Private Kyoto Walking Tour Temples, Traditions and Hidden Gems

Active

3h - 7h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

At Phoenix Tours & Photography, we create a personalized Kyoto experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing. Here’s what sets our tour apart:

Fully Customizable – Whether you’re interested in history, hidden alleyways, or street food, we tailor the tour to your interests and pace.

Expert Local Guides – Our guides bring Kyoto’s history and culture to life with fascinating insights and stories.

Hidden Gems – We take you beyond the tourist hotspots to discover Kyoto’s quieter, more authentic side.

Balanced Exploration – The tour combines history, nature, culture, and food for a well-rounded experience.

Immersive & Relaxed – With a walking tour, you can take in the details, from temple bells to charming tea houses.

Personalized Recommendations – Get insider tips on where to eat, shop, and explore after the tour.

Rather than just visiting Kyoto, experience it in a way that’s meaningful and unforgettable.

Available options

Kyoto 8 hrs Walking Tour 10ppl

Duration: 8 hours Up to 10 people: .

Kyoto 3 hr Walking Tour 6ppl

Duration: 3 hours Up to 6 people

Kyoto 8 hrs Walking Tour 6 ppl

Duration: 8 hours Up to 6 people: .

Kyoto 8 hrs Walking Tour 15ppl

Duration: 8 hours Up to 15 people: .

Kyoto 5 hr Walking Tour 6 ppl

Duration: 5 hours Up to 6 people

Kyoto 5 hr Walking Tour 10 ppl

Duration: 5 hours Up to 10 people

Kyoto 8 hrs Walking Tour 3 ppl

Duration: 8 hours

Kyoto 3 hr Walking Tour 10ppl

Duration: 3 hours Up to 10 people

Kyoto 5 hours Walking Tour

Duration: 5 hours

Kyoto 5 hr Walking Tour 3 ppl

Duration: 5 hours Up to 3 people

Kyoto 3 hours Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hours Up to 15 people

Kyoto 3 hr Walking Tour 3 ppl

Duration: 3 hours Up to 3 people

What's included

Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up Mount Inari.

(500 yen) – A stunning gold-leaf-covered Zen temple reflected in a serene pond.

Stop 3 Pass by

(Free) – Kyoto’s historic geisha district, known for traditional teahouses and wooden machiya townhouses.

Stop 4 Pass by

(400 yen) – A UNESCO temple with a large wooden stage offering breathtaking views of Kyoto.

Stop 5 Pass by

(Free) – A mesmerizing bamboo forest that feels like stepping into another world.

Stop 6 Pass by

(500 yen) – A major Zen temple in Arashiyama with an elegant garden designed by Muso Soseki.

Stop 7 Pass by

(800 yen) – A beautifully preserved shogunate-era castle with intricate interiors and famous "nightingale floors."

(500 yen) – A Zen temple with a beautiful moss garden and sand sculptures.

(600 yen) – A temple known for its world-famous rock garden and peaceful atmosphere.

(Free) – A scenic canal-side walkway lined with cherry trees and small temples.

Stop 11 Pass by

(400 yen) – A historic Zen temple with Kyoto’s most spectacular autumn foliage.

Stop 12 Pass by

(Free) – A vibrant Shinto shrine near Gion, especially beautiful during the Gion Festival.

Stop 13 Pass by

(500 yen for sub-temples) – A grand Zen temple complex with a striking Sanmon gate and an aqueduct.

(600 yen) – A UNESCO-listed temple featuring the Phoenix Hall, depicted on the 10-yen coin.

Stop 15 Pass by

(Free) – The former residence of the Imperial Family, located in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

(1,000+ yen) – A natural hot spring retreat in the mountains north of Kyoto.

(600 yen) – A temple famous for its stunning autumn maple leaves and scenic hillside location.

(Free) – One of Kyoto’s largest Buddhist temples, with an enormous wooden hall.

Stop 19 Pass by

(800 yen) – The city’s tallest structure, offering panoramic views of Kyoto and beyond.

(Varies) – A historic area with traditional sake breweries offering tastings and tours.

What's not included

No food is included

No transportation provided

Taxes included, but entrances not included

Available languages

Guide guide

AR HI DE RU PT UK MS FIL EN IT FR UR ES

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Just infront of Yasaka Pagoda

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.