Philosopher's Path, Kyoto

Philosopher's Path, Kyoto: Our most recommended tours and activities

Kyoto: Ginkakuji and the Philosopher's Path Guided Bike Tour

Kyoto: Ginkakuji and the Philosopher's Path Guided Bike Tour

Join us for a fun and scenic bike ride through Kyoto’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and charming streetscapes. This tour offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and classic Kyoto charm. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned visitor, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the best of Kyoto! Imagine yourself embarking on a delightful bike tour through the heart of Kyoto, where ancient traditions and natural beauty blend seamlessly. Feel the joy as you pedal your way to serene zen gardens, finding peaceful havens perfect for a moment of reflection. The journey continues along the picturesque Path of Philosophy, a charming route lined with cherry trees and quaint temples. Each turn of the wheel reveals new wonders, filling you with a sense of awe and excitement. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that captures the timeless charm of Kyoto and leaves you feeling inspired and rejuvenated.

KIYOTO's Kyoto E-Bike Tour

KIYOTO's Kyoto E-Bike Tour

Hi, I'm Kiyoto from Kyoto! Yes, I'm named after this beautiful city - quite unusual, right? I love showing visitors the best of Kyoto, from famous landmarks to hidden gems tucked away in vibrant neighborhoods. Forget the guidebooks - let's create an unforgettable adventure together! Partnering only with passionate guides who share my philosophy, and working with a small team of guides I have personally trained and approved, I promise you the best day trip experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing. If you are eager to explore off-the-beaten-path spots like local pottery shops and family-run izakayas, we've got you covered. You'll discover Japanese dishes and delicious street sweets that you might miss on your own! Immerse yourself in Kyoto's world of scenic beauty, unique customs, history, and culture through our guides' captivating storytelling. First-timer or seasoned Kyoto explorer? Either way, I guarantee a magical experience. Ready to discover the heart of Kyoto together?

From Osaka: Private Customized Day Tour to Kyoto

From Osaka: Private Customized Day Tour to Kyoto

-The customer service will contact you to communicate the itineraries. Please tell us about your phone number or Whatsapp. -We only provide a transfer within the Osaka city, the area beyond the Tokyo downtown, there would be extra fees needed to be charged, please tell us your hotel address. If you need a pickup/dropoff at airport, please add it. -If there is a baby or child who is younger than 6 years old, please tell us, so that we could prepare a baby or child seat, it is required in Japan.(The firsr one is free, while the second one will be charged.) - The driver will contact you in advance the day before transfer begins through Whatsapp, email or message, please ensure that the contact information you left that we could reach out to you, if you could not find the driver, the customer service will help you find him/her. - The driver won't speak English like a native, sometimes he will use translator as a auxiliary tool to communicate.

E-Bike Tour in Kyoto with Asuka, Japanese graduate student

E-Bike Tour in Kyoto with Asuka, Japanese graduate student

Have a unique experience in Kyoto with a Japanese tour guide, Asuka who is a graduate student of a UK university. Asuka loves to travel, play music, do yoga and so on. She has lived in North Carolina, USA as a high school exchange student and London, UK as a university student. Enjoy experiencing cycling around east Kyoto City with her! We do not go to the busiest places in Kyoto, so that we can enjoy chatting and chilling as well as cycling and exploring Kyoto. Meeting your guide at a rental cycling shop in Gojo area and take electronic bike. The meeting point is 6 minutes away from Kyoto station by train, and 20 minutes on foot. We will first head to Ginkaku-ji temple. On the way to Ginkaku-ji temple, we bike by Kamogawa River, and we enjoy jumping on the stones crossing the river. There is a shopping street by the temple. Have some free time and enjoy getting souvenirs, some coffee, and matcha crepes. After visiting Ginaku-ji temple, we will bike on the Philosopher's path and head to Nanzen-ji temple. After enjoying the gigantic view of Nanzen-ji temple, we will finally visit Heian Jingu Shrine. This tour lasts about 3-4 hours. We will take lots of pictures as you wish! Make lots of memories in Kyoto and you can keep it back home. The tour ends at the rental bike shop. If you wish to keep renting the bike, we can arrange it, so please let us know. Honestly, cycling is the best way of going around Kyoto City. You can visit everywhere with a bike! The destinations in this tour are not the most popular destinations even though they are historical and beautiful. If you want to know more about Kyoto, this tour is for you! The guide can help you for your whole traveling plan, places to visit, places to eat, etc. Also, you will make at least one Japanese friend, Aska! Keep connected wherever you will be in the world :) This tour is just an opportunity to get connected to Japan, and have a reason to come back! Aska started operating this tour, considering the environment. She studied Sociology and International Relations at the university, and she is interested in solving social problems such as the global warming and poverty. She believes enjoy traveling with a bike is one of the best ways to exploring the places and saving the planet. Her wish is to share the fun moments and connect to people from all over the world.

