Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto Half Day Highlights Tour

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(19 reviews)

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About this experience

Join ME Kyoto Walking Tours for an unforgettable journey through Kyoto’s most iconic and historic sites. Begin with a stroll through the atmospheric Gion district, where traditional teahouses and geisha culture come alive. Visit the serene Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, famous for its unique “power stone” and meaningful rituals. Admire the striking five-story pagoda of Hokanji Temple before wandering the charming stone-paved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Explore the breathtaking Kiyomizudera Temple with its famous wooden terrace overlooking the city, then finish your tour walking through the vibrant tunnels of thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. With small groups and expert guides, you’ll uncover the rich stories and hidden gems that make Kyoto truly magical.

Available options

Kyoto Half-Day Highlights Tour

What's included

Guide Service

Admission fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your guide will meet you at the designated spot and warmly welcome you to the tour. From there, you'll begin a leisurely walk through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. As you explore its historic streets, your guide will share stories and insights about geisha culture, hidden alleys, and traditional wooden teahouses.

Stroll through the peaceful grounds of Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, a hidden gem nestled in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district. Known for its unique "power stone" with a symbolic passageway, the shrine is a place where visitors pray to cut ties with bad luck and form new, positive connections. Your guide will explain the fascinating rituals and legends that make this spot both mysterious and meaningful.

A walk through Hokanji Temple, also known as Yasaka Pagoda, offers a glimpse into Kyoto's rich history. Standing at 46 meters tall, this five-story pagoda is the last remaining structure of a 6th-century temple complex.

Stop 4

Embark on a scenic walk through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two historic stone-paved slopes leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. These charming lanes are lined with traditional wooden buildings, quaint teahouses, and artisanal shops offering Kyoto crafts and sweets. As you stroll, your guide will share insights into the area's rich history, including its significance in Kyoto's cultural heritage.

Stop 5

Explore the stunning Kiyomizudera Temple, famous for its wooden terrace that offers breathtaking views of Kyoto. Wander through its serene grounds, past beautiful pagodas and sacred waterfalls believed to bring good fortune. Your guide will share the temple’s rich history and the spiritual significance behind its iconic architecture.

Stop 6

Walk through the iconic torii gate tunnels of Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto’s famous shrine dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity. As you follow the winding paths up the mountain, you'll pass thousands of vibrant red gates and discover smaller shrines nestled among the forest. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the shrine’s history and its significance in Japanese culture.

What's not included

Each guest should bring their own train tickets, train pass such as icoca, suica or pasmo.

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

We meet at Izumo-no-Okuni statue. To reach this point got out exit 5 and cross the street. The statue is next to the river and Shijo bridge. The guide will be holding placard of Me Kyoto Walking Tour.

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.