Kyoto Afternoon and Night Tour With Japanese Traditional Dinner

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, offers a wealth of cultural treasures to explore. The "Kyoto Afternoon and Night Tour With Japanese Traditional Dinner" promises a captivating journey through the city’s highlights. Visitors will enjoy the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, admire the stunning views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and witness a mesmerizing cultural performance at Gion Corner. But the true highlight may lie in the traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner, where the flavors and traditions of Kyoto’s culinary heritage come to life. With transportation and admission fees included, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience for those seeking to uncover the essence of Kyoto.

Key Points

• This is a 7-hour and 40-minute tour that takes visitors to major Kyoto landmarks like Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
• The tour includes admission fees, a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner, transportation, and an English-speaking guide for a comprehensive cultural experience.
• The tour starts at the JTB Sunrise Tours Desk in Kyoto Avanti and ends at a traditional ryokan, allowing for further exploration of the Gion district.
• The tour has a maximum capacity of 24 participants and allows free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and participants must meet health requirements due to the walking involved.

Tour Overview and Details

The Kyoto Afternoon and Night Tour with Japanese Traditional Dinner is a comprehensive 7-hour and 40-minute experience that allows visitors to explore the cultural highlights of Kyoto.

The tour has a maximum of 24 participants and is priced at $243.57 per person. It includes admission fees, a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner, and transportation.

Travelers will visit notable sites like Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Gion Corner, where they can witness cultural performances.

The tour starts at the JTB Sunrise Tours Desk in Kyoto and ends at a traditional ryokan.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As per the tour details, the Kyoto Afternoon and Night Tour with Japanese Traditional Dinner includes several key elements.

The tour covers admission fees, a traditional vegetarian Buddhist dinner, and an English-speaking guide. Transportation costs and drink charges during dinner are also included.

Travelers won’t need to worry about extra fees not listed in the inclusions. The tour’s exclusions are limited, ensuring a comprehensive experience.

Meeting and End Points

The tour begins at the JTB Sunrise Tours Desk, located in the B1 floor of Kyoto Avanti, across from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.

Participants are asked to arrive by 13:20, with the tour departing promptly at 13:30.

The tour ends at Ryokan Yoshi Ima, a traditional Japanese inn located at 229 Nishinochō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto.

This centrally located endpoint allows participants to continue exploring Kyoto’s historic Gion district on their own after the tour concludes.

Itinerary and Activities

Although the tour begins at Kyoto Station, the first stop is the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Guests will enjoy a 15-minute walk through the shrine’s famous vermilion torii gates.

Next, the group visits the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its large wooden veranda offering panoramic views of Kyoto.

The tour then transfers to Gion Corner, the heart of Kyoto’s geisha district, where guests witness a performance showcasing traditional arts like dance, tea ceremony, and music.

Finally, the tour concludes with a special Buddhist vegetarian dinner at a traditional ryokan, capping off a comprehensive cultural experience.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine stands as a revered Shinto shrine in Kyoto, famous for its iconic vermilion torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari.

Visitors can explore the shrine’s extensive network of trails, passing through over 10,000 tori gates donated by individuals and businesses. The shrine’s architecture and natural surroundings create a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Key highlights include:

• Seeing the rows of vibrant torii gates ascending the mountain
• Observing worshippers making offerings at the main shrine hall
• Discovering smaller shrines and fox statues along the mountain trails
• Experiencing the tranquility of this centuries-old sacred site.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

After exploring the serene Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, the tour takes visitors to the renowned Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

This 8th-century Buddhist temple is famous for its large veranda, which offers stunning views of the city. Guests will marvel at the temple’s impressive wooden structure, built without the use of nails.

The tour also includes the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from its three streams, each said to have a different blessing – longevity, success, and love.

Strolling through the temple’s grounds, guests will appreciate Kiyomizu-dera’s historical significance and cultural significance.

Gion Corner Programs

From Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the tour then takes guests to Gion Corner, a cultural theater showcasing several traditional Japanese performing arts.

Here, visitors can experience:

• A regular performance from March 15 to November 30, featuring traditional Kyoto dance, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, koto music, bugaku, and kyogen
• A winter performance from December 1 to March 14, with a similar lineup but without the bunraku/noh play
• The opportunity to take a commemorative photo with a maiko, an apprentice geisha
• Guests can also opt for the vegetarian-friendly dinner, which avoids the use of bonito stock in the tempura dipping sauce.

Additional Information

Confirmation for this tour is typically received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Participants must be in good health, as they’ll need to walk from the parking lot to the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

The tour offers vegetarian-friendly meals, though the tempura dipping sauce may contain bonito stock. An alternative is available.

Children under 7 aren’t permitted, and parental permission is required for those under 18. Guardians are required for participants under 15.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can’t be customized to individual preferences. It follows a set itinerary and program, with fixed inclusions, meeting points, and end locations. However, dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

What Are the Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, modest clothing. Avoid extremely casual or revealing attire. The focus is on immersing in Japanese culture, so dressing respectfully is encouraged.

Is Photography Allowed at All Stops on the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed at all stops on the tour, but visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or rules at each location. Some sites may have specific photography policies that travelers should follow.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Solo Travelers on This Tour?

Solo travelers don’t face any special considerations on this tour. They’ll join a group of up to 24 participants and enjoy the same inclusions and activities as everyone else. The minimum age for solo travelers is 7 years old.

Does the Tour Provide Any Opportunities to Interact With Locals?

The tour does provide opportunities to interact with locals. The visit to Gion Corner includes traditional Kyoto cultural performances, allowing travelers to experience Japanese arts and potentially engage with the performers or other attendees.

The Sum Up

The "Kyoto Afternoon and Night Tour With Japanese Traditional Dinner" offers a captivating exploration of Kyoto’s cultural heritage. Visitors will experience the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the Gion Corner cultural performance, culminating in a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner. With transportation and admission fees included, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable immersion in Kyoto’s rich history and culinary delights.