Kyoto's Top City Highlights: 2-Day Private Tour Experience
Description
As you only have 2 days in Kyoto, I can show you the best spots in Kyoto visitors should see. The tour includes visits to some of the top spots of Kyoto. What makes this tour unique? Tour itinerary is planned to cover the top sightseeing spots of Kyoto and long enough to go around the cultural and historic places too. Itinerary is shown here, however, you can still customize it in arrangement with the guide. Day-1 09:00 Meet at your hotel in Kyoto 09:30 Nijo castle 11:00 Kinkakoji temple 12:30 Ryoanji Temple 14:00 Lunch break (Kyoto station) 15:30 Fushimi Inari shrine 17:00 Tour finish Day-2 09:00 Meet at your hotel in Kyoto 10:00 Bamboo forest, Nonomiya Shrine and Tenryu-ji temple garden 11:30 Hozu-gawa river and Togetsu bridge 12:00 Monkey's park 14:00 Lunch (Kyoto station) 15:30 Kiyomezu dera temple and Gion area 17:00 Tour finish
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step back in time with a visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto that showcases stunning Edo-period architecture and exquisite gardens. Explore the opulent Ninomaru Palace, famed for its "nightingale floors" and intricate woodwork, offering a glimpse into the life of the Tokugawa shoguns. Perfect for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers, this tour promises a captivating journey through Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto's iconic Golden Pavilion, shimmering brilliantly against its serene pond backdrop. Stroll through the exquisite gardens, reflecting the harmonious blend of nature and artistry that defines this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and photographers, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into Japan's architectural splendor and tranquil elegance.
Discover the serene beauty of Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous Zen rock garden, renowned for its simplicity and profound tranquility. Stroll through the temple's lush gardens and peaceful surroundings, offering a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto. Ideal for meditation and reflection, this tour invites you to experience the timeless elegance and spiritual depth of Ryoanji Temple.
Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". Dive into the culinary heart of Kyoto at Nishiki Market, a bustling five-block marketplace brimming with over a hundred vibrant stalls and shops. Savor the flavors of fresh seafood, local delicacies, and unique snacks while exploring traditional Japanese ingredients and gourmet treats. Perfect for food lovers and cultural explorers, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Kyoto's rich culinary heritage.
Embark on a spiritual journey at Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of iconic red torii gates that create a mesmerizing path through lush forest trails. Discover the beauty and mystique of this ancient Shinto shrine, dedicated to the deity of rice and prosperity, with stunning views and serene surroundings. Perfect for hikers and culture enthusiasts, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage in Kyoto.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Visit the historic Nonomiya Shrine, a hidden gem nestled within the bamboo grove, offering a tranquil escape and a touch of ancient tradition. Complete your journey with a stroll through the stunning gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where meticulously landscaped grounds provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and Zen serenity.
Explore the enchanting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the historic Gion area on your Kyoto tour. Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on the hillside, the temple offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding forests. Its wooden stage, built without nails, is famous for its breathtaking views of cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn. The temple's peaceful atmosphere, sacred shrines, and natural beauty make it an unforgettable destination.
Stroll through the Gion district, Kyoto’s renowned geisha area. Immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese culture as you wander along narrow streets lined with wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and shops. Gion is one of the few places where you can spot geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dressed in exquisite kimonos, bringing the past to life. The district offers a perfect blend of cultural elegance and history, making it an essential stop on your Kyoto journey.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(6)
Every day the guide is different, we could request transportation by car with extra payment and coordinate modifications in itinerary
Yuji was an outstanding guide and a true gentleman. He had a well-planned itinerary that allowed us to explore Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at a relaxed pace. He also included some hidden gems we hadn't thought to request, which made the tour even more special. Yuji was patient and attentive, always making sure we were comfortable and answering any questions we had about other aspects of our trip. The whole experience felt like exploring Kyoto with a knowledgeable friend.
Our private two-day tour of Kyoto with Noriko was truly excellent. She proved to be an incredibly knowledgeable and organized guide, skillfully leading our group through a balanced itinerary. Each day offered the perfect mix of guided sightseeing and independent time, allowing us to take photos and pause without ever feeling rushed. The tour included unforgettable highlights like Fushimi Inari, the dazzling Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the historic Gion district. The delicious lunch stops were a welcome local highlight, rounding out a memorable experience. Thanks a lot Noriko, our best guide in Japan
Our guide Keiko was fantastic! She was incredibly friendly and very knowledgeable about all the sites we visited and Japanese culture in general. Over the two days, we explored Kiyomizudera, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the silver temple and philosophers walk,and Nijo Castle, covering a lot of ground, so be ready for some walking! We used local trains, subways, and buses to get from place to place, and Keiko made the whole process seamless and stress-free. Thank you Keiko san.
Asano was very flexible. He asked about our preferences ahead of the tour and modified the itinerary accordingly for both days. The tour was informative and entertaining, and we enjoyed exploring Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Nishiki Market with him. Asano’s local insights and thoughtful pacing made our second and third days in Kyoto truly memorable.
Apart from the weather, those 2 days were perfect. Moto guided us through a fantastic 2-days tour of Kyoto. We discussed our priorities with him beforehand, and his suggestions (taking the weather into account) were perfect. The places we liked the most were Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu dera, and Moto shared lots of useful insights about the sites and the city. We also had Samurai museum experience when it rained so we had to omit Arashiyama. Highly recommend this tour for a well-planned and enjoyable Kyoto experience!