Kyoto Historic Tours

During the Kyoto day walking tour, you will experience the beauty of Kyoto; its nature, religion, history, and culture. This tour covers everything you'll need to know when you visit Kyoto. ​If you are looking for a real local experience and perspective, why don’t you stroll this quiet and beautiful neighborhood with our local guide.

Your journey through the illustrious lanes of Kyoto demands perfection. Providing these crucial details ensures that the canvas of your experience is painted without a single brush out of place. Before starting the tour, you will be fitted for a helmet, given a bike, and ready for the tour on two wheels. We believe that cycling is the best way to truly immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Kyoto. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides will lead you through the most picturesque streets and hidden gems, sharing fascinating stories and historical insights along the way. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We provide well-maintained bicycles and safety equipment, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride Our group sizes are small, allowing for a personalized and intimate experience.

Unlock the Magic of Kyoto with Our Unforgettable Tours: Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty and cultural wonders of Kyoto by booking our expertly crafted tours. With our knowledgeable local guides, you'll gain insider access to hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and authentic experiences that truly showcase the essence of this enchanting city. From strolling through historic districts like Gion and Pontocho, where geisha culture thrives, to exploring majestic temples like Kiyomizu-dera and serene shrines like Fushimi Inari Taisha, every step will be filled with awe-inspiring moments. Indulge in Kyoto's exquisite cuisine at bustling markets or traditional restaurants, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, and witness the changing seasons transform the landscape with cherry blossoms or vibrant autumn foliage.

Join us as we explore a traditional wooden machiya (traditional Japanese townhouse)! Your guide will lead the way. Machiya have many unique features, such as narrow corridors and hidden staircases. These strategically constructed homes are a Japanese architectural technique that makes limited space feel spacious. It's rare to find a house with its interior structure preserved intact, and this 160-year-old house offers a unique experience. The itinerary is as follows: 1. Your exploration of the machiya begins at the front desk. Your guide will explain the architecture while escorting you to your room on the third floor. 2. On the third floor, you can enjoy the following experiences: - Have your photo taken in a kimono. - Choose your favorite antique tea bowl and have matcha prepared for you. 3. Return to the front desk via the long corridors and hidden staircase. At the end of your journey, the guardian spirit of the building, a white snake, will see you off.

Let's get to know Kinkakuji, a shining temple and a landmark of Kyoto. Kinkakuji Temple has become a landmark of Kyoto because of its appearance. Get to know the history behind this impact, the atmosphere of the place, and everything about it through the guide's commentary. And if you have chosen the optional visit to Ryoan-ji Temple, we will head to Ryoan-ji Temple after our visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple. In 1975, the Queen of England visited Ryoan-ji Temple, which was highly acclaimed. Admire the typical karesansui, or dry landscape garden, and let your mind and soul be enchanted by its quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan. Many historical buildings and cultural traditions are still preserved today. Among them, the Gion district is a place where geisha culture and traditional Japanese culture remain strongly present. I take a leisurely stroll through its scenery and atmosphere in the evening. Of course, when visiting the Gion district, I make sure to visit must-see spots such as Yasaka Pagoda, Nene no Michi, Yasaka Shrine, Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, and Pontocho. The meeting point is in front of the elevator at the Edion Building, located at the Shijo Kawaramachi intersection in downtown Kyoto. A professional local guide from the Gion district will lead you to hidden areas that you cannot experience other walking tours.

Our guests will be able to kill two birds with one stone by doing exercise while sightseeing. This allows travelers to see more sites than they would on a normal tour and in less time. Travelers will be greeted by our guides, a fitness professional, and an experienced tour guide at Nijojo-mae Station, where they will be led through a warm-up and a brief history of Kyoto City. They will jog east to the Imperial Palace, where they will see lesser-known hidden gems and take part in Tabata-style exercises. We will leave the Imperial Palace grounds and cross the picturesque Kamogawa before heading to Heian Shrine, where we will make a brief stop. On the next leg of the tour, we will pass through the immense torii gate and jog along the banks of the Shirakawa River, lined with mysterious weeping willows and small stone bridges. This leads us to Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine as we wind down to end our tour at the eastern bank of the Kamogawa with some stretches.

