Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour provided by Kyoto Urban Adventures
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Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour
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COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this experience is taking.Read more
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$115.65
(Price varies by group size)
Date
2 adults
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What you can expect during this experience
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Updated 24/07/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour
All tours follow the latest local health authority advice, including mask usage and social distancing.
Urban Adventures has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which recognises companies that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols.
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Updated 24/07/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Overview
Learn about Kyoto’s history and culture in just a half day on this guided cultural walking tour. Guided commentary allows you to delve deep into the history of Japan’s former imperial city while visiting the Tofukuji Temple, Fushimi Inarii Shrine, and Gion Geisha district, which would be difficult to visit independently in the same time frame. The small-group size means you can wander down back roads you wouldn't necessarily find on your own, and snacks and entrance fees are included.
Itinerary
- You'll start atKyoto Central Post Office843-12 Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8799, JapanIn front of Central post office on the north side of Kyoto station. "Chu-o yu-bin-kyo-ku" (Central post office) is less than a minute walk from the station. Please meet in front of the door closer to the convenience store "Lawson".See address & details
- 1Tofukuji TempleStop: 60 minutes - Admission includedSee details
- 2Fushimi Inari TaishaStop: 60 minutesSee details
- 3GionStop: 45 minutesSee details
- You'll end atKyotoKyoto, JapanGion neighbourhoodSee address & details
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Highlights
- Get an orientation to Kyoto's culture in half a day; a difficult feat to accomplish independently
- Walking tour includes transportation between disparate sites
- Included entry to the must-see Tofukuji Temple
- Small group ensures close attention from the guide and ability to ask questions
What to Expect
Meet your guide and small group in the afternoon at Kyoto station, then set off on foot through the center of Kyoto. This comprehensive tour with a guide gives an overview of the city, visiting three of its most important landmarks in just an afternoon of walking. The tour’s small-group size ensures an intimate atmosphere and plentiful chances to question your guide about Kyoto’s culture and traditions.
The tour’s first stop is the 13th-century Zen Tofukuji Temple, home to lush gardens and a functioning Zen Buddhist monastery. Learn about the long history of the temple and its status as one of Kyoto’s five most important religious monuments from your guide, before walking to the Fushimi Inari Shrine on the city’s outskirts. Take in the oft-photographed red gates—set against the densely forested hillside—that were featured in the popular film Memoirs of a Geisha, and be sure to snap a picture or two of your own. Your guide will lead you to the site’s often-overlooked smaller monuments and numerous statues of foxes, who are though to be the messengers of Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
The last stop of the day is the Gion District, where you'll often find the city’s geishas, or Japanese hostesses trained to entertain men. Learn about the often-misunderstood tradition of geishas and difference between geishas and their assistants from your guide, and keep an eye out for these elegantly dressed women making their way between the neighborhood’s tea houses.
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Important Information
Departure Point
Kyoto Central Post Office, 843-12 Higashishiokōjichō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8799, Japan
Duration
3h 30m
Return Details
Kyoto, Japan
Inclusions
- Local English-speaking guide
- Transportation fare during tour
- Entry to Tofukiji
- Entry/Admission - Tofukuji Temple
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
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Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 6 years
- A moderate amount of walking is involved- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Maximum group size is 12
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour: On this tour you visit many places with cultural significance, including shrines, temples, Zen Gardens and the Geisha district, which helps protect and preserve the cultural heritage of Kyoto.
- Included in the price of your tour is the entrance fee to Tofukiji, which helps maintain the site.
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
500Reviews
25Q&A
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Popular mentions
My tour guide Miyake was very informative on the history of Japan, and a very nice and friendly person. I would recommend this tour if you want a quick full view of the principal places of Kyoto
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Date of experience: December 2020
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I had a great experience with Miyake! He was knowledgeable, fun and friendly. I would highly recommend this tour and you will be very lucky if you get Miyake as your tour guide!
