Kyoto Highlights Eastern Western Northern and Southern Routes
Active
8h - 14h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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About this experience
**Why Choose Our Kyoto Tours?**
**✨ Exclusive Local Expertise** – Our guides are **Kyoto specialists**, offering deep cultural insights and access to **hidden gems** few tourists ever see.
** Authentic Kyoto Experiences** – Walk through **ancient temples, geisha districts, and scenic bamboo forests**, unlocking Kyoto’s **untold stories** beyond the usual tourist paths.
** Private & Customizable Tours** – Unlike rigid group tours, we let **you** choose your adventure—tailor your itinerary, pace, and preferences for a truly **personalized experience**.
** Unforgettable Moments** – Capture the **best scenic views**, join an **authentic tea ceremony**, and explore Kyoto’s **samurai history** with exclusive access.
**⭐ Highly Rated & Trusted** – We’re top-rated on **Viator & TripAdvisor**, with hundreds of **5-star guest reviews** praising our **exceptional guides & immersive experiences**.
** Limited Spots Available – Secure Your Kyoto Experience Today!**
Available options
Kyoto Northern Route
Golden Pavilion, Imperial Pala: Uncover Kyoto’s northern treasures, including the iconic Golden Pavilion, serene Zen temples, and lush imperial gardens.<br/>Minivan: 2024 Toyota Voxy 7 seater
Kyoto Western Route
Kyoto Castles & Zen Gardens: Explore Kyoto’s rich history with visits to historic castles, tranquil Zen temples, and the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.<br/>Minivan
Kyoto Southern Route: Shrines,
Shrines & Samurai Legacy: Fushimi Inari Shrine’s iconic torii gates, explore historic temples, and discover the rich tradition of sake brewing!<br/>Minivan: 2024 Toyota Voxy 7 seater
Samurai Legends of Kyoto
Samurai Legends of Kyoto
2024 Toyota GR86 Gazoo Racing
2024 Toyota GR86 Gazoo Racing
Kyoto Eastern Route
Duration: 8 hours<br/>Eastern Kyoto Cultural Icons: Gion
Kiyomizu-dera
Fushimi Inari
Yasaka
Tofukuji
Kodai-ji<br/>Minivan
Kyoto Highlights: Eastern, Western, Northern & Southern Routes
What's included
Private transportation
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
Detailed itinerary
1
A UNESCO World Heritage site offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto. Famous for its wooden stage and historic significance, it’s a must-visit landmark showcasing traditional Japanese architecture.
2
Kyoto’s iconic geisha district, renowned for its historic wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and cultural charm. Stroll through the atmospheric streets and experience the traditional elegance of Kyoto’s past.
3
Once the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, this historic site features beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. A serene escape, it offers a glimpse into Japan's royal heritage and cultural significance.
4
A UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple, famous for its minimalist rock garden symbolizing profound simplicity. It’s a tranquil retreat, ideal for reflection and connecting with Japanese aesthetics.
5
A stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond. This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site is a symbol of Kyoto's elegance and tranquility.
6
A serene collection of Zen temples renowned for their beautiful gardens, tea culture, and traditional architecture. This peaceful retreat offers a glimpse into Japan's spiritual and artistic heritage.
7
Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding through a sacred mountainside. This iconic Shinto shrine is a symbol of prosperity and one of Kyoto’s most photographed landmarks.
8
A historic Zen temple renowned for its stunning gardens and the iconic Tsutenkyo Bridge. It’s a tranquil spot that beautifully showcases the seasonal colors, especially during autumn.
What's not included
Gratuities
Landing and facility fees
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
ES
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Discover Kyoto’s charm with four unique guided routes: Eastern (temples, gardens, geisha district), Western (castles, bamboo grove), Northern (Golden Pavilion, Zen temples), or Southern (torii gates, sake district). Includes pickup from Namba Station. Perfect blend of culture, nature, and history!
About Namba
Namba is the vibrant, bustling heart of Osaka, renowned for its lively streets, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern entertainment, offering a unique experience to every traveler.
Top Attractions
Dotonbori
A bustling street known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and iconic Glico Running Man sign.
Entertainment
2-3 hours
Free to explore (food and shopping costs extra)
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
A long shopping street filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great place for shopping and people-watching.
Shopping
2-4 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Hozenji Yokocho
A narrow, atmospheric alleyway with a moss-covered Buddha statue and traditional wooden buildings. It offers a glimpse into old Osaka.
Historical
30-60 minutes
Free to explore (food and drinks cost extra)
Amerikamura (Amemura)
A trendy district known for its youth culture, street fashion, and vintage shops. It's a great place to experience Osaka's modern subcultures.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Namba Parks
A modern shopping mall with a rooftop garden and a variety of shops and restaurants. It's a great place for shopping and relaxation.
Shopping
1-3 hours
Free to explore (shopping and dining costs extra)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Takoyaki
Octopus-filled dough balls, cooked in a special mold and topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Snack
Contains seafood, gluten, and soy
Okonomiyaki
Savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and various toppings like pork, shrimp, and cheese.
Main Dish
Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request
Kushikatsu
Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
Snack
Contains meat and seafood, gluten, and soy
Ramen
Noodle soup with various broths (tonkotsu, shoyu, miso) and toppings like chashu pork, egg, and bamboo shoots.
Main Dish
Contains gluten, soy, and sometimes seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby mountains
Biking along the river
Kayaking or paddleboarding
Visiting onsen (hot springs)
Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting temples and shrines
Attending a traditional festival
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
These seasons offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city. Cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn add to the charm.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Osaka is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis and check the meter
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Namba
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 20 km from Namba
By train
Namba Station, Osaka Namba Station
By bus
Namba Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Osaka Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects to major attractions and neighborhoods in Namba and beyond.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dotonbori
Shinsaibashi
Nipponbashi
Amerikamura (Amemura)
Hozenji Yokocho
Day trips
Osaka Castle
3 km from Namba • Half day
A stunning castle with a rich history, offering beautiful views of the city and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
Universal Studios Japan
15 km from Namba • Full day
A popular theme park featuring a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Kobe
30 km from Namba • Full day
A nearby port city known for its beef, scenic views, and historical sites. It's a great place for a day trip to explore a different side of Japan.
Festivals
Osaka Asian Film Festival • March
Sumiyoshi Matsuri • July 30-31
Tenjin Matsuri • July 24-25
Pro tips
- Use an IC card (like ICOCA or Suica) for convenient payments on public transportation and at some shops and vending machines
- Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki from street vendors for an authentic Osaka experience
- Visit Dotonbori at night to see the neon lights and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere
- Explore Hozenji Yokocho for a glimpse into old Osaka and traditional izakayas
- Use Google Maps or Japan Travel app for navigation and real-time updates on train schedules and delays
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
