Private tour

Kyoto: Private Rickshaw Tour of Gion and Higashiyama Area

4.9  / 578 reviews
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Private tour
Kyoto: Private Rickshaw Tour of Gion and Higashiyama Area
4.9  / 578 reviews
Likely to sell out

Take a private tour by traditional rickshaw, to discover the neighborhood of Higashiyama. See the main sights of this historic area, and pass through the geisha district of Gion. Discover Japanese culture and history with a knowledgeable guide.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 45 - 190 minutes
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Japanese
Private group

Experience

Highlights

  • Enjoy a private rickshaw tour through Higashiyama and the Gion area
  • Explore the charming and traditional streets of Higashiyama
  • Travel back in time as you pass traditional wooden townhouses
  • Stop to take photos at the most Instagram-worthy spots

Full description

Explore the traditional neighborhood of Higashiyama from the comfort of a rickshaw with a knowledgeable guide. Admire the well-preserved wooden townhouses, see some of Kyoto's most famous temples, and pass through the vibrant geisha district in the Gion area. Learn about Japanese culture, heritage, and customs on this private customizable tour. Meet your guide on the cobbled streets by the Kodaiji Temple in Higashiyama, a nationally designated historic area. Travel back in time as your guide pulls you through the historic neighborhood, filled with traditional buildings and shops. Stop to take photos at the most scenic spots in each location. Choose from 4 different tour durations to suit your schedule, from the introductory 45-minute tour, to the comprehensive tour of 3 hours and 10 minutes. With the longer tours, you’ll continue through the wealth of sights in Higashiyama and the northern part of Gion. Pass weeping willows that line a picturesque river, explore ancient temples, and travel through the streets of this amazing neighborhood.

Includes

  • Private rickshaw tour
  • Knowledgeable guide
  • Photo stops
  • Souvenir postcard and sticker
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Entry fees

Not suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meet your guide on the corner of Nene Street and Ichinenzaka street, by the Kodaiji Temple.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Selfie sticks

Know before you go

  • It is suggested that you book in advance, as there are a limited number of English-speaking guides
  • Adult pricing applies to children aged 6 and over
  • Up to 2 children (aged 5 and under) can ride with 2 adults (children have to sit on an adult's lap, one child per adult)
  • If a child of 0-5 years will be using one of the two seats of the rickshaw, it must book as an adult (full-fare paying guest)
  • Each rickshaw is 21.1 inches (74 centimeters) wide, so sometimes it might be more comfortable to book individual rickshaws for each passenger
  • Wheelchair and stroller-friendly
  • Not recommended for expecting mothers in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy
  • This tour can be customized depending on your interests

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 78 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    5/5

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D
Donna M. – United StatesOctober 4, 2024  – Verified booking
We had the most amazing experience with Kai as our guide! He was very knowledgeable and extremely kind. It was hard to believe how strong he was to be able to tow two old women around the narrow and, often, steep streets of the area. He knew exactly which spots would provide the best photo opportunities, so we have a wealth of photos to help us remember this excellent experience. To Kai and his colleagues: Keep up the fantastic work you do! Please stay healthy and strong. To Kai: You are a wonderful and talented person. Thanks for the laughter and smiles! We love you!💜😁
Helpful?
V
Valerie – United StatesAugust 14, 2024  – Verified booking
Shiro was fantastic. Very informative and explained everything in detail. Highly recommend.
Helpful?
J
Jonathan – United StatesJuly 25, 2024  – Verified booking
Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is known for its stunning temples, traditional gardens and cultural heritage. To experience the true essence of this beautiful city, we decided to take a rickshaw tour with Moto as our guide. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we made during our trip! Moto is not just your average rickshaw driver, he is a highly trained and knowledgeable tour guide who knows every nook and cranny of Kyoto. From the moment we met him at our hotel, he greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel comfortable. As we embarked on our tour, Moto shared with us the history and stories behind every sight we passed. His English was excellent and he was able to answer all of our questions without hesitation. It felt like we had our own personal historian accompanying us. What sets Moto apart from other rickshaw drivers is his passion for his job. He genuinely loves what he does and it reflects in the way he interacts with his customers.
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Product ID: 266267

Activity provider:Ebisuya Rickshaw

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