Private Custom Tour of Kiyomizu & Yasaka—by Young Local Guides
Description
Step into the heart of Kyoto with a private tour of Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine, two of the city’s most iconic historical sites. This experience is led by young local guides who are passionate about sharing Kyoto’s history, culture, and everyday life from a fresh, authentic perspective. Unlike standard group tours, this is a custom-made, private experience designed around your interests. Whether you want to focus on history, local stories, photo spots, or simply enjoy a relaxed walk at your own pace, your guide will tailor the tour just for you. By joining this tour, you’re not only discovering Kyoto’s rich heritage—you’re also supporting the next generation of local guides as they build their skills and share their love for their hometown. Enjoy a meaningful, personal, and memorable Kyoto experience, made just for you.
Tour Options
Itinerary
At Kiyomizu-dera, you can enjoy beautiful views from the famous wooden stage, learn about Japan’s spiritual traditions, draw an omikuji fortune slip, and experience how to pray at a temple. It’s also a great place to take memorable photos of Kyoto’s historic charm.
Yasaka Koshin-do is a small but colorful temple famous for its “kukurizaru” – bright cloth charms that represent personal desires. Visitors can write their wish on a charm and hang it up to show their commitment to letting go of that desire. It’s a popular photo spot and a great place to experience a unique part of Kyoto’s spiritual culture.
Yasaka Pagoda, also known as Hokan-ji Temple, is a five-story wooden pagoda and one of Kyoto’s most recognizable symbols. It stands gracefully among traditional houses and narrow stone-paved streets. While the inside is not always open to the public, the view from the outside is perfect for photos and gives you a true sense of old Kyoto.
Yasaka Shrine is a major Shinto shrine located at the edge of the Gion district. Known for its striking red gate and rows of lanterns, it’s a popular place for both spiritual practice and sightseeing. Visitors can learn how to properly pray at a shrine, draw an omikuji fortune, and enjoy the calm, sacred atmosphere.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(3)
Mei-san provides thoughtful guiding with stops for snacks along the way! We looking forward to trying another tour when we next in Kyoto/Kansai! Thanks Mei-san!
We had such a wonderful experience on this Kyoto food tour! It was the very first tour led by two lovely 22-year-old girls, and they absolutely knocked it out of the park. Both were incredibly friendly, warm, and enthusiastic—it felt more like exploring the city with local friends than a formal tour. They took us to several hidden spots we never would have found on our own, including tiny eateries tucked away in charming backstreets and a market full of flavors and stories. Every bite was delicious and authentic—especially the traditional sweets and savory skewers. They also shared lots of fun facts and cultural insights that added a lot of depth to the experience. What made the tour truly special was the energy and kindness of our guides. Even though it was their first time leading, they were organized, attentive, and so genuine. We felt very welcomed and had lots of laughs along the way. Their passion for Kyoto and its food really came through. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a more personal and local experience in Kyoto. It was one of the highlights of our trip!
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We were a bit nervous since it was our very first tour, but you made it such a fun and comfortable experience for us. We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the food, the hidden spots, and spending time together. Your kind words mean so much to us and give us a lot of confidence for future tours. We truly appreciate your warmth and encouragement — hope to see you again in Kyoto someday!
Very fun tour with great guides, we had a great time, learned a lot of things and enjoyed the guidance really much. Totally recommended!
Thank you so much for joining our tour and for your kind words! We’re so happy to hear that you had fun and learned a lot along the way. It was such a pleasure guiding you — hope to see you again in Kyoto someday!
