Things to Do in Kyoto
On this tour of Nara, we'll see the famous sika deer park and historic shrines like Tōdai-ji and Kasuga Taisha. We'll also visit Uji, home of matcha!
• Enjoy flexibility with 3 routes and 14 carefully chosen stops across Kyoto. Buses run every 40 minutes, so you can savor each location to your heart's content.
• Climb aboard open-top buses and enjoy audio commentary in 7 languages. Watch Kyoto's captivating streetscapes unfold before your eyes as you tour the city.
• Journey through time at the UNESCO site Nijo Castle, the 18th-century Imperial Palace, and along the enchanting Kamo River.
🌿 Small group, real conversations
This is not a big-group tour. I usually welcome only one small group at a time, so the experience feels personal and relaxed.
If you are tired of crowded tours and prefer real conversations, this is the perfect choice. After the walk, I’ll also share a list of my favorite hidden cafés, shops, and spots in Kyoto, so you can continue exploring like a local.
And if there’s a place or topic you’re especially curious about, let me know—I’ll do my best to prepare and send you extra recommendations afterward.
🍵About this tour
Kyoto is a maze made of time.
A friend once captured its spirit perfectly: “Kyoto is like an ancient fossil—when you brush off the dust, each spark of light comes from a different century.”
For a thousand years this city guided Japan’s culture. The noise of old parades and battles has faded into calm stone paths and quiet, dark-gray rooftops. Wander here and you might hope to meet a geisha, yet she could slip down a side street before nightfall and leave you guessing. Step into a shrine and rows of tiny altars invite you to dig for forgotten stories of love, loss, and courage. Even a breeze along a shaded lane carries rumors of romance.
Kyoto hides its wonders in silence. It never boasts; once you understand, it simply opens its arms.
Think of the city as a strange, four-dimensional space where every crossroads is a doorway in history. This walking tour will guide you through that thousand-year dream. We will trace small clues—a carved beam, a lantern’s paint, the scent of incense—and fit them together like pieces of a living mosaic. By the end, Kyoto’s beauty will no longer feel like a flat symbol from a postcard. It will feel alive, breathing beside our own era, a gentle spirit walking with us.
Welcome to book a place on my walking tour! Ask anything you like along the way—curiosity is always welcome.
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, a famous bamboo forest, and iconic temples await on this complete tour of Kyoto with tickets and an English-speaking guide.
Experience the Enchanting World of the Geisha on Our Kyoto Night Walking Tour
Step into the magical realm of the Geisha on our captivating night walking tour in Kyoto. With our local expert guides, you'll be immersed in a world of elegance and grace, discovering the hidden stories that make this culture so fascinating.
Delve into the truth behind the captivating figures of the Geisha, going beyond the fictionalized portrayals from "Memoirs of a Geisha." Hear firsthand accounts that debunk myths and provide an authentic glimpse into their lives.
Make this unforgettable experience a highlight of your Japanese adventure. Don't miss the chance to learn about this iconic aspect of Japanese culture before you leave!
Join us for an enchanting evening—we can't wait to share this unique experience with you!
Discover one of the cities where dreams come true, where major industries like Nintendo were born, and join a grand adventure filled with colorful landscapes, geishas, samurai, temples, and much more.
Itinerary:
The tour starts from the SANJO-OHASHI Bridge Station, where we will take a short walk along the KAMOGAWA River, where you will hear stories of how Kyoto became the capital of Japan and one of the most important cities.
Later , we will find the most beautiful place in Kyoto, the Geisha District (GION) , where you can observe an atmosphere of ancient architecture called Machi-Ya , traditional wooden houses that are more than 150 years old , a memorable place to keep in our memories.
The next stop will be at CHION-IN SAMON , one of the most prestigious temples in Japan , where we will explain how the Japanese introduced Buddhism as a religion and why Christianity was a complete failure.
During the tour we will enter HISASHI-YAMA, one of the most historic areas of Kyoto , where you will be delighted with fascinating stories of ancient emperors and samurai warriors (Shoguns).
Finally, we will visit the Koshindo Monkey Temple and see the gigantic Yasaka Pagoda, built in the 7th century by Prince Shotoku.
Kyoto is an interesting city that will fill you not only with history and temples, but also with a wide variety of cuisines. Once you've finished the tour, we'll give you recommendations for restaurants and activities.
• Ditch the hassle of hoarding luggage and taking public transportation as this limo transfer lets you have a relaxing trip with ample amenities.
• Get benefits from multiple onboard facilities including plush seats, luggage storage, and clean toilets.
• Pick your desired route between the Kansai airport to/from Kobe or Kyoto.
