Historical and Cooling Tour of the Ancient Capital of Kyoto

4 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

Historical and Cooling Tour of the Ancient Capital of Kyoto, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Among Kyoto's popular tourist destinations, Higashiyama and the Kyoto Station area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, attract visitors from Japan and abroad due to their deeply Japanese atmosphere. This tour focuses on experiencing Japanese history, culture, and summer in Kyoto.

The tour begins at Shijo-Kawaramachi Station, offering easy access to Higashiyama attractions. After a short bus ride and walk, you'll reach Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its clear water and small waterfall. After shopping on the street in front of the temple, you'll visit Yasaka Shrine, believed to ward off epidemic diseases during the hot season.

Next, enjoy the Japanese summer sweet "shaved ice" in Gion and stroll along the famous Gion street. The tour concludes with a visit to Kyoto Tower in front of Kyoto Station for a romantic view at dusk.

Let's embark on a trip to Kyoto, a city best enjoyed in the hot summer!

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At a glance

Duration: 4 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: OTOMO Travel Guide

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Youth (4–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private Tour
Included: Tour Guide
Included: The necessary expenses for the guide during the tour

Not included

Not included: Estimated Costs of the Tour: 1,960 JPY per Person
Not included: Breakdown: Transportation: 460 JPY, Admission Fees: 1,400 JPY, Meal costs: 0 JPY per Person
Not included: Optional Experience Costs: 100 JPY per Person

Itinerary

Kiyomizu Temple

35 min Admission not included

Kiyomizu Temple: It is a World Heritage temple representing Kyoto. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, the temple attracts many pilgrims who come to see the main image of the Buddha who saves people with his mercy. The "Kiyomizu-no-butai" (stage of Kiyomizu), built on the slope of the mountain, offers a panoramic view of the beautiful city of Kyoto.
Sanneizaka

15 min

Sanneizaka: This slope is part of the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and is said to have been used by Kitamasato, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Together with Niningsaka, it is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in Kyoto City. The winding stone pavement and stone steps are flanked by old-fashioned buildings, and it is also known as the center of sightseeing in Kiyomizu.
Yasaka Shrine

15 min Admission not included

Yasaka Shrine: Located in Higashiyama, it is the representative shrine of Kyoto City. Until the Meiji era (1868-1912), the shrine was called "Gion Shrine." The famous town of Gion was the gateway to Yasaka Shrine, and the festival "Gion Matsuri" became Kyoto's representative summer festival, greatly influencing the culture, customs and landscape of Kyoto.
Stop 4

30 min

Kezurihiya Kyoto Gion: Gion Aisu" is a beautifully designed store with patterns drawn with various flavored powders on top of milk-flavored ice. Bring the ice, which has a smooth texture like fresh snow, to your mouth and you will quickly feel the heat of your body cool down.
Hanamikoji Street

15 min

Gion/Hanamikoji Street: As the main street of the Gion area, it is a popular place for tourists. The street and surrounding area are lined with temples, shrines, tea houses, and other buildings that are very Kyoto-like. If you are lucky, you may be able to see real maiko and geiko walking along the alley.
Kyoto Tower

one hour Admission not included

Kyoto Tower: The tower stands tall in front of Kyoto Station. The tiled roofs of machiya (traditional townhouse) buildings in Kyoto City are designed to resemble waves, with the image of a lighthouse illuminating the city of Kyoto, which has no sea. It is characterized by its curvaceous and graceful appearance and is one of the landmarks of Kyoto, a city with few high-rise buildings.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Keihan Electric Railway Gion-Shijo Station ticket gate

End point

Kyoto Station

Using your ticket

・Please contact us using the messaging feature or WhatsApp message : +81 80-7475-5829.

・Please note that we do not answer calls. In case of any difficulties meeting up, kindly call your tour guide directly.

・All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.

・If you do not arrive at the specified starting place after 60 minutes from the agreed meeting time, the tour will be considered canceled.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Transportation, entrance fees, food and beverage costs incurred at the visited spots are to be borne by the client.
In case of inclement weather on the day of the tour, the means of transportation, places to visit, and routes may be changed.
The dismissal point is different from the meeting point. Please contact the guide if you would like to change the dismissal point.
Please note that each spot may be changed to another spot in case of temporary closure.