Hidden jem and highlights in kyoto half day private

Kyoto , Japan

Hidden jem and highlights in kyoto half day private

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(19 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

If you have only a half day and want to optimize your experience in Kyoto, this tour is the best for you.
7 must-see spots in east and south of Kyoto, including one hidden gem!!
A professional local guide shows you the most comfortable and convenient way to the spots.
You can enjoy walking along with the beautiful sceneries, paths, and back alleys that only the local people know. Please enjoy the top 7 spots with the beautiful stories of your guide.

*This tour uses both taxis and public transportation to save your time and energy.
*We also welcome Japanese who are studying English and want to visit top 7 must-see points in Kyoto.

Available options

for 4 to 7 people

including children: Attention! This price is for 4-7 participants.
If you have 1-3 tour participants, please click on another option.

for 1 to 3 people

including children: This price is for 1-3 participants.

What's included

Selected Local Professional Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most popular place in Kyoto nowadays. It was selected as No1 place In Japan 5 times by TripAdvisor. You can go through the One thousand Torii gates, where the gods of business are enshrined. It will become a precious experience for you.

This temple is a hidden gem, which has a beautiful Japanese garden.
You can sit back and relax, enjoying its very Kyoto atmosphere,

Stop 3

This temple has the largest number of national treasures in Japan. It is very famous for its Japan's longest wooden structure with 1000 Statues of Cannon, the goddess of mercy.
It’s so amazing!! You can’t miss it.

Stop 4

Kiyomizu Temple is also a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is very famous for its' huge balcony where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Kyoto.

Stop 5

Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka slopes are lined with traditional wooden buildings.
They are souvenir shops. Please enjoy finding out the presents for your friends!!

5 story pagoda is the landmark of Kyoto. Don't forget to take pictures here.
We just look at it from the outside.

Gion Geisha district has many party- places with Maiko and Geiko.

What's not included

Lunch

Public transportation fee: 150 yen per person for public transportation

Taxi fee: About 2500～3000 yen per one taxi

Admission fee: about 1500 yen per person for all temples

Pick up service

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You will visit so many places only half day so you can not change the itinerary and starting point.

This tour will take you to not only tourist attractions, but also to nice Japanese-style streets and back alleys. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Please be sure to have some Japanese Yen ready before joining the tour. Many places in Japan do not accept other but yens, such as entrance fee, cab fare, public transportation, souvenirs, etc.

Since there is no time to eat lunch on this tour, it is recommended that you finish your lunch first.

Meeting point

Your guide meets you in front of “Kyo-Navi”, Kyoto Tourist Information Center.
*Please come close to the “West Gate“ of JR Kyoto station. Nearby, you’ll see the main entrance of “Kyoto JR Isetan” department store on the 2nd floor. On the left-hand side of it, you’ll find “Kyo-Navi.”

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.