We’re excited to bring our highly rated tour — with over 1,000 reviews and a 4.9 out of 5 rating on a world-renowned travel site — to GuruWalk!
This tour is limited to 10 people, so it is easy to ask questions to your guide, and you will have a comfortable time.
Starting from Minamiza Theater as known as landmark in Gion, we will first head to a geisha district.
In this area, you will not only enjoy the traditional streets, but also learn the mysterious rules and trivia of geisha culture from your guide.
Next, you will also have a chance to see a shrine for matchmaking and a beautiful Buddhist pagoda.
Your guide will take your picture there if you want.
You will then continue to explore hidden spots and pathways, and end the tour with a visit to a shrine that is over 1000 years old.
This tour is a great way to gain a better understanding of Kyoto's traditional streets and local culture.
Let us help you make wonderful memories in Kyoto!
Feel free to send me a message if you need more slots!
Step into the enchanting world of Kyoto's timeless charm with our "Timeless Kyoto: Free Walking Tour of Historic Landmarks"!
Embark on a journey through centuries of history and culture as we explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems nestled within this ancient city. From the vibrant streets of Hanamikoji-dori to the serene beauty of Maruyama Park, each step unveils a new chapter in Kyoto's rich heritage.
Join us on this immersive two-hour adventure as we unravel the mysteries of Kyoto's past and present, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Book your spot now and let the magic of Kyoto captivate your senses!
Minamiza Theater
↓
Hanami Koji Street
↓
Yasaka Jinjya Shrine
↓
Maruyama Park
↓
Chion-in Temple
↓
Shirakawa Minami Street
↓
The tour ends at the same location as the departure location.
• Take unlimited rides on Kintetsu Railway and Nara Kotsu Bus Lines for the duration of your selection.
• Travel through Osaka-Namba, Kintetsu-Nara, Kyoto and Tsutsui, Nakata and Ikoma, and Toriimae and Ikomasanjo zones with ease and convenience.
• Choose from 1-day, 2-day, or 5-day passes. Every pass offers you more route options and benefits to make your trip seamless.
• Take your journey further with a 5-day or 5-day Plus rail pass, granting you unlimited and easy access to Nagoya and Mie.
Step Into the World of the Shogun with a Local Guide at Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is more than just a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s the stage where Japan’s history dramatically unfolded. Built as the lavish Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, the castle combines power, politics, and elegance in every detail.
With your local guide, you’ll uncover the secrets hidden behind its grand gates. Walk across the famous “nightingale floors” that chirp to guard against intruders, admire dazzling golden screens painted with tigers and pines, and hear fascinating stories of shoguns, samurai, and the imperial court. Stroll through tranquil gardens once designed to impress both allies and rivals, and gain insights you’d never get on your own.
This isn’t just a sightseeing stop but it’s a journey into Kyoto’s samurai past, brought vividly to life by a guide who knows the history, legends, and hidden details that make Nijo Castle unforgettable.
*Entrance admission fee: 1,300JPY per Adult
• Be a part of exciting events that dive deep into the marine world, a fun, interactive twist to regular sightseeing.
• From watching a mesmerizing dolphin show to feeding cutesy penguins, this ticket opens up unique experiences for you to cherish.
• Did you know? The aquarium uses pure groundwater from Kyoto's wells to create an authentic habitat for its marine life.
⛩️ Discover with us the best of Kyoto on this fascinating and authentic free walking tour guided by Eze and Dani, local guides with more than 3 years in Japan and passionate about its culture who will share with you the secrets and magic of the city!
This tour is specially designed to bring you unforgettable memories of your visit ✨
We will begin by exploring the mysterious Nejirimampo Tunnel, a place full of history and charm.
We will continue with a visit to the historic Nanzen-ji Temple, an important center of Zen Buddhism, and Eikando Temple, famous for its gardens and the statue of Amida.
We will also walk along the iconic “Philosopher’s Path,” a unique path that connects you to the peace and natural beauty of Kyoto, and we will end by inviting you to enter the impressive Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, a World Heritage Site, a place that captures the essence of Japanese spirituality.
Route:
- Nejirimampo Tunnel (free)
- Nanzen-ji Temple (free)
- Eikando Temple (Entrance fee ¥600)*
- Tetsugaku no Michi / The Path of the Philosopher (free)
- Ginkaku-ji (exterior visit: free)
*🎫 NOTICE: The tour requires payment of the entrance fee to the “Eikando Temple” (¥600)
Experience Kyoto in an authentic way with local guides who will allow you to connect deeply with its history, culture and most emblematic landscapes.
A unique experience that you cannot miss.
We look forward to showing you the best of our city!
