Our guide will meet you in front of Starbucks Kyoto Tower pillar facing Kyoto Station, see picture after booking for more deatails.
Description
This is a walking tour using public transport to Kyoto's highlights, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple.
We are going early in order to beat the crowds and since it's only half day, you still have time enjoy other experiences.
We also will learn about the history, the culture and Japanese society all while enjoying the spots
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
8:00 AM
Next available
Sun, Oct 25
Adult (ages 4–85)
$97
Infant (ages 0–3)
Free
In demand: 10 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 18.
Tour Options
Early Half Day to Kyoto Highlights
Itinerary
15 min
We gather at Starbucks Kyoto Tower in front of Kyoto Station, please refer to picture sent inside booking details.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
90 min
Visit The most famous tourist spot in Japan, the shrine with thousand red gates, and learn the most important aspect in Japanese culture, Shintoism while enjoying the great view without the crowds
90 min
Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the bamboo forest, and see the beauty of the nature surrounding it while learning Japanese society
Kinkakuji Temple
Admission not included90 min
Enter the 2nd most visited tourist spot in Japan, learn about Buddhism in Japan, the history of the temple, while enjoying breathtaking view.
Kyoto Station Building
15 min
Back to our starting point
What's included
Included
Experienced local guide with good command of English
Not included
Gratuity no expected, but much appreciated
Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion Entrance Fee
JR, Buses and Metros
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
19 reviews
5
19
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Kyoto
Rated higher than 75% of 485 reviewed tours in Kyoto
Starting price $97 is 20% below the typical $122 for tours of similar length in Kyoto
Excurgo comparison of 1,631 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Early Half Day to Kyoto Highlights take?
Early Half Day to Kyoto Highlights lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Early Half Day to Kyoto Highlights cost?
Prices start at $97 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Early Half Day to Kyoto Highlights run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM.
Does Early Half Day to Kyoto Highlights sell out?
It can: 10 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Early Half Day to Kyoto Highlights for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Our guide will meet you in front of Starbucks Kyoto Tower pillar facing Kyoto Station, see picture after booking for more deatails. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Early Half Day to Kyoto Highlights offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 9 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(19)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
L
L7268NGkyliel
September 23, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Indra is amazing
We saw the most beautiful structures, were shown the best photo spots and had a wonderful time with Indra today. What a fantastic guide!!!! So very knowledgeable but also a bit of a character. Shared information about the why not just general knowledge. We felt very well looked after and would recommend Indra to anyone looking for that personal touch. Indra made us feel very welcome in Kyoto and showed us some of the most beautiful scenery. He is also an awesome photographer, so let him take your pictures!!!! Thank you Indra, we will definitely recommend you to any of our friends visiting your beautiful city of Kyoto.
G
Go99098
June 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Half day Kyoto fun
Indra was amazing. He was so friendly, knowledgeable and experienced. We had an amazing time. I would highly recommend this tour. Especially with kids. Was the perfect length.
J
Janet_M
April 26, 2026 · via Viator
Indra was fantastic...
Indra was fantastic navigating us around Kyoto’s highlights by public transportation and maximizing our short time there. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Also a fantastic photographer!
L
lawlessrose
February 9, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
The early bird catches the best experiences in Kyoto.
Our guide Indra was amazing in his knowledge and wanting us to have the best experience. An early morning tour was ideal to beat the crowds and get the best photo opportunities. Travelling on local transport to get to our destinations was also part of the adventure. Would definitely recommend this tour.
R
rettav
January 15, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Lovely, friendly and knowledgeable tour guide!
Indra was a lovely, friendly and very knowledgeable tour guide, I was on my own and we had such a great day seeing all of the beautiful temples and shrines and he informed me of the history of each site which was great. I felt that we saw so much in half a day and I was completely satisfied so thank you so much Indra and hope to see you again in the future!
A
Andrew H
December 31, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Guided Kyoto Tour
Excellent knowledge and English.. Super friendly and made the trip feel very relaxed despite the many legs along the way.
A
AC_V
November 15, 2025 · via Viator
Splendid morning in Kyoto
Fantastic experience. Efficient, friendly, informative. Indra was one of the best guides I used on this platform ever. It would have taken us far longer and with much more effort to do this tour ourselves.
4
464beckyp
November 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Top tour
What a brilliant tour this morning with Indra. Visited all three sites but what made the tour was his insight and history given in clear English. The best tour we did during our three weeks in Japan. Thanks Indra
J
John_H
October 10, 2025 · via Viator
This was a great tour and...
This was a great tour and Indra was wonderful. He is such a good tour guide! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone!
S
sharonmT5931EC
July 5, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Kyoto temples and bamboo forest
Our tour guide Indra knew the route, trains,and buses that could get us to the locations efficiently. He explained things which deepen the experience. He dealt with all my questions in a delightful and professional way. I would highly recommend this tour.
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