See the list below for some of our best tour options.
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KYOTO TOURS
THE ‘SILVER ROUTE’ & BEST OF YOSHIDAYAMA
Visit famous Ginkakuji, the ‘Silver Pavilion’ and sample a local treat along its traditional shopping street. Visit the former garden of a famous Japanese artist and a small museum dedicated to his work. Wander the famous Philosopher’s Path before heading up mini Mt. Yoshida to explore the compounds of two incredible temples that are off the radar of most tourists. Walk down into Japan’s wealthiest neighborhood to reach Okazaki, home of the Heian Shrine and its expansive and beautiful garden.
*Enjoy a tasty lunch along the route.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH: TAKAGAMINE & A ZEN MONASTERY
Just north of the city center, visit lovely lesser-known temples nestled along the edge of the mountains. Wander down through a dense forest to a gorgeous unknown garden. Walk along ancient stone-paved paths of a Zen monastery to visit unique temples within. One houses Kyoto’s best bonsai collection and another, a secret Christian garden. Pay your respects at a historic shrine and enjoy a delicious Japanese sweet served in the same location, with the same recipe, since 1002!
Optional: Add a visit to Kinkakuji, the famous ‘Golden Pavilion’.
*Enjoy a tasty lunch along the route.
ARASHIYAMA: A LOCAL’S FAVORITES
Head to Kyoto’s west side to visit three unique temples: Daikakuji, an impressive lakeside palace-turned-temple, Otagi Nenbutsuji, hidden in a forest & filled with unique (and whimsical) Buddhist stone statues, and Adashino Nenbutsuji, which is dedicated to lonely souls and boasts its own small bamboo forest. Wander through Sagano, a lovely historic preservation district and stop for a quick visit at Gioji, a temple with a stunning moss garden. Enjoy matcha and a Japanese sweet after wandering the extensive garden of a former movie star and/or take in beautiful Japanese works of art at a top class museum.
*Enjoy a tasty lunch along the route.
Option: Soak in a onsen (hot spring bath).
Option: Add a visit to Tenryuji, one of Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites.
WINE & DINE EVENINGS
GEISHA NEIGHBORHOODS & KYOTO’S RED LIGHT DISTRICT
Wander the lantern-lit alleys of three of Kyoto’s five Geisha districts and the modern red light district that encircles one of them. Learn about the area’s history, Geisha culture, and some of the area’s best restaurants/cafes/shops. If lucky, catch a glimpse of Geiko and Maiko heading to/from work. Stop for a drink and/or dinner along the way. *4-5 hours. Start time: 16:00-17:30
TASTE OF LOCAL LIFE – DEMACHI / HYAKUMANBEN
Visit a local neighborhood that sits beside the delta of the Kamogawa. Explore a quaint traditional covered shopping arcade, stop for a drink in one (or two) tiny bars, tour a personal home (a renovated 80-year-old machiya townhouse), and enjoy a tasty dinner in an establishment tourists do not visit. *4-5 hours. Start time: 17:00-18:00
OUTSIDE KYOTO
BEST OF CENTRAL NARA
Japan’s ancient capital of Nara offers a little bit of everything – beautiful gardens, impressive temples, a giant Buddha, sacred shrines, a traditional neighborhood, and friendly deer! Upon arrival, spend the day walking from place to place surrounded by the greenery of Nara Park.
E-mail us HERE for more information.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
EVENING WITH KYOTO GEISHA
With advance reservation, enjoy an exclusive encounter at a ‘members-only’ ochaya, where you can connect with an ex-Geiko who owns the teahouse. This enchanting evening continues with a private dinner in her family’s historic ryotei, featuring intimate performances and personal interactions with a Geiko (Kyoto Geisha), Maiko (Apprentice Geisha), and Jikata (Geisha that specializes in being a musician).
Minimum of 1 guest, maximum of 8.