Sacred Pathways: Discover the Philosopher's Path of Kyoto

Sacred Pathways: Discover the Philosopher's Path of Kyoto

Strolling along Kyoto’s Philosopher's Path, you are enveloped by the natural beauty that defines this historic walkway. The gentle sound of the stream alongside the path harmonizes with the rustling leaves, creating a serene atmosphere. Immaculate Zen gardens, with their meticulously raked gravel and artfully placed stones, invite moments of quiet contemplation. The moss, shimmering with dew in the soft morning light, carpets the ground like a lush green tapestry. Quaint cafes and shops line the route, offering delightful pauses where you can savour a warm cup of tea or browse unique, handcrafted goods. Each step along the Philosopher's Path offers the possibility of spiritual awakening, as the tranquil surroundings and sacred sites inspire a deep sense of peace and introspection. We make a visit to one of the most beautiful gardens in Kyoto at Ginkakuji Temple, often known as the "Silver" Pavilion, where we can immerse ourselves in the beauty enveloping the area. We also visit the most prominent zen temple in Kyoto at Nanzenji with it's impressive architecture and imposing aqueduct. But perhaps the best part of this tour, is that we go at a chill pace and can enjoy the charm of the area while we stroll from stop to stop along the Philosopher's Path which hugs the foot of the Eastern mountains. No need to be fumbling for your wallet as all entrance fees are included on this tour. We want to make your day as stress free as possible. All you have to do is arrive on time, and we will take care of the rest. It's a holiday, so just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride! Listen to the stories that make each place come to life. Without the right context, it is more difficult to give one's full appreciation for another culture. Let your guide bring their knowledge and insights to you in a fun yet informative way. All of our guides are top rated long term residents of Kyoto who are super keen on showing you an amazing day in this special corner of Kyoto. Small is beautiful. We never have more than eight people on each tour, because we don't use flags, mics or busses. No long bathroom breaks or annoyed glances from locals for us as we nimbly move from place to place. This activity is supplied by Kyoto Fun a locally run tour company established since 2014 with over 20,000+ happy customers and counting. We also offer our customers lots of bonus extras like city guides and restaurant recommendations. Book a tour with a safe pair of hands and a company that truly cares.

Private Kyoto City Tour with Expert English Guide & Pickup

Private Kyoto City Tour with Expert English Guide & Pickup

Embark on a journey of discovery the classical beauty of Kyoto. This tour offers a unique, customizable itinerary that lets you explore Kyoto at your own pace. With a flexible schedule, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this ancient city. We’ll start the day by picking you up from your hotel. Then, it’s off to explore! You might want to check out the shiny Kinkaku-ji, the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or the lively Gion district. Your guide will be there every step of the way, sharing cool facts and stories. The best part? You get to customize your day. Spend more time at the places you love and discover some hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re into history, nature, or food, we’ve got you covered. Lunch will be at a local restaurant where you can sample some of Kyoto’s famous cuisine (at your own expense). After lunch, continue your exploration of Kyoto, perhaps visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its famous torii gate pathway, or the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful walk along a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. As the day draws to a close, your guide will escort you back to your hotel, ending a day full of discovery and adventure.