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!

This is a 2 hours walking tour in the historic area of Gion that is well known for preserving the old architecture. In Gion, you can see the traditional houses, tea houses and old streets of Gion. What makes this tour unique? 1- Within 2 hours, you can experience the historic and cultural essense beauty of of Kyoto historic area of Gion in a private tour. 2- This tour is a walking private tour and can be customized based on your request. 3- Understanding the culture and life in Japan from a foreign prospective. Tour itinerary is planned to cover the top spots of Gion. Itinerary is shown here, however, you can still customize it in arrangement with the guide. 17:00 Meeting at the pickup place (or in Gion area). 17:30 Izumo no Okuni statue and Kaboki drama explanation 18:00 Shinbashi street, Geisha and Maiko explanation, Chionin temple gate 18:30 Maruyama Park and Yasaka shrine 18:45 Hanamikoji Street, Teahouse, Geisha and Maiko spotting areas 19:00 Pontocho and tour finish

Experience the enchanting Gion nightlife on a concise guided walking tour of Kyoto, unfolding its beauty in just three hours. Witness the mesmerizing scene as the sun sets, illuminating the streets with lanterns. Explore traditional backstreets, elegant restaurants, and historic teahouses. Delve into offbeat temples and shrines, with a chance to glimpse geiko or maiko. Traverse Hanamikoji Street and visit Yasaka Shrine with a knowledgeable guide, absorbing captivating narratives about the area's rich history and culture. This curated experience blends exploration, cultural insights, and the allure of Gion's nocturnal charm.

Embark on an exclusive journey through Kyoto with my private, customizable tour, ideal for both newcomers and seasoned visitors. Craft your adventure around your interests, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, with the flexibility for special arrangements like restaurant bookings or surprise proposals. As your English-speaking, local Japanese guide with extensive experience and a high rating (average 4.85 stars), I offer deep insights into Japanese culture and Kyoto's history. Running my private business allows me to provide a high-quality experience at a more affordable rate than traditional tour companies. Discover Kyoto's beauty, tradition, and culture, creating unforgettable memories tailored just for you. Let's make your visit to Kyoto a personal exploration filled with unique experiences, navigating the city's rich heritage with ease and insight. Your perfect Kyoto adventure awaits, designed with your dreams and desires at the forefront.

Step Back in Time in Kyoto! Enjoy a private rickshaw tour through the iconic Higashiyama and Gion districts. Wander through the charming traditional streets of Higashiyama. Pass beautifully preserved wooden townhouses that bring old Kyoto to life. Stop at the most Instagram-worthy photo spots along the way. Book your rickshaw experience now and discover Kyoto’s timeless beauty in the most unforgettable way!

What sets our tour apart? In one word: timing. Kyoto is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, but it can get overwhelmed with crowds, making it hard to truly enjoy its magic. Our tour is designed with this in mind. We start early, before the city wakes up, giving you the rare chance to experience famous sites like Kiyomizu-dera right when it opens at 6 AM, in peace, tranquility, and perfect morning light. But that’s not all. While most visitors rush to the same few famous spots, we guide you to unique places we have cherished for years that many travelers never even hear about. Kyoto is home to a number of breathtaking sites, and our specially chosen route lets you experience the true beauty of the city without fighting through crowds. If you want to see an authentic, serene, and unforgettable side of Kyoto, this is the tour for you.

Come with us to discover Kyoto through a half-day tour dedicated to the city’s political history! This walking and public transport tour begins with the Imperial Palace in Kyoto, the residence of the emperors until 1868. We dive into centuries of imperial history. It's exciting! We then visit Nijo Castle, symbol of the reign of the samurai and the Tokugawa clan from the 17th to the mid-19th century. Its “nightingale floor” and beautiful gardens will be there to delight you. After this half day, you will learn more about the history of Kyoto and Japan. You will also be amazed by very pretty and imposing monuments. Are you coming? We are waiting for you!

A day trip to Hikone offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the historic Hikone Castle to the tranquil Genkyū-en Garden and charming streets, it’s an ideal destination to experience the beauty of Japan’s past. This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.