese gardens—the way restraint creates profound presence, how every stone, lantern, and ripple of water is deliberate, and how simplicity carries layers of meaning. This private tour is an invitation to “hack” the secrets of Japanese gardens. Far from fleeting Instagram snapshots, this experience is crafted for depth and contemplation. [ Warning ] If the language of design, philosophy, or subtle beauty does not captivate you, this tour is not for you. [ Notice ] This tour is completely private, meaning it will be only the travelers in your booking—no one else will join, and the guide will accompany your group exclusively.

    4 hours

    From USD 177

    A Stroll Through Old Kyoto Geisha at DuskViator

    Kyoto

    A Stroll Through Old Kyoto Geisha at Dusk

    This walking tour starts at Miyagawa-cho, then takes you through Hanami-kouji Street and Gion Shirakawa, where you can fully enjoy the charming streets of Gion and Higashiyama area. The traditional machiya-lined streets feel like stepping back in time, and there are photo-worthy spots everywhere you look. Feel free to ask your guide for help with any photos! Along the way, you’ll also pass famous temples and shrines like Kyoto Ebisu Shrine and Kennin-ji (we won’t go inside, but we’ll walk through the area). While it's not guaranteed, if you're lucky, you might even cross paths with a maiko or geiko! This is the perfect tour to soak in the old-world charm of Kyoto.

    5.0 / 5 (4 reviews)

    2 hours

    From JPY 4,000

    Similar Attractions

    From

    From JPY 13,750

    Check availability