Kyoto: Authentic Biking Half Day Experience

Kyoto: Authentic Biking Half Day Experience

Kyoto is renowned for its bicycle-friendly streets, and cycling is a quintessential part of everyday life for locals. Join the ranks of Kyoto’s cyclists as you navigate mostly flat paths with a few gentle slopes as you discover the city’s iconic landmarks and must-visit sights on a “Mama-chari” bike tour! A “Mamachari” bike – which translates to “mom’s bike” – is a type of bicycle commonly used in Japan, particularly by mothers and students. Get to pedal your way through beloved attractions including the majestic Heian Jingu Shrine, the serene Nanzenji Zen Temple, the picturesque Philosopher’s Path, and more. You’ll also get to cycle along the peaceful Kamogawa River, the historic Biwako Canal, and the prestigious Kyoto University, all while listening to your friendly TripGuru share stories about the city’s development, vibrant culture, and Shinto and Buddhist philosophies. Along the journey, soak in the rich history and culture of each site, immersing yourself in the essence of Kyoto. Whether you’re exploring in the heat of summer or the crispness of winter, cycling offers a refreshing way to take in the beauty of the city. Feel the cool breeze on your face as you glide past scenic vistas, and don’t forget to ring your bike’s bell along the way!

Kyoto: Private Full-Day Customizable World Heritage Tour

Kyoto: Private Full-Day Customizable World Heritage Tour

Explore Kyoto's beautiful heritage gems on a customizable 8-hour tour of Kyoto's world heritage sites. Enjoy the luxury of a tour guide at your disposal with the freedom to choose the attractions to create your own itinerary. Decide where to go and how long you want to stay. Dictate the start time of the tour. Wherever you choose to go, your friendly and knowledgeable guide will be by your side helping you navigate and sharing local information, cultural insights, and more. Once you've made up your mind on where to go, simply indicate your chosen sites/attractions upon checkout. Add a few additional sites so that your guide has several options to craft the best schedule for you based on location and diversity. Keep in mind the distance between locations when choosing attractions. Need some help creating your itinerary? Walk through the extensive Nijo Castle grounds and gardens, marvel at the design of the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, take in the spectacular panoramic views from Kiyomizudera Temple, stroll along the famous Philosopher's Path, and stop by the historic Toji Temple. Still can't make up your mind? Ask for help from your guide who will be more than happy to give itinerary suggestions.

Kyoto E-Bike Tour

Kyoto E-Bike Tour

Explore Kyoto's top attractions on comfortable E-bikes with this unique cycle tour. Avoiding the usual tourist traps and crowded areas, this tour takes you to must-see locations while revealing hidden gems that many visitors overlook. Experience Kyoto like a local, discovering peaceful spots that showcase the city's authentic charm. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a more adventurous exploration, this E-bike tour offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local insights for an unforgettable journey through Kyoto.

Customized Private Tour with a Local Guide

Customized Private Tour with a Local Guide

Explore Kyoto on a private tour that is tailored to your interests. Let your guide know what you want to see and do, and they will create a customized itinerary for you. Meet your guide at your hotel or another preferred location in Kyoto. Then, set off on your adventure. If you're coming to Kyoto for the first time and don't know where to start, your guide can take you to the must-see places. If you're a returning visitor, let your guide know what you want to see and do, and they will create a customized itinerary for you. As you explore, your guide will share local information with you, so you can travel easily even without a tour guide.

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What people are saying about Philosopher's Path, Kyoto

Overall rating

4.9
(17 reviews)

From 9 tours we joined in our 12 days in Japan, this tour easily one of the best. Asuka also Tatsuya doing a great job. The activity was unexpectedly a lot of fun, not to mention we got omikuji reading also exploring trift market which also memorable. Asuka's english fluency also helps, even the なるときんとき is hard & cold, but our tour is quite the opposite. Best of luck for your future, maybe pursuing journalism or moving back to States, one step of a time just like crossing stepping stones in Kamo river for the first time. Cheers!

Today we had the pleasure of taking the e-bike tour with Asuka and Tatsuya. For anybody thinking about it….don’t hesitate BOOK IT! We had soooo much fun whizzing around Kyoto on the e-bikes seeing a slice of various temples, shrines, backstreets and canals. Both Asuka and Tatsuya offered an insight into local lifestyle and were warm and engaging the entire time.

I highly recommend a private bike tour with Kiyoto. Navigating kyoto area without local knowledge can be tricky and time-consuming. Plus your guide will share local insights and show you the places that you won't discover otherwise. I really enjoyed my tour.

Katz was simply amazing!! Knowledgable, kind and flexible, showing us the best hidden spots. An Incredible experience you can’t miss if you want to knpw the real Kyoto

We had a great time with our guide Kiyoto! He was very patient and showed us some awesome attractions. Now we wished we did the 5 hr tour instead of 3!