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Date of experience: November 2020
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Ko was our guide and he did a great job. We thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated all the information about the sites we were seeing. He was willing to answer all of our questions, even those not relating to the tour. He was able to provide recommendations not only for Kyoto but…
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Date of experience: July 2020
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Our Flight Arrived to Japan late and we were still able to make the tour. We met up along the way and joined in. Our guide was great and very informative with what we were seeing. We loved getting to walk through the small areas and eat the food along the way.
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Date of experience: July 2019
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I enjoyed this tour, and I think you will too! Veronica, our guide, was perfect for this walking tour. There is a fair bit of walking, but she filled the time with historical and modern context for the various sights. Not only did she show us some awesome sights, she helped us…
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Date of experience: February 2020
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Response from KyotoUA, Guest Relations Manager at Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour
Responded 25 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to write reviews 5 stars, andrewlearnseedo! We are happy to hear that you had a nice time with Veronica! We will deliver your comment to her and she would also be happy to hear that! We are hoping to see you again next time when you visit to Kyoto! Thanks a lot, Masami
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
By: Kyoto Urban Adventures
Suzannu2020
00Nara Morning - great guide!
Honestly my guide, Miyake Nobumasa was the best part of the tour. He had so much knowledge of the area and Japan h…
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simona113
00Good pace, great sights and erudite conversation...
Fantastic tour through Kyoto thanks to Akemi-San, thank you! Great to get some background on the city and see some …
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Zee112
00Great adventure through Kyoto
A great day spent exploring Kyoto and it’s many temples/shrines. Cycling is recommended to capture as much of the c…
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andrewlearnseedo
00Great Hike, Great Meditation, Great Tea
I loved this experience, and I think you will too! Ko, our guide, was a pleasure to chat with on the small hike up …
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manni_321
00Absolutely would recommend!
Today we visited Bamboo grove, Nonomiya shrine and the Daihikaku Senkouji temple. Our guide Fumiko was just lovely …
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BarbBarbarella66
00Insightful experience
This was an excellent tour with Julian as our guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and funny,too! We learned so mu…
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MrHoosuess
00Engaging, informative evening
Julian was fantastic. Friendly, engaging and extremely knowledgeable and insightful of the history and present of K…
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CristelVD
00Serene and Informative :) One for the books!
Ko’s a cool guide. He made the experience pretty much chill but informative at the same time. The path leading to t…
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gottanyaaaaa
00Lot's of fun
Despite the rain and cold winds, this tour with Kosuke was great! He was very knowledgeable and was able to answer …
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dto1701
00Great way to see the city
We booked this as a group activity but there was only the 2 of us on it as it was low season so in effect we got a …
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allisone942
00Essence of Nara Tour
We really enjoyed this tour. Our guide Naoko Okada was excellent she gave us lots of information and was great comp…
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jarrah2020
00A must do
We had a great time with Ko as our guide. A very informative experience along a scenic route. A great way to see lo…
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Adventurer219297
00Fantastic morning in Kyoto
This morning our tour guide Fumiko took us on a totally enjoyable, informative and fascinating bike trip to a varie…
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212marianc
00Awesome Kyoto backstreet adventure
The best way to see Kyoto by far. Our English speaking guide Ko was fantastic and took us to temples and shrines an…
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reubenh1996
00Essence of Nara walking tour
My mom and I had the pleasure of attending this tour with Naoko as our guide. Coincidently it was just the 2 of us …
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Key Details
- Duration: 3h 30m
- Mobile Ticket Accepted
- Free Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Instant Confirmation
- Languages Offered: English
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour
Which attractions will I visit with Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour?
During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour on Tripadvisor
How much is Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour?
Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour price starts from $114.95. Discover and book Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour on Tripadvisor
What is the Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour cancellation policy?
Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour?
Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour is hosted by Kyoto Urban Adventures. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Kyoto Urban Adventures on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Kyoto Half-Day Small-Group Cultural Small Group or Private Tour on Tripadvisor