Kyoto: Full-Day Highlight Guided Tour With Expert Tour Guide

Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, is a city that captivates visitors with its rich history and stunning natural beauty. A full-day guided tour provides an opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and take in the serene ambiance that has drawn travelers for centuries. From the magnificent Kiyomizu-Dera temple to the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Forest, this comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the essence of Kyoto’s timeless allure. With an expert guide leading the way, travelers can delve deeper into the significance and traditions that make this destination so remarkable.

Key Points

• Experience the cultural and historical highlights of Kyoto with a full-day guided tour, including visits to iconic temples, shrines, and the Sagano Bamboo Forest.

• Enjoy a buffet lunch with views of the Togetsukyo Bridge as part of the comprehensive tour package, which is priced at $130.93 per person.

• Explore the renowned Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a unique wooden structure and a famous "jumping" tradition for granting wishes.

• Discover the serene and otherworldly atmosphere of the Sagano Bamboo Forest and visit the impressive Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples.

• Enjoy the rich religious heritage of Japan by visiting the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day Highlight Guided Tour in Kyoto provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks.

Priced from $130.93 per person, the tour lasts one day and offers a flexible booking experience with the option to reserve now and pay later. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

The tour covers notable sites like Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Sagano Bamboo Forest, and Fushimi Inari Shrine, with guided tours, photo stops, free time, and a buffet lunch included.

Pickup and drop-off locations span Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, though the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

Itinerary and Key Highlights

The full-day Highlight Guided Tour in Kyoto takes visitors on a comprehensive journey through the city’s most iconic sites. The tour features:

1. Visits to renowned temples like Kiyomizu-Dera, Sanju-san-gen-do, and Tenryuji, including the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple).

2. Exploration of the serene Sagano Bamboo Forest and the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of vibrant Torii gates.

3. A buffet lunch with picturesque views of the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, allowing guests to recharge and appreciate the scenic landscape.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable tour guide provides insightful commentary, ensuring visitors gain a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple stands as one of Kyoto’s most iconic and cherished landmarks, perched atop the Otowa Mountain and offering breathtaking views of the city. Founded in 778, this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its magnificent wooden structure, which is supported entirely by pillars without the use of nails. Visitors can witness the temple’s famous "jumping" tradition, where people jump from the stage 13 meters below in the belief it will grant them their wishes.

Feature	Description
Architecture	Wooden structure supported by pillars without nails
History	Founded in 778, UNESCO World Heritage site
Traditions	"Jumping" tradition for granting wishes
Views	Breathtaking panoramic vistas of Kyoto

Sanju-san-gen-do Temple and Arashiyama

After visiting the iconic Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, the tour continues to Sanju-san-gen-do Temple, Japan’s longest wooden structure.

This remarkable site features:

1. Over 1,000 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, lining the temple’s interior.
2. Stunning architecture, including a massive 33-meter-high wooden structure and a beautiful veranda overlooking Kyoto.
3. The opportunity to experience the serenity and cultural significance of this historic temple.

Next, the tour travels to the picturesque district of Arashiyama, known for its:

• Breathtaking bamboo forest
• Tranquil Katsura River
• Charming shops and traditional restaurants

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Sagano Bamboo Forest and Tenryuji Temple

Next, the tour takes visitors to the Sagano Bamboo Forest, a renowned natural wonder in the Arashiyama district.

The forest’s towering bamboo stalks create a serene, otherworldly atmosphere. As the wind rustles through the bamboo, it produces a unique, calming sound. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, admiring the lush greenery and snapping photos.

The tour then continues to Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples.

This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts stunning garden views and impressive architecture. Guests have the opportunity to explore the temple grounds and gain insights from the knowledgeable guide.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple)

The gleaming Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, represents the epitome of Zen Buddhist architecture.

This three-story wooden structure is covered in pure gold leaf, reflecting the light and creating a breathtaking sight. Visitors can admire the temple’s elegance as they stroll through the serene gardens surrounding the pavilion.

Three key features of Kinkaku-ji include:

1. The second floor is designed in the Kamakura Bushi style, with a look reminiscent of a traditional samurai residence.
2. The top floor is built in the Kitayama culture style, featuring a beautiful golden phoenix at the roof’s peak.
3. The temple’s reflection in the pond creates a mesmerizing visual.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a must-visit destination within the Kyoto tour.

This iconic Shinto shrine features thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up the mountainside. Visitors can walk through the serene pathways, surrounded by the striking red gates.

The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and industry. Guests can explore the impressive main shrine buildings, as well as the smaller sub-shrines along the trails.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is a visually stunning and culturally significant site that offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich religious heritage.

Transportation and Accessibility

Guests are transported in a luxury, air-conditioned van throughout the full-day Kyoto tour.

Pickup locations include Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, with drop-off in Osaka, Nara, or Kyoto. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as it involves significant walking.

Key accessibility details:

1. Travel in a comfortable, climate-controlled van.
2. Pickup and drop-off at various locations in the Kansai region.
3. Wheelchair accessibility isn’t available.

Throughout the tour, guests can stay connected with on-demand Wi-Fi provided in the vehicle.

FAQ

Are Meals Other Than the Buffet Lunch Included in the Tour?

The tour only includes a buffet lunch. Other meals, such as breakfast and dinner, are not provided as part of the tour package. Customers are responsible for arranging and paying for any additional meals during the day.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Customers can work with the tour provider to create a personalized itinerary that suits their interests and needs, allowing for a more tailored experience.

Does the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

Yes, the tour guide provides personalized recommendations for local restaurants based on guests’ dietary preferences and interests. They offer insider tips on the best places to enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine during the tour.

Is There an Option to Skip Less Interesting Sites?

Yes, the tour is customizable, so guests can choose to skip less interesting sites and focus on their preferred attractions. The tour guide can provide recommendations to tailor the itinerary based on each traveler’s interests and needs.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs From the Tour Guide?

The tour guide does not sell souvenirs directly. However, the tour includes stops at local shops and markets where you can purchase souvenirs and other traditional Japanese items to take home.

Sum Up

This full-day guided tour of Kyoto’s highlights provides an immersive experience for exploring the city’s iconic temples, shrines, and natural landscapes. With a knowledgeable guide, a buffet lunch, and flexible booking options, it’s an excellent way to discover Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. The tour’s competitive pricing and refund policy make it a convenient and accessible choice for visitors looking to make the most of their time in this captivating Japanese city.

You can check if your dates are available here: