Ninenzaka

Explore Gion, the centuries-old entertainment district of Kyoto, which is unique throughout the world for it's connection to the geisha. With your guide, learn about their history and customs with the chance of catching a glimpse of a few of the women in full costume.  Walk through the historic narrow streets , enjoy a night visit to a Shinto shrine, see a beautifully lit pagoda and more. Wander through the grounds of a Zen temple taking in the gentle calm. Learn more about the history and modern culture of the entertainment district from your guide. We start the tour at our traveler lounge where you can enjoy a welcome drink while we give some background about the world of the geisha. From there we hit the road on a walking tour that takes close to 2hrs. At the end of the tour, we can help make suggestions for places to go for dinner after too! This is a great tour to do on your first day in Kyoto to get a snapshot of the city and insights into the local culture. We are sure you will have a blast!

Explore Gion, the centuries-old entertainment district of Kyoto, which truly comes alive at night. With your guide, learn about the customs of the geisha and the apprentice maiko-san. You may catch a glimpse of a few of the women in full costume.  Walk through the narrow streets with the lanterns flickering on the wooden buildings. Enjoy a night visit to a Shinto shrine, with a beautifully lit pagoda. Wander through the grounds of a Zen temple in the tranquil calm of the night. Learn more about the modern history of the entertainment district from your guide. This is a great tour to do on your first day in Kyoto to get a snapshot of the city and insights into the local culture.

After meeting at the designated place in the morning,start your beautiful journey with our professional guide. Pick-up time and location: 8: 40am Nipponbashi Exit 2 9: 50am Kyoto-Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area ▼10：00 Kyoto Recommended itinerary 1: Kiyomizu-dera Temple（Ticket fee excluded）- Nineizaka & Sanneizaka - Ishibei-koji Alley -Hanamikoji Street- Yasaka Shrine ，Tourists can choose some scenic spots according to their own preferences and physical conditions. 2: Kimono experience. Tourists who are interested can change into kimono, stroll on the ancient streets, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Take a picture with the beautiful moment.（You can choose any kimono shops including Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. It is recommended that you can borrow from Kiyomizu-dera Temple and return to Fushimi Inari Shrine.Price excluded.） 【Kiyomizu-dera Temple】UNESCO World Heritage site & Popular tourist attraction in Kyoto. 【Nineizaka & Sanneizaka】【Ishibei-koji Alley】【Hanamikoji Street】【Yasaka Shrine】 ▼13:30 Kyoto 【Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine 】（about 70 minutes, free time） Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its " Senbon Torii ". It attracts countless tourists from Japan and abroad every year and ranked Top1 in the survey of the world's largest travel website for three consecutive years as "the most popular tourist attraction for foreigner in Japan". Let's pray for our dear family and ourselves here. In addition, the Ema of Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is also unique with a shape of a white fox which can be doodled into various god expressions. ▼16：00 Nara park（about 1.5 hours, free time） Nara Park is an urban park located at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa in Nara City where the famous places of interest such as Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are located here. It is a must-see when visiting Nara. Wakakusa which located near the park is a wonderful place to overlook the scenery of Nara, and traditional events such as "Wakakusa Burning Mount." are held here every January. A leisurely stroll is the best way to visit the park. There is large herd of deer. Feeding the cute deer is also the biggest viewing point for tourists.The deer here are also very smart. If they see deer senbei in the hands of tourists, they will take the initiative to come, so be careful of the flocks of deer which may knock you down. ▼ Itinerary Recommended. 【Todaiji Temple】（Price excluded）Also known as Suzumushi Temple, it was built in 752 by Emperor Shengmu in order to enshrine the Great Buddha and serve as the head temple of Japanese temples. It is home mountain of the Huayan Sect. （Admission fee for the main hall of Todaiji Temple: Adults,JP¥600,Children,JP¥300;Admission fee for the main hall+ Museum: Adults,JP¥1000, Children,JP¥400 ） ▼ 17：30 Start to return to Osaka The only drop-off address is at Osaka station(Nipponbashi Exit 2)

In Gion district, there are many traditional things left within a small area that can be walked around. -A town of geisha culture with 300 years of history, lined with old buildings. -A wooden pagoda built over 600 years ago. -Shrines with a history of more than 1,000 years. -Beautiful streets made of stone pavement. Our tours visit these places at times when the streets are less crowded. Gion at night is lit by streetlights, creating a magical atmosphere. Guides will tour Gion and Higashiyama, sharing their knowledge of geisha culture and these spots with guests. Don't miss our tours! Let us help you enjoy Kyoto!

Set out on an enchanting journey through the historic district of Gion in Kyoto, where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern charm. Stroll down the cobblestone streets lined with beautiful teahouses, in an almost dream like setting, and set the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable experience. Gion, renowned for its teahouses and geisha culture, offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich past and history. You’ll have the chance to see the elegantly dressed Geiko and Maiko as they make their way to appointments, a sight that captures the elegance and mystery of old Kyoto. You will also learn about the history and origins of Geisha culture, its place in modern society, and the district itself. Our guided tour takes you to the heart of Gion, where you'll discover hidden gems, including beautifully preserved machiya townhouses, charming tea houses where the Geisha make their exclusive private performances for wealthy clientele, and quaint boutique style souvenir shops. Marvel at the stunning Hõkan Ji Pagoda, a symbol of Kyoto’s cultural heritage. Enjoy the serenity of Kennin-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in the city. Discover the often overlooked hidden gem that is Chion In Temple, home to 3 designated national treasures within the vast and stunningly picturesque temple grounds. As you wander, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the area’s history, architecture, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations. As evening falls, Gion transforms into a magical place with lantern-lit streets, making it the perfect time to enjoy the delicate beauty of Gion’s nightlife. Towards the end of the tour, your guide will also share with you a full and detailed list of our own tried and trusted personal recommendations for restaurants, bars, shops, and of course, no shortage of ideas, and places to visit, to suggest for the rest of your trip. To ensure that you have an absolutely memorable experience in Kyoto and beyond, here in Japan. We have got you covered. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply looking to soak in the atmosphere of one of Japan’s most iconic neighborhoods, this tour offers an authentic and immersive experience that will leave you with lasting memories and plenty of stunning photos (100% Guaranteed!) as a memento of your trip to this culturally rich and beautiful city.

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.

Embark on a mesmerizing tour of Kyoto, where ancient traditions and natural beauty converge. Begin your journey by passing through the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, their gates casting long shadows in the early morning light, leading you into a world of sacred serenity. Explore the city’s cultural treasures, from the intricately designed pagodas that punctuate the skyline to the revered Kiyomizu-dera, offering sweeping views of Kyoto's picturesque landscapes. As you wander through narrow lanes lined with historic wooden houses, the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts from charming local cafes, inviting you to pause and savour a moment of tranquility. Then it's a stroll to get to the UNESCO world heritage Sanjusangendo temple hall which houses over 1000 life sized statues. A mind blowing experience! Make sure to stick around at the end of the tour to get your our "local guide tips" for restaurants, cafes, and bars. Reward yourself with a delicious coffee or yummy breakfast for getting up early and beating the crowds. KEY FEATURES: Our first stop is the #1 sightseeing destination for visitors to the country. Be rewarded for getting up early by avoiding the crowds and getting those epic pics that will last you a lifetime. Stop #2 is the most famous temple in the whole country too and an icon of the city! Our guides are some of the best in the business. Don't get stuck on a tour with someone who doesn't know how to bring the places to life with entertaining stories and enthusiasm. No need to be fumbling for your wallet; all entrance fees and taxi fare from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu Temple are included in this tour. We aim to make your day completely stress-free. Just arrive on time, and we'll handle everything else. It's your holiday, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Meet up in the west gate (red gate) of Yasaka Shrine. At first, the guide will tell you about the history of Kyoto with a map of Kyoto. Start the tour with the explanation about Yasaka shrine. In Yasaka shrine, the guide will explain how to worship at a shrine.  Next, going through Maruyama Park, located next to Yasaka Shrine, you will find a busy street whose name is Nene-no-michi. Nene is the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a political leader in Japan in the late 16th century. Entokuin is a temple associated with Nene. Entokuin is a Zen temple, with beautiful dry landscape gardens, famous pictures depicted on sliding doors of the rooms in the temple. You can see  traditional Japanese rooms. You can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the temple. After going out of the temple, you will find a narrow street called Ishibe-koji. Walking further, you will find red ornaments hung from the eaves of the  entrance of shops and restaurants. The ornaments are the dolls of monkey, a divine messenger of Koshindo. Koshindo is a place of folk religion, which originated in  Asian countries.   A five-storied pagoda, commonly called Yasaka-no-to(pagoda), is located close to Koshindo. You will see the pagoda from outside. Zuigudo is a sub-temple of Kiyomizu Temple. You will get into the basement floor of the temple which symbolizes the womb of Bodhisattva. Wooden balls symbolizing a rosary will lead you to the bottom of the temple. When you get out, you will feel as if you were reborn. The final destination, Kiyomizu temple is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto. It was originally built in the 8th century. The temple has five million visitors a year from all over the world. The main object of worship is Kannon Bodhisattva. You can see Buddhist statues, including Kannon Bodhisattva. There is a wooden stage attached to the main hall. The stage is a wooden structure without the use of nails. The scenery from the stage is magnificent. From the stage you can see a three storied pagoda. It is called Koyasu Pagoda, or lliterally  pagoda for easy birth.  Women visit the pagoda praying for easy birth. Kiyomiozu literally means "pure water". The stream of water, running down from the mountain behind the temple, has never been dried up.  A lot of visitors stand in line to drink the water. There are an iron stick and iron clogs in the precinct.. They are donated items to the temple. The iron stick is very heavy. Why don't you try to lift it up?  After getting out of the main hall, the tour ends. Before ending the tour, the guide will explain something about Jishu Shrine, a shrine for match making.

★ Discover Kyoto's Captivating Temples ★ ● Fushimi Inari ● Dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of the Shrine, a prominent Shinto shrine famous for its countless vermilion torii gates. Embark on a mesmerizing trek through the trail of 1,000 vermilion torii gates, allowing this magical path to guide you through an extraordinary adventure. ● Kiyomizudera Temple ● Unveil the allure of one of Kyoto's most enchanting sites. This esteemed temple is celebrated for its "power spots," where visitors pay homage to deities associated with love, longevity, and academic success. Whether you seek spiritual fulfillment or a touch of good fortune on your journey, Kiyomizu-dera offers an unforgettable experience. ● Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka (Walk) ● Step into the past with a walk down Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, streets that capture the essence of Kyoto's old capital. Here, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops create an atmosphere that feels like a journey back in time. ● Geisha District - Gion (Walk) ● Gion, renowned as Kyoto's most well-known geisha district, is brimming with an array of establishments such as shops, restaurants, and ochaya (teahouses). These teahouses serve as venues where geisha and maiko (apprentice geishas) provide entertainment. The allure of Gion lies in its abundant presence of traditional wooden machiya merchant houses which captivate tourists. ● End of tour ● Our tour finishes in Gion District. From here you can take a city bus or taxi to your hotel. ========= If you prefer, you can book also my other HALF DAY tour by searching for: " Golden Pavilion & Nijo Castle, 2 UNESCO World Heritage Tour and Nishiki Market " Or that of a FULL day by searching for: " Kyoto: 3 UNESCO World Heritage & Fushimi Inari 1 day tour "

Discover the timeless beauty of Kyoto with our immersive Gion walking tours, designed to showcase the essence of Japan’s ancient capital. Begin your morning exploring the historic streets of Hanamikoji, where you’ll be transported back in time. Visit the iconic Yasaka Shrine, a spiritual heart of Gion, and marvel at the breathtaking Kiyomizudera Temple, known for its panoramic views of the city (morning tour only). Our afternoon tour invites you to delve deeper into Gion’s charm, where tradition meets elegance. Uncover the rich history and vibrant culture that make Kyoto so unique, from hidden alleyways to serene temples. Whether you seek a peaceful start to your day or a captivating afternoon adventure, this tour offers a perfect blend of serenity and cultural immersion.